Life with God - Ridgeland Church

The Road to Emmaus

April 16, 2023 • Pastor Jared Richey

This week we start a new teaching series called “Life With God,” thinking about what a life with Jesus looks like after the truth of the resurrection. Here are some reflection questions to think about as you listen: What is one question you would like to ask Jesus? If you were a person in ancient Israel, how would you feel if you realized that the Messiah wasn’t going to immediately rescue you from the Roman Empire? Have you ever wanted Jesus to do something immediately, but it took a long time to happen instead? Why do you think God doesn’t just accomplish all his purposes or promises all at once? Why doesn’t God just give us all the answers right away? Do you gravitate more toward learning about God on your own or with others? Why?

Thomas

April 23, 2023 • Pastor Jared Richey • John 20:24–29

This week we continue our “Life With God” series by talking about Thomas in John 20:24-29. Here are some questions to reflect on as you listen! What do you do when you have doubts? Do you try to hide them or push them down, or do you find a way to voice them? Have you ever voiced a doubt or question and felt it was not welcome? How did you react? Is there anyone in your life that you know is experiencing doubt? How can you be a safe place for them in this time?

Peter on the Beach

April 30, 2023 • Pastor Jared Richey • John 21

This week in Life with God, Pastor Jared talks about Peter’s encounter with Jesus after the resurrection. Here are some questions to reflect on as you listen: Have you ever gotten that “pit in your stomach” feeling when you have to face someone you let down or betrayed? What happened? Have you ever had someone let you down? How did you feel going into it? What is your experience of forgiveness? Do you find it difficult to forgive others when they ask for forgiveness? Which is more difficult for you: giving forgiveness or working for restoration? Where can you work for restoration in your own life?

The Faithful Women

May 7, 2023 • Pastor Jared Richey • Matthew 21, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20

This week Pastor Jared compares the stories of the women at the tomb and how they were the first to witness the most incredible miracle in human history! Here are some reflection questions and prayer prompts to think about as you listen: Why do you think the women went to the tomb? The women’s encounter with the resurrection is mentioned in ALL of the 4 Gospels- why do you think that is? What stood out to you in the 4 accounts that Pastor read (Matt. 21, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20)? Because the women showed up and lingered, they were able to witness the most incredible event in human history. What does it look like for us to “show up” for God? How can we “linger” in God’s Presence and be faithful like the women? Where can you see God at work right now in your life? Pray and ask God to help you to be faithful, and ask for eyes to be able to see God at work.

The Great Commission

May 14, 2023 • Pastor Jared Richey • Matthew 28:16–20

This week Pastor Jared unpacks the story of the “Great Commission” Jesus spoke to his disciples in Matthew 28:16-20 and what it means for us today. Here are some questions to think about as you listen! What does it look like to have all authority on heaven and earth? Stop for a moment and imagine the vastness of the universe in your mind, then imagine someone who could create all of that with a word. If you had this kind of power and authority, what would you want to do with it? How does that compare to what Jesus chooses to do with it? Why do you think Jesus chose to trust a ragtag bunch of disciples to carry his message throughout the world, rather than bringing about the entire rule and reign of his Kingdom right then? The Greek of the command “Go” in Matthew 28:19 is more literally translated, “as you go” or “as you are going.” How does that affect how you understand the passage? What is one practical way you can work for the sake of Jesus’ Kingdom in your life this week? How can you work to stay connected to the presence of Jesus in your life?

Ascension

May 21, 2023 • Pastor Jared Richey • Acts 1:1–11

This Sunday, Pastor Jared preached from the story of Acts 1:1-11, about Jesus’ Ascension and what it means for us as the church. Below are some questions to reflect on as you listen! How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus told them that the restoration of the kingdom of Israel was, essentially, “none of your business”? Do you find yourself struggling with this idea or wanting to worry about the restoration or success of certain entities that are smaller than the Kingdom of God? Pastor Jared says that we are the one who give evidence that the Kingdom of God exists. What do you think it looks like in your life to live as evidence of the Kingdom of God in the world? What do you think the power of the Holy Spirit means in your life? What would it mean for this church? For your community? Take a moment and dream about what things might change in your life if you chose to live as if the Kingdom has already come. Dream big! Now, take some time to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you in how to live your life in the truth of the inbreaking Kingdom of God this week.

Pentecost

May 28, 2023 • Pastor Jared Richey • Acts 2

This week Pastor Jared wraps up our “Life with God” series by teaching us about Pentecost and the birth of the church through the movement of the Holy Spirit among Jesus’ disciples. Reflect on these questions as you listen! What does Pentecost mean to you? If you’ve spent time in church before, do you have any memories of celebrating Pentecost? It can be easy to wish for God to speak through fire, smoke, and loud noises all the time. However, the disciples were instructed to wait and pray before they encountered the Spirit at Pentecost. What would it look like for you to wait and pray for the Spirit to come upon you? The Holy Spirit doesn’t invade unwanted into our lives, but fully receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit often means we have to let go of something we have been clinging to. What is something God may be calling you to set down in order to put on the newness of the Holy Spirit?