Podcast
The Ridge – Weekly Message
Hosted by The Ridge Ankeny · EN
The Ridge weekly message podcast is a production of The Ridge church in Ankeny, Iowa. At The Ridge, we invite people to grow, connect and serve. Subscribe to this podcast for weekly Bible-based messages that teach how to live that out. And if you’re looking to go deeper, check out our Beyond the Sermon (BTS) episodes. These supplements to our weekly message will feature a Q&A with the pastor that provides additional context, insight and application steps based on the week’s message.
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Episodes
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Beyond the Sermon: How Do We Screen the Bible for Age Appropriate Content for Kids?
4d ago00:18:58Tap to summarizeFor anyone who grew up going to Sunday school, hearing and singing about biblical heroes like Noah, David and Abraham was commonplace. Yet as we begin to learn about these people later in life, we also start to see their failures and faults. Noah ended up getting drunk, David murdered a man and married his wife, and Abraham slept with a servant girl. So how do we go about sharing these stories with a younger audience? Is it ok to filter biblical stories in the first place? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they discuss these questions and more on this week’s Beyond the Sermon.
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The Walls Come Tumbling Down
4d ago00:28:02Tap to summarizeThe account of the fall of Jericho. The city gates were securely barred — no one went out and no one came in. God promises to deliver Jericho into the hands of the Israelites, but it doesn't happen the way you might think or could even imagine. God has a unique plan in mind, but it requires overwhelming obedience and great trust. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Joshua 6
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Beyond the Sermon: What is the Significance of Circumcision in the Bible?
2w ago00:18:19Tap to summarizeCircumcision isn't a topic that gets much airtime in Sunday morning sermons, yet we can't ignore how often it is referenced in the Bible. Whether its Joshua 5 where the Israelite men are physically circumcised before they enter the Promised Land, or Romans 2 where Paul talks about a "circumcision of the heart," we can't ignore there is something significant here that can easily be overlooked. So what does it all mean, and how is it important for us today?Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they discuss these questions and more on this week’s Beyond the Sermon.
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Seeing God's Provision
2w ago00:27:14Tap to summarizeBefore military action, Israel undergoes three crucial acts of faith: the circumcision at Gilgal to renew God's covenant, the celebration of Passover, and the cessation of manna as they begin eating from the Promised Land. The manna that has sustained them for 40 years ceases as God transitions His people from surviving in the wilderness to living in the abundance of Canaan. In it all, the Israelites remember and reflect on God's provision.Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Joshua 5:2–12
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Beyond the Sermon: Why is Remembering What God Has Done So Important?
3w ago00:19:17Tap to summarizeWithout spending much time in Scripture, it becomes quickly apparent the practice of remembering what God has done plays a key role in our spiritual growth. Yet what is it about this practice that is so important? And what are some practical ways we can go about reminding ourselves of what God has done in our lives? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they discuss these questions and more on this week’s Beyond the Sermon.
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Take a Step
3w ago00:29:06Tap to summarizeThe next generation of Israelites stands ready to enter the Promised Land. The final obstacle: The Jordan River. Seemingly, the timing couldn't be worse. They were preparing to cross during the harvest season when the river was swollen with the spring rains. At God's instruction, the Israelites camp on the shore watching the rushing waters for three days. And then, before anything else, with the waters still flowing, God tells them to take the first step.Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Joshua 3, 4
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Beyond the Sermon: What Is Your Life Rooted In?
4w ago00:18:16Tap to summarizeThe root system of a tree or plant is critical to its health. It provides stability but also supplies the nutrients it needs to grow. As it turns out, what we are rooted in equally matters for similar reasons. Psalm 1 talks about being rooted in God, but what does that look like practically? And why is being rooted in God so important, particularly when it comes to our inner transformation? Join Ridge Outreach Director Brandy Young and BTS host Will Herron as they discuss these questions and more on this week’s Beyond the Sermon.
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Rightly Rooted
4w ago00:25:50Tap to summarizeWhat we root ourselves in matters. God's Word forms us in life-giving ways. But other influences can shape us, too, and not always for the good. One path roots us in God and grows the life He intends; the other roots us entirely, and we risk missing it entirely. Message by Brandy YoungScripture referenced: Psalm 1
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Turning Point
Jul 600:25:36Tap to summarizeIt's a turning point in Israel's history. Moses has just died, and someone must step up and step into his leadership role. God calls Joshua. And at first, Joshua is afraid and overwhelmed. But then God makes him a promise. It's an encouraging one, but it's conditional. Meaning, in order for the promise to be fulfilled, Joshua had to do his part.Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Joshua 1:1–9
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Beyond the Sermon: What Does it Mean to “Meditate” as a Christian?
Jul 600:20:24Tap to summarizeIn the first chapter of the book of Joshua, God says to Joshua, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night”. (Verse 8) Most tend to associate the act of meditation with eastern religion so its mention here may come as a surprise. So what actually is Christian meditation? How do we go about practicing it and how does it differ from eastern meditation? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they discuss these questions and more on this week’s Beyond the Sermon. Resource mentioned: The New Bible Commentary
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