Chestnut Ridge Church

Continuing our Nine series, Pastor Josh explores the next fruit of the Spirit: joy. Through Paul's example in Philippians, we learn that true joy isn't based on circumstances but on putting Jesus first, others second, and yourself last.

Love isn't just the first fruit of the Spirit—it shapes every other one. In this episode of Side Notes, Pastor Josh and Adam unpack why Paul begins with love, what it really means to stay connected to the Vine, and how the Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out. Plus, they share practical ways to show Christlike love to the people around you this week.

What does it look like to become more like Jesus? In the first message of our new series, Nine, Pastor Josh introduces the fruit of the Spirit by exploring the source of lasting spiritual growth: staying connected to Christ. As we begin with love, discover why it is the foundation for every other fruit the Holy Spirit produces in our lives and how God's love changes the way we live, worship, and love others.

Why is rest so difficult in a world that never slows down? In this episode of Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Josh discuss the gift of Sabbath, what it means to trust God through rest, and how Jesus showed us that Sabbath was made for us. They also look ahead to NINE, a new series exploring the fruit of the Spirit.

We weren't designed to run on empty. In this standalone message, Pastor Josh explores the gift of Sabbath as God's weekly rhythm of rest, relationships, and refreshment. As we reach the midpoint of the year, we're invited to pause and consider how we're doing and to rediscover Sabbath as a gift meant to restore and renew us. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

What makes biblical community so valuable, and why is it often so difficult? This week on Side Notes, Pastor Josh and Adam unpack the deeper meaning behind Psalm 133, explore why relationships require intentional effort, and share practical encouragement for resisting isolation and pursuing the life God designed us to live together.

We weren't created to do life alone, yet it's easy to drift toward isolation and division. In the final message of our Psalms for the Summer series, Pastor Josh unpacks Psalm 133 and reminds us that unity is both a gift from God and something worth pursuing. This summer, take a simple step toward deeper relationships. Maybe it's time to "light the grill." // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

What does it mean to see children as gifts from God? In this episode of Side Notes, Josh and Adam dive deeper into Psalm 127, exploring the imagery of children as an inheritance and arrows, the challenge of trusting God with our families, and the importance of passing faith to the next generation. Plus, they share personal stories about fathers, family traditions, and the memories that shape us.

What if the way we see children needs to change? In Psalm 127, we're reminded that kids aren't interruptions, inconveniences, or distractions—they're gifts from the Lord. This week, Pastor Josh challenges us to "pass the ball" and be intentional with the children and teens God has placed in our lives, making the most of the moments we've been given this summer. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

What does creation reveal about God? In this episode of Side Notes, Adam sits down with Pastor Tim to unpack Psalm 19, explore the difference between general and special revelation, and discuss why God's glory is on display all around us. From sunrises and mountain views to everyday moments we often overlook, discover how creation points us to our Creator and invites us to worship Him.

Pastor Tim continues Psalms for the Summer by focusing on how God reveals Himself through creation. Drawing from Scripture, we see that God's revelation is clear, constant, and available to all. This psalm invites us to slow down and see creation not as background noise, but as a continual testimony to the glory of God. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

In this episode of Side Notes, Psalm 96 comes alive as Pastor Josh and founding Pastor Tim Haring explore what it really means to “turn up the praise.” From singing as an act of formation to the weight of ascribing glory to God, the conversation moves between deep Biblical reflection and real-life moments that make worship personal. They also wrestle with how worship shapes what we believe about God—and what it means to live as people who carry that praise into the world.

We underestimate how much music shapes our lives. Launching us into Psalms for the Summer, Pastor Josh explores Psalm 96 and challenges us to turn up the praise by filling our hearts and minds with songs that draw us closer to God. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

This week on Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Josh take a deeper look at 2 Timothy 4 and Paul's final charge to preach the Word. They discuss the danger of seeking messages that simply tell us what we want to hear, why context matters when reading Scripture, and what it means to fight the good fight and finish the race well. Plus, they reflect on the timeless relevance of God's Word and preview the upcoming Psalms for the Summer series.

As we conclude our Deepfake series in 2 Timothy, Pastor Josh explores Paul's final charge: preach the truth. In a world where people often seek messages that affirm what they already want to hear, God calls His people to remain anchored in His Word. Through Paul's closing encouragements and warnings, we're reminded of the importance of faithfully passing on, protecting, practicing, and proclaiming God's truth. The question for each of us is this: Are we willing to hear and apply God's truth, even when it's hard? / Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

In this episode of Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Josh dive deeper into 2 Timothy 3 and what it means to practice the truth in a culture filled with deception. They discuss spiritual vigilance, false teaching, the reality of persecution, and how believers can stay grounded through Scripture and Christian community. Plus, a few side notes on neighborhood watch stories, Cracker Barrel, and preparing for vacation the Josh Rhodes way.

Not everything that looks true actually is. In this week's message from Deepfake, Pastor Josh dives into 2 Timothy 3 and explores how to recognize deception, avoid counterfeit faith, and stand firm in a world drifting further from truth. From false teachers to cultural pressure to the power of God's Word, he challenges us to not just know the truth—but practice it. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

In this episode of Side Notes, Adam sits down with Pastor Tim for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation on Sunday's Deepfake message from 2 Timothy 2. From AI-driven misinformation and clickbait headlines to the challenge of discerning truth in Christian teaching, nothing is off limits—including a few honest moments about getting angry at what we see online. They also unpack practical ways to stay grounded in God's Word when everything around us feels noisy, confusing, and opinion-driven.

Continuing Deepfake, Pastor Tim looks at 2 Timothy 2 and why protecting the truth matters more than ever. Social media and online content are increasingly designed to blur reality with emotional, misleading stories that feel real but aren't. He challenges us to stay grounded in Scripture, anchored in Christ, and discerning in what we believe and share. In a noisy world, this is a call to hold firmly to what is true. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

What does it look like to stay anchored in truth when everything around you feels uncertain? On this episode of Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Josh unpack the kickoff of the “Deep Fake” series in 2 Timothy and talk through what it means to pass on a faith that lasts. They also get into honest conversations about living unashamed of the gospel, navigating a world full of noise and deception, and what it looks like to actually hand faith down to the next generation.

In a world filled with lies, distortion, and deception, how do we hold on to what is true? Kicking off our series, Deepfake, Pastor Josh walks through 2 Timothy 1 and challenges us to faithfully pass on the truth of God's Word to the next generation. Looking at the example of Paul, Lois, and Eunice, we're reminded that faith is both taught with our words and caught through the way we live. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Five years after launching Foster WV, we celebrate with guest speaker Jason Johnson, author and National Director of The Pure Religion Project. Jason shares a timely message about God's heart for broken people and places, challenging us to become a church that moves toward suffering with compassion. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Adam and Pastor Josh dive deeper into this week's message from Exodus 18 and the challenge of living with healthy limits. They talk about burnout, overloaded schedules, digital distractions, and why so many people feel constantly exhausted. Through Moses and Jethro's story, they share practical ways to lighten the load and create healthier rhythms. If life feels heavy right now, this conversation will encourage you.

Why does life often feel heavier than it needs to? In the final message of our "Living Light" series, Pastor Josh walks through Exodus 18 and the wisdom Jethro gave Moses when he was stretched beyond his limits. He encourages us to embrace healthy boundaries with work, schedules, technology, and everyday responsibilities so we can lighten the load and live with more joy, peace, and purpose. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

What if following Jesus was never meant to be done alone? This week in Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Josh continue the "Living Light" series by exploring why we resist asking for help, how isolation quietly shapes our lives, and what it actually looks like to live out Jesus' command to “love one another”—through serving, encouraging, and forgiving each other in real, practical ways.

We live in a world that tells us to figure it out on our own, but following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey. Continuing "Living Light," Pastor Josh shares how God designed us for community and why loving one another—through serving, encouraging, and forgiving—actually helps us live lighter. If life feels heavy, this is a simple reminder: you don't have to carry it alone. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

What if the weight you're carrying was never yours to hold? In this episode of Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Tim reflect on a powerful Easter at The Ridge and the launch of the "Living Light" series. Together, they unpack Matthew 11:28–30 and explore how Jesus invites us to lay down our burdens and step into a lighter way of living through surrender, trust, and discipleship.

In a world where so many of us feel overwhelmed, stressed, and stretched thin, Jesus offers something better. Kicking off "Living Light," Pastor Tim unpacks Matthew 11:28–30 and what it means to find true rest—not by trying harder, but by surrendering what we're carrying. We discover how Jesus doesn't just lighten our load—He carries it, starting with the weight of our sin. This is an invitation to begin living lighter by walking closely with Him. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Easter at The Ridge… where do we even start? From powerful baptisms to a message centered on the Lamb's Book of Life, Adam and Pastor Josh dive into the final message from our "Covered" series, unpack Revelation, and share what it all means for us today. Through faith in Jesus, our names are written—secure, known, and forever—and in this episode, they explore that hope, the behind-the-scenes moments, and the truth that changes everything.

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the risen Jesus—the Lamb who was slain and now lives in victory. In the final message of our "Covered" series, Pastor Josh walks us through the powerful thread that runs from Genesis to Revelation, showing how everything points to Christ. Through the eyewitness account of John and the vision of eternity he was given, we're reminded of a truth that changes everything: through faith in Jesus, our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

This Good Friday, as part of our “Covered” series, we walk through the Last Supper to the cross, remembering that Jesus shed His blood and died in our place for our sin. Through Scripture, worship, prayer, and communion, we pause to reflect on His sacrifice and the hope it brings. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Go beyond Sunday with this week's Side Notes. Adam and Pastor Josh continue the conversation from "Covered" week 4, diving into John 1 and what it means to point people to Jesus, the Lamb of God. They talk through who John the Baptist was, why Jesus was baptized, and why that moment still matters for us today—especially when it comes to inviting others and living out our faith.

In Part 4 of "Covered," we hear John the Baptist declare, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” As Pastor Josh walks us through who John was and why his words matter, we're reminded that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything Scripture has been pointing toward. And just like John, we get to point people to Him—living out our faith and inviting others to experience the hope we've found in Jesus, especially in this Easter season. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

This week on Side Notes, Adam sits down with Pastor Tim to unpack the deeper meaning behind atonement and forgiveness. They explore how the Old Testament sacrificial system points to Jesus as the Lamb of God—and what it truly means for our sin to be removed, not just covered. Plus, they dive into fascinating questions about Sheol, the Day of Atonement, and why reading the Bible can raise challenging (but important) questions.

What's the difference between sin being covered and completely removed? In Part 3 of "Covered," Pastor Tim explores the Day of Atonement and why the Old Testament sacrificial system was never meant to be the final solution. He helps us discover how everything points to Jesus—the Lamb of God—who takes away the sin of the world. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

From pocket pepperoni rolls to red paint splattered across the stage, Adam and Pastor Josh take you behind the scenes of week two of our "Covered" series. They dive into the weight of the Passover and the striking visual connection between an ancient Egyptian doorframe and the cross of Christ. It's a raw look at why God's justice is actually His greatest act of love.

What does the blood on the doorposts in Exodus have to do with the cross of Jesus? Continuing our "Covered" series, Pastor Josh explores the first Passover and the powerful moment when God spared His people because of the blood of a spotless lamb. This historic night wasn't just about Israel's deliverance from Egypt—it was pointing forward to Jesus, our true Passover Lamb. Through the blood on the door Israel was spared; through Christ's blood on the cross we can be saved. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Dive into this week's episode of Side Notes with Adam and Pastor Josh as we unpack the story of Adam and Eve and the power of God's covering. From the heartbreak of sin to the hope of redemption, we explore connections you might have missed—from Eden's thorns to the crown of Christ. Follow the thread from the first act of covering in the Garden to the ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Kicking off our new Easter series, "Covered," Pastor Josh explores Genesis 3 and humanity's instinct to hide and cover our sin. When Adam and Eve's attempt fell short, God provided a covering of His own—an act that points forward to the greater sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

What happens when we stop trusting our bank accounts and start trusting the Provider? Adam and our Founding Pastor, Tim Haring, dig into the "spiritual blindness" of wealth and why our possessions fight for a seat on the throne of our hearts. From humbling stories in the Philippines to miraculous provision in the early days of The Ridge, this is an honest look at breaking the grip of anxiety to find a security that actually holds.

Pastor Tim wraps up our "Dollars & Sense" series by asking a powerful question: are we faith-filled or fearful when it comes to our finances? Teaching from Matthew 6:19–34, he unpacks Jesus' words about treasure, trust, and worry, and what it really means to seek first the kingdom of God. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Most of us feel the pressure of money—stress, debt, and the constant pull to spend more. In this episode of Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Josh unpack this week's "Dollars & Sense" message with an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about budgeting, discipline, and contentment, sharing biblical wisdom and practical steps that can bring peace and margin to everyday finances. // Helpful Resources: • Goodbudget App: https://goodbudget.com/ • EveryDollar App: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar

How do we live within our means in a culture that constantly pushes us to spend more? In this message from our "Dollars & Sense" series, Pastor Josh shares biblical principles and practical guidance around budgeting, discipline, and contentment—pointing us toward a healthier relationship with money and a life with less stress and more peace. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

What happens when a sermon on giving is met with a microphone meltdown and an "apple math" error? On this episode of Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Josh embrace the chaos of Sunday morning to unpack the deep research behind the "dollars and cents" of the Bible. Moving past legalism, they discuss the shift from "having to" give to the "get to" mindset of radical generosity. It's a candid look at the theology of the tithe, the reality of live-church mishaps, and why the New Testament standard is more about the heart than the calculator.

Have to… or get to? The way we answer that question changes everything about generosity. Continuing "Dollars & Sense," Pastor Josh explores what Scripture really says about tithes, offerings, and cheerful giving—and why giving to God is meant to be a blessing, not a burden. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Is it time to rethink your relationship with money? This week on Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Josh discuss the shift from ownership to stewardship and why managing God's resources is the path to freedom. They share personal stories and "side notes" on the series kickoff, including a moment of realization that Pastor Josh had at the checkout counter. We're unpacking what it actually looks like to trade financial stress for God's perspective.

Money shapes more of our lives than we often realize. Kicking off our "Dollars & Sense" series, Pastor Josh invites us to consider a foundational question: are we owners, or are we stewards? Rooted in Genesis, he points us to God as Creator and Owner of all things and encourages us to rethink how we handle what's been placed in our care. Because how we view money ultimately shapes how we use it. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

What does it really look like to live out God's Word in the middle of your week? On this episode of Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Josh get real—talking about loving God, reaching out to neighbors, and even loving your enemies. They share stories from worship, communion, and life at The Ridge that'll make you laugh, think, and see faith in a fresh way.

What if your faith could actually draw people closer to Jesus? In the final week of "Cover to Cover," Pastor Josh shows how living what we believe—not just talking about it—can make a real impact. Using Jesus' example of loving God, serving neighbors, and even forgiving enemies, he challenges us to let our faith be visible, practical, and transformative. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

When the world is full of lies, distractions, and chaos, how do we stay rooted in truth? On this episode of Side Notes, Adam and Pastor Josh dive into Pastor Tim's message on 1 & 2 Timothy, exploring faith that stands firm in any storm. From snowed-in adventures to family faith stories, they show how God's Word isn't just ancient—it's alive, practical, and the firm foundation we can build our lives on.

What happens when a strong foundation slowly erodes beneath the surface? Continuing "Cover to Cover," Pastor Tim examines the Apostle Paul's final charge to Timothy and why standing on God's Word still matters today. He explores cultural and spiritual erosion and reminds us that Scripture is God-breathed, points to Jesus, and equips us to live faithfully in a shifting world. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live