Blue Ridge Community Church (Video Version)

Communion

Sun, 13 May 2012 22:05:48 -0400

As we finish our One series, we take time to look at the perfect picture of a bride and bridegroom — the ultimate love story. Let's join together to remember what Christ has done for us during Communion this Sunday.

One :: Part 8 // One Yoke

Sun, 06 May 2012 18:54:45 -0400

When you're in the midst of a really tough circumstance and you share your concerns with your spouse, what is his or her first response? Is it to fix the problem? Is it to minimize the concern? Is it to pray together? In a marriage, having a spiritual partner, as well as a physical partner is important. But what if you and your spouse are not in the same place when it comes to faith? What if he or she bristles at even the mention of Jesus? Find out more as we learn about having "one yoke."

One :: Part 7 // One Shot

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:39:06 -0400

Have you ever said something in the heat of an argument to your partner and you saw that look in their eyes? You wish you could have taken it back, but it was too late. The Bible says a lot about the tongue and how we should keep it from harm and use it to bring healing. So if you want your words to bring life to your relationship, join us this Sunday.

One :: Part 6 // One Page

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:56:55 -0400

Mine. Yours. My dreams. Your plans. What happens in a marriage when we can't agree on the big stuff — parenting, money, where to live, where to work, sex? Learn how to turn mine and yours into OURS this Sunday.

One :: Part 5 // One Problem

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 18:56:03 -0400

He said. She said. We all have disagreements from time to time. We don't always see eye to eye. But what happens when you just can't find resolution? How can you “fight fair” so it isn’t destructive? How can you find peace amidst the conflict? Find out more in Part 5: One Problem.

Easter :: One Resurrection

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:40:42 -0400

Each year about this time, all of nature seems to begin to bloom and flourish, full of life. It's also the time of year we celebrate Easter. What does that bring to mind for you? Death, the cross, an empty tomb, new life? What did God have in mind? What does He have in mind for us now? We hope you will join us as we re-examine that this weekend.

ONE :: Part 4 // One Need

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:10:08 -0400

If you've been listening to our current series, you know the first step in creating better relationships is growing closer to God. Picture a triangle with God at the top and you and your spouse in the bottom corners. As you both grow closer to God, you grow closer to each other. But how are we to treat each other? What's the most important thing for men — is it different for women? Learn more in the next two parts of our ONE series — ONE Love (part 3) and ONE Need (part 4).

ONE :: Part 3 // One Love

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 13:26:42 -0400

Baptism - Third Service

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:46:29 -0400

We often say that the closest human parallel to Baptism is probably marriage. As we all know, the ceremony doesn’t make the marriage, but it is a statement of our commitment. In fact, in our culture, a person is not recognized as being married without it. Similarly, baptism is the outward expression of an inward reality. Let's celebrate with those taking this important step this weekend!

Baptism - Second Service

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:46:09 -0400

Baptism - First Service

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:44:07 -0400

ONE :: Part 2 // One Time

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:21:18 -0400

In the last few years a new term has emerged: "Starter Marriages." The idea is that like buying a house, you need to enter marriage as a learning experience to find out what you like and don't like before you settle down with your dream home. Is that your idea? Do you really think that a person can be in one lifetime-long relationship these days? Can or should we make that commitment, and if so, how can it happen? Find out more in part 2 of the One series.

ONE :: Part1

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:26:40 -0500

Wouldn't it be helpful to have a recipe for a good marriage — or for any good relationship? Just add a little of this, a little of that and stir. But what if at the end of the day, the relationship still isn't satisfying? Could you be missing a main ingredient? Find out in the first installment of Marriage by THE BOOK.

Fasting :: Developing a Hunger for God - Updated Version

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:16:56 -0500

Think about the last time you felt hungry. Really hungry. For some of us, we might never have felt any real ongoing physical hunger. But we've all felt spiritual hunger — the longing for something more, something greater than this world has to offer. This week, we're going to look at fasting and explore many of the questions that come along with it: What is it? Is it just food? How long do I need to do it? Why should this matter to me? - Updated to include Todd's wrap-up.

Communion

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:21:50 -0500

The Holy Spirit is not just some mystical force but a very real being, as we have been learning over the last several weeks. The act of communion allows us to stop and remember what it cost God to make us capable of having His Spirit dwell in us. Join us as we take time to celebrate being "in the flow."

Power :: Part 6 // Power to Produce

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:22:11 -0500

Which came first — the chicken or the egg? We can't really know that for sure. But do you sometimes ask a similar chicken-and-egg question about your spiritual life? Maybe it goes like this: Do I need to "be good" so I can be close to God? Or does an abundant, "good" life come from drawing near to the Father? What role does the Holy Spirit play? Find out more in this week's message.

Power :: Part 5 // Power to Heal

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:50:02 -0500

"God knows I've got so many frailties myself, I ought to be able to understand and forgive them in others. But I don't.” Does that quote by actress Ava Gardner speak to you? For many of us, it's so easy to critique others, the way they do things, the way they think. Churches should be places where that doesn't happen, but the truth is that many of us have experienced just the opposite. Yet, Jesus called His Church to unity. Find out how we are called to reverse that reality this Sunday in Power to Heal.

Power :: Part 4 // Power to Understand

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:45:07 -0500

Think about the last time you had a big decision to make. You may have made a list of pros and cons. You probably talked with a friend or two. There may have even been some Googling involved. As a last resort, did you shoot up a prayer? Is that the best way to determine our course? Come join us as Woody gives some practical steps for how we can access God's perfect direction in our lives.

Power :: Part 3 // Power to Change

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:40:59 -0500

“It's impossible." When was the last time you said those words? Were you talking about your job, your marriage, your addiction? Maybe you were overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed. Maybe you still are. What if you had the power to change — your circumstances and your life. Check out Part 3 of our series Power.

Power :: Part 2 // Power to Live

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:44:59 -0500

Many of us like to have a plan. We like to know what comes next. We like to be in control. But how’s that working for you? What if instead of trying to desperately hold onto your plan, you chose something better? Find out how in Power to Live.

Power :: Part 1 // Power to Go

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:46:36 -0500

A new year, a new you. We all resolve to make something better in our lives when we start a new year. But do you ever feel like you just can’t gain any ground? No matter what you try, you’re just stuck in the same old rut, like a car spinning its wheels. What do you need to move forward? How about some Power to Go?

A Look Back A Look Back

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:01:17 -0500

It's hard to believe another year has flown by. But before you just run into 2012, what will you remember about 2011? What happened? Was it a good year, a hard year? What happened in your relationship with God? Sometimes we live life only looking forward to what's coming and never stopping to remember and thank God for where He has taken us. So join us as we look back and see the places that God has brought us before we move into 2012.

Communion

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:22:27 -0500

This week we'll be celebrating communion. That may seem strange at Christmas, but communion and Christmas have more in common than just Jesus. There is a spiritual principle here that we can all discover.

Living & Active :: Part 10 // An Appropriate Response

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:55:45 -0500

Just ask any of your friends, “Are you ready for Christmas?” You’ll get quite an interesting bunch of responses. Some joyful, some completely stressed out. For some it’s the best time of the year, for others it’s the worst. What does Christmas bring out in you? Does it make you want to give thanks or get away? This week as we take a look at the Biblical version of the Christmas story, we see how a pretty random group of people responded to the birth of Jesus. What can we learn from their stories? What will be our response?

Living & Active :: Part 9 // Soils

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:34:42 -0500

Picture this: a weedy little garden plot with a sickly tomato plant in the corner being choked to death by the dandelions. Next door, there’s a lush, full plot overflowing with broccoli, carrots, corn, lettuce, tomatoes and peppers. What’s the difference? Is it just that one farmer is a harder worker? Does he have better tools? Or could it be something much more basic? If you were to look at your own life, which picture is the better fit? What would it take to have a life that’s abundant, full and overflowing? Find out more in this week’s message, “Soils.”

Living & Active :: Part 8 // Heart Revisited

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:42:54 -0500

There’s nothing like the feeling of falling in love. You want to spend every minute together, to know everything about each other. But sadly, it doesn't seem to last. The same thing often happens in our relationship with God. We meet Him and there’s a similar passion. Prayers pour out of you.The Bible is so interesting you don’t want to put it down. Have you ever felt that way? Was it long ago? Can you get back to that place? How? Join us as Woody talks about what he's learning about Loving God, part 2.

Baptism // Third Service

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:51:34 -0500

Baptism.

Baptism // Second Service

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:51:15 -0500

Baptism.

Baptism // First Service

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:50:56 -0500

Baptism.

Living & Active :: Part 7 // Your System is Working

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:27:54 -0500

"Why does this keep happening?" We’ve probably all said that—or at least thought it—at one time or another. We get to a point where it seems things keep going south on us. It may be in a relationship or our job. Maybe it has to do with our kids, or it could even be our relationship with God. But we just can’t seem to get it to work the way we wish it did. We feel like giving up or running away. But there is another way. There is a principle that Scripture teaches that just may be the key that unlocks the door. Join us as we look at another truth from God's Living & Active Word.

Living & Active :: Part 6 // Hope in Suffering

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:30:41 -0500

In our culture of instant gratification and quick fixes, the phrase from an older generation, “patience is a virtue,” doesn’t sit well. Nor does this verse from the book of Lamentations, “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.” This week’s message title, “Hope in Suffering,” may make you nervous. But have you ever noticed how many Bible verses allude to the topic of suffering? None of us will escape this life unscathed. If we’re not going through a difficult time right now – we will in the future, so these passages are for all of us.

Living & Active :: Part 5 // The Wise & The Foolish

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:01:41 -0400

We've all done things we look back on and regret. It could have been a slip in judgment with no real consequence. Or it could have wrecked our lives and we are still feeling the aftershocks. We can’t change the past, so we have to live with these mistakes; but the upside is that we can learn and hope to not repeat them. The Bible has a lot to say about how to do that. It's called living wisely.

Living & Active :: Part 4 // Our Past

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:20:40 -0400

We all have a past, and many of us are certainly not proud of ours. We don’t see how our mistakes could ever be used by God. But then we read about Moses and the Apostle Paul, both of whom were murderers, and God still used them mightily. Did you ever stop and consider that God may have used them precisely because of characteristics that are part of their past?

Living & Active :: Part 3 // Hands

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:07:40 -0400

Do you know anyone who claims to be a Christian but something seems to be missing? Maybe that something is joy or contentment. Or maybe that person seems very fearful. Could that “someone” be you? Do you hear other people talk about a faith that is more vibrant and exciting than what you experience?

Living & Active :: Part 2 // Heart

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:08:55 -0400

Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to love God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Have you ever been around someone who seemed to be able to do that enthusiastically and contagiously, and wondered how they got to that point? Do you wish you could love Him like that, but sometimes feel like you’re just faking it so you don’t look bad?

Living & Active :: Part 1 // Head

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:30:35 -0400

Faith: it’s one of those words that gets thrown around in almost any religious setting. But sometimes words like these get so over-used that people lose any real idea of what they mean. Is faith a combination of “truths” you’ve picked up here or there? Maybe the real issue comes down to the object in which our faith is placed. Or maybe it’s the summation of what a person believes about God. How does the Bible define faith? What are the basic elements of it? Join us this Sunday for the first of a three week discussion of what God has been teaching Woody about biblical Faith.

Communion

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:02:59 -0400

Many of us have grown up in churches in which the sacrament of Communion is a very important element of church life. Others have no idea who should take Communion, or why, when and how. At Blue Ridge, our monthly Communion services take place at First Wednesday and Thirsty, but some of you are unable to make either of these times or you don’t understand its significance for you. But what if there’s something of great importance that you’re missing – essential for you and of great value to God? Wouldn’t you want to at least check it out? This Sunday we will do just that. If you have never considered the importance of taking communion on a regular basis, you won’t want to miss this week at Blue Ridge.

A1:8 :: Part 6 // GFA

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 21:12:29 -0400

Gospel for Asia

A1:8 :: Podcast Announcement

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:05:49 -0400

Where's the series at?

A1:8 :: Part 4 // Ethiopia

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 19:13:48 -0400

We hear a lot about poverty in the U.S. and other countries as well. Much of what we think about poverty seems to revolve around our wallets. But there is more to it than just a lack of money; we need to understand what it means physically, spiritually, and relationally. So where can we find truly needy people? And once we find them, how can we help them? In Ethiopia, we are trying to assist in addressing not only the physical needs of the people, but also the four broken relationships we have been talking about. Don Tordoff and others from Blue Ridge have been to there, where poverty is a presence—a way of life at every level. Of course we can pray for these people, but what else can we do? Come this Sunday as Don shares his experiences in Ethiopia and begins to redefine and reframe what poverty really is.

A1:8 :: Baptism Third Service

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:38:40 -0400

A1:8 :: Baptism Second Service

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:29:31 -0400

A1:8 :: Baptism First Service

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:29:01 -0400

In The Beginning :: Part 6 // Others

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 19:02:14 -0400

We were never supposed to do this life alone, but often we don’t let others help us. Many times we don’t want to step out of our comfort zone or reach out to others to offer help and encouragement. You may be surprised at how much the relationships that were broken in the Garden affect your life today. It’s ironic that those that we would consider the poorest in our world often measure poverty differently than we do. The team who went on a recent missions trip to Ethiopia can attest to the fact that the people there do not consider themselves poor when they need money; they are poor when they are alone. Think about how you would measure your poverty on a relational scale. What does God need to restore in you in this area? Join us next week to learn how God wants to move us away from relational poverty.

In The Beginning :: Part 5 // Creation

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:32:45 -0400

As we think of our “stuff”, we can fall into the idea that all of it is for our own purposes, pleasure, and enjoyment. But what if it was never made to be that way? When we make our work separate from God, we often work harder to fill the brokenness in us. In the beginning (Gen 1-2) we were given a task to do in the garden. We were made to be stewards, not owners, of all God has created, and to glorify Him through our finances, family, and resources. Join us this week as we explain how to get this integral part of our relationship with God back in the right place.

In The Beginning :: Part 4 // Ourselves

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:36:09 -0400

People often fall into one of two categories in seeking to build self-esteem and a “healthy” self-image. We either feel we are broken and worthless–a nobody, or we believe we are everything, move into egocentricity–and become our own god. Which of the two extremes best describes you? Do you get your identity through success, good looks, prosperity, or family ties? Or maybe you thrive on praise from those around you. When God made us in His image, do you know what He intended that to look like? Come Sunday and find out.

In The Beginning :: Part 3 // God

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:00:54 -0400

We are about as far from New Year’s Day as you can get. Do you remember any of the resolutions you made at the beginning of the year? Most of us probably can’t. So why do we make them? Maybe we know there’s something in us that is broken. Even though our history demonstrates we can’t fix our brokenness, we continue to try anyway. As we unpack this idea of brokenness in the world and in us, where do we begin? How do we change the mess we’re in? The hard truth is that if we don't get this first part right, the rest really never works either. Join us Sunday for what we believe is the single most important cure for what’s broken in this world.

In The Beginning :: Part 2 // Broken

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:03:07 -0400

Most of us are aware of the impact of sin on our lives—sin that was introduced through the actions of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. All we need to do is turn on the TV to confirm the brokenness and evil in the world we live in. However, it's not just brokenness in the world, but the brokenness is in each of us as well that causes the problem. The simple truth is that many of us have reduced the Gospel down to just a way to deal with sin, or a way to escape hell. But it’s so much more encompassing than most of us have realized. In this talk we will look at not only the areas of brokenness and how they are manifested in us, but also how the Gospel is the only real solution to each of those areas.

In The Beginning :: Part 1 // It Is Good

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:11:10 -0400

In Genesis 1, the first chapter of the Bible, the phrase “and it was good” is repeated several times. The chapter ends with the words, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” As you read those words, what is your response? You may feel your world is not all that good. You have probably experienced pain, suffering, or sorrow. Maybe you don’t see much good in the lives of the people around you either. It may surprise you to know this is not the way God wanted it to be. We hope you will join us this Sunday as we look at God’s original intent for mankind and why our world is so different from that plan.

Why I Believe the Bible Can Be Trusted, Part 2

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:33:22 -0400

As believers in the truth of the Bible, we are sometimes approached with hard questions from skeptics. This week’s wrap-up will seek to provide answers to questions such as: Why should I believe the Bible? What makes it any different from other religious texts? Can we trust what man has written? How can biblical accuracy be maintained as scholars through the years move from translation to translation? What about literary proofs? This could be your opportunity to bring someone to Blue Ridge to address their questions, and perhaps answer some of your own.

Why I Believe the Bible Can Be Trusted, Part 1

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:52:38 -0400

We all know people who claim to not believe the truth of the Bible. Maybe we’ve been there, or are still there. We think we see contradictions in its pages. Perhaps we’ve heard that none of the “facts” of the Bible have ever been proven, or we question the miracles as too incredible to believe. Answers to these vital issues are important for all of us to hear. This week we’ll look at the archeological, historical, literary, prophetic and textual evidences of the trustworthiness of the Bible. Next week’s wrap-up will seek to provide answers to questions such as: • How can biblical accuracy be maintained as scholars through the years move from translation to translation? • Can we trust what man has written? • What makes the Bible different than all other religious texts?

The Body , Part 12 - Systems, Part 2

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 13:58:41 -0400

We have all heard some horror stories of leadership gone bad. Some of us have had personal experience with it—whether in the church or in the work force. But when a church leader doesn’t conduct himself according to biblical standards, it can have far-reaching effects. We’ve often heard it said that “the speed of the leader is the speed of the team.” That’s particularly obvious in the Body of Christ. Is there anything we can do to ensure excellence in the leaders around us? Or in our own lives as we influence others? We will soon be selecting a new elder at Blue Ridge. This Sunday we will look at a few more biblical qualifications for church leadership as we move toward our role in this all-important decision.

The Body , Part 11 - "The System Part 1"

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:39:01 -0400

Have you ever been involved in an organization undergoing a crisis in leadership? Did you notice things like low attendance at work or worship; lack of enthusiasm; factions; low rates of production? When a church leader does not conduct himself according to biblical standards, it can be especially devastating. So, what can we do to ensure God’s best leadership for Blue Ridge? The Apostle Paul was very clear about the qualifications for elders, deacons, and others. Our Body will soon be choosing a new elder, so this introduction to the qualities we should all strive for makes Sunday’s message an important one.

The Body, Part 10 - "Cancer"

Sun, 29 May 2011 13:28:38 -0400

For many of us, cancer is the most feared disease. Cancer cells are technically normal cells with abnormal growth that can contagiously take over the body and can become a devastating killer. These cells infect and destroy adjacent tissues, while also spreading to other locations through our bloodstream. However, if it's caught early through testing and checking for warning signs in our bodies, successful treatment is possible. The spiritual body can also get cancer.Thankfully God has shown us which red flags to be aware of and correct before it becomes deadly. This Sunday we’ll explore what that looks like in the Body of Christ.

The Body, Part 9 - "Infection"

Sun, 22 May 2011 14:16:38 -0400

Sepsis is a deadly disease that kills more people than cancer. It’s not dependent on genetics and it often kills very quickly from the inside out. A similar disease can spread throughout the church body, and if not treated, can fester and be damaging to our relationships—even deadly. This week we will hear some practical advice about how to protect ourselves from this contagious disease. It’s important not only for you, but for the whole body of Christ—BRCC and beyond.

The Body, Part 8 - "Baptism 3rd Service"

Mon, 16 May 2011 14:59:17 -0400

Any healthy body grows. Our cells are constantly in a state of regeneration. Our bodies are also designed to reproduce. In the same way, the Body of Christ reproduces. One of the most beautiful pictures of the growth and reproduction of the Body at Blue Ridge is what we experience at our Baptism services. We see the evidence of God moving in the lives of people as those who were previously baptized are now baptizing others. If you are planning your first visit to Blue Ridge Community Church, you may be wondering why we treat our baptisms more like a party than as a solemn observance. As an outward expression of the inward reality of commitment to Christ, we do take baptism very seriously. However, Jesus compared it to a wedding – both a solemn AND a joyous occasion. Join us in celebrating this evidence of Body growth and reproduction as you listen to true stories from people who have found forgiveness through God’s Son.

The Body, Part 8 - "Baptism 2nd Service"

Mon, 16 May 2011 14:58:58 -0400

The Body, Part 8 - "Baptism 1st Service"

Mon, 16 May 2011 14:58:17 -0400

The Body, Part 7 - "Immune System"

Wed, 11 May 2011 21:17:32 -0400

Our American culture values independence and self-sufficiency,which seems well and good until we learn that we are to be a body, which clearly implies interdependence instead. Much of tension comes to light as we read verses that remind us that being part of the Body of Christ means encouraging, exhorting and admonishing one another. We like the “encourage each other” part, but “exhort and admonish” comes hard. When we see someone messing up, we like to think that it’s not our business. But that’s not what God says. He designed us to speak the truth to our brother. But what about when people don't want to hear the "truth"? Because it is so difficult and yet so necessary to the health of the Body, we need to be at Blue Ridge this Sunday as we learn together the ins-and-outs of how to fulfill this Biblical mandate.

The Body, Part 6 -"Symbiosis"

Sun, 01 May 2011 21:06:40 -0400

Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we feel like a turtle that’s been kicked over on its back and we can't crawl out of our circumstances. Maybe you’ve fallen flat on your face—physically or spiritually; you can’t get up on your own and don’t know what to do. If you’ve never been in a place like that, chances are that someday you will be. So what do you do when faced with impossible odds that you can’t overcome on your own? Did you know that God has provided a solution to just that kind of dilemma in our lives and in the lives of others? This Sunday we’ll talk about steps we can take that will make a profound difference, not only in how we handle those experiences but also in the lives of those God lets us journey with.

Easter 2011

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 22:20:33 -0400

Easter service.

The Body, Part 5 - "Ligaments"

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:44:11 -0400

The human body contains bones and muscles to provide form, support, stability, and movement. These various parts are connected in an amazing way with ligaments and tendons, all controlled by the brain through a wonderful system of nerves. In a similar way, the church consists of many individuals, each working together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to form a functioning body. Have you ever counted how many “one anothers” there are in the New Testament? Depending on the version, it might be anywhere between 50 and 80, which gives a picture of how much we need each other. If you are a lone-ranger type or an independent thinker, Sunday morning’s topic is tailored just for you.

The Body, Part 4 - "Physiology"

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:42:05 -0400

“Too much of a good thing” is an expression we sometimes use. It can be used in the context of food, exercise, television, and even—when we’re really honest—visits from friends and family members. But, did you realize that it can also be applied to spiritual things? The Bible warns the members of the body of Christ about the way we are to use our talents and spiritual gifts. It is possible that by misusing them we can actually do more damage than good and harm the body more than help it. Join us as we learn the cautionary aspects of using our spiritual gifts.

The Body, Part 3 - "Anatomy"

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 20:18:38 -0400

Most of us never give much thought to a lot of the parts of our bodies until something goes wrong. Suppose you jam your little toe on your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. It suddenly has all your attention, doesn’t it? So it can be with the Body of Christ—the Church. We can sometimes feel unnoticed and insignificant with all the other parts of the Church seeming to be more important. But, the truth is that God did not make any of the parts superfluous or just window dressing. Each part matters, and God even had something special to say about the parts that often stay hidden. Do you feel as though you really don't have a part to play in the body at Blue Ridge? First Corinthians, Chapter 12, is totally devoted to the importance of each person in the body.

The Body, Part 2 - "The Head"

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 13:49:56 -0400

We were all mesmerized by the story of Christopher Reeve a number of years ago when his life took a nosedive from movie superhero to homebound and confined to a wheelchair. Although his brain continued to tell his body what to do, because of the injury that left him paralyzed, his body didn’t respond. Similarly, some of us started our spiritual journey with great joy and expectation. We became part of a team or organization. But at some point, either because it wasn’t run well, or maybe we just didn’t like being told what to do, things went south for us. Yet we know that as a believer in Christ we are part of a Body, and that means working together. So how do we do that? Where do we get our direction? From tradition? From our leaders? From the Bible? Or all of the above? There is a key that unlocks the door to fruitful, joyful living in the Body of Christ. To find out what that key is, join us this Sunday as we research what God has to say on the subject.

The Body, Part 1

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:13:36 -0400

Our bodies are fascinating in their design. For example, every square inch of human skin consists of 20 feet of blood vessels. The eye of a human can distinguish 500 shades of gray. Taking one step uses up to 200 muscles. The heart beats more than 2.5 billion times in an average lifetime and pumps 48 million gallons of blood.

Isn’t it interesting that the body is one of the pictures God gives us of how He designed His church? Why is it, then, as amazing as the human body is, that our past experiences with His Body—the church—have often left something to be desired? "The Body" series will help you rediscover the wonder of not only our physical bodies, but also of God’s Body—the way He designed it.

Celebrate Recovery Sunday

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:50:48 -0400

We all have junk…secrets…stuff that we try to fix on our own. What if there was a place where we could go through a single-minded process of biblical truths and walk toward freedom and hope? A process that works—one that other people have already been through and can walk through with you. Celebrate Recovery (CR) is an environment of growth. It’s not just for “those” people. Many of us have preconceived ideas and “baggage” with 12-step programs, but this week we want to bust some myths about recovery. For some, it’s a seasonal process; for others, it’s more long-term and in-depth. But for everyone, it is safe and confidential.

Once Saved, Always Saved?

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:37:02 -0500

We all know someone who has become a follower of Christ and yet live their life the same as before. Maybe that someone is you? So what’s the deal? How can I be a Christian if nothing’s changed? Why am I still living a defeated, sinful life? Have we settled for a Christian life that is far below the standard Christ died for? Jesus came to offer life. So if that’s the reality, why aren’t we living it? If there is something missing, how do we find it? Join us this Sunday as we discover the crucial link.