Ridgewood Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Ridgewood Church
Ridgewood Church is on mission to Make Jesus Known Through Community Impact. We desire to put Jesus at the center of everything we do while reaching people from all walks of life. For more information visit: myrwc.org
Daniel has a fascinating vision of four beasts representing four kings and their kingdoms.
Daniel is most famous for his deliverance from a den of lions. He wasn’t about to change his stripes regardless of the cost. And courage set the stage for a remarkable act of deliverance.
In Daniel, we see a king that is quite pleased with his own accomplishments. But God is about to bring him to his knees.
Daniel was a faithful man who was about to be tested. He had an important decision to make that was literally life altering and life threatening.
Daniel was a man who was put in an impossible situation. The king of Babylon tried to brainwash him into thinking that his Jewish roots, and commitment to God, were no longer important.
We live in a broken and hurting world where we are bombarded with a consistent need for strength. That strength is made readily available through a relationship with God by faith in Jesus Christ.
All of us go through seasons of deep loneliness. And that goes to the question: God, if you care, why have you left me alone?
Why is God hung up on sex? Because sex is a sign of God’s deep and lasting love for you.
A very real question in the minds of many believers and non-believers alike is this: “God, if you care, why do you send some people to hell?” But the real question we should be asking is, “God, why aren’t we all in hell?”
The fact is, God isn’t accessible through just any religion. One can only have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Mother’s Day provides an excellent opportunity to deepen our gratitude for women: God’s immeasurable and wonderful gift to the church.
n a world where injustice seems to breed more injustice and violence, we ask the question: “God, what is your purpose in all this and how can we bring hope in the midst of it?”
At some point, you’ll be faced with the reality of suffering. Even during difficult times, you can discover a place of hope in the midst of it.
From a terrible shooting in Atlanta to even more carnage in a Boulder supermarket, the presence of evil is impossible to ignore. Yet God claims to be sovereign and good. How do we reconcile these truths?
Will you make a decision to follow him for the first time, submit to him more freely, or rededicate your life to him? If you do, you’ll experience a moment that will change your life forever!
The earthly ministry of Jesus was coming to an end. He knew that riding into Jerusalem would lead to a cross of suffering. But he followed through on his mission. On that day, he demonstrated that he was the long-awaited Messiah. He didn’t come to...
At the end of the day, each of us must choose the direction of our lives. This is a choice that you can’t run away from. It’s a choice that carries immense eternal ramifications. The choice boils down to this question: Are you with Jesus or are you...
For a true disciple of Jesus Christ, prayer represents something more than meaningless phrases or recitations. It’s a tool that helps you enhance your relationship with God.
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord is calling out the insincerity, the disingenuousness, and the raw hypocrisy of judging others.
Don’t worry. Don’t allow yourself to be consumed by an uneasy dread. Turn to the Person who can, and will, protect you: Your Father in heaven.
Jesus makes it clear: there can be only one master for a Christian. Now’s the time to make a decision.
Praying and fasting are important parts of a healthy Christian’s experience. They drive spiritual growth and deepen your relationship with God.
We should be asking key questions when we do something of a religious nature, such as What is my motive for doing this? Will it move the kingdom forward? And maybe the most cutting of all: Who am I trying to please? That question needs to be answered...
Jesus delves into the importance of loving those who are hardest to love. When that happens, your life will change, you’ll get noticed, and people around you will be introduced to him. It’s all a part of learning to appreciate and minister to those...
Living a trustworthy life is important in order to make Jesus known. When it comes to being an effective Christian, it really is a matter of integrity.
We can make Jesus known by humbly loving each other. That is why Jesus reminds us about the urgency of being right with another.
After underlining the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) for the purpose of helping you live by the values of his kingdom, Jesus now uses two metaphors that will help you picture the ways through which you can bring good news to a desperate world. A sold-out...
As we begin to unpack the Sermon on the Mount, you’ll discover that when you live according the values of Christ’s kingdom, people will be attracted to what you have to offer. They’ll see that Jesus is all about grace. You’ll make Jesus known by...
Storms are a part of life, and they come in all forms. We are going to contrast the sort of peace that the world offers with the peace that Jesus Christ offers. The tension for Christ followers lies in the battle between fixating on the storm OR...
Christmas isn’t really about a cute little baby in a manger. It’s about the cross. It’s about redemption. The stakes are high. The situation is desperate. The world needs a rescuer. But that rescuer isn’t just anyone. It is Jesus Christ.
All around us, people are struggling. The pandemic rages on. Division is real. Confidence in a better future is fading. Where do you turn? The answer is Jesus. He is the only place to find hope.
When being generous is vital to you, lives are changed, and people are saved. That’s what happens when you live the Illuminate Life.
You and I live in troubled times. The world is a frightening place. But be assured that as you make it your life’s goal to help build the kingdom, like the Apostle Paul, you’ll be under the umbrella of God’s sovereign protection. That’s because God...
On Paul’s third missionary journey, the evangelist encountered angry mobs and satanic forces. But still, by the power of God, more souls were continually added to the church. God always won. And as his child, you are a winner. Don’t be distracted by...
The Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey was quite an adventure. Many people were converted to Christianity. But there’s one amazing event that typifies the power of the gospel. God literally shook the walls to make his name known. And as your...
These early believers had an issue facing them that was threatening to tear them apart. But in the end, they came to the conclusion that they could honor each other and stay true to what they believed. Like them, we face many different views regarding...
When you’re out there shining a light for Jesus, be assured that no matter how hard things get or how many bad things happen, you are not alone. You are loved by the One who will gain victory. Darkness cannot, and will not, overcome the light of Christ.
Two men had a vision. God challenged Peter to embrace the emerging truth that the gospel is for all. Meanwhile, Cornelius, Roman Centurion, received God’s command to fetch Peter so that he and his family could hear the gospel. Each man obeyed and many...
The Early Church was multiplying quickly. The gospel message had moved out from Jerusalem and had reached Damascus. Its chief opponent, Saul of Tarsus, was on his way there to imprison Christians when he suddenly and unexpectedly met Jesus. The Lord...
God is good at creating opportunities. Multiplication happens by leaning into someone’s life when the Lord creates an opening. You aren’t responsible for the outcome, but you can experience tremendous blessing when you courageously enter in when a...
The Gospel is spreading and God has designed you to play a role. But normally, just before multiplication breaks out, a storm hits. A believer’s mettle is tested. Pray for strength. Pray for energy. Pray for endurance. Like the Apostles who built the...
When it comes to multiplying, it has to be a team sport. It will take all of us to help Ridgewood Church become a disciple-making machine.
Ridgewood Church is part of the most important organization, and gathering of people, that has ever existed and will ever exist. We are a part of the Church of Jesus Christ.
As we look to the future of Ridgewood Church, we must move forward. We must become bigger, stronger, wider, and deeper than we’ve ever been. We must trust Christ more than ever before. We must learn to courageously multiply in order to change the world.
The resources needed to bring the saving message of Christ to our city, and to Make Jesus Known, currently reside in our bank accounts, wallets, and piggy banks. In this passage, a poor widow generously gave all she had in front of the rich and...
God is with Ridgewood Church! His hand of blessing is guiding us. And as our building restoration plan becomes a reality, it’s up to you and me to illuminate our city with unswerving loyalty to the values of Christ’s Kingdom.
God is with Ridgewood Church! His hand of blessing is guiding us. And as our building restoration plan becomes a reality, it’s up to you and me to illuminate our city with an unswerving loyalty to the values of Christ’s Kingdom.
There is a unique set of relationships that make up God. It’s what we call the Trinity. And by studying it, we can learn to live in unity and peace, because the relationships found there are a model to follow. Out of the Godhead flows immense power...
God saved Israel from slavery in Egypt. He reached down and plucked her out of that foreign land after 400 years of hard labor. This encounter with God is a stark and wonderful reminder that the mercy of God is ready to save you when you’re about to...
We base our beliefs about this attribute of God NOT on what we feel, not on what we think we know or what makes the most sense to us, but entirely on God’s Word alone.
God is powerful and is totally self-existent. Viruses are nothing to him. He shrugs off turmoil. The rhetoric of politicians rolls off his back. He is a solid rock for you to stand on because he is unfazed, independent, and self-sufficient.
As we continue in our series Who is God? we’ll look at an aspect of God that is incredibly encouraging. It’s called the Omniscience of God. This doctrine means that God knows everything. So, you don’t have to be afraid of surprises. You don’t have to...
Jeremiah is sometimes referred to as the “weeping prophet” because he prophesied that Israel was hurtling toward the judgment of God. Leading up to this section, Jeremiah had been refuting false prophets who claimed to speak for God. This broke his...
Take heart. Don’t be discouraged when you see your world stained by perversion, violence and racism. At the same time, don’t let the shame of sin put you in bondage and defeat you. Your hope is God. God isn’t like the world. God is holy. And by...
Through this Psalm, we’ll gain hope in our current circumstances because of the awesome personhood of God. He has always been. He will always be. And because of that truth, our fleeting troubles are overshadowed by his eternal nature.
We are experiencing intense pressure during a time of sickness and racial unrest. It’s easy to cave to cultural norms or fail to trust God in the midst of storms. But God never leaves you. He is always there. You can hold on to Jesus. You can thrive...
Loving other believers is hard during the best of times, but when there’s racial tension, unknowns, pain, and death in the air, it’s even harder. The only way to thrive through this difficult time is by following the example of Jesus. We can shine a...
Things are changing in our culture. Covid-19, racial riots following the unjust death of George Floyd, and other trials can cause us to shrink back in fear. But be encouraged that while everything else seems to be changing at warp speed, God never...
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused us all to change the way we live. Our political leaders are making decisions each day that directly affect our livelihoods, our safety, and even the way we worship.
David struggled with discouragement, fear, and despair. But he wasn’t afraid to pour his heart out to God. He serves as a wonderful example of a man who found his hope in God.
John was enamored with being a child of God. He knew that his readers would be secured by that truth. Likewise, you can thrive as a parent or grandparent during the Covid-19 era when you come to grips with the fact that your identity is based on one...
Esther stood up to a king and changed history. You too, are a mover and a shaker. You may not feel like it as you grind through our day, but every time you serve others, lives change. You are a modern-day Esther. God has his hand on you. When you...
You can conquer fear and find hope in the Covid-19 era by leaning into, embracing, and receiving peace from Jesus. He’s the only one who can give it.
Covid-19 has created a new world, a new way of living, and has caused widespread disruption to daily life. It has brought great anxiety. But anxiety doesn’t have to win the day. In order to find hope during Covid-19, prayer is the key. The Bible...
David was struggling with isolation as his enemies bore down on him. He cried out to God for help. You can thrive during times of loneliness and uncertainty when you believe that God is present. You are never alone
When you receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you will find hope in this Covid-19 era. You will be able to anchor yourself in the midst of fear, and most importantly, you can know for sure that you will be in heaven when you die. Today I want you to...
Jesus offered himself as king as he rode into Jerusalem during his triumphal entry. He was offering a new kingdom and eternal life. Thus began the final portion of his journey to the event that changed everything: His atoning death on the cross.
Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. He was clear on that. But Roman and Jewish believers refused to submit to him. Will you? Living a life that is pleasing to Christ comes down to a question of submission.
Are you going through a hard situation? Does it feel like an endless struggle? Discover how you can triumph in the midst of trials.
Send a powerful message to the world and glorify God by loving each other with excellence and urgency.
Context Peter is writing to Christians who were forced to flee Rome because of heavy persecution. They were starting to feel the pressure of living in a culture that was hostile toward them. Thus, the apostle sought to comfort them. He wanted them to...
You live in a foreign culture that disagrees with just about everything you believe. But when you submit to authority, you become a person that affects and holds sway over those around you for the cause of Christ. God is calling you to humble yourself...
Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of the Church. Peter outlines the Lord’s glory and reminds his brothers and sisters that their hope is built on Him. And we too, can trust this truth. No matter where we live, and how uncomfortable things get, Jesus...
As we study 1st Peter, we’ll discover that we can have a positive effect on this strange culture by doing what is probably the hardest thing of all: engaging each other with a deeper love.
Just like early believers, we can learn to thrive in a similar culture. We can be at peace, lead others to Christ, and glorify God. The key is to become more like Jesus. It is to be holy. Today we’ll learn how to live a holy life in a land that is not...
Any person who truly lives for Jesus, will be in conflict with culture. It’s unavoidable and it’s hard. It’s like swimming upstream. But you’re not alone and there is hope. You can not only learn to exist, but you can thrive.
Jesus is so much more than a story. During the Advent Season we’ve learned that the Christ Child, lying in a manger, is a powerful King, who will reign forever on the Throne of David. Jesus is coming back to receive his followers to himself. And then...
There’s only one place to find a life that is off the charts. It’s through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is more than just a story. As we’ve discovered during this Advent Season, he’s Eternal King, Creator, and fully God.
What an irony! We celebrate Jesus at Christmas, and we love Jesus very much, but life can still be crazy. And the reason life is crazy, is because no matter how wonderful and idyllic our Christmas hopes become, we still have to deal with sin. We...
The reality surrounding Jesus Christ of Nazareth is more than just a story. It’s not a fable. It’s not a parable, legend, or myth. The existence of Jesus shatters the physics of time while remaining amazingly personal and accessible to the human mind.
As Illuminate progresses, we must remember that the enemy will be close at hand. We can be on guard against a quick strike. We can’t let him divide us. There’s too much at stake. People need Jesus!
Joshua had taken Israel across the Jordan. Now it was time to take a fortified Canaanite city called Jericho. But the plan God gave him, by human standards, wasn’t logical. Joshua must have felt like he was totally out of his comfort zone, but a...
As Ridgewood Church comes face to face with a new and exciting future, we can walk forward together, even when the river seems too wide and the water is running strong. Israel trusted God and crossed the Jordan into a new world. And for us, there’s...
Whether it’s as a church or as individuals, we can flourish when we step out in faith and Illuminate Jesus for a dark and dying world. The world needs Jesus. It’s time to “Be Bold!”
You may be in a hopeless condition. You may believe that you (or a situation in your life) is beyond rescue. This morning I want you to break through hopelessness and confront this truth: A miracle can happen in your most hopeless place.
The Church in Corinth had a complicated relationship with the Apostle Paul. His opponents argued that Paul’s suffering wouldn’t have happened if he’d been a real apostle. But he retorted that his weaknesses as an apostle were the very means by which...
The illustrations in this section are intended to show the right and wrong ways to pray. The Lord’s Prayer, which immediately follows this passage, is the right way to pray. Today, we look at an admonition to avoid praying to impress others. There is...
The Thessalonian church was located in a proud Roman city. It was being persecuted. It missed Paul. The theme of the letter is the second coming of Christ. They were concerned about, and didn’t completely understand, that event. They were also...
Through the power of Christ you can move past, conquer, and replace shame with hope. For the believer in Jesus Christ, there is no condemnation. Through his power you can break through and find victory over shame!
What are you afraid of? What keeps you awake at night? What causes you to doubt God? Do you fear that your situation can’t change or that God will never answer your prayer? What do you avoid because you’re afraid to go there?...
Paul knew where the power came from to do his ministry. That term “triumphal procession” pictures a victory parade awarded a Roman General, in which enemy prisoners were forced to march. Paul had broken through and had victory. All the breakthroughs...
The Upper Room Discourse is over. Jesus is facing the cross. As he is leaving, he prays a beautiful prayer for his disciples. This prayer is also meant for us, and is applicable for our lives. It contains a wonderful picture of the Lord’s endless and...
Has America ever been like this? Maybe, but not lately. The recent turn of events regarding gun violence and heightened political rhetoric has everyone on edge, including Christians. But there is an answer. There is a light at the end of the tunnel...
We are born to believe God’s truth about us. But one of life’s big problems gets in the way: We all grow up being told and believing negative messages about ourselves. Discover four powerful messages of God's truth about yourself.
There’s a big difference between surviving and thriving. No one wants to live life in survival mode. God doesn’t want you to either. God has created you to thrive, and abiding with Jesus is the only way.
Though you can’t see Jesus, He is with you through the power of the Holy Spirit. You don’t have to do life alone. You don’t have to work harder at being a Christian. You don’t have to settle for less in your walk with God. Today I want you to learn to...
The disciples were confused and afraid. Philip wanted tangible comfort in his time of need. He didn’t fully understand who Jesus was. So he asked to see God. The truth is; when you see Jesus, you see His Father. You don’t need to go anywhere else to...
Whether you are a long-time Christian or have never been to church before, I want you to know that freedom is available to you. Jesus is the way. He is the way to hope. He is the way to purpose. He is the way to healing. Jesus is the way to be free!
When the disciples learned that Jesus was leaving them to fulfill His mission on the cross they were discouraged, confused, and afraid. Sometimes we feel the same way when life turns south. But for the follower of Jesus, no matter how crazy life gets...
Peter made a bold promise to die for Jesus—but he didn’t fulfill it. Why? Because circumstances changed drastically between the time he made it and the time he was to fulfill it. Likewise, if you try to please God on your own, you will be picked apart...
As Jesus prepared for His departure, He commanded His disciples to love each other as He had loved them. If we want to make a difference, be the aroma of Christ, and offer something that people can’t get anywhere else, it’s time to take the Lord’s...
Jesus would be rejected and betrayed by Judas. Christ’s humanness isn’t just an important piece of a momentary story for us here. His full and weighty awareness of what is about to take place shows us His true despair. Betrayal and impending anguish...
In an amazing act of sacrifice, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. This culturally shocking activity signaled His coming sacrifice on a cross. It was also a sign to us regarding how we are to live. We are to sacrifice everything for the cause of...
Many dismissed Jesus. The Lord’s claim that He is the Eternal God is a unique claim. It’s an over the top claim. It’s a saving claim. Then, as now, it is a claim that stunned the world. In order to find eternal life, it’s vitally important that you...
Jesus’ claim to be the “True Vine” is important because centuries of thinking were getting powerfully modified. For Christ to use the word “true,” He was embodying obedience and complete submission to the Vinedresser in all the ways that Israel was...
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He provides the only road that will transform you. He is the sole pathway to eternal life. Stop wandering. Jesus is the way home.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Through a relationship with Him we can be raised up to eternal life. But even more, He promises that for the believer, death is no longer in play. Your new life has already started! Never-ending life, which is...
Jesus said: “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” Christ is showing us that the opportunity for knowing Him personally is not only possible, but truly available. He is showing us the depth of care and intimacy that He means to...
Jesus said: “I am the gate.” In our day religious systems and false teachers will sell you a lie. They don’t care about you. You are not safe with them. Only Jesus offers a doorway to safety and to life like you’ve never known it.
The Lord’s assertion that “I Am the Light of the World” means that Jesus is the sole pathway to eternal life. Belief in Him leads from darkness to light. The Jewish leaders said no. What will you say?
Scripturally speaking, no one played a bigger role on the morning of the Lord’s resurrection than Mary Magdalene. She’d been at the cross. Three days later, she came to the empty tomb. She lingered there in agony. She thought the body of Jesus had...
Jesus didn’t come to defeat culture, set up an evangelical kingdom, or take over Washington D.C. He came to rescue mankind from eternal destruction. Palm Sunday is about an offer to be King. He was rejected. But if you choose Him, you will be rescued...
Guest Speaker David Pierce, Co-Founder of Steiger International Discover more about Steiger by visiting Steiger.org
As we begin an Easter break from our series in the Gospel of John, we’ll see that shame can be a terrible enemy. It can define us. It can ruin us if we let it. But be encouraged by the journey of Peter. No matter what lies in your past, God still...
Jesus is the Bread of Life. I invite you now to put aside your striving, guilt, shame, and spiritual scorecard. You won’t need that where we’re going. We’re going to a place where you can eat spiritual food that will satisfy you forever. Come to His...
There is no miracle more stunning in the seven signs Jesus gave us than what we see in John 11 today. At the pinnacle of hopelessness in the life of one family, Jesus comes through in indescribable ways to provide ultimate hope. The great news for us...
There is a whole lot of mental illness, physical misery, grief, and stress in our world. If you are suffering, you can be confident that it is not in vain. Your suffering is meant to bring glory to God. I want to encourage you that when you walk...
What gets you through the rough times in life? Where do you turn when the balloon pops? The answer to these questions may very well determine how deeply you’ll go with Jesus and how effective you’ll be for the gospel. I want you be assured that you...
The world-system doesn’t care about your soul, but Jesus does. He will never let you starve. He came “so that you might have life in His name.” This is what I want for you: To obtain the life-changing joy that comes with the One who will feed you forever.
Today we’ll experience a miracle that shows the specific pursuit of Jesus in the life of a man that was dealing with long-term challenges and suffering. Jesus singles him out and gives him incredible and unexpected mercy. God desires for each one of...
Today we’ll see a miracle that was triggered by desperation. A man’s sole concern was for the life of his son and he turned to the famous healer to help him, and Jesus did. I hope that the incredible events that you are about to witness will secure...
The miracle Jesus did at Cana was a signal that a new day had come. A better era was dawning. A greater gift had been given. A life with Jesus is the...
John the Baptist had been testifying regarding the coming of Messiah. All of the sudden, Jesus arrived on the scene. Messiah had come and John boldly introduced him. It was a moment that brought hope, life, and salvation. This was an introduction...
John the Baptist came with great purpose and was sent by God to point to Jesus. He was an incredibly important person, but he didn’t come as the solution to the world’s problems. He came to pave the way for the Savior and he did so by giving his...
Jesus created everything. He gave us life and promised that his light would overcome the resistance of darkness. He is truly amazing! Given all of those...
The Apostle John was excited about the infinite and eternal nature of Jesus, who is the Son of God. It was vitally important to...
The Apostle Paul reminds us that all of the blessings and promises of God have their foundation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. We can move into the future with courage. We can move through hardship with a purpose. We can trust every promise...
Christmas isn’t just about finding an excuse to be kind, be with family, or get some rest. Those are wonderful byproducts of the season. But the essence of Christmas goes to the Incarnation of Christ. God became man. Now, our sins can be forgiven. We...
There is a wedding that I can’t wait to attend. It’s the wedding between Jesus (the Groom) and his Church (the Bride). At that particular moment in the future, we will be with our Savior forever. It’s well worth spending our time preparing to meet the...
There is hope within our everyday suffering. When we feel alone, there is hope. When God seems distant, there is hope. When we are at the end of ourselves, there is hope. Today we’ll find that hope by following Jesus from desolation to restoration.
There is a wedding that I can’t wait to attend. It’s the wedding between Jesus (the Groom) and his Church (the Bride). At that particular moment in the future, we will be with our Savior forever. It’s well worth spending our time preparing to meet the...
Though Jesus was beaten, bruised, despised and rejected, we can be eternally grateful that he embraced the cross. Though he was betrayed, he never turned his back on us. He never betrayed his own.
Jesus understands our pain and knows what it is like to be completely rejected. Even though He was to be the centerpiece of all things, many rejected Him and many still do today.
It’s hard to know where the line is between praying bold prayers and praying presumptuous prayers. We know that God wants people to find Jesus but we also know that he exercises his own sovereign will. So, how should we pray and give as we enter this...
Abraham found a new future by exercising unimaginable faith. A productive Christian life is one that is lived by faith. A church that is growing and moving forward, is one that is driven by faith. I want you to find freedom, hope and purpose as we...
Because Abraham trusted God, he didn’t need to grab at things. He trusted God for his future. Because he could let go of his own needs, he could put God first. As Ridgewood Church looks forward to our future and a quest for deepening relationships...
Many times, the hurdles we face seem impossible to overcome. We begin to doubt the faithfulness of God. We develop a worldview that says: Nothing will change. The same is true of churches. As we continue to move forward in our “Illuminate” initiative...
In similar ways to Abraham, God calls us to follow him even though we can’t see the end-game. Ridgewood Church is at a crossroads. As we listen to God’s direction, we can ask: Are we willing to follow him no matter what the cost?
In this sermon, we’ll investigate the value of living a sent life as we seek to develop habits of making Jesus known. In order to have an impact on others, we must walk in the identity as one sent by God to the world around us. It is a lifestyle that...
Today we’ll see the importance of learning the ways of Jesus. He is building his kingdom. He is after hearts. We can win souls and make new lanterns by learning Jesus in order to make him known.
It is important to learn Jesus, not just to learn...
Today we’ll investigate the importance of listening as we seek to develop habits of missional living. In order to have an impact on others, I want you to learn how to listen to truth, to divine wisdom, to God himself. It’s vitally important that you...
As a community, we’ve fixed our eyes on “Making Jesus Known Through Community Impact.” Today we are jumping into the habit of eating with people as a way of expanding the Kingdom of God. Just as Jesus commissioned his disciples to make him known, he...
The followers of Christ were huddled in terror as they were hunted because of their association with Jesus. Suddenly, the Lord was with them! He gave them peace and commissioned them for ministry. He has commissioned us too. Let’s make the most of our...
God’s desire for you is that your life would reflect a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus. You can help reach others. You can learn to be prayerful, watchful, and ready to speak the gospel from a heart that’s been changed by Christ.
God desires a relationship with us and uses our daily work to speak to us, form us, reveal to us what we can be for Him and others. God cares about your calling, the details of your life and the use of your gifts.
This is a great section on proper Christian conduct, in light of our commitment to Christ. As we march “Together for Christ” we can understand that living for Jesus and making an impact for him, starts right at home. Parents and children can be...
As sexual abuse and harassment are finally coming to light, men and women are scrambling to find biblical roles within the church. This passage will help you gain what you need to find your proper role in the #MeToo era. Then, you will thrive, and the...
Sin, left to fester, will ruin you and incur the wrath of God. That’s why Paul will commands us to destroy and eradicate sin. You must kill sin before it kills you.
Paul is transitioning from his refutation of false teaching to a section within which he practically teaches the Colossians how to live like Christ. He begins by directing their thought processes away from the temporal distractions of their earthly...
Without Christ you’re eternally hopeless. Without Christ you’re spiritually dead. A new life is only found in one place. I want you to go there. Don’t waste another minute. Life is too short. Start now and pursue Jesus. You can be a new person, but...
There’s a lot of really great sounding talk going around in Christian circles that amounts to philosophical nonsense and ends up distracting people and leading them away from truth. In this section we’ll learn to protect ourselves from the inherent...
Today Paul will tell us why Jesus is qualified to take us from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of light; from hopelessness to purpose; from hell to heaven. We can all be reconciled to God by our amazing Christ!
Jesus is priceless. He is worthy of our affections. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom. His love is endless. Why would you pursue anything else?
You may never have been pulled from a burning building or pulled from a raging river, but if you are a follower of Jesus you have been rescued. Even more to the point: If you don’t follow Jesus you need to be rescued. If you don’t get into his...
Ridgewood is committed to reaching our city with the love of Jesus. We gladly support Steiger ministries and look forward to David’s call to be “sent ones” that are about the business of living for Jesus before a watching world.
Paul and Timothy prayed without ceasing for believers in the small town of Colossae. First, they thanked God for their faith. Second, they prayed that they would continue to walk in a manner worthy of God; a life filled with faith, hope, love, and...
As an apostle, Paul reminded his readers that God had bestowed grace and peace on them. Paul loved the church in Colossae. They were faithful to God and found joy in obedience. Ridgewood can be this kind of church. We can be this kind of a people.
The Lamb of God is alive! He provides a glorious future. It is a future beyond anything we can imagine. My challenge to you is to thoughtfully embrace the Lamb. Become a child of God. You can live forever!
The character, role, and personhood of Jesus is much maligned. He is misunderstood. He is taken for granted. He is placed on par with the human beings that he created. One day this will change. He will have sacrificed himself for our sins. He will be...
God will never forsake you. He is always working. He is always driving your story. I hope that Joseph’s immortal words give you strength. Be brave. Be encouraged. God means everything for good.
The Joseph narrative is very much about the implicit work of God. Joseph’s sons would be blessed, but not in the way we’d expect. God, though, knew the end-game, and it was spectacular. We’ll see that God’s way is the best way, though at times...
God preserved Israel through amazing acts of grace and power. Joseph was God’s instrument to show his people that he would fulfill his promises. God is working in your life too. You can find great joy in walking with a faithful and glorious God!
This reconciliation between father and son paints a beautiful picture of God’s power to heal relationships. But forgiveness and humility had to happen first. This text makes it clear that we must make things right with others before we can be right...
As the Joseph narrative progresses, his father Jacob faces a huge decision. God's asked him to leave his homeland for Egypt. “Should I or shouldn’t I?” That’s the question he must have been asking. But we’ll see that as he heard from God, he was...
The Joseph narrative is an awesome story about a dream fulfilled. It is Joseph’s story but more than that, it is God’s story. It shows us that no matter how bleak things look we can trust the amazing plans of God!
The story of Joseph is about to take a large turn. As Joseph tests his brothers to see if they are ready to carry the mantle of Israel’s future, they finally come to grips with their sin. Will you?
We are agents of gospel reconciliation. We are to work for justice. We are to show the world a glimpse of the coming kingdom of God. We are to speak for the abandoned, the downtrodden, the unborn, the elderly and the refugee. We are to speak for those...
God can change our relationships and bring healing to friendships and family relationships in ways that we never thought possible.
After an advent break we delve back into the narrative of Joseph. As we look at this story we are struck by the implicit work of God. Just when everything seems lost and our story is spiraling toward darkness, we can exclaim: But God! Yes, God was...
The Apostle Paul was willing to give up everything he’d ever known, for something better, something real, something life-changing and life-saving. Now it’s time for us to do the same. As a church and has individuals, let’s make Jesus our new year’s...
To follow Jesus means to live an unusual life. It is a life that values the things of eternity. The kingdom that Jesus inaugurated on the day of his birth is so counter-cultural that I call it an “upside down kingdom."
Jesus came to win victory over, and save us from sin. He came to give us the gift of eternal life. The incarnation truly is God’s answer to our rebellion.
Jesus didn’t suddenly land in the manger. He came from somewhere. As we begin the Advent season we will explore the full personhood of Jesus. He is a king. His kingdom is not of this world. Thus, we can trust him. I want you to find the joy of...
God is working at Ridgewood Church. I am very thankful for all has done, is doing, and will do in the future. The Great Commission tells us to “go” and make disciples. Given our unique past, present, and future possibilities, we are poised to step...
Joseph’s family depended on him for food and for life itself. Jesus is our only path to life. I want you to choose life. Whether you’re willing to take that step or not, is literally a matter of life and death.
Joseph’s life takes him from Canaan to becoming the second in command of Egypt. God can take you places you never dreamed. Trust him. Bow your knee. Watch him work!
A main theme that rains down on the Joseph narrative is simple: God was with Joseph. God is with you too. Life can be confusing and hard. Relationships wobble. Dreams disappear. Grief stops us in our tracks. But take heart. God is with you!
Joseph was destined to rule. He knew that God’s hand was on him. He wasn’t about to give his future away for a moment of pleasure. In fact, you and I are destined to rule. We will rule with Christ. There is more to life than meets the eye. Don’t buy...
We all have expectations. Every week, day, hour, minute, we are consciously and sub-consciously forming expectations. And because we like things our way we superimpose these expectations on to others. We even press these expectations on to God. What...
Where is God when the darkness is so thick that there seems no hope? Where is God when you’re sure that evil has won? We’ll discover through the life of Joseph, that God is reigning on this throne and working out the best plan for our lives!
Through the life of Joseph we can learn that great things happen when we are willing to obey even though it’ll hurt.
When Joseph’s brothers were confronted with a frightening new future they reacted poorly. They wrestled for control. They failed to trust. Let’s learn from them. In whatever change that is coming we can learn to trust, even within the frightening...
An authentic church depends on the supernatural power of God and seeks to steer the gaze of non-believers toward him. An authentic Christian community understands that the strength of God can bring enemies to their knees. Thus we at Ridgewood Church...
The believers in the early church were chasing something greater than themselves. You and I are to chase something greater. We can reach the lost. We can heal the hurting. We can nurture our own when we are willing to go to another level, which I call...
The early church devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles. They knew that proper doctrine would help them to be a healthy and reproducing church. The same is true for us. There is strength in a Bible-based community!
The road to a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus is paved in love. And in this passage that’s John’s focus. For him, love is the absolute, the end-game. Love is everything!
John is calling his readers back to the truth and orthodoxy. Today he paints another clear example of what Sonship looks like. It may surprise you. It’s not being the best at Christianity or nailing down church life. It is a powerful, transforming...
Our culture offers the constant and terrifying danger of being lured away from our faith. The simple message that John has for his readers in this passage is: Abide in Christ and Gain eternal life. Don’t be deceived. Remember what you’ve been taught...
Marked By Love: Light and Love as the People of God. Loving our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Many cultural and worldviews scream at us for attention. But we can learn to live by Jesus’ example. Today we’re going to discover the joy and freedom that comes when we imitate Christ.
Acknowledging sin before God brings a depth of relationship with him and with our fellow Jesus-followers. In a real way this passage will teach us that we can confess our way to freedom.
An authentic Christian no longer walks in darkness but rather is immersed in the light of Jesus. An authentic Christian finds true and life-changing fellowship with God. For there is found life, joy, and peace!
Nehemiah was a man of integrity. Like other great leaders before him, he was angry and heartbroken by the deep corruption that lay before him. Israel had strayed. The workers were being loan-sharked by their own, and children were abused. Nehemiah...