Tired Of The View?
Experience The Ridge!
Sunday Order Of Worship

Opening Songs: God So Loved
Welcome
Worship Songs:
Holy Spirit // Goodness Of God // Good Good Father
Prayer
Series: The Art Of Being Unordinary
Message: Blessed Are The Merciful
Announcements
Dismissal

Get your yard signs this Sunday.

Help us invite more people to "Experience The Ridge!"
You can pick up a yard sign this Sunday at church OR they will be available for pickup OUTSIDE the church office (5624B Whitesville Rd. 31904).

Immediately following the 9:00am and 10:30am
worship service.

Safety concerns:
*Hunt will be organized by family units.
*Eggs will be sanitized.

Registration for service attendance required
(link coming soon).
ï»żTwo services: 9:00am and 10:30am.
Easter egg hunt immediately following both services.
Registration coming soon.
From The Heart

We all have one or more emotions that compete for control in driving our behavior. As adults, we’ve learned to monitor our behavior. But Jesus invites us to go beyond simply monitoring how we behave and to begin monitoring what’s going on inside of us. 

Let’s learn more from Matthew’s account of his experiences with Jesus. 

Jesus was with His apostles. 

Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!” - Matthew 15:1–2

The tradition of the elders included an unwritten rule about a washing ritual that had to be done before eating.

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” - Matthew 15:3 

Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy.

“You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’” - Matthew 15:7–9

A crowd gathered, and Jesus said:

“Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” - Matthew 15:10–11

The disciples asked Jesus to explain.

“Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them. “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” - Matthew 15:16–18

To be defiled is to be at odds with God. You are at odds with God when what comes out of your mouth puts you at odds with the people God loves. And what comes out of your mouth originates from your heart. Everything begins with a thought. 

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” - Matthew 15:19

When the Gospel writer Mark recorded the same conversation, he added other things Jesus mentioned: greed, malice, deceit, envy, arrogance, and folly. 

These are the things that defile a person, putting you at odds with God. Skipping an elaborate washing ritual before eating? That’s not going to put you at odds with God. Religious rituals and traditions can be important and meaningful to us, but they are not a means by which we keep God happy and satisfied. We need to get better at monitoring our hearts so our emotions don’t become our boss.

Jesus followers already have a boss—a far better boss than anger, envy, greed, or lust. Jesus said to us:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

Jesus gives you something those inferior bosses can never give you—rest.

“
my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” —John 14:27

With the peace the world offers, you only have peace when everything is great on the outside. Jesus gives you peace on the inside, even when things aren’t so good on the outside.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:29

Jesus was saying: Follow me. Let me be the boss of you, and I will give you peace inside. I will give you rest.

REFLECTION: What emotion competes for control of your life? Has it impacted your relationships in any way? Every day, the people closest to you are experiencing the overflow of your heart. 

PRAYER: God, I want the peace that only you can bring. Teach me how to better understand and manage my emotions.

*Northpoint Community Church
Ridge|Live

We have in-person worship at Brookstone Auditorium at 10:30am. We will still require temperature checks, masks and social distancing.

Ridge|Home

We will also worship online on our YouTube channel at 10:30am.

YouTube Channel: Click Here

Whether you join us live or online, we can't wait to see you this Sunday!!
NEW Married People Study

What if marriage was simpler than you think? What if changing one thing could change everything?

Ted Lowe, speaker, author, and founder of MarriedPeople.org, goes after those One Thing(s) for married people by sitting down with some leading marriage experts.  

While these experts have a ton of content, Ted presses for simplicity by asking each of them: â€œIf you could only tell married couples one thing, what would it be?”

This 4-Episode Course is all about the One Thing(s) they shared.

Registration coming soon.
Rose Hill Ministry

"Rain or shine, what a crew! At 4:30 there were 2 people. By 4:50 we had a line and served 60 KFC boxes to 48 less fortunate! 🙏 Thanks to The Ridge for supporting The Fellowship at Rose Hill." - Steve Hall
Current Series!

Did you know that God wants you to experience His joy? It's true! God actually wants to pour out His blessings in your life.

In His most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins by talking about eight ways to be blessed by God. 

But there's a catch ...

The way we receive God's blessing is a little counter-cultural from what you may expect. We may have to be a little unordinary in order to receive the extraordinary blessings God provides.

I'll explain more on Sunday.

Jimmy Mac
Daddy Daughter Date Night

"Super Clara and her trusty sidekick, Wonder Dad. Our wonderful church, The Ridge, put together Daddy Daughter Date Night boxes along with a virtual event yesterday. They went on a photo scavenger hunt, were superheroes, went incognito, and ate a bunch of candy. Clara has the most amazing daddy in the world." - Jess Taylor

Big thanks to all the dads who made their little girls feel so special! It was a great event!

Congratulations to our drawing winners: Hunter & Savannah Hardy (Stars & Strikes, Cold Stone), Collins & Anna Katherine Allison (Chick-fil-A) and Tee & Leileighana Mabry (Cold Stone). If you watched the live closing ceremony, after the live drawing, Autumn and Nathan decided we should draw a third winner since Hunter and Savannah won twice!

Check out an updated Daddy Daughter slideshow on The Ridge Facebook page.
Growth Track - Zoom Meetings

Whether you’re looking for a new church or you’ve been coming for a while, growth track events are designed to kick start your spiritual growth by providing clear and simple principles that will challenge you to go farther and faster in your faith. These events happen each quarter and cover a wide range of topics. Join us as we learn how to become a member, the basics of our Christian faith, how to discover your spiritual gifts and much more! 

Church 101 (March 7th at 5pm): This class is a basic introduction to our church family. Join us as we explain who we are and what we believe. We will answer questions about our unique mission and vision. You will also have an opportunity to become a member of our church. Registration link: click here.

Essentials 201 (March 21st at 5pm): This class provides the tools necessary to help each believer become a spiritually mature disciple of Jesus Christ. Join us as we learn principles and tips that will help you grow and connect with others at our church. Registration link: click here.

Discovery 301 (April 11th at 5pm): Each of us are a masterpiece, placed on this earth for a unique purpose. Join us as we learn more about our particular personality and gifts through a series of assessments. We’ll also learn how to use those gifts for God’s glory. Registration link: click here.
To watch last Sunday's message:
“Blessed Are Those Who Hunger For Righteousness”

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. - Matthew 5:6, NIV

Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. - Ecclesiastes 1:8, NLT

And, when all is said and done, here is the last word: worship in reverence the one True God, and keep His commands, for this is what God expects of every person. - Ecclesiastes 12:13, VOICE

Righteousness:

1. Relationship.

This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. - Romans 1:17a, NLT

2. Lifestyle.

Once you’re convinced that he is right and righteous, you’ll recognize that all who practice righteousness are God’s true children. - 1 John 2:29, MSG

Maintaining A Spiritual Hunger For Righteousness:

1. Remind yourself just how much God loves you.

And I pray that you 
 will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love 
 but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:18-19, NCV

2. Stop eating junk food.

The mind of a person who has understanding searches for knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on stupidity. - Proverbs 15:14, GW

Why do you spend your money on junk food, your hard-earned cash on cotton candy? Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest. Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words. - Isaiah 55:2-4, MSG

3. Pursue God.

Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. - Matthew 6:33, NCV

4. Get into God’s word.

People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. - Matthew 4:4b, NLT

5. Surround yourself with hungry people.

So walk in the way of good people and stay on the paths of righteous people. - Proverbs 2:20, GW

Study Guide:

*Describe a time when you were really hungry or thirsty. What was it like to quench that appetite?

The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself. - Romans 1:17a, NCV

*Righteousness is both a relationship and a lifestyle. Righteousness is being in a right relationship with God. What can you do this week to remove any obstacles limiting your relationship with Him? 

*As a lifestyle, righteousness is living the way God wants us to live. How can you discern what God wants you to do with your life? How do you distinguish God’s plans from your own?

There is not a righteous person on earth who always does what is right and never sins. - Ecclesiastes 7:20, NIV

*We can’t make ourselves righteous and we can’t keep God’s commandments all of the time. Do you believe God can forgive your worst sin? Why or why not?

The Lord says, “All you who are thirsty, come and drink. 
 Why spend your money on something that is not real food? Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you? Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.” – Isaiah 55:1-2, NCV

*Take time to pray, offering gratitude for God’s love. In light of that love, why do you think we often want to substitute the nutritious spiritual food that God offers with “junk food” that offers no satisfaction? What “junk food” would you like to eliminate from your life, and what substitute might you enjoy that God tells us He will provide? 

You must crave the pure spiritual milk (of the Word) so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment ... - 1 Peter 2:2, NLT

*Knowing God should be our number one goal. Therefore, we need to crave knowing Him like a baby craves milk. What is meant in this verse by “fullness of your salvation”? What happens to our spiritual health and our relationship with God if we neglect nourishing ourselves spiritually?

*Pray: Lord, thank You for the gift of Your righteousness and the sacrifice Jesus made on my behalf. Help me keep You first in my life and read Your Word every day. Keep me from the junk in this world that would tear me away from You. Give me discernment as I choose who to spend my time with and what we will do. Help me stay right with You and live a life that pleases You. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Want an abundant life? More blessings?

Pursue righteousness and love.
This Sunday! Safely prepackaged for your enjoyment.
Thank you for your continued generosity!
If you'd like to give, click here.
Student Ministry This Week:
New lesson series begins this Sunday - "No Cap" - at the church office from 5:30-7:30. Dinner will be Country's chicken fingers.
ï»żThe address is 5624 Whitesville Rd., Suite E.
ï»ż
Breakfast Small Group is now meeting again weekly from 7:00-7:30 a.m. at the north Veteran's Parkway Burger King.

Upcoming Sunday Schedule

March 7 - 5:30-7:30 at the church office Suite E.
March 14 - 5:30-7:30 at the church office Suite E.
March 21 - 5:30-7:30 at the church office Suite E.
March 28 - TBA (first Sunday of Spring Break)


Questions? - Contact Nathan at 706-464-7548 or nathan@theridgecolumbus.com.

Parent and Student GroupMe

We have a student and a parent GroupMe account to help keep everyone up to date on what's going on in student ministry. GroupMe is a group texting app that's a great forum for staying connected and asking questions. It can be muted, so you won't get notifications constantly. If you or your student would like to be added, just text or email Nathan at 706-464-7548 and nathan@theridgecolumbus.com.
RidgeRunners
ï»ż

March Theme - Trust


Hi, Parents!
This spring we're offering both in-person and online RidgeRunners experiences.  

In-person
Infants through Toddlers and Pre-K through Elementary meet on opposite sides of the gym for the full 10:30 a.m. service. Check in at the hallway table just inside the Turner Auditorium doors. 

Staff and volunteers will be wearing masks and sanitizing hands. Kids will sit only with their siblings on their own personal carpet. Kids must wear masks on their way to and from their carpets in the gym and while we are singing. They may remove their masks while on their carpets and not singing. If a child does not have a mask, we will provide them one at check-in. If you have an only child and want to arrange ahead of time for them to sit with a family friend, please let us know. If you have any questions, please contact Nathan at nathan@theridgecolumbus.com or 706-464-7548.

Online
RidgeRunners will be live at 9:45 a.m. on YouTube. Join us for a game, worship video with dance motions, and a great lesson! You can also watch at any time throughout the week after the livestream.

If you're looking for some more online options for children's programming check out:

*Rightnowmedia.org: This is a free video resource for our church. Check out the kids' section (VeggieTales, etc.) and watch with the family! Registration link: click here.

*Ridge resources for Sunday morning activities/lessons. Just in case you missed out this weekend: click here.


Car Talk:
*When is it hard to trust? - When things don't go our way
*When can we trust God? - All the time, because he loves us and he has a plan for us.
*What are some promises God makes us? - That he will never leave us. That he will turn even bad things into good things. That he will always help us when we are tempted.

Memory Verse (learn it together):
 â€œâ€˜Love the Lord your God with all your heart and 
with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest 
commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37–39


Online Worship Experience
Sunday @ 10:30am

What is Ridge|Home?

This is church for everyone, everywhere. It’s gathering with your family wherever you live, with other people, in person, to watch The Ridge weekly services, connect with God through music, and have conversations. This can be done in a home or another available space around you. 

Want more information about Ridge|Home? Click Here.
Ridge|Home YouTube Channel:
Rose Hill Ministry:

The Ridge is in charge of feeding the homeless every second Tuesday of the month. All meals are served at Rose Hill Church on Hamilton Road.

Our next service date is March 9th.

Please email us if you would like more information: info@theridgecolumbus.com.

Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home:

Even though the dinners have been canceled due to COVID, we are still donating supplies.

We hope to begin dinners and Bible study again soon!

Series: The Art Of Being Unordinary


Series: Breakout

Week #1: Glass Half Full
Week #3: You Raise Me Up
Tired of the view? Experience The Ridge!
Ridge Office: 5624B Whitesville Rd., Columbus, GA 31904