Daniel 9 concludes with a rapid-fire prophecy. It’s one full of numbers and references to building and destruction and one that is admittedly a bit confusing. But if we look at it piece by piece, there is a clear message from God that something — or rather someone — good is coming to Daniel and to his people and to us. In this prophecy, God is promising a king — one who is coming not just to rule and reign but also to save.   

Message by Mike Van Rees    

Scripture referenced: Daniel 9:20–27

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At The Ridge we believe that there is more to church life than simply attending services in person or online. God has made us to both live and follow Him in the company of others. But is community really that important? Isn't it possible to just fly solo as a Christian, stepping into services when you can?

Join our Director of Hospitality, Joni Pine, as she shares the ways in which being in community has played a critical role in her walk with God.

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Guest Rev. Dr. Erin Clifford has spent considerable time working in the areas of spiritual formation, community and fellowship. She joins us to discuss what it means to connect and why we, as Christians, are called to do it in the first place. Dr. Clifford encourages us with the reminder that we’re invited into the community of Christ.

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Shame is an emotion familiar to most yet as we discovered in our sermon on Sunday, there are various ways we respond to it.

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We all experience feelings of guilt and shame in our lives, and our tendency is to deny it, blame someone else, feel bad about it, or even embrace it. But God offers an alternative: Confession. Confession isn't about letting God in on our dirty little secrets. He knows. Confession allows God to forgive us, to make us clean.

Message by Mike Van Rees | Scripture referenced: Daniel 9

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Does it? Does prayer change things? If we look at Hezekiah’s desperate plea in 2 Kings 20, we find clarity. We see that sometimes, yes, prayer moves the hand of God—sometimes it changes our circumstances. But what about when it doesn’t? What then?

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: 2 Kings 20

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For many of us growing up, prayer carried a sense of formality to the point of it becoming intimidating. Yet the Bible teaches something quite different about how we should approach God in conversation. As we enter into the new year, we begin reflecting on prayer — what it is and what it isn’t. Join Will and Pastor Mike as they discuss what the Bible teaches on this area of conversation with God.

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After the Manger - December 26 is more than the day after Christmas. It’s Boxing Day. Traditionally, it’s a day of charity—a day to give thanks for the abundance received during the Christmas season by blessing others. All throughout the Bible, God calls us to be prepared to sacrifice our wealth to help those in need—such as the Wise Men and their gifts for and recognition of the Messiah. Let’s see how all of this encourages us to live generously today.

Message by Dayne Logan

Scripture referenced: Matthew 2:1–16

The shepherds left their fields and found Jesus. How? The angels gave them three signs: a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, a manger and the town of David—Bethlehem. Each of these signs of Christmas have individual meanings, yes, but Pastor Mike reveals the one thing they all have in common.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Luke 2:8–14

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This week we take a break from our Daniel series and focus on what in many ways is a prequel to the Nativity story. In the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, we witness both the experience of radical interruption coupled with faith in the midst of doubt.   

Join Julie and Will as they discuss some healthy ways to respond to major interruptions in our lives, as well as what it looks like to have faith while experiencing doubt.

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