Beginning in the Garden of Eden, where God took the life of an animal to cover Adam and Eve, we see the first temporary covering that points to the final and complete covering found in Christ’s shed blood on the cross. Along the way, we’ll trace this theme through the first Passover in Exodus, the sacrificial system in Leviticus, and the arrival of Jesus as the Lamb of God in the Gospel of John. 

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’
— John 1:29 (CSB)

Week 1: God provided a covering for sin in the garden and forgiveness of sin at the cross.
Week 2: Through the blood on the door Israel was spared; through Christ’s blood on the cross we can be saved.
Week 3: Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’  I didn’t know him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”  And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he rested on him.  I didn’t know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The one you see the Spirit descending and resting on—he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’  I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
— John 1:29-36 (CSB)

He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.  And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.
— Luke 1:16-17 (CSB)

John’s role was to be almost identical to that of an Old Testament prophet: to encourage people to turn away from sin and back to God. Gabriel compared John to the great prophet Elijah, who was known for standing up to evil rulers and corrupt religious leaders (Malachi 4:5). Jesus later affirmed what Gabriel said (Matthew 11:14, 17:10-13).  
– Life Application Study Bible, note on Luke 1:17

In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah  where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby (John) leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
— Luke 1:39-41 (CSB)

The child grew up and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
— Luke 1:80 (CSB)

“It has been popular among some scholars to claim that John the Baptist was an Essene. There are some similarities between John and the Essenes: 1. John was in the desert (Luke 1:80). The Essenes were in the desert. 2. Both John and the Essenes used Isaiah 40:3 to describe themselves as the voice in the wilderness. 3. The baptism (or washing) practiced by John and the Essenes required a change of heart.”
– GotQuestions.org

Now John had a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
— Matthew 3:4 (CSB)

Who was John the Baptist?
Why did John baptize Jesus?

And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he rested on him.  I didn’t know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The one you see the Spirit descending and resting on—he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’  I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
— John 1:32-34 (CSB)

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”
— Mark 1:9-11 (CSB)

Jesus’ baptism did not change His divine status. He did not become the Son of God at His baptism. Rather, His baptism showed the far-reaching significance of His acceptance of His messianic vocation as the suffering Servant of the Lord as well as the Davidic Messiah. Because He is the Son of God, the One approved by the Father and empowered by the Spirit, He is the Messiah.”
– The Bible Knowledge Commentary

Who was John the Baptist?
Why did John baptize Jesus?
Why was Jesus called the “Lamb of God”?

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! …  When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
— John 1:29, 36 (CSB) 

We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth.
— Isaiah 53:6-7 (CSB)

 Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
— John 1:29b (CSB)

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
— 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (CSB)

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Let The People Sing // O What A Miracle // Names // Behold The Lamb

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

Beginning in the Garden of Eden, where God took the life of an animal to cover Adam and Eve, we see the first temporary covering that points to the final and complete covering found in Christ’s shed blood on the cross. Along the way, we’ll trace this theme through the first Passover in Exodus, the sacrificial system in Leviticus, and the arrival of Jesus as the Lamb of God in the Gospel of John. 

…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
– Hebrews 9:22b

In Christian thought, [atonement is] the act by which God and man are brought together in personal relationship. The term is derived from Anglo-Saxon words meaning “making at one,” hence “at-one-ment.” It presupposes a separation or alienation that needs to be overcome if human beings are to know God and have fellowship with him.
– R.W. Lyon

Atone: The verb primarily describes the action of covering over iniquity.
— A.M. Rodrigues

…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
– Hebrews 9:22b

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
– John 1:29

Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world

For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins
— Hebrews 10:4

…we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all.
– Hebrews 10:10b

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu each took his own firepan, put fire in it, placed incense on it, and presented unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them to do.  Then fire came from the Lord and burned them to death before the Lord.
— Leviticus 10:1-2

The Lord spoke to Moses after the death of two of Aaron’s sons when they approached the presence of the Lord and died. The Lord said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron that he may not come whenever he wants into the holy place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.
– Leviticus 16:1-3

“Aaron is to enter the most holy place b in this way: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.  He is to wear a holy linen tunic, and linen undergarments are to be on his body. He must tie a linen sash around him and wrap his head with a linen turban. These are holy garments; he must bathe his body with water before he wears them. He is to take from the Israelite community two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering. “Aaron will present the bull for his sin offering and make •atonement for himself and his household.
– Leviticus 16:1-6

Next he will take the two goats and place them before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting. After Aaron casts lots f for the two goats, one lot for the Lord and the other for azazel, he is to present the goat chosen by lot for the Lord and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot for azazel j is to be presented alive before the Lord to make purification with it by sending it into the wilderness k for azazel. “When Aaron presents the bull for his sin offering and makes atonement for himself and his household, he will slaughter the bull for his sin offering. Then he must take a firepan full of fiery coals from the altar before the Lord and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, l and bring them inside the veil. He is to put the incense on the fire before the Lord, so that the cloud n of incense covers the mercy seat that is over the testimony, or else he will die.
— Leviticus 16:7-13

He is to take some of the bull’s blood q and sprinkle it with his finger against the east side of the mercy seat; then he will sprinkle some of the blood with his finger before the mercy seat seven times. “When he slaughters the male goat for the people’s sin offering and brings its blood inside the veil, he must do the same with its blood as he did with the bull’s blood: he is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it. He will purify the most holy place in this way for all their sins because of the Israelites’ impurities and rebellious acts. He will do the same for the tent of meeting that remains among them, because it is surrounded by their
impurities. No one may be in the tent of meeting from the time he enters to make atonement in the most holy place until he leaves after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel.
— Leviticus 16:14-17

Then he will go out to the altar that is before the Lord and make atonement for it. He is to take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on the horns on all sides of the altar. He is to sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse and
set it apart from the Israelites’ impurities. “When he has finished purifying the most holy place, the tent of meeting, and the altar, he is to present the live male goat. Aaron will lay both his hands on the head of the live goat and confess w over it all the Israelites’ wrongdoings and rebellious acts—all their sins. He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the man appointed for the task. The goat will carry on it all their wrongdoings into a desolate land, and he will release it there.
— Leviticus 16:18-22

The need for atonement is brought about by three things, the universality of sin, the seriousness of sin and man’s inability to deal with sin.
– L.L. Morris

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

Beginning in the Garden of Eden, where God took the life of an animal to cover Adam and Eve, we see the first temporary covering that points to the final and complete covering found in Christ’s shed blood on the cross. Along the way, we’ll trace this theme through the first Passover in Exodus, the sacrificial system in Leviticus, and the arrival of Jesus as the Lamb of God in the Gospel of John. 

Biblical cross-reference: links between verses that connect locations, people, phrases, and themes found in different parts of the Bible.
(www.chrisharrison.net/index.php/Visualizations/BibleViz)

63,779 cross-references in the Bible

 The Lord God made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them.
 – Genesis 3:21 (CSB)

Week 1: God provided a covering for sin in the garden and forgiveness of sin at the cross.

Week 2: Through the blood on the door Israel was spared; through Christ’s blood on the cross we can be saved. 

The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
— Exodus 12:13 (CSB) [Emphasis added]

By faith Moses, after he was born, was hidden by his parents for three months, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they didn’t fear the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. For he considered reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking ahead to the reward. By faith he left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king’s anger, for Moses persevered as one who sees him who is invisible. By faith he instituted the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch the Israelites. By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. When the Egyptians attempted to do this, they were drowned.
— Hebrews 11:23-29 (CSB)

 So Moses said, “This is what the Lord says: About midnight I will go throughout Egypt, and every firstborn male in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne to the firstborn of the servant girl who is at the grindstones, as well as every firstborn of the livestock. Then there will be a great cry of anguish through all the land of Egypt such as never was before or ever will be again. But against all the Israelites, whether people or animals, not even a dog will snarl, so that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. All these officials of yours will come down to me and bow before me, saying: Get out, you and all the people who follow you. After that, I will get out.” And he went out from Pharaoh’s presence fiercely angry.
— Exodus 11:4-8 (CSB)

You must have an unblemished animal, a year-old male; you may take it from either the sheep or the goats. You are to keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembly of the community of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight. They must take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where they eat them.
— Exodus 12:5-7 (CSB)

 “I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night and strike every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, both people and animals. I am the Lord; I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. 13 The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."
— Exodus 12:12-13 (CSB)

“The blood placed on the doorway of the houses of Israel functioned both as the sign that they were part of the Lord’s people and also as the seal or means to appropriate the Lord’s protection from the plague.”
— ESV Study Bible

Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go, select an animal from the flock according to your families, and slaughter the Passover animal. Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and brush the lintel and the two doorposts with some of the blood in the basin. None of you may go out the door of his house until morning. When the Lord passes through to strike Egypt and sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, he will pass over the door and not let the destroyer enter your houses to strike you. Then the Israelites went and did this; they did just as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron.
— Exodus 12:21-23, 28 (CSB)

For Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed.
— 1 Corinthians 5:7b (CSB)

Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
— Hebrews 9:22b (CSB)

Through the blood on the door Israel was spared; through Christ’s blood on the cross we can be saved.

After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it up to his mouth.
— John 19:28-29 (CSB)

For my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
— Psalm 69:21b (CSB)

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.
— John 19:30 (CSB)

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
— Romans 10:13 (CSB)

Dear God, I acknowledge that I have sinned and need a Savior.
I believe that Jesus’s blood was shed on the cross to pay for my sins. 
I believe He died and rose from the dead three days later.

Today, I place my trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. I come to You in Jesus’s name because of what He did for me. Amen.

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

Beginning in the Garden of Eden, where God took the life of an animal to cover Adam and Eve, we see the first temporary covering that points to the final and complete covering found in Christ’s shed blood on the cross. Along the way, we’ll trace this theme through the first Passover in Exodus, the sacrificial system in Leviticus, and the arrival of Jesus as the Lamb of God in the Gospel of John. 

Takeaway:  God provided a covering for sin in the garden and forgiveness of sin at the cross.

 The Lord God made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them.
 – Genesis 3:21 (CSB)

For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have appointed it to you to make atonement on the altar for your lives, since it is the lifeblood that makes atonement.
- Leviticus 17:11 (CSB) [Emphasis added]

American Red Cross—Give Blood. Save A Life.

Both the man and his wife were naked, yet felt no shame.
– Genesis 2:25 (CSB)

Genesis 3
3:1-7 – Temptation and the Fall
3:8-13 – Hiding from God
3:14-19 – The Consequences of Sin
3:20-21 – Hope, Grace, and Mercy
3:22-24 – Removal from Eden

And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.
— Genesis 2:16-17 (CSB)

Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”
— Genesis 3:1 (CSB)

The “ancient serpent” is Satan (Revelation 12:9, 20:2)

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
— Genesis 3:7 (CSB)

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
— Genesis 3:8 (CSB)

Genesis 3:14a So the Lord God said to the serpent…
Genesis 3:16a He said to the woman…
Genesis 3:17a And he said to the man…

So the Lord God sent him away from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken.
— Genesis 3:23 (CSB)

*After the first sin in chapter 3, humanity changed in a number of ways. First, Adam and Eve lost their original innocence. Their open eyes and sudden awareness of their nakedness, signify their shame and guilt. Before their sin, they knew no guilt in either their relationship with each other or with God.

*Second, they lost their immediate and easy access to God’s presence. Instead of meeting God in the cool of the day, they hid themselves because of a new awareness and estrangement from sin.They were no longer comfortable in his holy presence.

*Third, they lost the peaceful paradise and freedom of the garden of Eden when God expelled them. Thus they lost their freedom from pain, disease and death.

– Arnold and Beyer, Encountering the Old Testament, pgs. 57-58.

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.
— Romans 5:12 (CSB)

The man named his wife Eve because she was the mother of all the living.
— Genesis 3:20 (CSB)

The Lord God made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them.
— Genesis 3:21 (CSB)

The Lord God made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them.
— Genesis 3:21 (CSB)

The Lord God made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them.
— Genesis 3:21 (CSB)

*All God’s dealings with people as sinners can be traced back to this act of disobedience by Adam and Eve. God is a saving God, however, and the fact that He clothed Adam and Eve testifies to that. 

*An animal was sacrificed to provide garments of skin, and later all Israel’s animal sacrifices would be part of God’s provision to remedy the curse – a life for a life. The sinner shall die, (Ezek. 18:20; Rom. 6:23) yet he will live if he places his faith in the Lord, who has provided a Substitute. 

*The skin with which God clothed Adam and Eve perpetually reminded them of God’s provision. Similarly in the fullness of time God accepted the sacrifice of Christ, and on the basis of that atonement He clothes believers in righteousness (Rom. 3:21–26).

–Dr. Allen Ross, Bible Knowledge Commentary

For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
— Romans 5:19 (CSB)

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

Money touches almost every part of our lives—and for many of us, it’s a source of stress, guilt, or fear. Whether it’s debt, past mistakes, or pressure to keep up, the world’s way of handling money isn’t really working. We’re diving into Dollars & Sense, a four-week series on how to view and use money God’s way. This isn’t about getting something from you—it’s about giving you peace, freedom, and joy in an area of life that so often brings stress. We’ll explore big questions: Are we owners or stewards? What does it really mean to give? How can we live within our means? And ultimately, can we trust God with our finances like we trust Him with our eternity?

Takeaway:  Faith-filled or Fearful? We can trust God to take care of our needs.

“Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
 – Matthew 6:19-21 (HCSB)

[The Greek word used here for “accumulate”] refers to the activity of stockpiling for reserve or later use.
— J. Nolland

The root [of the word “mammon”] in both Aramaic and Hebrew indicates that in which one has confidence.
– D.A.Carson

“For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”
– Luke 14:28–30 (CSB)  

The Pharisees believed the Lord materially blessed all He loved. They were intent on building great treasures on earth. But treasures built here are subject to decay (moth destroys cloth and rust destroys metal…or theft, whereas treasures deposited in heaven can never be lost.
– L.A. Barbieri

“Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
– Matthew 6:19-21 (HCSB)

This word can refer to paying back a loan, paying wages to hired workers, or repaying people for their deeds, whether good or bad. 
– J.A. Crutchfield

For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will reward each according to what he has done.
— Matthew 16:27 (HCSB)

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness—how deep is that darkness!"
– Matthew 6:22-23

Jesus is therefore saying either (1) that the man who “divides his interest and tries to focus on both God and possessions … has no clear vision…or (2) that the man who is stingy and selfish cannot really see where he is going; he is morally and spiritually blind.
— D.A. Carson

“No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money."
— Matthew 6:24 (HCSB)

But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. ¹¹ But you, man of God, run from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
— 1 Timothy 6:9-11 (HCSB)

“This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? ²⁷ Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? ²⁸ And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! ³⁰ If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you—you of little faith?
– Matthew 6:25-30 (HCSB)

With the illustration of the birds we get to the main thrust of this section: anxiety is wrong because it represents a failure to trust God as provider
— J.Nolland

Pastor Tim shared how God miraculously provided exactly what was needed for church building projects at critical moments. How have you experienced God's provision in your own life, and how did it strengthen your faith?

Jesus said we cannot serve both God and money, yet our society highly values wealth. How do you practically guard your heart against making money an idol while still being responsible with finances?

The sermon contrasts storing treasure on earth versus storing treasure in heaven. What does it practically look like in your daily life to store up treasure in heaven?

Jesus pointed to birds and flowers as examples of God's faithful provision. When you look at nature, does it genuinely increase your trust in God's care for you, or do you still struggle with anxiety about your needs?

The Pharisees believed that wealth was a sign of God's favor and blessing. How does this prosperity gospel mindset still influence Christian thinking today, and what is the danger in believing it?

Pastor Tim mentioned that wealth reveals what is already in our hearts rather than creating new problems. What does your relationship with money and possessions reveal about your spiritual condition?

The passage emphasizes that where your treasure is, your heart will be also. If someone examined your bank statements and calendar, what would they conclude you truly treasure?

Jesus asked if worrying can add a single hour to our lives. Why do we still worry about finances even though we know intellectually that worry is unproductive and demonstrates lack of faith?

The sermon suggests that many Christians are too busy to serve God and too broke from debt to give generously. How might simplifying your lifestyle and reducing debt increase your availability for kingdom work?

Pastor Tim described how doing anything out of love for Christ and faith in Him counts as storing treasure in heaven. How does this perspective change the way you view ordinary acts of service and generosity?

The Lord Will Provide // Trust In God // It Is Finished // Firm Foundation (He Won't)

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

Money touches almost every part of our lives—and for many of us, it’s a source of stress, guilt, or fear. Whether it’s debt, past mistakes, or pressure to keep up, the world’s way of handling money isn’t really working. We’re diving into Dollars & Sense, a four-week series on how to view and use money God’s way. This isn’t about getting something from you—it’s about giving you peace, freedom, and joy in an area of life that so often brings stress. We’ll explore big questions: Are we owners or stewards? What does it really mean to give? How can we live within our means? And ultimately, can we trust God with our finances like we trust Him with our eternity?

Takeaway:  Maxed Out or Margin? Living within our means means less stress and more peace. 

Week 3: Maxed Out or Margin? Living within our means means less stress and more peace.

 A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association indicates that as many as 8 out of 10 Americans are stressed because of money concerns. (duke.edu/concerns/emotional/stress)

Budget: a plan for the coordination of resources and expenditures; the amount of money that is available for, required for, or assigned to a particular purpose. (merriam-webster.com)

The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor.
– Proverbs 21:5 (CSB)

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.
– Proverbs 22:7 (CSB)

“For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”
– Luke 14:28–30 (CSB)  

Ron Blue – Blue Trust
Larry Burkett – Crown Financial Ministries
Dave Ramsey – Ramsey Solutions

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
– Acts 20:35b (CSB)

Grey Matter Research & Consulting surveyed more than 1,100 charitable donors nationwide. On average, donors believed they gave about 4.6% of their household income to charity. In reality, the average donor gave just 1.22% (www.nonprofitpro.com)

Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. Without leader, administrator, or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest.
– Proverbs 6:6–8 (CSB)

A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren.
– Proverbs 13:22a (CSB) 

If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
– 1 Timothy 6:8 (CSB)

“It is wise to clarify the distinction between needs and desires, and to be honest about it before God. Our true needs are few and basic: we need God, love, relationships, meaningful work, food, clothing, and shelter. Most of the rest of what we call needs are instead desires, relative to the age and location in which we live.”
– Dr. Richard Swenson, Margin  

Here is what I have seen to be good: It is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward.
–  Ecclesiastes 5:18 (CSB)

“I don’t think God limits us to only our needs. He is a generous, gracious God who allows us many of our desires.”
– Dr. Richard Swenson, Margin  

“It is human nature to want it and want it now; it is also a sign of immaturity. Being willing to delay pleasure for a greater result is a sign of maturity.”
– Dave Ramsey

The one who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich. Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a fool consumes them.
– Proverbs 21:17, 20

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.
– Galatians 5:22–23a (CSB) 

Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
– Exodus 20:17 (CSB)

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content –whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.
– Philippians 4:10–13 (CSB)

So Much // No Body // Who Else // God I Look to You

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

Money touches almost every part of our lives—and for many of us, it’s a source of stress, guilt, or fear. Whether it’s debt, past mistakes, or pressure to keep up, the world’s way of handling money isn’t really working. We’re diving into Dollars & Sense, a four-week series on how to view and use money God’s way. This isn’t about getting something from you—it’s about giving you peace, freedom, and joy in an area of life that so often brings stress. We’ll explore big questions: Are we owners or stewards? What does it really mean to give? How can we live within our means? And ultimately, can we trust God with our finances like we trust Him with our eternity?

Takeaway: Have To or Get To? Giving to God is a blessing, not a burden.

And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
– Genesis 14:20b (CSB)

Every tenth of the land’s produce, grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. If a man decides to redeem any part of this tenth, he must add a fifth to its value. Every tenth animal from the herd or flock, which passes under the shepherd’s rod, will be holy to the Lord.
– Leviticus 27:30-32 (CSB) 

1 Corinthians 9:13-14

Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way,” says the Lord of Armies. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.”
–  Malachi 3:10 (CSB)

The Lord spoke to Moses: “Tell the Israelites to take an offering for me. You are to take my offering from everyone who is willing to give.
– Exodus 25:1-2 (CSB)

 Matthew 23:23

But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
– Matthew 6:3-4 (CSB)

Matthew 6:24

 “It is more blessed to give than to receive.
– Acts 20:35b (CSB)

The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.
– 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (CSB)

In the Old Testament, God’s people were required to give a tithe of the increase in their crops and flocks. Although we are no longer under the Old Testament Law, we believe that Old Testament tithing provides a model for New Testament giving. 

Matthew 26:6-13

How can I repay the Lord for all the good He has done for me?
– Psalm 116:12 (CSB)

They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need.
– Acts 2:45 (CSB)

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
– Philippians 1:3-5 (CSB) 

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account.
– Philippians 4:17 (CSB)

It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
– Acts 20:35b (CSB)

Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
– Matthew 6:19-21 (CSB)

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
– John 3:16 (CSB)

Praise the Lord // Trustworthy // Gratitude // Simple Kingdom

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

Money touches almost every part of our lives—and for many of us, it’s a source of stress, guilt, or fear. Whether it’s debt, past mistakes, or pressure to keep up, the world’s way of handling money isn’t really working. We’re diving into Dollars & Sense, a four-week series on how to view and use money God’s way. This isn’t about getting something from you—it’s about giving you peace, freedom, and joy in an area of life that so often brings stress. We’ll explore big questions: Are we owners or stewards? What does it really mean to give? How can we live within our means? And ultimately, can we trust God with our finances like we trust Him with our eternity?

Takeaway: Owners or Stewards? How we view money shapes how we use it.

Dollars & Sense
Week 1: Owners or Stewards
Week 2: Give
Week 3: Live
Week 4: Trust

“I want to express my gratitude to Art Rooney, Omar Khan, Dan Rooney and the entire Steelers organization for the trust they have placed in me to represent one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. I understand - and embrace - the responsibility, the privilege and the weight that comes with this stewardship.”
– Steelers Head Coach, Mike McCarthy

Stewardship: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care.
– Merriam-Webster Dictionary

 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
– Genesis 1:1 (CSB)

“Then God said…” – Genesis 1:3, 1:6, 1:9, 1:14, 1:20, 1:24, 1:26

God is the Creator of heaven and earth. He does not just modify preexisting matter but calls matter into being out of nothing (ex nihilo). –Dr. Robert Bergen
– Luke 22:39-42 (CSB) 

According to John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-16, and Hebrews 1:1-3, all creation came into existence through God the Son, Jesus.

But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”
– Acts 3:6 (CSB) 

A river went out from Eden to water the garden. From there it divided and became the source of four rivers. The name of the first is Pishon, which flows through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. Gold from that land is pure; bdellium and onyx are also there. The name of the second river is Gihon, which flows through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is Tigris, which runs east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
– Genesis 2:10-14 (CSB)

The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord; for He laid its foundation on the seas and established it on the rivers.
– Psalm 24:1-2 (CSB)

The heavens are Yours; the earth also is Yours. The world and everything in it – You founded them.
– Psalm 89:11 (CSB) 

Stewardship: responsibility to manage all the resources of life for the glory of God, acknowledging God as provider.
– Holman Bible Dictionary

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” God also said, “Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you, for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth—everything having the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.
– Genesis 1:26-31 (CSB) 

God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.”
– Genesis 1:28 (CSB) 

The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.
– Genesis 1:28 (CSB) 

The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.
– Genesis 2:15 (CSB) 

God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.”
– Genesis 1:28 (CSB)

God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.”
– Genesis 1:28 (CSB)

The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.
– Genesis 2:15 (CSB)

The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.
– Genesis 2:15 (CSB)

“Stewardship means recognizing that nothing we have really belongs to us. Everything we own belongs to God. We are simply the stewards of His wealth, His gifts, His opportunities, His houses, His cars, and His computers. Stewardship poses hard questions … about our hearts.”
– Adele Calhoun

Isn't He Good // Evidence // Who Else // Crowns Down // Abandoned 

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You are invited to Cover to Cover, a five-week series designed to equip and inspire you to start 2026 in God’s Word. Each week, we’ll study a key biblical figure who knew, loved, and lived by God’s Word. From Moses, David, Mary, Paul, and Jesus, we’ll learn from their examples and discover how essential the Bible is to our lives – cover to cover.

Takeaway: Living God’s Word points people to the Word

Cover to Cover 
Week 1: Moses – Listening to God’s Word leads to life
Week 2: David – Cherishing God’s Word helps us cherish Him
Week 3: Mary – Memorizing God’s Word fills our hearts with His truth
Week 4: Paul – Standing on God’s Word is a firm foundation
Week 5: Jesus – Living God’s Word points people to the Word 

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples: “The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses. Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach. They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them.
– Matthew 23:1-4 (CSB)

Hypocrite / Hypocrisy (hypókrisis, hypokritēs): acting; an actor with a mask; pretending to be something you’re not, especially in matters of religion and morality

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside of it may also become clean. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of the bones of the dead and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
– Matthew 23:25-28 (CSB)

“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
– Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (CSB)

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place; and there He was praying.
– Mark 1:35 (CSB)

“He went out and made His way as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. When He reached the place, He told them, ‘Pray that you may not fall into temptation.’ Then He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.’
– Luke 22:39-42 (CSB) 

Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.
– Leviticus 19:18 (CSB) 

As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office, and He said to him, ‘Follow Me,’ and he got up and followed Him. While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’”
– Matthew 9:9–11 (CSB) 

This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.
– John 15:12-13 (CSB)

 You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
– Matthew 5:43-44 (CSB)

Two others–criminals–were also led away to be executed with Him. When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.’”
– Luke 23:32–34a (CSB) 

Living God’s Word points people to the Word 

On the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
– 1 Corinthians 11:23b-24 (CSB)  

In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
– 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 (CSB) 

Take You at Your Word // You Keep Hope Alive // How Great Is Your Name // Came To My Rescue // Great Are You Lord // He Lives

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

There's something unsettling about sinkholes. One moment, the ground beneath your feet appears solid and secure. The next, it collapses into an abyss that had been forming silently below the surface for years.

This image serves as a powerful metaphor for what's happening in our culture today. We live in a nation built on certain foundational principles, many of which are drawn from biblical truth. Yet beneath the surface, an erosion has been taking place—a slow wearing away of our collective trust in Scripture as God's authoritative Word.

The Apostle Paul wrote urgently to the Romans: "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

That word "transformed" comes from the Greek word from which we derive "metamorphosis"—a complete, dramatic change. Paul isn't talking about minor adjustments or incremental improvements. He's describing the kind of radical transformation that happens when we stop letting the world press us into its mold and instead allow Scripture to reshape us from the inside out.

In a world of competing voices and endless opinions, knowing God's will has never been more critical.

In Paul's time, false teachers were everywhere, promoting novel ideas and cultural philosophies. Paul's response was unequivocal: "Guard what has been entrusted to you" (1 Timothy 6:20). "Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching" (2 Timothy 1:13). "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

The language is striking: guard, hold on, be diligent, correctly teach. These aren't passive suggestions—they're active commands for someone facing a culture that wanted to pull him away from biblical truth.

In 2 Timothy 3:13-17, Paul makes a compelling case for why Timothy should trust Scripture completely. His arguments remain powerfully relevant today:

Remember Your Teachers. Timothy had learned Scripture from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice—faithful women whose lives demonstrated the truth of what they taught. We evaluate teaching not just by its content but by the character of those who deliver it. When teachers embody the truth they proclaim, it strengthens our confidence in that truth.

Remember How Scripture Led You to Jesus. From childhood, Timothy had known "the sacred scriptures which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). The entire Bible—all sixty-six books written by forty authors over 1,600 years—tells one unified story that points to Jesus. This remarkable coherence across centuries and cultures testifies to its divine origin.

Remember That God Is the Author. "All Scripture is inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16) —literally, "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV). This isn't human wisdom or religious philosophy. It's the very words of God, carrying His power. As Hebrews declares, "The word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit" (Hebrews 4:12).

Remember How Scripture Changes Lives. God's Word is "profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16) It instructs us in truth, convicts us of sin, corrects our errors, and trains us in godliness. Studies show that people who engage with Scripture four or more times per week experience dramatic life transformation compared to those who read it less frequently.

The erosion continues. "Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived," (2 Timothy 3:13) Paul warned. But his instruction to Timothy echoes across the centuries to us: "As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed" (2 Timothy 3:14).

This requires us to:

• Hold firmly to the truth that the Bible is God's Word
• Spend time in Scripture daily, allowing it to transform us
• Evaluate cultural messages against biblical truth
• Remember that God's Word points us to Jesus and His offer of eternal life

"For the time will come," Paul prophesied, "when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new" (2 Timothy 4:3).

That time has come. The question is: Will we stand firm on the foundation of God's Word, or will we be swept away by the cultural currents eroding everything around us?

You are invited to Cover to Cover, a five-week series designed to equip and inspire you to start 2026 in God’s Word. Each week, we’ll study a key biblical figure who knew, loved, and lived by God’s Word. From Moses, David, Mary, Paul, and Jesus, we’ll learn from their examples and discover how essential the Bible is to our lives – cover to cover.

Takeaway: Standing on God’s Word is a firm foundation.

Sinkholes are dramatic because the land usually stays intact for a period of time until the underground spaces just get too big. If there is not enough support for the land above the spaces, then a sudden collapse of the land surface can occur.
– US Geological Survey

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
– Romans 12:2 (HCSB)

As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach different doctrine.
– 1 Timothy 1:3 (HCSB)

In the original text there are thirty-two references to “doctrine,” “teach,” “teacher,” “teaches,” and “teaching” in the three Pastoral Epistles
– Wiersbe

If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions.
– 1 Timothy 6:3-4 (HCSB)

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you…
– 1 Timothy 6:20a (HCSB)

Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
– 2 Timothy 1:13 (HCSB)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.
– 2 Timothy 2:15 (HCSB)

Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
– 2 Timothy 3:13-17 (HCSB)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you…
– 2 Timothy 3:14 (HCSB)

…I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also.
– 2 Timothy 1:4b-5 (HCSB)

Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.
– Hebrews 13:7 (HCSB)

…and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
– 2 Timothy 3:15 (HCSB)

…and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
– 2 Timothy 3:15 (HCSB)

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.
– 2 Timothy 3:16 (HCSB)

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.
– Hebrews 4:12 (HCSB)

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
– 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (HCSB)

Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed.
– 2 Timothy 3:13-14a (HCSB)

The only way to defeat Satan’s lies is with God’s truth. “Thus saith the Lord!” is the final answer to every question…In these last days, there will be more deception and imitation; and the only way a believer will be able to tell the true from the false is by knowing the Word of God.
– Wiersbe

Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine,  but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.
– 2 Timothy 4:2-4 (HCSB)

Take You at Your Word // So Much // Who Else // Firm Foundation (He Won't)

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You are invited to Cover to Cover, a five-week series designed to equip and inspire you to start 2026 in God’s Word. Each week, we’ll study a key biblical figure who knew, loved, and lived by God’s Word. From Moses, David, Mary, Paul, and Jesus, we’ll learn from their examples and discover how essential the Bible is to our lives – cover to cover.

Takeaway: Memorizing God’s Word fills our hearts with His truth

Week 1: Moses – Listening to God’s Word leads to life
Week 2: David – Cherishing God’s Word helps us cherish Him
Week 3: Mary – Memorizing God’s Word fills our hearts with His truth

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
– Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) 

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
– Luke 1:26–27 (CSB)

And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.”
– Luke 1:28–31 (CSB)

“See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
– Luke 1:38 (CSB) 

4. Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
– Luke 2:6–7 (CSB)

 5. Joseph and Mary nurtured Jesus’s growth

Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.
– Luke 2:51–52 (CSB)

6. Mary witnessed Jesus’s first miracle 

On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding as well. When the wine ran out, Jesus’s mother told him, “They don’t have any wine.”
– John 2:1–3 (CSB)

7. Mary watched Jesus die on the cross

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
– John 19:25–27 (CSB)

8. Mary waited in the upper room with Jesus’s disciples

They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
– Acts 1:14 (CSB)

Luke 1:46–55
Mary’s Song of Praise (The Magnificat) 

And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy. His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.
– Luke 1:46–55 (CSB) 

Abraham: Genesis 17:7 (CSB) – I will confirm my covenant that is between me and you and your future offspring throughout their generations. It is a permanent covenant to be your God and the God of your offspring after you.

Mary: Luke 1:54-55 (CSB) – He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors. 

Moses: Exodus 15:6 (CSB) – Lord, your right hand is glorious in power. Lord, your right hand shattered the enemy.

Mary: Luke 1:51 (CSB) – He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts.

David: Psalm 35:9 (CSB) – Then I will rejoice in the Lord; I will delight in his salvation.

Mary: Luke 1:46–47 (CSB) – My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Mary had the Word of God in her heart
before she had The Word in her womb

The King Is In The Room // Same God // On My Heart (Written) // Who Else

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You are invited to Cover to Cover, a five-week series designed to equip and inspire you to start 2026 in God’s Word. Each week, we’ll study a key biblical figure who knew, loved, and lived by God’s Word. From Moses, David, Mary, Paul, and Jesus, we’ll learn from their examples and discover how essential the Bible is to our lives – cover to cover.

Takeaway: Cherishing God’s Word help us cherish Him

Cover to Cover
Week 1: Moses
Week 2: David
Week 3: Mary
Week 4: Paul
Week 5: Jesus

The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life;
the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.
The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad;
the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up.
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable
and altogether righteous.
They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb.
In addition, your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is an abundant reward.
– Psalm 19:7-11 (CSB)

After Jesse presented seven of his sons to him, Samuel told Jesse, “The Lord hasn’t chosen any of these.” Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” he answered, “but right now he’s tending the sheep.” Samuel told Jesse, “Send for him. We won’t sit down to eat until he gets here.” So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance. Then the Lord said, “Anoint him, for he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully on David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
– 1 Samuel 16:10–13 (CSB)

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with a sword, spear, and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of Armies, the God of the ranks of Israel—you have defied him.”
– 1 Samuel 17:45 (CSB)

When the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly to the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in the bag, took out a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown to the ground.
– 1 Samuel 17:48–49 (CSB)  

So Saul watched David jealously from that day forward.
– 1 Samuel 18:9 (CSB)

David was thirty years old when he began his reign; he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.
– 2 Samuel 5:4–5 (CSB)

Your house and kingdom will endure before me forever, and your throne will be established forever.
– 2 Samuel 7:16 (CSB)

One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. So David sent someone to inquire about her, and he said, “Isn’t this Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam and wife of Uriah the Hethite?”
– 2 Samuel 11:2–3 (CSB)

Now King David was old and advanced in age. Although they covered him with bedclothes, he could not get warm.
–  1 Kings 1:1 (CSB)

Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the city of David. The length of time David reigned over Israel was forty years: he reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingship was firmly established.
– 1 Kings 2:10–12 (CSB) 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.
– Psalm 19:1–2 (CSB)

Psalm 19:1-6 – general revelation 
Psalm 19:7-11 – special revelation

The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.
– Psalm 19:7 (CSB)  

The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad;
the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up.
– Psalm 19:8 (CSB)

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous.
– Psalm 19:9 (CSB)

They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. In addition, your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is an abundant reward.
– Psalm 19:10-11 (CSB)

Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule me.  Then I will be blameless and cleansed from blatant rebellion. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
– Psalm 19:12-14 (CSB) 

“Contemplation of the holy Law led David to pray for complete cleansing so that he could live an upright (blameless) and acceptable life before God, his Rock and Redeemer.”
– Dr. Allen Ross, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
– Luke 2:11 (CSB)

Let the People Sing // Who Is Like the Lord // Worthy of It All // Known By You

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You are invited to Cover to Cover, a five-week series designed to equip and inspire you to start 2026 in God’s Word. Each week, we’ll study a key biblical figure who knew, loved, and lived by God’s Word. From Moses, David, Mary, Paul, and Jesus, we’ll learn from their examples and discover how essential the Bible is to our lives – cover to cover.

Takeaway: Listening to God’s Word leads to life

Cover to Cover
Week 1: Moses
Week 2: David
Week 3: Mary
Week 4: Paul
Week 5: Jesus

This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess.
Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life.
Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey.
“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.
Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead.
Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
– Deuteronomy 6:1–9 (CSB)

Listen
Hebrew: šāma (shema)
Meaning: hear, listen to, obey

When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, ‘Because,’ she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’
– Exodus 2:10 (CSB)

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.
– Exodus 3:4 (CSB) 

Later, Moses and Aaron went in and said to Pharaoh, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival for me in the wilderness.” Pharaoh responded: “Who is the Lord that I should obey him by letting Israel go? I don’t know the Lord, and besides, I will not let Israel go.”
– Exodus 5:1-2 (CSB)

Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not left him.
– Deuteronomy 34:7 (CSB) 

“This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess.
Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life.
Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey.
– Deuteronomy 6:1–3 (CSB)

“The Law was given so that the people could express their reverence for and obedience to the LORD in a concrete manner. By fearing and obeying Him they would find prosperity and a long life in their new land which flowed with milk and honey.”
– Dr. Jack Deere, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

“Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
– Deuteronomy 6:4–5 (CSB)

 To love the Lord means to choose Him for an intimate relationship and to obey His commands. This command, to love Him, is given often in Deuteronomy (v. 5; 7:9; 10:12; 11:1, 13, 22; 13:3; 19:9; 30:6, 16, 20). Loving Him was to be wholehearted and was to pervade every aspect of an Israelite’s being and life.
– Dr. Jack Deere, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

 Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.
– Exodus 20:7 (CSB)

 If you love me, you will keep my commands.
– John 14:15 (CSB)

This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commands.
– 1 John 2:3 (CSB)

For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands. And his commands are not a burden.
– 1 John 5:3 (CSB)

He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
– Colossians 1:13–14 (CSB)

These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.
Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead.
Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.
– Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (CSB)

God’s people were responsible to meditate on these commandments, to keep them in their hearts. This enabled them to understand the Law and to apply it correctly. Then the parents were in a position to impress them on their children’s hearts also. The moral and biblical education of the children was accomplished best not in a formal teaching period each day but when the parents made God and His Word the natural topic of a conversation which might occur anywhere and anytime during the day.
– Dr. Jack Deere, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

The Lord Will Provide // Made for More // My Eyes Have Seen // Worthy is the Lamb // I'm Listening

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

Join us for In Every Season as we pause and reflect on God’s faithfulness as 2025 comes to a close. From Joshua 4, we learn how remembering God’s work—through joys and challenges—strengthens our faith. We celebrate His protection, provision, and life-changing work, and are encouraged to step into 2026 with courage, trust, and hope.

Takeaway: Remembering what God has done glorifies Him and strengthens our faith.

After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’s assistant: “Moses my servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites.”
– Joshua 1:1–2 (CSB)

“When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the Lord, the Lord of the whole earth, come to rest in the Jordan’s water, its water will be cut off. The water flowing downstream will stand up in a mass.”
– Joshua 3:13 (CSB)

The priests carrying the ark of the Lord’s covenant stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed on dry ground until the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan.
– Joshua 3:17 (CSB)

After the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua:
“Choose twelve men from the people, one man for each tribe,
and command them: Take twelve stones from this place in the middle of the Jordan where the priests are standing, carry them with you, and set them down at the place where you spend the night.”
So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had selected from the Israelites, one man for each tribe,
and said to them, “Go across to the ark of the Lord your God in the middle of the Jordan. Each of you lift a stone onto his shoulder, one for each of the Israelite tribes,
so that this will be a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’
you should tell them, ‘The water of the Jordan was cut off in front of the ark of the Lord’s covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan’s water was cut off.’ Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites.”
The Israelites did just as Joshua had commanded them. The twelve men took stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each of the Israelite tribes, just as the Lord had told Joshua. They carried them to the camp and set them down there.
Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing. The stones are still there today.
The priests carrying the ark continued standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything was completed that the Lord had commanded Joshua to tell the people, in keeping with all that Moses had commanded Joshua. The people hurried across,
and after everyone had finished crossing, the priests with the ark of the Lord crossed in the sight of the people.
The Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh went in battle formation in front of the Israelites, as Moses had instructed them.
About forty thousand equipped for war crossed to the plains of Jericho in the Lord’s presence.
On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him throughout his life, as they had revered Moses.
The Lord told Joshua,
“Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come up from the Jordan.”
So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up from the Jordan.”
When the priests carrying the ark of the Lord’s covenant came up from the middle of the Jordan, and their feet stepped out on solid ground, the water of the Jordan resumed its course, flowing over all the banks as before.
The people came up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and camped at Gilgal on the eastern limits of Jericho.
Then Joshua set up in Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan,
and he said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’
you should tell your children, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’
For the Lord your God dried up the water of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up before us until we had crossed over.
This is so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord’s hand is strong, and so that you may always fear the Lord your God.”
– Joshua 4:1–24 (CSB)

So Joshua summoned the twelve men he had selected from the Israelites, one man for each tribe, and said to them, “Go across to the ark of the Lord your God in the middle of the Jordan. Each of you lift a stone onto his shoulder, one for each of the Israelite tribes.”
– Joshua 4:4–5 (CSB)

The Israelites did just as Joshua had commanded them. The twelve men took stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each of the Israelite tribes, just as the Lord had told Joshua. They carried them to the camp and set them down there. Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing. The stones are still there today.
–  Joshua 4:8–9 (CSB)  

Then Joshua set up in Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken from the Jordan.
– Joshua 4:20 (CSB)

He said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’ you should tell your children, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the water of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up before us until we had crossed over.”
– Joshua 4:21–23 (CSB)

“This is so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord’s hand is strong, and so that you may always fear the Lord your God.”
– Joshua 4:24 (CSB) 

“Besides serving as a visual aid for parental instruction of children, the memorial stones had a broader purpose: that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful. As the families of Israel spent their first night in the land, their hearts may well have been filled with uncertainty and fear. The mountains rising steeply to the west looked foreboding. But then the people looked at the twelve stones taken out of the Jordan and were reminded that God had done something great for them that day. Surely they could trust Him for the days ahead.”
– Dr. D. K. Campbell, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

Remembering what God has done glorifies Him and strengthens our faith.

Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
– Joshua 1:9 (CSB)

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You are invited to Heaven is Here, a four-week series that helps focus our hearts and minds on Jesus this Christmas season. Together we will look at His birth and life through the unique lens of each of the four Gospels and discover that Jesus is the King, Servant, Savior, and Light of the World. 

Takeaway: Jesus is the Light of the world

Arachnophobia 
Fear of spiders

Claustrophobia 
Fear of confined spaces

Nomophobia 
Fear of being without a mobile phone

Alektorophobia
Fear of chickens

Nyctophobia 
Fear of the dark

Heaven is Here
Week 1, Matthew – King
Week 2, Mark – Servant
Week 3, Luke – Savior
Week 4, John – Light

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.
That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through Him.
He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, and yet the world did not recognize Him.
He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.
But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name,
who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John testified concerning him and exclaimed, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because He existed before me.’ ”)
Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from His fullness,
for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side—He has revealed Him.
– John 1:1–18 (CSB)

Jesus is the Light of the world
The Light is born (John 1:1-2, 14)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.
– John 1:1–2 (CSB)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
– Genesis 1:1 (CSB)

“The noun logos most often refers to either oral or written communication. It means statement or report in some contexts, but most often in John’s Gospel logos refers to God’s Word (that is, the Old Testament) or to Jesus’ words. Thus, the primary use of logos is to denote divine revelation in some form or another. John used the term in its most exalted sense when he personified logos to refer to Christ.”
– HCSB Study Bible

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him.
– Hebrews 1:1–2 (CSB) 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.
– John 1:1–2 (CSB)

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
– John 1:14 (CSB)

 “Christ, the eternal Logos, who is God, came to earth as man. Yet in doing so, He did not merely ‘appear’ like a man; He became one (cf. Phil. 2:5–9). Humanity, in other words, was added to Christ’s deity.”
 —Dr. Edwin Blum, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.
– John 1:5 (CSB)

 “Light’s nature is to shine and dispel darkness. Darkness is almost personified in this verse: darkness is unable to overpower light. By this, John summarized his Gospel record: (a) Light will invade the dominion of darkness. (b) Satan the ruler and his subjects will resist the light, but they will be unable to frustrate its power. (c) The Word will be victorious in spite of opposition.”
– Dr. Edwin Blum, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name.
– John 1:12 (CSB)

Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
– John 8:12 (CSB)

He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
– Colossians 1:13–14 (CSB)

For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:5 (CSB)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth—testing what is pleasing to the Lord.
– Ephesians 5:8–10 (CSB) 

Dear God, I acknowledge that I have sinned and need a Savior. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. Today, I place my trust in Jesus, the Light of the world, for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. I come to You in Jesus’ name and because of what He did for me. Amen.

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
– Matthew 5:14–16 (CSB)

Light of the World // Angels (Glory to God) // Heaven is Here // O Holy Night // Star of Wonder // Joy in the Morning // Silent Night

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You are invited to Heaven is Here, a four-week series that helps focus our hearts and minds on Jesus this Christmas season. Together we will look at His birth and life through the unique lens of each of the four Gospels and discover that Jesus is the King, Servant, Savior, and Light of the World. 

Takeaway: Jesus is the Servant of the world

Heaven is Here
11/30 Matthew – King 
12/7 Mark – Servant 
12/14 Luke – Savior 
12/21+24 John – Light  

For even the Son of Man (referring to Himself) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
– Mark 10:45 (CSB)

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
– Mark 1:1 (CSB)

Matthew 1:1 (CSB)
An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

Mark 1:1 (CSB)
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

“The title ‘Son of God’ points to Jesus’ unique relationship to God. He is a Man (Jesus) and God’s ‘Special Agent’ (Messiah) but He is also fully divine. As the Son, He depends on and obeys God the Father.”
– Dr. John Grassmick, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight! John came baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”
– Mark 1:1–11 (CSB)

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”
– Mark 1:11 (CSB)

 “Why does the Gospel of Mark begin with the story of John the Baptist and not mention the story of Jesus' birth? Important Roman officials of this day were always preceded by an announcer or herald. When the herald arrived in town, the people knew that someone of prominence would soon arrive. Because Mark's audience was primarily Roman Christians, he began his book with John the Baptist, whose mission was to announce the coming of Jesus, the most important person who ever lived. Roman Christians would have been less interested in Jesus' birth than in this messenger who had prepared the way.”
– Life Application Study Bible

Ministry in Galilee (Mark 1:14–15)

• After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

The First Disciples (Mark 1:16–20)

• As He passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Driving Out An Unclean Spirit (Mark 1:21–28)

• Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him. 

Healings At Capernaum (Mark 1:29–34)

• When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to Him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. The whole town was assembled at the door, and He healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. And He would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

Preaching In Galilee (Mark 1:35–38)

• Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place; and there He was praying. Simon and his companions searched for Him, and when they found Him they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” And He said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.”

A Man Cleansed (Mark 1:39–45)

• He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. Then a man with leprosy came to Him and, on his knees, begged Him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him. “I am willing,” He told him. “Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

• “The Ministry of Jesus as Servant. The Son of Man chose to be a servant. Mark highlights two aspects of Jesus’s ministry of service.
• First, he portrays Him as a teacher-preacher … It is clear from what Mark says that Jesus is the proclaimer - He has come to teach what people need to know about God.
•  Second, Jesus is depicted as a worker of miracles with power over disease and demons. He is filled with compassion when He sees the suffering of those around Him.”

– Dr. Walter Elwell and Dr. Robert Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament

Jesus called them over and said to them, 'You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.'
– Mark 10:42–45 (CSB)

As they were eating, He took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.”
– Mark 14:22 (CSB)

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
– Mark 14:23–24 (CSB)

1. Have you ever worked as a waiter, waitress, or in another service role? What did you learn about serving others in that context, and how might that apply to how we serve in God’s Kingdom?
2. Reflecting on Mark 1, which act of service by Jesus stands out to you the most, and why? What do you think it would have been like to be served by Jesus face-to-face? Being taught, healed, or fed personally by Jesus.
3. What is the difference between worldly greatness and Kingdom greatness, according to Mark 10:42–45? How does Jesus redefine what it means to be “great”? Who is someone in your life who exemplifies Kingdom greatness as a servant and why?
4. Why is Jesus’ death on the cross described as the ultimate act of service? How does this shape the way we think about serving others sacrificially?
5. What is one practical step you can take this week to put others first and reflect the servant heart of Jesus in your daily life?

Heaven is Here // O Come All Ye Faithful // Trust in God // How Great Thou Art

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You are invited to Heaven is Here, a four-week series that helps focus our hearts and minds on Jesus this Christmas season. Together we will look at His birth and life through the unique lens of each of the four Gospels and discover that Jesus is the King, Servant, Savior, and Light of the World. 

Takeaway: Jesus is the King of the world

Heaven is Here
11/30 Matthew – King 
12/7 Mark – Servant 
12/14 Luke – Savior 
12/21+24 John – Light  

An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers, Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Aram,
Aram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon,
Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse,
and Jesse fathered King David. David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife,
Solomon fathered Rehoboam, Rehoboam fathered Abijah, Abijah fathered Asa,
Asa fathered Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, Joram fathered Uzziah,
Uzziah fathered Jotham, Jotham fathered Ahaz, Ahaz fathered Hezekiah,
Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, Manasseh fathered Amon, Amon fathered Josiah,
and Josiah fathered Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
After the exile to Babylon Jeconiah fathered Shealtiel, Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel,
Zerubbabel fathered Abiud, Abiud fathered Eliakim, Eliakim fathered Azor,
Azor fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Achim, Achim fathered Eliud,
Eliud fathered Eleazar, Eleazar fathered Matthan, Matthan fathered Jacob,
and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah.
So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations; and from David until the exile to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Messiah, fourteen generations.
– Matthew 1:1-17 (CSB) 

“Matthew introduced his gospel by emphasizing the legal right of Jesus of Nazareth to be the king of the Jews and the entire world. Matthew included Jesus’s genealogy to argue for the validity of his claim to David’s throne. In Christ’s humanity, he was legally a son of David and was a rightful heir to the throne.”
– Dr. Michael Vanlaningham, The Moody Bible Commentary

An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.
– Matthew 1:1 (CSB)

The Lord said to Abram: Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
– Genesis 12:1–3 (CSB) 

So now this is what you are to say to my servant David: “This is what the Lord of Armies says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, to be ruler over my people Israel.”’ ‘Your house and kingdom will endure before me forever, and your throne will be established forever.’”
– 2 Samuel 7:8–16 (CSB)

For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.
–  Isaiah 9:6-7 (CSB)

So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations; and from David until the exile to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Messiah, fourteen generations. 
– Matthew 1:17 (CSB)

D (4) V (6) D (4) = 14

“Matthew’s genealogy answered the important question a Jew would rightfully ask about anyone who claimed to be King of the Jews. Is He a descendant of David through the rightful line of succession? Matthew answered yes!”
– Dr. Louis Barbieri, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

Brothers and sisters, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door!  
– James 5:9 (CSB)

The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: See, the virgin will become pregnant  and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
– Matthew 1:18-25 (CSB) 

and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah.
– Matthew 1:16 (CSB)

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a Son, and name Him Immanuel.
– Isaiah 7:14 (CSB)

When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he named Him Jesus.
– Matthew 1:24–25 (CSB)

“As soon as Joseph awakened from this dream, he obeyed. He violated all custom by immediately taking Mary into his home rather than waiting till the one-year time period of betrothal had passed. Joseph was probably thinking of what would be best for Mary in her condition. He brought her home and began to care and provide for her. But there was no sexual relationship between them until after the birth of this Child, Jesus.”
– Dr. Louis Barbieri, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem,
saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.
“In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: Because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.”
After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy.
Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.
– Matthew 2:1-12 (CSB)  

A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.
– Numbers 24:17b (CSB)

When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
– Matthew 2:3 (CSB)

After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
– Matthew 2:9–11 (CSB)

“Some believe the gifts had further significance by reflecting on the character of this Child’s life. Gold might represent His deity or purity, incense the fragrance of His life, and myrrh His sacrifice and death (myrrh was used for embalming). These gifts were obviously the means by which Joseph took his family to Egypt and sustained them there until Herod died.”
– Dr. Louis Barbieri, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

So Much // Heaven is Here // Reckless Love // There Is A King

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You’re invited to join us for to "James," a five-week series through the five chapters of James. This letter to early Christians is packed with practical truths to help us learn and live our faith every day. Whether it’s standing strong in trials and temptations, using our words to build others up, or serving and sharing with those in need, this series will help equip us for an everyday faith that grows our relationship with God and others.

Takeaway: Deny yourself and hope in Christ

Come now, you rich people, weep and wail over the miseries that are coming on you.  
– James 5:1 (CSB)

“James’ attack was direct. ‘[Come Now]’ is literally, ‘Go now’... The interjection both goads the reader and gains his undivided attention.”
– Dr. J Ronald Blue, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

Your wealth has rotted and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have stored up treasure in the last days.
– James 5:2–3 (CSB)

Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
– Matthew 6:19-21 (CSB)

Look! The pay that you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields cries out, and the outcry of the harvesters has reached the ears of the Lord of Armies.
– James 5:4 (CSB)

You have lived luxuriously on the earth and have indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.  
– James 5:5 (CSB)

The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable — who can understand it?  
– Jeremiah 17:9 (CSB)

You have condemned, you have murdered the righteous, who does not resist you.
– James 5:6 (CSB)

In the scramble for more wealth, the rich used their influence in courts of justice, and in the process were guilty of bringing condemnation and even death to innocent men who offered no resistance. What began as an interest in money ended as an insensitivity to murder.
– Dr. J. Ronald Blue, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.
– James 5:7 (CSB)

You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
– James 5:8 (CSB)

Then He said to them all, "If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me."
– Luke 9:23 (CSB)

Brothers and sisters, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door!  
– James 5:9 (CSB)

Nor does the farmer get into fights with his neighbors. One of the usual marks of farmers is their willingness to help one another. Nobody on the farm has time or energy for disputes with the neighbors. James must have had this in mind when he added, “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged” (James 5:9, NIV). Impatience with God often leads to impatience with God’s people, and this is a sin we must avoid. If we start using the sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest!
– Warren W. Wiersbe

Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience. See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about — the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
– James 5:10–11 (CSB) 

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts  through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
– Romans 5:1-5 (CSB)

Trustworthy // Who Is Like the Lord // Crowns Down // Nothing Else

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You’re invited to join us for to "James," a five-week series through the five chapters of James. This letter to early Christians is packed with practical truths to help us learn and live our faith every day. Whether it’s standing strong in trials and temptations, using our words to build others up, or serving and sharing with those in need, this series will help equip us for an everyday faith that grows our relationship with God and others.

Takeaway: God has given us what we need to disarm out spiritual enemies.

What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires. Adulteresses! Don’t you know that friendship with the world  is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy. Or do you think it’s without reason the Scripture says that the Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously (In other words, don’t you realize the God is you is jealous because you love this world instead of him)? But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. Don’t criticize one another, brothers. He who criticizes a brother or judges his brother criticizes the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?  
– James 4:1-12 (HCSB)

The three main enemies and the three main solutions

What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires.
– James 4:1-3 (HCSB)

Apparently, the believers James wrote to were at war with each other over positions in the church, many of them wanting to be teachers and leaders. When they studied the Word, the result was not edification, but strife and arguments. Each person thought that his ideas were the only right ideas and his ways the only right ways.
– W. Wiersbe

The war in the heart [was] helping to cause the wars in the church.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, i idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of theSpirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit.
– Galatians 5:19-25 (HCSB)

Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you.
– 1 Peter 2:11 (HCSB)

Adulteresses! Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy. Or do you think it’s without reason the Scripture says that the Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously?
– James 4:4-5 (HCSB)

[The world is…] the organized Satanic system that is opposed to God and hostile to Jesus and His followers; it also refers to the non-Christian culture including governments, educational systems, and businesses.
– HCSB

Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For everything that belongs to the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God’s will remains forever.
– 1 John 2:15-17 (HCSB)

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
– Romans 12:2 (HCSB)

Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!
– James 4:7-8 (HCSB)

Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
– 1 Peter 5:8-9 (HCSB)

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
– Ephesians 6:10-13 (HCSB)

The three main enemies and the three main solutions:

• We need to “crucify” the sin nature and rely on the life-giving power of Holy Spirit who lives within us.
• We need to overcome the world by renewing our minds through the Word and renewing our love for God
• We need to overcome Satan by saying no to him and saying yes to God, as we put on the armor he provides.

Take You at Your Word // So Much // I've Witnessed It // Ain't That Like Jesus // It Is Well

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You’re invited to join us for to "James," a five-week series through the five chapters of James. This letter to early Christians is packed with practical truths to help us learn and live our faith every day. Whether it’s standing strong in trials and temptations, using our words to build others up, or serving and sharing with those in need, this series will help equip us for an everyday faith that grows our relationship with God and others.

Takeaway: We need God’s help to shape our speech

James 1: God has given us what we need to stand strong

James 2: Our faith in Christ should result in a growing love for people that’s reflected in how we treat them 

James 3: We need God’s help to shape our speech

It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
– James 3:8b (HCSB)

Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment, for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body. Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us,  we also guide the whole animal. And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body,  sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell. Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. We praise our  Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God’s likeness with it. Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.
– James 3:1–12 (HCSB) 

Not many should become teachers
– James 3:1a (HCSB)

Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment, for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says,  he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.
– James 3:1–2 (HCSB) 

So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things.
–  James 3:5a (HCSB)

Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body,  sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
– James 3:5b–6 (HCSB)

“He (James) traces the inflaming nature of the tongue back to its source. It is ‘set on fire by hell’ is James’s way of saying that it comes from the devil.”
– Expositor’s Bible Commentary

Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
– James 3:7-8 (HCSB)

We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God’s likeness with it.  Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way.
– James 3:9-10 (HCSB)

Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness  is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.
– James 3:13–18 (HCSB)

James 3:1 – Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment,
James 3:13 – Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness.

"Here is an original 'show and tell.' Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds. It is not a matter of acquiring truth in lectures but of applying truth to life."
– Dr. J. R. Blue, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself.
– James 1:26 (HCSB)

But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.
– James 3:14-16 (HCSB)

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness  is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.
– James 3:17-18 (HCSB)

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. 
– James 1:5 (HCSB)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
– Galatians 5:22-23 (HCSB)

Psalm 19:14 (HCSB): May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

Proverbs 18:21 (HCSB): Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Ephesians 4:29 (HCSB): No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.

Let the People Sing // So Much // Worthy of It All // God I Look to You

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You’re invited to join us for to "James," a five-week series through the five chapters of James. This letter to early Christians is packed with practical truths to help us learn and live our faith every day. Whether it’s standing strong in trials and temptations, using our words to build others up, or serving and sharing with those in need, this series will help equip us for an everyday faith that grows our relationship with God and others.

Takeaway: Our faith in Christ should result in a growing love for people that’s reflected in how we treat them.

1 My brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. 2 For example, a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty clothes also comes in. 3 If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or, “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,” 4 haven’t you discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him? 6 Yet you dishonored that poor man.  Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Don’t they blaspheme the noble name that was pronounced over you at your baptism? 8 Indeed, if you keep the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself,  you are doing well. 9 But if you show favoritism,  you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of breaking it all.  11 For He who said, Do not commit adultery,  also said, Do not murder.  w So if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you are a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of freedom.  13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who hasn’t shown mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.
 – James 2:1-13 (HCSB)

My brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
– James 2:1 (HCSB)

Favoritism: an idiom, literally ‘to accept a face’: to make unjust distinctions between people by treating one person better than another; to show favoritism, to be partial, partiality.
– Greek English Lexion of the NT

My brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
– James 2:1 (HCSB)

There is no favoritism with God.
– Romans 2:11 (HCSB) 

For example, a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty clothes also comes in.
– James 2:2 (HCSB) 

Haven’t you discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
– James 2:4 (HCSB) 

8 Indeed, if you keep the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself,  you are doing well. 9 But if you show favoritism,  you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
– James 2:8-9 (HCSB)

For judgment is without mercy to the one who hasn’t shown mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.
– James 2:13 (HCSB)

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it?  In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.  But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.”  Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works.  You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe—and they shudder.  Foolish man! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?  Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?  You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, faith was perfected.   So the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness,   and he was called God’s friend. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by a different route?  For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
– James 2:14-26 (HCSB)

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can his faith save him?
– James 2:14 (HCSB) 

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation, created  in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
– Ephesians 2:8-10 (HCSB)

By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.
– James 1:18 (HCSB)

 If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.
– James 2:15-17 (HCSB)

What exactly a biblical author means by justified depends on the context in which he uses it.
– HCSB Study Bible Notes

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
– James 2:26 (HCSB) 

Flimsy faith is dead; so are empty, faithless works. James’ argument is not pro-works or anti-faith, or pro-faith or anti-works. He has simply said that genuine faith is accompanied by good works. Spiritual works are the evidence, not the energizer, of sincere faith.
– J. R. Blue, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
– Matthew 5:16 (CSB)

You've Already Won // Graves Into Gardens // Abandoned // Living Hope // Hosanna

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You’re invited to join us for to "James," a five-week series through the five chapters of James. This letter to early Christians is packed with practical truths to help us learn and live our faith every day. Whether it’s standing strong in trials and temptations, using our words to build others up, or serving and sharing with those in need, this series will help equip us for an everyday faith that grows our relationship with God and others.

Takeaway: God has given us what we need to stand strong.

The book of James is a wonderful companion piece to the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the four Gospels. James has a strong ethical emphasis that is consistent with the moral teachings Jesus gave to his disciples. James also mirrors the sometimes harsh denunciations that Jesus spoke against religious hypocrisy. Like Jesus' teachings, the book of James is both a source of an exhortation and comfort, reproof and encouragement. Finally, James is known for being extremely practical, yet it contains some of the most profound theological truths of the New Testament.
 – HCSB Study Bible Introduction to James

James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the 12 tribes in the Dispersion. Greetings.
– James 1:1 (HCSB)

Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren’t His sisters here with us?” So they were offended by Him.
– Mark 6:3 (HCSB)

Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.
– 1 Corinthians 15:7 (HCSB)

James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the 12 tribes in the Dispersion. Greetings.
– James 1:1 (HCSB) 

Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria.
– Acts 8:1 (HCSB)

Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. An indecisive  man is unstable in all his ways. The brother of humble circumstances should boast in his exaltation, but the one who is rich should boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will wither away while pursuing his activities. A man who endures trials  is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God  has promised to those who love Him. No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.
– James 1:2-18 (HCSB)

My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you. But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue,  then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. Pure and undefiled religion before our  God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
– James 1:19–27 (HCSB)

Praise You Anywhere // My Eyes Have Seen // Worthy of It All // Another in the Fire

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You’re invited to join us for “Welcome To The Ridge,” a six-week series focused on our past, present, and future as a church. Whether you’ve been at The Ridge for a month, a year, ten years, or thirty, our hope is that this series will give us all a clear, compelling, and unifying vision of who we are, where we’ve been, where we are, and where God is leading us in the future. Each week, we’ll study a different Bible passage that has shaped us, guided us, and kept us focused. This series is not only for those who call The Ridge home, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to invite others to come and experience it with you. Welcome To The Ridge!

Takeaway: As we continue to gather together and prepare to go together, let’s pray, participate, and be patient.

Week 1 (Past)
The foundation of Chestnut Ridge Church is Christ.

• His Great Commandment – Love God, Love Others (Matt. 22:37-40)
• His Great Commission – Make Disciples (Matt. 28:18-20)

Week 2 (Present)
We have the privilege of joining Jesus in his mission to seek and save the lost.

• “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

Week 3 (Future)
Our vision is to be an inviting church that leads people into a growing relationship with God and others … every day.
“And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.”– Acts 2:47b

Week 4 (Future)
As we look to the future, we want to gather together and go together so more people come alive in Christ.

• Without Christ, people are spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1-3)
• With Christ, spiritually dead people are made alive (Eph. 2:4-10)

Week 5 (Future)
Our goal is to care for those of you who call the Ridge home and to equip you for the work of ministry.

• “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ” – Ephesians 4:11-12 

Week 6 (Future)
As we continue to gather together and prepare to go together, let’s pray, participate, and be patient.

During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He summoned His disciples, and He chose twelve of them—He also named them apostles: Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
– Luke 6:12-16 (HCSB)

“Before Jesus chose the twelve disciples, He spent an entire night in prayer. Jesus had a large number of disciples, and from those He picked twelve who were to be close to Him. These were specifically called apostles as opposed to the term disciples.”
– Dr. John Martin, Bible Knowledge Commentary

“Hudson Taylor, a British missionary to China, said, ‘Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.’ I love that! For us to love our neighbor, we have to be in harmony with Him. That begins with prayer.”
– Dave and Jon Ferguson, B.L.E.S.S. – 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World

Summoning the Twelve, He gave them power and authority over all the demons, and power to heal diseases. Then He sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
– Luke 9:1-2 (HCSB)

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus all that they had done. He took them along and withdrew privately to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out, they followed Him. He welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and cured those who needed healing. Late in the day, the Twelve approached and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, so they can go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find food and lodging, because we are in a deserted place here.” “You give them something to eat,” He told them. “We have no more than five loaves and two fish,” they said, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.” (For about 5,000 men were there.) Then He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about 50 each.” They did so, and had them all sit down. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them. He kept giving them to the disciples to set before the crowd. Everyone ate and was filled. Then they picked up 12 baskets of leftover pieces.
– Luke 9:10-17 (HCSB)

Patient: able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious

He went out and made His way as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. When He reached the place, He told them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ Then He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, ‘Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.’  Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. Being in anguish, He prayed more fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. When He got up from prayer and came to the disciples, He found them sleeping, exhausted from their grief. ‘Why are you sleeping?’ He asked them. ‘Get up and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation.’”
– Luke 22:39–46 (HCSB)

This Is Our God // 1,000 Names // Worthy Of It All // Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

You’re invited to join us for “Welcome To The Ridge,” a six-week series focused on our past, present, and future as a church. Whether you’ve been at The Ridge for a month, a year, ten years, or thirty, our hope is that this series will give us all a clear, compelling, and unifying vision of who we are, where we’ve been, where we are, and where God is leading us in the future. Each week, we’ll study a different Bible passage that has shaped us, guided us, and kept us focused. This series is not only for those who call The Ridge home, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to invite others to come and experience it with you. Welcome To The Ridge!

Takeaway: The role of church leadership is to care for and equip the saints for the work of ministry; the role of the church member is to carry out the work of ministry.

Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit  through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope, at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.  

Now grace was given to each one of us  according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says: When He ascended on high, he took the captives captive; He gave gifts to people.  

But what does “He ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. And He himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
– Ephesians 4:1-16 (CSB)

Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
– Ephesians 3:20-21 (CSB)

Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received
– Ephesians 4:1 (CSB)

“God, in love, urges us to live for His glory. He does not say, as He did to the Old Testament Jews, “If you obey Me, I will bless you.” Rather, He says, “I have already blessed you—now, in response to My love and grace, obey Me.” He has given us such a marvelous calling in Christ; now it is our responsibility to live up to that calling.
– Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
– Ephesians 4:2-3 (CSB)

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope, at your calling—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
– Ephesians 4:4-6 (CSB)

Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. For it says: When He ascended on high, He took the captives captive; He gave gifts to people.  
– Ephesians 4:7-8 (CSB)

Psalm 68 is a victory hymn. Historically it was typical to bring back the spoils of war after a king won a significant military victory.  Here, having triumphed over sin, death, hell, and the grave, our Savior gave His congregation spiritually gifted people that they might minister to His church.
– Dr. Tony Merida

But what does “He ascended” mean except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.
– Ephesians 4:9-10 (CSB)

1. Christ’s coming to earth or His incarnation
2. Christ’s death and burial

1. Christ’s coming to earth or His incarnation
2. Christ’s death and burial
3. Christ descended to the place of the dead between His death and resurrection

And He Him gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
– Ephesians 4:11 (CSB)

Apostles
Prophets

“We commonly associate a prophet with predictions of future events, but this is not his primary function. A New Testament prophet is one who proclaims the Word of God (Acts 11:28; Eph. 3:5). Believers in the New Testament churches did not possess Bibles, nor was the New Testament written and completed. How, then, would these local assemblies discover God’s will? His Spirit would share God’s truth with those possessing the gift of prophecy. Paul suggests that the gift of prophecy had to do with understanding “all mysteries and all knowledge” (1 Cor. 13:2), meaning, of course, spiritual truths. The purpose of prophecy is “edification, encouragement, and consolation” (1 Cor. 14:3, literal translation). Christians today do not get their spiritual knowledge immediately from the Holy Spirit, but mediately through the Spirit teaching the Word. With the Apostles, the prophets had a foundational ministry in the early church and they are not needed today (Eph. 2:20).”
–  Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe

So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.
– Ephesians 2:19-20 (CSB)

Apostles
Prophets
Evangelists

Apostles
Prophets
Evangelists
Pastor / Teachers

to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit.  
– Ephesians 4:12-14 (CSB)

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.
–  Ephesians 4:15-16 (CSB)

1. Community Leader Cohort
2. Classes at The Ridge

Praise The Lord // You Keep Hope Alive // Sons and Daughters // Knowing You

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.