Tired Of The View?
Experience The Ridge!
Sunday Order Of Worship
10:30am

Opening Song: You'll Come
Welcome
Worship Songs:
I Am Set Free // Good Good Father // Way Maker
Prayer
Series: Prayer - Grasping the Heart Of God
Message: Pray Through The Day
Announcements
Dismissal

Search Me

But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away. - 1 John 1:9, CEV

King Saul falsely accused David of treason and sent his full forces after David in repeated attempts to take his life. With all his heart, David wanted to please God. He fought against his anger in order to protect and show honor to the king. Yet knowing that his motives weren’t always perfect, David surrendered his heart before God and prayed one of the most vulnerable, transparent, and dangerous prayers you’ll ever hear. Wanting to honor God in every aspect of his being, David prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23–24).

Not only is this prayer difficult to pray, but it’s even more challenging to apply and live out. Because if you have the courage to pray it, then you’ll need to exercise the courage to live what God shows you in reply. So don’t pray it if you don’t mean it.

Be forewarned, this prayer has the potential to convict you. To correct you. To redirect your life. To change the way you see yourself. To change how others see you.

Maybe you’re still thinking this is no big deal. Maybe you’re wondering why you should ask God to search your heart when he already knows all that’s inside you. You know what’s in there.

He knows what’s in there. So why ask something so obvious?

This is where it’s tricky. On the surface, it seems like we would know our own hearts. Right? I know my motives. I know what’s most important. I know why I do what I do. Besides, you might tell yourself, I’ve got a good heart. I’m not trying to hurt people. I want to do what’s right. My heart is good. I’m praying, aren’t I?

But God’s Word actually reveals the exact opposite. It might be a shock when you hear it the first time, but Jeremiah tells us some straight-up truth. Jeremiah was the son of a Levitical priest born around 650 BC. During the reign of King Josiah, God raised up this young prophet to take God’s Word to Israel and the nations. Jeremiah flat out says you—along with me and everybody else—don’t have a good heart. In fact, not only is your heart not good, but your heart is wicked and sinful in all its ways. The prophet said, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jer. 17:9 NLT).

Without Christ, your heart is deceitful. The closer we get to Jesus, the more we have to face our shortcomings. Pride. Selfishness. Lust. Addiction. A critical spirit. 

Praying this dangerous prayer can open a channel of communication to God. Instead of simply asking God to do something for you, ask him to reveal something in you. This moment of truth with God may not change you instantly, but it will help you to recognize your spiritual need and redirect your life.

That’s why this prayer of David’s is crazy dangerous.

“Search my heart, Lord.”

*LifeChurch.tv - Craig Groeschel
Ridge|Live

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

Ridge|Home

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

YouTube Channel: Click Here

Whether you join us live or online, we can't wait to see you this Sunday!!
Mother's Day - Sunday, May 9th

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. - Isaiah 66:13

Prove your mom always liked you best by inviting her to our special Mother's Day service.

We have something super special planned for your mom!
Zoom Date Night Experience!

We could not be more excited about the all-new, "Your Best Night In,” digital date night experience!

Who: Married Couples.

What: Have Serious Fun! Enjoy a date night of laughter, connection, inspiration, and encouragement. Games and PRIZES will be up for grabs!

When: Thursday evening, May 6th (after the kids are in bed).

Where: Online on the device of your choice.

How: Registration is free! Find a place to be alone (as much as possible).

Registration link: Click Here

Graduates

We're so proud of all our graduates!
Please let us know if you have a senior that you would like to be recognized: nathan@theridgecolumbus.com.

We will recognize our high school graduates during the Sunday morning Mother's Day service on May 9th.
Upcoming Series
Current Series
Prayer - Grasping The Heart Of God

Why is praying so difficult at times?

How do we pray to a God that seems so far away?

What does it mean when the Apostle Paul says to pray "without ceasing?"

We have so many questions when it comes to prayer. This series is all about helping people learn to pray the type of prayers that will move the heart of God. Over three weeks, we'll explain why some prayers are ineffective, what it really means to trust God with what we ask for, and how to pray for the miracles that require a God-sized faith. 
Growth Track - Zoom Meetings
Open for those who have taken "Church 101" and "Essentials 201"

Discovery 301 (May 16th 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.

To watch last Sunday's message:
Prayer Dos And Don’ts

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” – Luke 11:1, NLT

*Everyone prays.
*Everyone needs help.

For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should 
 - Romans 8:26a, TLB

Dos and Don’ts:

When you pray 
 Matthew 6:5a, NLT

1. Do talk. 


 don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. – Matthew 6:5b, NLT

2. Don’t put on a show. 

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. – Matthew 6:6, NLT

3. Do get close. 

When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! – Matthew 6:7-8a, NLT

4. Don’t make it complex or routine. 

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. – Matthew 6:8b-10, NLT

5. Do acknowledge and surrender. 

Study Guide:

There are many facets to prayer causing people to feel awkward, unsatisfied, frustrated and/or confused when they pray. We all need help to learn how to pray – even the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray.

1. Read 1 John 5:14-15. Since God promises us that He listens to us whenever we ask Him for anything, according to His will, what steps should we take to practice prayer, so it becomes a habit? What misconceptions do we need to discard in order to make our prayers with God more conversational than ritual?
2. Read Hebrews 10:22. What condition of the heart does God expect from us when we pray? Describe the characteristics of a humble heart. How do you prepare yourself to come to God in prayer?
3. Can you list some situations where God answered a prayer? What was your response? How was your faith impacted? How does knowing God will answer you in prayer increase your desire to talk frequently to Him? 
4. Read Isaiah 30:18. Prayer is speaking to a heavenly Father who’s waiting for you to communicate with Him. How does this change your perspective on prayer? Name some situations which might cause a person to turn to God in prayer. Name some situations that might cause someone to turn away from prayer. How does knowing God wants to show His love and compassion alter these polar opposite feelings?
5. How often do you pray to God? How do you feel prayer changes you? Has it changed you enough that others have noticed and are curious about God? Why or why not?

Pray: Jesus, our Lord, your love for us is beyond words. Thank you for giving us the ability to pray – to communicate with you. Show us all that you long for our hearts to be deeply connected to you. Open our eyes more and more to your presence; that you would draw us closer to you with our every breath. Please fill us with the courage to approach you and talk to you about anything. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask. - Matthew 6:7, CEV
Thank you for your continued generosity!
If you'd like to give, click here.
Student Ministry This Week:
Youth resume meeting this Sunday night, April 18, at the church office Suite E from 5:30-7:30. Dinner will be pizza.
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Breakfast Small Group resumes this week from 7:00-7:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 15, at the north Veterans Parkway Burger King.

Upcoming Sunday Schedule

April 18 - 5:30-7:30 at the church office Suite E.
April 25 - 5:30-7:30 at the church office Suite E.
May 2 - 5:30-7:30 at the church office Suite E.
May 9 - No Sunday Night Youth meeting in observance of Mother's Day


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.
The youth guys and girls are splitting up for some spring fun! The girls will meet at Autumn's family river cabin on Lake Harding on Friday, April 23, and spend the night. Pickup will be at 12 noon on Saturday, April 24. The guys will meet on the Scarborough family land on Saturday, April 24, to fish and cook what we catch. We'll start fishing Saturday afternoon around 2:00pm and pickup will be at 8:00 p.m. Saturday night.
SOULED OUT SUMMER, 2021 - Together
Souled Out is our biggest event of the year for students and it is back on this year! This year's dates are Monday, June 7 - Friday, June 11. Cost is $350 and scholarships are available to help with the cost! Steps will be taken to mitigate COVID-19 spread, and anyone unable to attend because of COVID-19 will receive a refund. 
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Click HERE for details and to register online!
You'll also find the info packet HERE. It includes release forms, a packing list, more details and printable registration forms if you prefer to register on paper and pay via check or cash.
RidgeRunners
Children's Ministry
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April Theme - Jesus Is Alive

UPDATEï»ż
Beginning on Easter Sunday (April 4), we will transition back to placing students on carpets by grade in the elementary area rather than by family and pre-arranged friends. We will combine two of our carpets for each group to provide more spacing, and we will limit the number of kids in each group to a maximum of 8. Kids will still need to wear masks at this time.

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 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 post a video 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:
*Why did Jesus die for our sins? - So we can be forgiven forever!
*Did Jesus stay in the grave? - No, God raised Him from the grave!
*How can we be friends with Jesus? - By asking Him to live in our hearts, and choosing to live our life for Him.

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

We are excited to announce that Camp 4:12 is on for
Summer 2021.
June 20-24

We will hold camp on our traditional week beginning on Father's Day-- Sunday, June 20 through Thursday, June 24. 

Cost is $240 if deposit paid by April 30. With deposit paid after April 30, cost increases to $285. Initial deposit this year is $30 to reserve your spot. 

Camp 4:12 is open to rising 2nd - rising 6th graders.

We would love for you to be a part of this special week! You and your kids will love this awesome experience!

CLICK HERE to register!

We will be following the state of GA guidelines for camps during COVID-19. Those guidelines are updated twice per month and can be found on GA.gov under executive orders. If camp were to be held today, we would take the following steps. As guidelines are updated these steps may change, and we will update parents accordingly.

1. We will screen all campers and staff for signs of COVID-19 upon arrival and during the week. Screening will include temperature checks.
2. No one who has COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 will be allowed to attend camp without a negative test and no symptoms present at least 48 hours before the start of camp.
2. Food servers will wear masks while serving kids in the cafeteria.
3. We will use the "pods" concept or groups of kids, so we limit the amount of contact kids have with others at camp. 
4. Parents will be required to remain in their vehicle during drop-off. (We hope to be able to lift this requirement by the time camp gets here.)
5. We will have a designated quarantine area for campers who show symptoms. If any camper does show symptoms of COVID-19, we will contact you immediately and make arrangements for you to pick up your child. Campers who leave because of symptoms must show proof of a negative test to return.
6. We will maintain distancing between cabins and groups throughout camp and especially when inside. 
7. We will practice frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
8. We will clean regularly including and especially bathrooms and the kitchen. 
9. Camp visitation will be limited to those volunteers who are necessary for running camp. 


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 May 12th.

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!


Easter 2021

Outrageous Claims: Click Here

Prayer - Grasping The Heart of God

Week #1: Do's and Don'ts
Tired of the view? Experience The Ridge!
Ridge Office: 5624B Whitesville Rd., Columbus, GA 31904