Study and Engagement Resources

This is a very small list of various resources that some of the staff and leadership use to continuously engage with Scripture and see the world through a Christian lens. This list is by no means exhaustive but provides suggestions for Bible and prayer apps, books, podcasts and YouTube channels, Bible Study Tools, and Devotionals that will help keep your thoughts on things that are true, good, and beautiful. Scroll down to browse the list or click on a category below to jump to that section.


Bible and prayer apps

Suggested Books

Podcasts and YouTube channels

Bible Study Tools

Devotionals

RightNow Media Library

Bible and Prayer Apps

  • YouVersion

    This is a great resource that has hundreds of devotionals on any subject you can think of. It also has a Bible that can be read in many different translations. The devotionals can be short (a couple of days) to others that take you through the bible in a year. Most of the devotionals are 10 minutes to 15 minutes long, but longer one’s are available.

  • Life Application Bible

    This is an app format of the Life Application Study Bible. It contains helpful notes and serves as your study Bible on your phone. There is a $20 fee for this Bible.

  • Through the Word

    This is a free app that covers every book of the bible. You can go through any book

    with well grounded commentary on each chapter. This is an excellent way to go through the entire bible at your own pace. The commentary is fairly short, 10 – 12 minutes, and done in an entertaining and

    interesting way.

  • Blue Letter Bible

    The Blue Letter Bible is a Bible for those who are looking for more intense Bible Study. It make cross-referencing a breeze, contains Greek and Hebrew translations and guides, allows you to read passages in a wide variety of translations parallel to a second translation. It also contains many commentaries written by Bible scholars throughout history.

  • Lectio 365

    With the Lectio 365 app you pray the Bible by meditating on the scriptures and asking God to speak through them. The app has short devotionals for morning and evening so you can open and close each day with God.


    When you pause in His presence, you create space for peace in a busy and complicated world.

  • Church Center

    This app lets you connect to North Ridge Community Church. It is here that you can connect into the life of the church by learning about all the things that take our community out of the four walls of our building and into the heart of our neighborhoods and workplaces.


    • Visit THE HUB - our consistently updated bulletin board that lets you connect with the current events and ministries that keep us connected, growing, and blessing our community.
    • Learn about Life Groups - Get connected into a group that regularly meets to share life together.
    • Learn about learning groups - Are you looking for a group of people who desire to go deeper in the Word of God? Learning groups are designed to do just that. See what's being offered and join the group.
    • Learn about ways to serve - Everyone has a way they can contribute to the life of the church. Perhaps you would like to share yours.

Suggested Books

  • The Way of the Heart: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers

    By Henri Nouwen

    Henry J.M. Nowuen, one of the greatest of all spiritual writers, invites us to search deeply for the well-springs that nourish true ministry in his classic The Way of the Heart. Interweaving the solitude, silence, and prayer of the fifth-century Egyptian Desert Fathers and Mothers with our contemporary search for an authentic spirituality, The Way of the Heart not only leads us to a fuller encounter with God, but to a more creative ministry with our fellow human beings. Here is one of the most profound works from a writer known for his fresh and perceptive insights—and who stands alongside C.S. Lewis and Thomas Merton as an essential Christian scholar and thinker.


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  • Mere Christianity

    by C.S. Lewis

    "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis is a timeless exploration of the essence of Christian belief. In this influential work, Lewis presents a compelling case for the core tenets of Christianity, addressing topics such as morality, theology, and the nature of God. With clarity and intellectual depth, Lewis engages readers in a thought-provoking journey, articulating the fundamental principles that underpin the Christian faith. Whether you are a believer seeking a deeper understanding or someone exploring religious philosophy, "Mere Christianity" offers profound insights into the foundations of Christian thought and morality. Lewis's articulate prose and logical reasoning make this classic a must-read for those pondering the meaning and significance of Christian beliefs in the modern world.


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  • Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth

    By Richard Foster

    Hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality, Celebration of Discipline explores the "classic Disciplines," or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith. Along the way, Foster shows that it is only by and through these practices that the true path to spiritual growth can be found.

    Dividing the Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit, Foster shows how each of these areas contribute to a balanced spiritual life. The inward Disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study offer avenues of personal examination and change. The outward Disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and service help prepare us to make the world a better place. The corporate Disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration bring us nearer to one another and to God.

    Foster provides a wealth of examples demonstrating how these Disciplines can become part of our daily activities—and how they can help us shed our superficial habits and "bring the abundance of God into our lives." He offers crucial new insights on simplicity, demonstrating how the biblical view of simplicity, properly understood and applied, brings joy and balance to our inward and outward lives and "sets us free to enjoy the provision of God as a gift that can be shared with others." The discussion of celebration, often the most neglected of the Disciplines, shows its critical importance, for it stands at the heart of the way to Christ. Celebration of Discipline will help Christians everywhere to embark on a journey of prayer and spiritual growth.


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  • Sit, Walk, Stand: The Process of Christian Maturity

    by Watchman Nee

    Sit, Walk, Stand is an inspiring look at Ephesians, opening our eyes to the central issues of our faith. It describes the process of Christian living and maturity in three words:
    These three key words clearly show us the way to victory in this life—and for eternity.

    Sit—Our position in Christ
    Walk—Our life in the world
    Stand—Our attitude toward the Enemy
    New! Study guide included.
    An invaluable tool for the growing disciple.


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  • In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership

    By Henri Nouwen

    Henri Nouwen was a spiritual thinker with an unusual capacity to write about the life of Jesus and the love of God in ways that have inspired countless people to trust life more fully. Most widely read among the over 40 books Father Nouwen wrote is In the Name of Jesus. For a society that measures successful leadership in terms of the effectiveness of the individual, Father Nouwen offers a counter definition that is witnessed by a "communal and mutual experience." For Nouwen, leadership cannot function apart from the community. His wisdom is grounded in the foundation that we are a people "called." This beautiful guide to Christian Leadership is the rich fruit of Henri Nouwen's own journey as one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 20th century.


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  • The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness

    By Timothy Keller

    ‘What are the marks of a supernaturally changed heart?’ This is one of the questions the Apostle Paul addresses as he writes to the church in Corinth. He’s not after some superficial outward tinkering, but instead a deep–rooted, life–altering change that takes place on the inside. In an age where pleasing people, puffing up your ego and building your résumé are seen as the methods to ‘make it’, the Apostle Paul calls us to find true rest in blessed self–forgetfulness. In this short and punchy book, best–selling author Timothy Keller, shows that gospel–humility means we can stop connecting every experience, every conversation with ourselves and can thus be free from self–condemnation. A truly gospel–humble person is not a self–hating person or a self–loving person, but a self–forgetful person. This freedom can be yours…


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  • God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer

    By Pete Greig

    Pete Greig, the acclaimed author of Red Moon Rising, has written his most intensely personal and honest account yet in God on Mute, a book born out of his wife Samie's fight for her life and diagnosis of a debilitating brain tumor. Greig asks the timeless questions of what it means to suffer and to pray and to suffer through the silence because your prayers seem unanswered. This silence, Greig relates, is the hardest thing. The world collapses. Then all goes quiet. Words can't explain, don't fit, won't work. People avoid you and don't know what to say. So you turn to Him and you pray. You need Him more than ever before. But somehow . . . even God Himself seems on mute. In this heart-searching, honest, and deeply profound book, Pete Greig looks at the hard side of prayer, how to respond when there seem to be no answers, and how to cope with those who seek to interpret our experience for us. Here is a story of faith, hope, and love beyond all understanding.


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  • Christians and Politics: Uneasy Partners

    By Philip Yancey

    Have religion and politics always been so divisive? Some Christians believe we have a right—more, a responsibility—to involve ourselves in politics. Others shun any mixing of politics and faith, while still others are turned off by both.

    How should Christians act as citizens? Is there a clear-cut pattern we can follow? And does involvement in politics dilute the good news of the gospel for all people?

    In his signature, thoughtful style, Yancey tackles headlong a most contentious subject. At a time when labels define the field (red state/blue state, conservative/liberal, Tea Party/moderate), he seeks a common ground where faith and politics intersect, challenging us with five new ways to walk with grace in a world that knows all too little of it.


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  • Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple

    by Scott McKnight

    The last book of the Bible frustrates and frightens many people with its imagery and apocalyptic tone. Popular interpretations rely on fear and politicization and often lead to pride and alienation of others. Is this really how we were intended to read John’s Revelation?

    In Revelation for the Rest of Us, Scot McKnight with Cody Matchett explore the key message of Revelation and how it:

    • Calls us to be faithful and hopeful witnesses to Jesus.
    • Stimulates our imagination to see the world through the eyes of God and excite our faith.
    • Challenges us to stand against the militarism, economic exploitation, oppression, and injustice of worldly authorities.

    McKnight addresses the popular misconceptions about the book, explaining what John means in his use of the images of dragons, lambs, and beasts; and how the symbolism of Revelation spoke in the days of Rome and still speaks powerfully to the present day—though not in the way most people think.

    You’ll learn to see the Book of Revelation in a fresh and hopeful new way. Drawing from the latest scholarship, the authors present an understanding of Revelation for anyone interested in deepening their personal study of the Bible and strengthening their faith as dissident disciples who can discern the presence of "Babylon" in our world and learn to speak up, speak out, and walk in the way of the Lamb.


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Podcasts and YouTube

  • The Holy Post


    Holy Post Media is dedicated to producing smart and entertaining content that helps people think Christianly and live faithfully in our increasingly post-Christian culture.

    Launched in 2012 by Phil Vischer (creator of VeggieTales) and Skye Jethani (award-winning author and speaker), “The Holy Post Podcast” was just an outlet for two friends to discuss current events through the lens of their shared faith. We soon discovered an eager audience for our blend of humor, insight, and nuanced analysis. By helping a generation navigate and engage the complicated world of pop culture, theology, politics, and social issues, The Holy Post has grown to become one of the most popular Christian podcasts in the country.

  • Curiously Kaitlyn

    Theology is often seen as boring, confusing, and not relevant to the average person, but what if there was a way to make it fun, clear, and deeply impactful?


    Curiously, Kaitlyn is a weekly podcast hosted by author and theologian, Kaitlyn Schiess where she seeks to do just that. Each week she takes a question from an inquisitive kid about God, the Bible, or theology and brings on a scholar to answer the question in a way that makes sense even if you don’t have a PhD in Theology. Together, Kaitlyn and her guest unpack complex theological concepts, striving to demystify them and distill them down into something that helps people see God or their faith in a new way.


    Whether you're reminiscing about your own childhood curiosities or simply seeking a refreshing take on faith, tune in and rediscover the joy of learning with "Curiously Kaitlyn.”


    Listen on Spotify

  • Ask the Pastor with J.D. Greear

    Ask the Pastor with J.D. Greear is a weekly podcast that answers tough questions and tackles relevant issues in a way that is filled with grace, understanding, and wisdom from God’s Word.


    Listen on Spotify

  • The Bible Project

    The YouTube Channel features animated videos made to help people experience the Bible in a way that is approachable and transformative. These videos showcase the literary art of the Scriptures and trace key biblical themes from Genesis to Revelation. 


    Watch on YouTube

  • The Bible Project Podcast

    The Bible Project podcast features detailed conversations between Tim and Jon and occasional guests, inviting you to explore the biblical theology behind each animated video and series we create.


    Listen on Spotify

  • Desiring God

    Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. We’re on a mission to change that. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. This YouTube channel includes sermon clips, interviews, Q&A, and more.


    Watch on YouTube

  • The Paul Tripp Podcast

    Dr. Paul David Tripp is a pastor and best-selling author. This podcast features Paul's new Bible Study, the Ask Paul Tripp Show, sermons, conference messages, radio broadcasts, and other audio resources that connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.


    Listen on Spotify

  • The Ten Minute Bible Hour

    If you’re interested in understanding the Bible better and if you prefer your Christianity quick and punchy with a healthy side of humor, and an equally healthy side of me not telling you what to do, we’re probably going to get along great. This is my podcast where we pick a book of the Bible and then break it down one part at a time every weekday morning.


    Listen on Spotify

  • Matt whitman

    On this channel Matt Whitman talks about the Bible, Christianity, God, and other stuff in a wide variety of formats? He does reviews of popular media through a Christian worldview, tours churches and interviews pastors across a wide range of Christian denominations and traditions, digs into Scripture, discusses art and history, and pretty much shares his interests with whomever wants to join.


    Watch on YouTube

  • No Dumb Questions

    A science guy from the deep south (Destin) and a humanities guy from the wild west (Matt Whitman) discuss deep questions with varying levels of maturity. Though the topic is rarely explicitly Christian, Matt and Destin are experts in their field and yet view the world through the lens of the Gospel. This podcast will help you start to see how everything from science to art to music to history and all the other things in this world we live in can be approached as a Christian. You will have a great time listening too.


    Listen on Spotify

  • Sergio and Rhoda in Israel

    After 7 years of living in the US, we returned to tour our country of origin, Israel. Since we have started reading the Bible our interest in this precious country had increased tremendously, so we have decided to embark on a special journey to visit all the wonderful and biblical places that it has to offer and share them with you. Join Sergio and Rhoda as they explore the physical locations that we read about in the Bible.


    Watch on YouTube

  • The Veritas Forum

    Founded in 1992, The Veritas Forum invites students and faculty to bring their whole selves to wrestle with life’s most confounding ideas and be changed by them.

    Motivated by the historic Christian faith that seeks to love God and neighbor, we offer robust programs and events that encourage students and faculty from universities across the globe to engage their backgrounds, beliefs, and passions in a diverse community of exploration—one that puts the Christian faith in dialogue with other beliefs and invites participants from all backgrounds to seek truth together. Because we believe that an openness to discovery—and a posture of humility—are foundational to both the Christian story and a flourishing university.


    Watch on YouTube

Bible Study Tools

  • The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible

    The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible is a masterful blend of content written by today's top academics in a way that is compelling and easy to understand for anyone--no formal training or seminary degree required. This one-volume commentary is intended both for personal study and for teaching preparation.

    Concise commentary and background help the reader understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Clear explanations make it easy to understand matters related to grammar and the meaning of biblical words.

    While most commentaries stop there, the unique format of The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible provides a bridge from the world of the Bible to our lives today, guiding the reader to powerfully apply the biblical message to contemporary situations, problems, and questions.


    Purchase on Amazon

  • The Bible Exposition Commentary

    Here are commentaries that don't read like commentaries, but like letters from a good friend.

    Here is the exciting truth of the New Testament Scriptures wrapped in the warm, personal style of one of America's best-loved Bible teachers.

    Study the entire New Testament, from Matthew through Revelation, in digestible sections that emphasize personal application as well as biblical content. And be spiritually enriched as have hundreds of thousands of other pastors, teachers, and students of the Word who have benefited from this bestselling series with over 3 million copies in print.


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  • Tyndale Bible Dictionary

    The Tyndale Bible Dictionary features the work of 139 Bible scholars in more than 1,000 informative, in-depth articles. Thousands of cross-references enable users to find additional information and details about other topics that are most important to them. With hundreds of pictures, maps, and illustrations, and the very best evangelical scholarship on the Bible, this comprehensive, single-volume Bible dictionary is the principal book in the Tyndale Reference Library and will be an important addition to anyone's Bible reference collection.


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  • The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible

    Revised edition. Volume 5 of 5. The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible has been a classic Bible study resource for more than thirty years. Now thoroughly revised, this new five-volume edition provides up-to-date entries based on the latest scholarship. Beautiful full-color pictures supplement the text, which includes new articles in addition to thorough updates and improvements of existing topics. Different viewpoints of scholarship permit a well rounded perspective on significant issues relating to doctrines, themes, and biblical interpretation. The goal remains the same: to provide pastors, teachers, students, and devoted Bible readers a comprehensive and reliable library of information.

    • More than 5,000 pages of vital information on Bible lands and people

    • More than 7,500 articles alphabetically arranged for easy reference

    • Hundreds of full-color and black-and-white illustrations, charts, and graphs

    • 32 pages of full-color maps and hundreds of black-and-white outline maps for ready reference

    • Scholarly articles ranging across the entire spectrum of theological and biblical topics, backed by the most current body of archaeological research

    • 238 contributors from around the world


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Devotionals

  • One Year of Dinner Table Devotions and Discussion Starters: 365 Opportunities to Grow Closer to God as a Family

    By Nancy Guthrie

    Getting the kids to turn off the TV and video games is challenge enough―let alone gathering as a family to read and discuss the Bible! One Year of Dinner Table Devotions & Discussion Starters helps families start where they are already gathered together on a daily basis―around the dinner table. As the meal comes to a close, family members can take turns turning to the dinner-table devotion for that day, designed to be done together as a family in 10 to 15 minutes. The result is a meaningful daily discussion in which every family member can participate, drawing the whole family closer to God . . . and each other.


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  • New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional

    By Paul David Tripp

    Mornings can be tough. Sometimes, a hearty breakfast and strong cup of coffee just aren’t enough. Offering far more than a rush of caffeine, bestselling author Paul David Tripp aims to energize Christian readers with the most potent encouragement imaginable: the gospel.

    In the popular devotional New Morning Mercies, 365 engaging readings lead off with a compelling, gospel-centered thought, followed by an extended meditation for the day. Focused less on behavior modification and more on helping people encounter the living God, this resource equips readers with the good news that they need to trust in God’s goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory―day in and day out.

    • 365 Engaging Devotionals: Each daily reading includes questions for personal reflection and application, guidelines for prayer, and a list of relevant biblical passages for further study
    • Popular Daily Devotional: Over 1 million copies sold
    • Written by Paul David Tripp: Author of several books, including Lead; Reactivity; and Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional

  • My Utmost for His Highest

    By Oswald Chambers

    Over the past century, Oswald Chambers’s writings have inspired countless people to drink deeply from the biblical truths that he so passionately championed. Each of the 366 thought-provoking, Scripture-based meditations from Oswald Chambers triggers something in readers’ souls that leaves them forever changed.


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