The Ridge Sunday Audio

READ:1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 • 1 Peter 1:13-19 • Romans 6:13 • Romans 13:14 • Matthew 18:6-7What is required of a person who desires to “walk and please God” (4:1)? How are one’s head, heart and hands included? In the context of this passage, explain why it is important both to know what God says and to do what God says.As believers, we sometimes fret because we can’t figure out God’s will on some matter in our life. Yet, God has given us specific scriptures regarding His perfect will. Discuss what is declared with certainty to be God’s will in verses 3-5. What other verses can you think of where God declare His will?Explain the doctrine of sanctification? What is the purpose of sanctification? When does sanctification begin? How long does the sanctification process last?Why do you think Paul begins this teaching with the topic of sexual immorality? What does Paul mean by the word, “abstain”? What forms of sexual immorality must believers be careful to abstain from today?How does sexual promiscuity transgress and defraud another human being? The translation for the end of verse 6 is “the Lord is the avenger/will avenge.” What do you think this means? How does God avenge the wrong committed by one believer to another? Have you seen this to be true with anyone who has been immoral? Explain.What should our real motivation be for keeping the commandments of God? (Matthew 25:23)DISCUSS:It is often said that holiness and sexual immorality are mutually exclusive. Do you agree? Why or why not?Discuss the significance of believers being “set apart for the Lord” regarding sex. (See also 1 Corinthians6:13-20 and Ephesians 5:8-10?)What can you say to someone, especially a Christian, who says they don’t accept the biblical standards forsexuality because they don’t apply today?PRA Y:Pray that as you seek holiness you will have the power to flee from all forms of sexual immorality.RESPOND:According to recent surveys, the morality of believers is not much different from that of unbelievers, especially in the area of sex. Think about how you can apply God’s directives in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 to today’s culture. To your daily life. To your home. To your children. Be specific. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 · John 13:35Why does Paul say that he wanted to see the Thessalonians face to face? (Reference 1 Thess. 2:17-18 & 3:10)Paraphrase 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8 in your own wordsWhat does Paul say motivated him to send Timothy? Why do you think he said it that way?What do you think Paul is trying to say in 1Thess. 2:19-20? Would you feel comfortable talking that way about your brothers and sisters? Why?How often do you think of yourself as God’s coworker? What does it mean to be God’s coworker?What is Paul afraid of in 1 Thess. 3:5? What do you think he means by “in vain”?What does this passage say will establish our hearts blameless in holiness?DISCUSS:Why do you think Paul wanted to be face-to-face so badly?Do you have a hard time getting face-to-face with people you don’t know very well? Why?What are some things that make loving others hard for you?What are some ways that loving people can be dangerous?Think of someone who you love that has helped you get through a hard time. What was it about them that helped you? How can you learn from that experience to help you learn to love others?PRAY:Thank God for his love for us and ask him to supply us with the power we need to learn how to love others the way that he has loved us.RESPOND:Commit to memorizing 1 Thessaloninas 3:12-13:“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:James 1:27, Psalm 68:5-6, Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 146:9, Isaiah 1:17, Romans 8:15Ephesians 1:4-5, Proverbs 31:8, Matthew 25:40- In your opinion, what are the “fruits” or “evidences” of authentic Christian faith?- What does James mean by religion that is “pure and faultless”? How does this relate to caring for the poor and needy? How do the passages listed above characterize God in regard to caring for the helpless?- Why do you think James chose to use widows and orphans to illustrate this identifying mark of authentic Christianity? Why were these two groups most often marginalized in Jesus’ day?- What are some reasons that we might ignore or refuse to act with care toward the helpless? What are some ways that God Himself acts to provide care for the helpless? Explain the concept of spiritual adoption into the Family of God. Why is adoption such a fitting metaphor for caring for orphans?- Does the notion of helping widows and orphans belong only in the 1st century or does ministry to such segments of society still demonstrate pure and undefiled religion?- What are some other general examples of how the church can care for the helpless in our society? What are some specific examples of how YOU can care for the helpless in your day-to- day life?DISCUSS:- Why do you think we have such a crisis of displaced children in our nation today? Do you agree that the Church is the answer to the foster care crisis? Why or why not?- According to the Families 4 Families strategy, what are the ways an individual/family can get involved in foster care? What is the primary goal of Families 4 Families? (to reunite children with their family) Why is this such an important goal?- What will be your part in helping support children and families involved in the foster care system?PRAY:- Over the next two weeks, pray about how you will support children and families involved in foster care. RESPOND:- Plan to attend the Families 4 Families Information Session, October 30, 12pm Steve Roath PavilionVisit www.familes4families.cc and read more about how to support children and families in foster care. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:1 Thessalonians 2:1-12  Hebrews 11:32-38  Hebrews 4:13  Acts 16:22; 17:2- Describe a spiritual leader you know who is characterized by authenticity? What are some examples of impure motives in Christian ministry?- How did Paul challenge the Thessalonians to examine the integrity of his life? What did they discover?- How did Paul reflect authenticity among the Thessalonians? How did Paul’s critics seek to discredit his message? Why was Paul not worried about being discredited?- What are the dangers of a minister whose priority is to please people rather than God?- In the first 6 verses Paul centers everything around the fact that they worship God and God alone. This is what shaped them and that is why when put to the test they passed. Do you feel like God is the one who is shaping your leadership and influence, or is something/someone else shaping it?- What does it mean when Paul says that God “examines” our hearts? How is it liberating to know that God knows everything about our lives?- In verses 7-12 Paul uses the analogy of a mother and father. What are the characteristics of a good mother and father? How do those characteristics play into caring for people in the right way? Have you ever experienced this with people in a Christian ministry?- What are some good practices that pastors and church leaders should put into place to ensure they are leading and shepherding with authenticity?DISCUSS:- Why do many people view Christians as phone or fake? Why do you think so many well-known spiritual leaders have fallen morally in recent days?- Do people in your church or small group see you as a leader who exudes authentic leadership? Why or why not? What can you do to be more authentic and transparent in your leadership?- How should we deal with an internal motivation to please people more than God?PRAY:Pray for grace and courage to be authentic as you fulfill God’s calling for your life.RESPOND:On a scale of 1 to 5 rate your leadership in these five areas:1.) Authenticity; 2.) Integrity; 3.) Accountability; 4.) Humility; 5.) Obedience Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 • Acts 17:1-9 • 1 Peter 1:3a • 1 Corinthians 13:13 • Romans 5:8 • John 6:44a • Acts 1:11When you communicate with others, are you more of a letter writer, emailer, texter, caller, or face-to-face talker? If you were to write a letter to The Ridge Church family, what God-honoring traits and practices would you praise and recognize?In verse 2, Paul says that he always thanks God for them continually and prays for them persistently. How do you think this affected Paul’s relationship with the people of Thessalonica? How could constant prayer and encouragement affect your relationship with those in your church family or small group?What outstanding qualities did Paul acknowledge and give thanks for in the lives of the believers in Thessalonica? What are “works” and how do they produce faith? What is “labor” and how is it affected by love? What/Who is our living hope and why does it help build endurance?In verses 4-5 Paul describes how the message of the gospel came to them. What is the message of the gospel? How was the message of the gospel delivered to the Thessalonians? How does the power of the gospel change those who accept and embrace it?What do you think Paul meant when he said in verse 5, “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you...? What does the word, chosen, mean in this passage? Who initiates salvation, God or man?What role does man have in his salvation? What role does man’s free will play in salvation?Why is Paul’s statement that the Thessalonians had “turned to God from idols” a great picture of what salvation entails? What are some idols to which we cling? How can we turn away from those idols?DISCUSS:How would those in your life (family, neighbors, coworkers, etc.) describe your faith? What “evidences” would they cite as proof that you are an authentic follower of Jesus?How can you labor in love when it comes to your relationships both inside and outside the church?Why is hope so important to the Christian life? Why is Jesus described as our living hope? How does the hope of Christ’s return affect your daily walk?PRAY:Pray that the power of the Gospel continues to “change” and strengthen your hope in Christ.RESPOND:Pick one area of your life (marriage, attitudes, service to others, etc.) and write down how the gospel affects that area of your life. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Acts 2:42-48 • Acts 4:34 • Proverbs 27:17 • Hebrews 10:24-25 • Matthew 18:20• When you hear “better together,” what does that mean to you regarding relationships with other believers? Do you agree that “life is better in circles rather than rows?” Why or why not?• What were the four things the early believers were devoted to? What made it possible for the earlychurch in Acts to exist in community the way it did? How is our culture different from that culture? What obstacles get in the way of our devotion to true community life?• Why do you think the early church experienced many signs and wonders as they gathered together? Is it possible for us to experience similar “miracles” today as we gather together?• How can we push against the independence and individualism of our culture and false sense of community we have through technology? How can we be intentional to create authentic community?• What blessing do we receive when 2 or more are gathered in Jesus’ name? Can we receive this same blessing alone or in isolation? Why or why not?• Have you ever witnessed someone going to great lengths to care for someone else’s needs? How did that affect you? In what ways is the Body of Christ as The Ridge caring for the needs of those in the church?DISCUSS: • What are some of the upsides of having community with other believers? What are some of the risks?• One of The Ridge’s Core Values is that we can experience life change best through relationships with like-minded disciples (believers). In your own words, explain what this core value means.• Think about your church family and a few people you might be able to connect with in group ministry.How can you take the first step to connect with other believers?PRAY:Prayer about which of the 5 groups you will plug into at The Ridge:• Journey Groups• Equipping Classes• Men’s Groups• Women’s Groups• Accountability GroupsRESPOND:As a member of the Body of Christ, commit to intentionally connect with other like-minded believers in one of the TRCC Group Ministries. Join // Lead // Host Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Matthew 7:13-29 • Joshua 24:15 • John 14:6 • James 1:22DISCUSS:• What four decisions did Jesus present in this teaching?• How can we know if we are walking on the wide path or the narrow path? Compare and contrast the narrow and wide paths? What are the destinations of each?• How can we know if a particular teaching from the Word is true or false? Why are false teachings appealing at times? What false teachings are popular today?• How can we be certain that we know Jesus both as the Savior of our soul and the Lord of our lives?• Why is Jesus’ parable of the two builders a fitting conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount? What’s the difference between the wise and foolish man?• What does casual and comfortable Christianity look like, and how does that compare to the life Jesus is calling His followers to live?PRAY:Pray that you honor Christ in all your big and small decisions.RESPOND:Pick one major decision you have to make this week. Commit that you will make the decision that most honors Christ. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

Matthew 7:7-12 Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Matthew 7:1-6 ∙ Romans 12 ∙ 1 Peter 2 +3DISCUSS:● What are some things we’re drawn to judge others over?● In what ways we do often end up treating others wrongly as aresult of judgment?● What’s in a time in your life you’ve experienced judgment? How did it feel?● What ways can we show honor to others this week?● In your mind what sort of difference can being a community ofhonor in a culture of condemnation make?PRAY:Pray in repentance over judgments, and also for opportunities to show honor to others.RESPOND:Take an inventory in your journal of ways you’ve judged and seek repentance.Speak 1 word of honor to your spouse and your coworkers this week.Honor someone this week that you never haveStretch: Plan a time to gather those closest to you and honor each guest. Propose a toast! Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Matthew 6:19-34 • 1 Timothy 6:10 +17b • Romans 6:16-18 Acts 2 • Philippians 4:19DISCUSS:What or who are some of the masters you’re tempted to serve?What earthly treasures are you tempted to store up for yourself, and what is the result?In what ways would it be freeing to truly “worship the Lord your God and serve only him”?What things are you most tempted to worry about? How does it help or hurt?Where do you experience a tension between fear and faith?What might it mean for you to seek first the kingdom of God?What might it mean for our church?PRAY:Pray that you would have the right perspective of wealth and necessities without worry or fear.RESPOND:List the things that cause you worry and anxiety. Choose one item on your list to pray over this week so that your faith may replace your fear. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ: Matthew 6:5-18 • Isaiah 65:24 • John 6:38DISCUSS:• What is prayer? What do you find helpful in enabling your prayer life to flourish?• How is the Lord’s Prayer a good framework to keep our prayers real, personal and not showy?• Have you ever fasted? Why do you think fasting is often ignored/neglected among Christians today?• What are some of the reasons/uses for fasting? Would you consider it? Who should know when we fast?• We are all probably hypocrites in some way (even small ways) in our lives. How can we address this? How can we still be confident before God even though we are not perfect?• Think about the various “spiritual disciplines” you engage in. Where do you most persistently or strongly experience the temptation “to be seen by others”? Is there a particular person/group you especially desire to be seen by? What can we do to practice spiritual disciplines with the right motives?PRAY: Pray that you will practice praying and fasting with pure motives.RESPOND: Make it a practice this week of praying in a quiet place of solitude. Ask the Lord how He is leading you to fast either now or in the future. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Matthew 6:1-4 • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 • Philippians 4:19DISCUSS:Why is giving to the needy such an important aspect of our faith? Why is giving with right motives so important?Compare Matthew 6: 1 to 5: 16. Do you see a contradiction in Jesus words? Why or why not?Should all of our giving be done in secret? Why or why not?In what ways are we tempted to give hypocritically (“performing” for “applause of man” rather than to honor God)? What kinds of giving appeal to our pride?Why would such a person receive no reward from God? Isn’t the action of giving to the needy the most important?What does it mean to not “let your left hand know what your right hand is doing?’ Is it possible to always hide all of the good things we do? Is it necessary? What is the principle we need to learn from this?PRAY:Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill your heart with right motives for giving to the needy.RESPOND: Think of a way you can give to the needy this week...give and tell no one. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Matthew 5:38-48 ∙ Luke 6:27-36 ∙ Romans 12 ∙ 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ∙ Luke 10:25-37 ∙DISCUSS:● Who are some of the people or groups that you consider an enemy?● What are some creative third options?● Do we often think of Jesus as a particularly smart person?● What for you personally makes this teaching difficult?● Share a time when responding in love made a difference in a tough situation.PRAY:Pray for someone who you consider to be one of your enemies.RESPOND:Create a list of personal enemies or groups of people and commit to pray for them this week.Think and pray about creative third ways to resolve difficult conflicts. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Matthew 5:31-37 • Deuteronomy 24:1 • Matthew 19:6 • Leviticus 19:12 • Proverbs 28:6DISCUSS:The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had created an easy-divorce culture? Do we experience an easy-divorce culture today? Why or why not?What was the only exception Jesus gave for divorce? Are there any other exceptions mentioned in the Scripture?In what ways is Jesus’ prohibition of divorce a good thing for us? Why does Jesus desire reconciliation in marriage?How can divorce and remarriage result in adultery?The religious leaders were using loopholes in how they spoke and took oaths. How are we tempted today to find loopholes in how we speak?Is a partial truth the same as a lie? Why or why not?Why are we often tempted to lie or tell partial truths? What underlying motivations cause us to do this, and what does this say about the desires of our hearts?PRAY:Pray that your yes be yes, and your no be no.RESPOND:Consider the ways you can live for truth this week in your marriage, family, workplace, church and community. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

DISCUSS:Why does Jesus move from commands like “Do not murder” and “Do not commit adultery” to warnings against anger and lust? What is Jesus revealing about the heart?Is all anger bad? What kind of anger is most dangerous?What is the principle from Jesus’ illustration about not giving an offering if someone has an offense against you?How does Jesus’ warning to settle disputes on the way to court reveal about how we are to deal with conflict with others?What is lust? Why is lust a matter of the heart more than a matter of the eyes? Can we ever satisfy the desires of lust?What does Jesus use vivid language about gouging out the eye and cutting off the hand tell us about the danger of hell?How can believers help one another fight the sin and lust?How is Jesus a better reward than what is gained by revenge or lust?How does the power of the Gospel help us overcome anger and lust?PRAY:Pray that you will always pursue a path of purity (Matthew 5:8).RESPOND:Make a list of ways you can quickly deal with your anger/lust. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

DISCUSS:Describe three ways a believer is to be the salt of the earth.Describe how believers are to be the light of the world.What was Christ’s view of the Old Testament Scripture? How should this affect our view of Scripture in general?If believers are not under the law anymore, in what way do we fulfill the righteous requirement of the law through the Spirit?Why is it important to have a Christocentric view in studying and teaching Scripture—especially the OT?What does the smallest letter or stroke of a letter refer to? Why is the endurance and authority of Scripture so important to the Christian faith?What is the basis for reward or greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven? How can a believer’s righteousness surpass that of the Pharisees to get into Heaven?What is the difference between good works being the root of salvation verse the fruit of salvation?PRAY:Pray that you will be salt and light wherever you go.RESPOND:Write down your view of Scripture? Is it the same view as Christ's? Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

DISCUSS:What does it mean to be poor in spirit? How does recognizing ourselves as spiritual beggars affect the way we live each day?What does it mean to mourn our sin? What is the blessing for someone who mourns their sin?Is meekness the same as weakness? Why or why not? What does it mean to give God a black check for your life?How does God satisfy those who hunger and thirst for righteousness?How does peace play a central role in the Bible? Why is the gospel called the gospel of peace? How can we be peacemakers?Why is persecution an unavoidable part of the Christian life? What does persecution produce for the believer?How does our relationship with God and our relationship with one another give us the ability to live the blessed life?PRAY:Pray that you will faithfully live the blessed life (the Beatitudes).RESPOND:Choose one Beatitude and commit to living it out this week. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Micah 7:1-20 • Proverbs 29:2 • 1 John 1:9DISCUSS:• Why is Micah so grieved in this passage? What were the“marks” that Micah’s nation was crumbling? Do you see anysimilar “marks” in our nation today?• How did Micah stay anchored? How can we stay anchored inour faith today?• Why would the enemies of God’s people in Micah’s dayrejoice over their defeat? Do God’s people today haveenemies who desire their destruction? What is our assurance?• What is the connection between Micah’s name and Hisquestion in verse 18? Why is the truth foundational?• How do you understand the uniqueness of God? Do you everstruggle to believe that the Lord alone is God? How can weeffectively communicate the uniqueness of God to others?• What have you learned about God after going through thestudy of Micah? How has it affected you?PRAY:Pray that you will always be amazed by God’s amazing grace andmercy in your life.RESPOND:Commit daily to share the truth of God uniqueness with others. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Micah 6:9-16 • James 4:1-2 • 1 Timothy 4:4-5 • Romans 8:32DISCUSS:• Do you think of God as patient, caring and clear? Which ofthose is the most challenging to you and why?• Describe how your thoughts about God impact how you live.• Why is it important to know that the things God has createdaren’t bad?• What are some examples of seeking good things in wickedways?• Micah 6:12 says that the people have lied so much that theirtongue’s automatically lie. Talk about some other ways thatsinning can develop desires for wickedness in our flesh.• If confession is a gift from God then why is confession so scary?What are some ways we can wisely practice the spiritualdiscipline of confession?PRAY:Ask the Lord to help reveal to you what it is you have been seekingin your sin. Ask him to show you the difference between yourdesire for good things and the desires of the flesh you havedeveloped. Ask Him to reveal a christian brother or sister that youcan begin to practice confession with.RESPOND:List the ways that God has given you good things. This can help yousee that God has been generous with you and that you can trusthim Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

DISCUSS:• What is the significance of the “courtroom” setting in this passage? What role does the earth play? What role does the God’s people play?• What attributes of God do we see in verse 1-2? Why is it good for us that God confronts our sin?• If someone is weary of God, what does that about say about that person? Is it always easy to serve the Lord? How are we guilty of “forgetting” about God’s goodness?• What good things are mentioned that the Lord has done for His people. What good things as God done for you?• What kinds of sacrifice does Micah mention in verses 6 + 7 as possibilities?• What does the Lord want instead of multiplied activity or effort?• What does it mean to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly?PRAY:Ask the Lord that you be faithful in doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with the Lord.RESPOND:List the ways you can do justice, love kindness and walk humbly. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Micah 5:7-15 • Psalm 23:1-2 • 1 John 5:4-5 • Acts 4:12 • John 6:44 • Luke 19:10• What is the remnant mentioned in Micah 5:7-8? Why does God always gather a remnant of His people following His judgment or “scattering” in the Old Testament? According to verse 7, how will God’s people be blessing to other nations? What does “dew” and “showers on grass” refer to? Read Psalm 23. What are the blessings from God (our Shepherd) mentioned in this passage?• Why does God allow us to experience seasons of “defeat” in order to experience seasons of victory? Describe a time God used a difficult season in your life to eventually bring you to a joyous season?• Micah reveals Israel will be changed. What three things will be taken away according to 5:5-14 (military power, sorcery, idolatry)? What do all three of these things represent? Do these changes represent God’ rejections or rescue? Explain. What are some examples of false hopes and securities that people often put their hope in today?• How does God save us from ourselves? Why do we need rescuing? Read John 6:44 and Luke 19:10. Does God pursue us or do we come to Him for salvation (or both)?• In 5:15, God states, “In anger and wrath I will execute vengeance on the nations that did not obey.” What have these nations done that is going to bring the wrath of God upon them? Does this judgment include the remnant mentioned 5:7-8? Why or why not?DISCUSS: • According to your bank statement, your calendar, your plans and your daydreams, who or what are you hoping in right now? Are there any false hopes that you need to abandon?• Today our idols are not carved pillars, Asherah images, or golden statues. What are the idols that we worship? Does being saved by grace mean God no longer judges idolatry?• Do you see God as just a loving God? Do you view Him as a wrathful God? Do you see God as both loving and wrathful? How do you hold these two characteristics in tension? Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Micah 5:1-6 • Hebrews 11:32-34 • 1 Corinthians 1:27 • John 10:14 • Deuteronomy 33:12 • John 14:27 • Jeremiah 26:17-19 • Luke 2:1-7 • Matthew 2:1-6• Micah 5:1 points forward to which king? What problem will Israel face in that day? What will happen to theking/ruler?• Why is Bethlehem referred to as “too little to be among the clans of Judah” (v. 2)? What was the onething that was significant about Bethlehem? Why is it important that this ruler come from Bethlehem? Howis this ruler different from the human rulers you studied in chapter 3?• Verses 2-5a describes a future rescuer of Israel. List everything that these verses reveal about this rescuer.• Who is the “woman in labor” in verse 3? What is the only thing that will relieve her pain?• Jesus called himself “the good shepherd” (John 10:14). What does Micah 5:1-5 reveal about what He meantby this?• In verses 5-6, what does Micah promise will happen in the short term (See also Jeremiah 26:17-19)? In thelong term, what does Micah promise that the shepherd-rescuer will do with his people?• What enemy is described in 5:5-6? Assyria is used to represent what? Who/What will eventually rise toprotect Israel? Describe the role of a shepherd? Why is Jesus called the Good Shepherd? How do find truepeace/rest in the Good Shepherd?DISCUSS: • What do most of your neighbors, relatives, classmates or coworkers see as the best hope for solving theworld’s problems. Why is Christ our ultimate source of hope in the life?• What peace would you experience if you knew that God had already overcome all your life struggles?How can you live today in that peace?• Do you tend to see Christ as humble and week, or as powerful and strong? What difference does thismake to your life when you sin...when things go wrong...when you need help?PRAY:Pray that Christ will always be your source of hope and peace even when the world seems out of control.RESPOND:Based on Psalm 23, list the ways Jesus cares for you like a Good Shepherd. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Micah 4:1-13 • Joshua 24:15 • Isaiah 55:8-9 • Revelation 14:14-20 • Romans 11:12-15• What does the phrase, “It shall come to pass,” in Micah 4:1 mean to you? What does that phrase say aboutGod’s sovereignty and the truth of God’s Word? What do you think the phrase, “in the latter days (or inthe last days),” means in this passage? Explain your answer.• According to Micah 4:1-2, what is referred to as “the mountain of the house of the LORD”? Why willmany nations come to the mountain? What will they be doing?• According to Micah 4:3, what will happen to weapons of war? How does verse 4 describe the future Millennial Kingdom? Why will world peace never be found in this world? How will world peace ultimately come about?• What sin is being referred to in verse 5 (idolatry)? What “gods” do believers/unbelievers “walk” with today?• What will the Lord do to or for His people, according to Micah 4:6-7? How does this passage point to the mercy and restoration of the Lord?• What kind of judgment will the Lord bring on His people (9-10a)? How will the Lord change things in the latter days (11-13a)? Do those nations and people who hate Israel understand God’s plans? How are the nations evil plans just a part of God’s greater plan? In what ways are God’s promises to Israel and to the church today the same? In what ways are the promises different?DISCUSS: • What is a biblical worldview? What “lens” do you look through to understand the reality of our world? Does the Bible just contain truth, or is it the source of truth?• Can we trust God to do what’s best for us, even when that involves hardship and suffering? How do the promises of Christ’s second coming give us hope and perspective in this life?• How does Micah 4 allow us to see both God’s justice and mercy?PRAY:Pray that you live with the eternal perceptive that your life is part of God’s redemptive story.RESPOND:Determine this week to trust God to do what’s best for you in a current situation, even if it involves hardship and suffering.Sermon Notes:The phrase, in the latter days, could mean, “the last days before Christ returns.” It could also refer to a future period/era in time.The Bible doesn’t just include words of truth; it is the very source of God’s absolute and eternal truth.World peace is not found in the world at all. It’s only found in the person of Jesus Christ.The way we walk in this world reveals the god/God we worship.The heart of God is to transform devastation into restoration.God can use our greatest defeat to become our greatest rescue.No matter how much it feels we are losing in this world, in Christ, we win. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Micah 3:1-12 • Proverbs 13:14 • Proverbs 21:13 • Matthew 15:14 •• Who are “heads of Israel” and the “rulers of the house of Israel” that Micah is addressing in verse 1 and 2?What analogy does he use for their injustices? What does the analogy mean? How were Israel’s governingleaders treating the people they governed? Is it the responsibility of those who oversee justice to knowwhat justice is? Explain.• What is God’s declaration of judgement against Israel’s corrupt governing leaders and their injusticesagainst the people? According to Micah 3:4 and Proverbs 13:14, what is one of the consequences of livingas if there is no God?• What injustices were the religious leaders (prophets and priests) guilty of in Micah’s day? Where do yousee evidence today of false/impure motives among some of the religious leaders in America? Why did Jesussay impure religious leaders are “blind guides leading the blind” (Matthew 15:14)?• According to Micah 3:8, what are some of the marks of Godly leadership? Why did Micah fit thisdescription? What role does repentance play in turning a people or nation back toward God?DISCUSS: • How is Micah’s preaching and message regarding a nation’s leaders still relevant today? How can badleaders be both a judgment from God and a reason for judgement?• Micah said, “you hate what is good and you love what is evil.” Do you see that same scenario playing out inour nation today? How does this affect a nation? How does this affect the church?• Do you want ministers/leaders in the church to point out sin? If you were a church leader, what sinsand/or injustices of our time need addressing?• How does this passage point us to Jesus? What kind of leader is Jesus? PRAY:Pray for a mighty work of the Spirit in the hearts of our local, national and international governing leaders.Pray that God would work in and through our spiritual leaders to shepherd and guide our souls to truth.RESPOND:Choose one governing leader and one religious leader, and pray Micah 3:8 over them this week (That theywould be filled with power, filled with the Spirit of the Lord, filled with justice and strength, boldly declaringthe truth of God.) Sermon Notes Micah - do justice • love kindness • walk humblyPart 3 – Judgement Against Israel’s LeadersMicah 3:1-12 The leaders of a nation can be both a judgment from God and a reason for judgement. If we stop listening to God, there may come a time when He stops listening to us. A false gospel tells us to come to Jesus to get health, wealth, and prosperity. The true gospel tells us to cometo Jesus to get Jesus. God’s judgment against a nation is not turned by better laws, better congress, better presidents. God’sjudgment is turned by the repentance of its people. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

READ:Micah 2:1-13 • Psalm 82:3 • John 3:17 • 2 Timothy 4:3-4 • Hebrews 13:3What main sin is addressed in 2:1-2? Give examples of modern-day oppression? How does God seeoppression? As followers of Christ, is there anything we can do about oppression throughout the world?How were the oppressors characterized in 2:1-2? Are we just as guilty of oppression simply because weare apathetic or unaware of the effects of oppression throughout our world? Does proclaiming the gospelreduce oppression?Why do you think God’s judgement often leads to restoration? Is there hope of restoration even for thevilest sinner? How does Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection result in restoration for believers?Why were the false prophets trying to silence Micah’s message? What was their defense? Why do somepastors today attempt to “tickle the ears” of their listeners? Why is it important that we sit under teachers who preach the full counsel of God’s Word? Why is it important that we try to understand the full character of God? Is God unloving because of His justice and wrath? Why or why not?What is the promise of the remanent that will be delivered from exile? Explain your understanding of God scattering in judgment and gathering in mercy? Why does this give us hope today?What is the identity of the Shepherd-King who opened the breach and leads the people out of exile? How did this “King” offer hope to Israel in Micah’s day...and to us today?DISCUSS:Do you ever find yourself in situations similar to the oppressors in verse 1 where you plan to sin? What can we do to replace planning to sin with planning to do what is good and right?What biblical instruction can you reference regarding our responsibility when our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in oppressed parts of the world face persecution? What is our responsibility?Like those in Micah’s day, we have a tendency to seek teachers and counselors who tell us what we want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). How is this a sign of the end times? How can we guard ourselves against such tendencies?How does seeing Jesus as our “Deliverer” help us understand His role as Savior and King?PRAY:Remember (pray for) those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated (oppressed), since you also are in the body. -Hebrews 13:3RESPOND:Identify one thing you can do this week to support those who face social and/or religious oppression.Sermon NotesMicah - do justice • love kindness • walk humblyPart 2 – Woe to Oppressors Micah 2:1-13The word, woe, was a word used by those who were mourning someone who had died. One translation of the word, woe, means, “you who are as good as dead.”Oppression is a combination of prejudice and unjust power that results in the mistreatment, discrimination, or opposition of specific groups of people.1.6 billion people or 23% of the world’s population face severe oppression from exercising some of their most basic rights such as freedom of speech and religion.- LiveScience – livescience.com, Measuring Freedom and Repression – April 25, 2022QUOTE:All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. - Edmund Burk. God's justice is higher than just revenge. It also seeks to restore that which was lost.Christian Persecution by the Numbers (2021):Over 360 million Christians experienced high levels of persecution and discrimination.5110 churches and other Christian buildings attacked/destroyed.5,898 Christians were killed for their faith.- Open Doors USA - https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution - Christian Persecution – April 25, 2022If we want to know the full character of God, we must also want to know the full counsel of His Word.Where there is promise of a remnant there is also promise of a future with God. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

Love and hate. Peace and justice. Grace and wrath. In seven short chapters, the prophet Micah presents the true picture of God – the almighty Lord who hates sin and loves sinners. Much of the book is devoted to describing God’s coming wrath and judgement over His people who have fallen deep into idolatry and division. However, Micah also reveals the hope of God’s love and grace for all call upon the Lord and repent of their sins. The words of Micah challenge us to exercise justice and kindness to others and press on toward a world that better resembles the Kingdom of Heaven. “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

One moment in time can completely change our perspective about life. What we once believed was most important doesn’t seem to matter anymore; and what was once meaningless, now has new purpose. John presents us with the narrative that lies at the heart of the Gospel. Jesus, who was crucified, has been raised. We watch as Mary, Peter, and an unnamed disciple (John) discover that Jesus’ tomb is now empty; the outward and visible sign that Jesus has conquered death and a new creation has begun. We are witnesses to the moment when Mary and the two disciples have a complete change in perspective. Grief turns to joy. Confusion turns to clarity. Unbelief turns to faith. And sadness turns to good news that has been proclaimed throughout the ages, “I have seen the Lord.” Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

Everybody knows how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment, discouragement, and doubt. Unmet expectations can make us doubt God’s love and His good intentions. Questions like “Does God even care about my desires?” can erode our trust and diminish our hope (Proverbs 13:12). If we leave these responses unaddressed, we risk falling into a constant state of discouragement and negativism. When Jesus entered into Jerusalem, He was greeted by cheers and shouts of praise. Some thought He came to be a powerful reigning king or a mighty general who would wage war against an oppressive government. When those expectations went unmet, triumph quickly led to a trial, and excitement turned to an execution on a cross. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

We all know that we can’t make through day to day life without using money.Yet, when we look at the pages of the Gospels, Jesus talks about money more than any other subject.Why is that? Jesus is not calling His people to retreat or withdraw from the market, banks, or using currency. Rather Jesus is warning us how easily the pursuit of money and wealth can ensnare us into addiction and slavery. However, some of us still probably think just a “little more wealth” would go a long way. King Solomon was the richest man in history. He had a lot to say in his poetic reflections on the emptiness of wealth. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

When we pursue approval from others as a source of happiness or validation, we give them an authority over our lives that was meant only for the Lord. In essence, we’re asking them to tell us who we truly are. Not only does this dishonor God, who alone is our Creator, but gives too much weight to what others think about us. Even the person who knows us best on earth still doesn’t know us as well as our Heavenly Father. We cannot put ourselves under Christ if we also put ourselves under the approval of others. That’s like serving two masters. We will either love the one and hate the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. It’s impossible to please everyone, but it is possible to please God by seeking His approval alone. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

We all want a happy life. To find that happy life many people pursue things like a new job, a new home, a bigger vacation, or a bigger bank account. However, a job can be lost, a car can stop running, vacations are only temporary, and money can disappear. What happens to our happiness when the things we pursued passionately are gone? Perfectionism is one of the things we often pursue to secure happiness or peace, only to discover that it is a trap that distracts and discourages us from the very One who truly satisfies our soul – Jesus Christ. Perfectionism causes us to reject any standard or outcome unless it meets our definition of perfection. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

Special Edition from The Ridge Sunday Audio: this is the afternoon session from Revive Marriage Conference 2022. In this episode our Lead Pastor, Chan Mitchell, discusses practical ways to communicate in marriage from a biblical perspective. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

Special Edition from The Ridge Sunday Audio: this is the morning session from Revive Marriage Conference 2022 featuring guest speaker George Dirling of First Baptist Church of McCaysville, Georgia. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

This is the third episode of our Revive Marriage Series. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

This is the second episode in The Revive Marriage Series. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

This is the first episode in The Revive Marriage Series. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

The final part of our 2022 Vision series: Unity Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

Part 5 of our 2022 Vision series: Unity Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

Part 4 our of 2022 Vision series: Unity. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

Part 3 of our Vision series for 2022: Unity. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

Part 2 of our 2022 Vision series: Unity. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!

Part 1 of our 2022 Vision Series: Unity. Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!