It’s one of the most frequently used words at Christmastime. Immanuel. It’s a word we read and sing and speak over and over. But have you ever stopped to think about what that word means?

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Matthew 1:20–23

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No one expects to hear the word “cancer”; and when you do life suddenly speeds up and slows down all at the same time. This past year our podcast guest received that diagnosis and her journey has been a roller coaster since. In the midst of all her treatments she’s faced the journey with peace, hope and the guidance of the Holy Spirit—all gifts Julie talked about in her recent message “The Gifts you Won’t Find Under the Tree”.

Join us as Julie has a candid conversation with Peggy Garland to learn more about her journey and how this Christmas, in spite of her ongoing cancer treatment, she’s experiencing Jesus in the midst of it.

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For young and old alike, there are gifts that won’t be found under the tree that are ours to unwrap. These gifts of peace, grace, hope and the Holy Spirit are all ours to receive. And they are all gifts that never wear out—they are ours now and forever through the gift of Jesus.

Message by Julie Wiemann

Scripture referenced: James 1:17, Romans 5:1, John 14:27

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Join BTS host Will Herron and Ridge Director of Hospitality Joni Pine for this special Christmas edition of the podcast. Listen in as they welcome some Ridge staff members for some Christmas fun!

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The first step to accepting Jesus as Lord of your life is belief. Believing He is the Son of God, that He bore all your failures, and died and rose again on our behalf. But where do we go from there? What does Jesus call us into beyond that?

Join Pastor Mike and BTS host Will Herron as they discuss how being a disciple of Jesus involves not only belief but a faith that displays itself in the way we speak and live.

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God asks more of us than belief. He asks us to follow. He asks us not to simply believe something about Him, but to let Him lead. In today’s world — in a culture that prizes individual freedom and personal autonomy — why would and should we agree to such a thing?

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: 1 Kings 18:16–46

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Receiving criticism can often be difficult, yet if we are to grow personally and relationally with others it is necessary. But what about giving criticism? How do we get the balance between hounding others and being passive in this area of our relationships?

Join Pastor Mike and Will as they discuss striking the right balance when giving feedback.

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What we see in 1 Kings 21 is not an ideal marriage. Jezebel is a controlling wife, Ahab a passive husband. Yet there is something more, something of paramount importance. Jezebel creates a scheme, she’s the instigator. Yet God ultimately holds Ahab accountable. Why? Doesn't that seem strange?

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: 1 Kings 21

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It can be surprising or even stunning for us to read the Pharisee's response to Jesus. God came in the flesh and walked among them yet in the end they devised a plan to kill Him. They claimed to understand things about God but never truly came to know God.

Join BTS host Will Herron and Dayne Logan as they explore how we can avoid simply learning about God and enjoy the life with God we were made for.

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The Pharisees. Deeply religious, these men were scholars who knew scripture better than anyone and rose to prominence and influence. They memorized passages that prophesied the promised Messiah. These men knew the Messiah was coming—they were expecting Him, yet they completely missed Jesus. Is it possible that we do the same? Especially now, in the busyness of the season?

Message by Dayne Logan

Scripture referenced: Matthew 16

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