This Easter, I invite you to look at Jesus, consider what he said and did, and ask for yourself what I believe is the most important question you will ever answer: Did he really leave behind an empty tomb? And if he did, what does that mean for you?
This video was made possible and in collaboration with my friends at @ChildlikeMedia.
A heartbreaking tragedy has unfolded in Texas.
After days of relentless rain, devastating floods have claimed the lives of at least 52 people, 15 of them children. As of now, 57 individuals are still missing. Some of the young girls who died were attending a Christian camp known as Camp Mystic when the floodwaters came.
What can you say in a moment like this?
There is no greater pain than for a parent to lose a child. That’s not theory for me—it’s personal. Our son Christopher was unexpectedly called home to Heaven 16 years ago, and the grief still runs deep.
Sometimes the most honest and comforting thing you can say is simply,
“I’m so sorry. There are no words.”
As Christians, we can be quick to try to explain the unexplainable. But I’ve learned that when I don’t know why, I pivot back to Who.
And by “Who,” I mean—Who do we turn to in moments like this?
We must turn to God. He is our ultimate source of strength.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18
To those grieving parents, I would say this:
Your child is safely in the arms of Jesus in Heaven.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
—Matthew 19:14
And if you have put your faith in Christ, you will see them again.
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them… and thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
—1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
Your children are not only part of your past—they are also part of your future.
So yes, mourn. Grieve.
Cry your heart out.
And cry out to God—He will be there for you.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
—Psalm 46:1
Let’s continue to pray for the first responders still searching for the missing—and for the families facing unthinkable sorrow.
Lord, be near.
The value of anything is in the price someone is willing to pay for it. It is painful to look at, but the cross is the price God was willing to pay for you, and me. - Brian Tome
John will put Mark in the hot seat this weekend to answer your biggest deconstruction questions. You won't want to miss this... Bring a friend as we wrap up this message series.
In week 4 of the message series, Permission to Deconstruct, we learned more about what to do when you or someone you know has experienced hurt from church.
Watch the message on Youtube: https://t.co/272CexpePo
17 years ago we launched services at @theridgecc! We’ve seen thousands of people make decisions to follow Jesus, serve our communities, & through it all, I’m reminded God’s still in the miracle & transformation business. What an honor! I love you all. God, here’s to the next 17!
Hey dads, you're not going to want to miss Father’s Day at The Ridge. Jon and I will be at every service talking all things leadership, family, and faith.
See you there.
Thanks @CBS58 for covering this story.
Bucks General Manager Jon Horst made an appearance at the Ridge Community Church to talk about his faith, family and leadership.
https://t.co/ceXwLeuT7j
Tonight kicks off Father’s Day weekend at The Ridge. I’m pumped to get to talk to a fellow dad all about leadership, family, and faith.
You’re not going to want to miss this. So, invite a friend and let’s celebrate Father’s Day together.
See you starting tonight in Greenfield
Father’s Day weekend starts at the Greenfield Campus on Thursday, June 15.
Dads you won’t want to miss hearing from Jon Horst as him and @markweigt talk all things leadership, marriage, and fatherhood.
See you this weekend.
Join us for Father's Day weekend as the @Bucks GM Jon Horst describes what took him from the court to the front office, how he's built a winning team culture, and how he makes time to put his wife and family first.
June 15 & 18
https://t.co/iMouMHZd3k
#fathersdaygift#bucks
Join us for Father's Day weekend as the @Bucks GM Jon Horst describes what took him from the court to the front office, how he's built a winning team culture, and how he makes time to put his wife and family first.
June 15 & 18
https://t.co/iMouMHZd3k
#fathersdaygift#bucks
Beyond pumped to interview Jon Horst, GM of the Bucks for Father’s Day week at The Ridge. Hope to see you at one of our locations- https://t.co/McKLuXi8w0.
With great sadness we mourn the loss of TGC co-founder Timothy Keller, 72, who died today, more than three years after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.