Blue Ridge Community Church (audio)

There are more than 6 million children living in poverty around the world. Most of them don’t live past the age of five due to extreme poverty. We can make an impact in the life of these children through Compassion International, an organization that has been bringing awareness to this issue for more than 60 years.

How many of you wore a WWJD bracelet at some point in your life? If not, you probably knew someone who did. Those ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ bracelets are a version of the question we ask a lot here at Blue Ridge — ‘What does God have to say about it?’ Often, how we feel can control our thoughts and dictate our choices, instead of what we read in scripture leading us to obedience. What if our ownership in helping people follow Jesus was based on His word, instead of how we feel about it?

How many times have you set out with purpose, only to along the way forget what you were doing? Have you ever been scrolling through social media and suddenly an hour has gone by? Distractions surround us and can have the power to pull our minds, hearts, and our emotions off course from even the most critical mission. Saying yes to a few more minutes on social media or to snoozing through quiet time now and then may not make you feel completely derailed, but eventually those yeses become habits and patterns and you can no longer clearly define your mission. How can we stay on, and live out our mission of helping people follow Jesus?

Have you ever noticed we hurt, and are hurt by those closest to us? Somewhere along the line community can get complicated. Small offenses begin to pile up undealt with because we are busy, tired, or complacent – and suddenly we are keeping score. How do we be the church when life gets real? How do we pursue unity when we are holding our scorecards so tightly? This week we’ll look at Nehemiah Chapter 5, and the importance of owning unity in community.

The people in our lives play a huge part in who we are. They can be our biggest supporters and confidants - but what happens when they don’t understand or support how God is changing us? As we take ownership together, the people around us might be threatened by that change. How do we approach opposition and problems from friends, family, and coworkers who aren’t ready to embrace the same ownership? Let’s bring it to God and prepare ourselves for that.

If you’ve never experienced a Baptism Celebration at Blue Ridge—or if you’ve been to three dozen—you don’t want to miss this service! Hear the stories of redemption and life change, and join us as we celebrate the transforming impact of God’s grace in the lives of others.

If you’ve never experienced a Baptism Celebration at Blue Ridge—or if you’ve been to three dozen—you don’t want to miss this service! Hear the stories of redemption and life change, and join us as we celebrate the transforming impact of God’s grace in the lives of others.

If you’ve never experienced a Baptism Celebration at Blue Ridge—or if you’ve been to three dozen—you don’t want to miss this service! Hear the stories of redemption and life change, and join us as we celebrate the transforming impact of God’s grace in the lives of others.

God is moving and we are all invited to be a part of it, each of us able to bring something uniquely designed by Him to use for the future of OUR church. We are owning the future together. But what does that even mean? You may be feeling hesitant; you need more details about this future, this ownership. What am I signing up to own? What responsibilities come with owning a future that we don’t know yet. This week we further define what it could look like if we step into ownership together.

Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king, with all the honor that comes with the job of such an official. He did not need to trouble himself with the ruins of Jerusalem hundreds of miles away, but he did. And his favor with the king put him in a position to go to Jerusalem blessed and equipped, if he could face his great fear of asking the king for permission and support. God has placed you in just the right place to own His future for you. Is fear standing in your way? What are you afraid of that is keeping you from taking the first step toward taking action?

Friday we spent the evening together, away from the distractions and busyness of life for one night to focus on God, our Creator, our Savior, our Hope. It was awesome! There is something so powerful about praising God and worshiping Him in community that magnifies what He can do in us. Woody challenged us as a church to step into owning the future of OUR church together. Our first step is a 7-day prayer fast from Sunday, February 17-23, with the A.C.T.S. Prayer Model as our guide.  

When Nehemiah inquired about the Jews who traveled back to Jerusalem, the answer he received broke his heart. He mourned; cried out to God and not just a bit, but for days - over the plight of others. What breaks our hearts? What should break our hearts, and in turn open us to ownership and change. In Nehemiah we will hear how God lead his people toward a future he always intended for them, but there was necessary work to do along the way. Are we ready to own a similar responsibility?

Over the years, God has established a community of believers at Blue Ridge who are passionate about helping each other follow Jesus. Lives have been transformed because of what He has done in and through the church, and this week we will pause to celebrate and process His goodness. We believe it is also time to prayerfully consider what we really dream for the future of the church, and what that looks like for Blue Ridge. We will hear from Pastor Woody and Pastor Jeremy together as they talk through the past, present, and future of Blue Ridge.

If God is so good, why do bad things happen to good people? Why are marriages failing, and families being torn apart? Why are depression, addiction, and anxiety steering lives out of control? If God is good, why can’t I see His goodness? So often we measure God’s goodness by our circumstances and emotions. Trials come and linger longer than we’d like. It is in these moments we each have to face what we really believe about God and His character. Hear how trusting His goodness beyond our belief and understanding of it can define our future.

In the book of Job, Satan accused God of only blessing His people so they will love Him. What Job then endured tested his faith to the brink. When our lives present circumstances beyond our control what will it bring out in us? How can we recognize God as Lord of our lives in these moments...in every moment?

When we, or someone we love, suffer hurt at the hands of another, it’s hard to forgive. The natural response is to harbor bitterness, take vengeance, or keep a record of the offense. Scripture tells the tale of an indebted servant that had been fully forgiven but chose not to extend that same forgiveness to others. As a result, he paid a terrible price. Do you struggle with forgiving? What is the key to getting past the hurt and extending grace to others? It’s never easy to fully forgive but it is always what is required in order to live unhindered. In this message, you will hear more about the choice to forgive and how you can find freedom when you do.

In this series, we examine four key tenets of faith and question why some don’t seem to have peace or the kind of life that a true faith in God promises. One of the cornerstones of faith is grace. Sometimes fully embracing the unconditional and free grace of Christ feels beyond our grasp. Hiding our sin, proving ourselves, and working harder are common things we turn to as a substitute for the perfect grace God generously offers. Are you striving to earn God’s approval and struggling to fully accept His saving grace? Jesus presents a different path. Hear about His bold invitation to come just as we are and with complete confidence regardless of past sins and failures.

A core fear that most of us struggle with is the thought that our life will not matter in the end. Meaning, fulfillment, and a lasting legacy are the things we are driven toward and fight for in our life’s experiences and interactions. Achieving a life that matters is highlighted in the Christmas story. A manger…a baby…humility…a hunger for God to be glorified…all personified in Jesus. His grace and strength on full display. This message on the wonder of the Christmas story will explore the strength that is available to each of us through Christ and will challenge us to examine what we are striving for as we seek a life of significance.

Fear is an emotion that most of us try to avoid. But if you’ve ever stood before an authority figure that would determine your fate, or on the top of a skyscraper, or at the edge of a vast canyon, then you’ve experienced healthy fear. The kind that is intertwined with amazement, awe, and reverence. The Christmas story showcases and beautifully reframes fear and highlights why we celebrate a God that is just, merciful, and awe-inspiring. In this message, you will learn more about the role fear played in Mary’s experience and be challenged to examine the many ways an all-powerful God has never stopped giving mercy to those who fear him.

In the hectic times of life, and particularly in the chaos of the holiday season, it can be easy to just plow forward in survival mode. But God uniquely designed us for times of rest and thankful reflection. Remembering and recounting the mighty things He has done can serve to bring our often-frantic moments into clearer focus and allows us to take inventory of what’s most important. This message will challenge you to realize that our celebrations are solely because God has been and continues to be extravagant in His goodness toward each of us. You will be encouraged to view your life, and this season, with a grateful heart and a mind filled with wonder.