Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. Join us this Sunday at 10:30 am. We gather to equip the saints to make disciples in our homes, in our community, and in the world. We Are Pleasant Ridge. MISSION AND VISION GET INVOLVED SERMONS EVENTS Join us. 1343 Hueytown Road Hueytown, Alabama 35023 Sundays —10:30a Wednesdays—6:00p 205.491.3771 Service Times: Welcome to Pleasant Ridge Pleasant Ridge is a community of believers whose mission is to glorify God by making disciples in their homes, community, and in the world. WHAT TO EXPECT? Learn more about what to expect at our Sunday services from attire, order of service, and how to get connected. WHAT TO EXPECT KIDS AND STUDENTS Visiting and want more information about Ridge: Kids and Ridge: Students? Find more about family ministries here. MINISTRIES SMALL GROUPS So much of what we are called to do as followers of Jesus is lived out during the week through small groups. SMALL GROUPS Sermon Series. Current Sermon Series I-II Samuel 2 Samuel continues the story that began in 1 Samuel, telling of the nation of Israel’s inception. 1 Samuel began with Israel operating as a Theocracy (or God-governed), but ended as a monarchy (King-governed) due to Israel’s demand for a king like all the other nations. With Israel’s Kingdom established, the story of 2 Samuel focuses on the life of King David, the man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). King David’s life was riddled with hardships, yet he teaches us how to trust in God’s providence. Throughout 2 Samuel, David seeks the will of the LORD to guide his life. God blesses the nation during David’s kingship and makes an everlasting covenant with Him (2 Sam. 7), a covenant which points us to Israel’s true King, Jesus, whose throne is eternal. LEARN MORE Student Spirit Week 2025 Wed, Sep 03 LEARN MORE I-II Samuel Every Sunday LEARN MORE

Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Hueytown is a community focused, gospel centered family where you can belong, grow, and thrive. We are a Southern Baptist church in the southwest Birmingham and west Bessemer area. Watch Now Next Livestream | Sunday at 10:30 am Can't physically join us for worship? Join us online at 10:30 am for the Pleasant Ridge Live Stream service. Watch 10:30 am Livestream Watch Previous Services Current Sermon Series Current Sermon Series The Biblical Story 2 Samuel continues the story that began in 1 Samuel, telling of the nation of Israel’s inception. 1 Samuel began with Israel operating as a Theocracy (or God-governed), but ended as a monarchy (King-governed) due to Israel’s demand for a king like all the other nations. With Israel’s Kingdom established, the story of 2 Samuel focuses on the life of King David, the man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). King David’s life was riddled with hardships, yet he teaches us how to trust in God’s providence. Throughout 2 Samuel, David seeks the will of the LORD to guide his life. God blesses the nation during David’s kingship and makes an everlasting covenant with Him (2 Sam. 7), a covenant which points us to Israel’s true King, Jesus, whose throne is eternal. LEARN MORE 01. Part One 2 Samuel 1 02. Part Two 2 Samuel 2 03. Part Three 2 Samuel 3, 4 04. Part Four 2 Samuel 5:1-16 05. Part Five 2 Samuel 6:1-15 06. Part Six 2 Samuel 7:1-29 07. Part Seven 2 Samuel 9:1-13 08. Part Eight 2 Samuel 11 09. Part Nine 2 Samuel 12 10. Part Ten Psalm 51 Sermon Archive II Samuel The Book of II Samuel The Biblical Story Biblical Theology Gospel Shaped for Cultural Impact Entrusted Managing God's Resources The Journey to Bethlehem Christmas I Samuel The Book of I Samuel Liveworthy The Book of Colossians The Parables: in Matthew Parables in Matthew Seven Scenes of Faithfulness The Book of Daniel Ad Fontes The Book of 2 Timothy Waiting on God The Book of Habakukk Summer in the Proverbs Proverbs

Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Hueytown is a community focused, gospel centered family where you can belong, grow, and thrive. We are a Southern Baptist church in the southwest Birmingham and west Bessemer area. Ridge: Students. Note to Parents: Our strategy is to walk alongside parents to help them disciple their student(s). We do this by equipping students to know, love, and follow Christ. Part of how we do this is to create a community where students think deeply about Christ, glorify God in all things, and by taking the Gospel to the nations. Gatherings There is no formal "check-in" for the student ministry. On Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, students will go to our student space to spend time in community, bible study, and prayer. Connect Each month there are numerous opportunities for students to connect with others outside of weekly scheduled gatherings. See the events section below to explore how your student(s) can connect with us. Sundays : 9:00am | Wednesdays : 5:30-7:30pm Curriculum Malachi (Summer) — Wednesdays / Sundays The book of Malachi functions as a conventional call to repentance. Malachi is a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness in contrast to Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Through the powerful themes of God’s unchanging love, true worship, covenant faithfulness, and the coming hope of redemption, Malachi reminds us that God is not indifferent to our indifference—He is a God who calls His people back to Himself with mercy and purpose. As we study Malachi together, we will see how its message still speaks today—challenging half-hearted faith, calling for integrity in our relationships, and renewing our longing for Christ’s return. Whether you're wrestling with spiritual complacency or desiring deeper commitment, the Book of Malachi will help re-center our hearts on the God who never changes and who still calls His people to walk faithfully with Him. Sermon Series — Winter New Years Hangout , January 1st Mark 1: Expositional Preaching, January 8th Mark 2: Gospel Doctrine, January 15th Mark 3: Conversion and Evangelism, January 22nd Mark 4: Church Membership, January 29th Mark 5: Church Discipline, February 5th Mark 6: Discipleship and Growth, February 12th Mark 7: Church Leadership, February 19th Mark 8: Prayer, February 26th Mark 9: Mission, March 5th Sermon Series — Spring 2 Timothy 1:1-7, March 12th 2 Timothy 1:8-14, March 19th Spring Break Events , March 26th 2 Timothy 1:15-18, April 2nd 2 Timothy 2:1-7, April 9th 2 Timothy 2:8-13, April 16th 2 Timothy 2:14-19, April 23rd 2 Timothy 2:20-26, April 30th 2 Timothy 3:1-9, May 7th 2 Timothy 3:10-17, May 14th 2 Timothy 4:1-8, May 21st 2 Timothy 4:9-22. May 28th Sermo n Series — Summer No Service , June 4th Guest Speaker , June 11th St. Louis Mission Trip , June 18th No Service , June 25th Mission Discussion , July 2nd Malachi 1:1-5, July 9th Malachi 1:6-14, July 16th Malachi 2:1-9, July 23rd Malachi 2:10-12, July 30th Malachi 2:13-16, August 6th Malachi 2:17-3:5, August 13th Malachi 3:6-12, August 20th Malachi 3:13-15, August 27th Sermon Series — Fall Malachi 3:16-18, September 3rd Malachi 4:1-3, September 10th Malachi 4:4-6, September 17th The First Days: 1, September 24th The First Days: 2, October 1st The First Days: 3-4, October 8th The First Days: 5-6, October 15th Costume Karting , October 22nd The First Days: 7-8, October 29th The First Days: 9-10, November 5th The First Days: 11-12, November 12th Friendsgiving , November 19th The First Days: 13-14, November 26th Sermon Series — Winter No Service , December 3rd The First Days: 15, December 10th Christmas Service , December 17th No Service , December 24th New Years Hangout , December 31st Student Events. Wed, Sep 03 Student Spirit Week 2025 / Learn more Sep 03, 2025, 5:00 PM – Sep 24, 2025, 5:00 PM Dress up. Show out. Bring your friends. Spirit Week is on every Wednesday in September! Every Sunday I-II Samuel / Learn more Every Sunday Join us on Sundays at 10:30am as we continue through the book of 2 Samuel. A series where God providentially guides His people to Israel's true King.

In Christian circles, we often hear comforting phrases when we faces trials: “God is in control,” “There’s a purpose in this,” or “God works everything for His glory.” While these statements hold truth, they can feel more cliché than comfort during these dark moments. Instead of drawing us closer to God, they can sometimes push us away, leading us to question how a loving God could allow such pain and suffering.   It’s understandable. When we encounter loss, persecution, or deep affliction, it’s easy to feel abandoned or to blame God for our circumstances. We find ourselves wrestling with the question: Why must we endure these hardships? Does our suffering negate God’s goodness? Psalm 119:65-72 helps us reflect on what God might be doing through our afflictions.   The Reality of Affliction First, let’s acknowledge that affliction is real and painful. It leaves us vulnerable, causing mental, physical, and emotional anguish that can linger for a long time. But rather than seeing affliction as meaningless, we must recognize it as a means through which God draws us closer to Himself.   David’s life is a testament to this truth. His journey was anything but ordinary—filled with victories and heartaches alike. Born the youngest of eight sons, he fought giants, he became the king of Israel, and faced grave personal failures, including his son’s rebellion and tragedy. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, David came to understand that his afflictions served a greater purpose.   Let’s turn to Psalm 119:65-72 and explore how David frames his understanding of affliction.   The Goodness of God in Affliction “ You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. ”   In verses 65-66, David reflects, “ You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word .” Here, David expresses gratitude for God’s grace. Despite his mistakes and trials, he recognizes God’s unwavering faithfulness. David's life illustrates that even in our darkest moments, God’s goodness shines through. He didn’t deserve the victories or the title of king, yet God’s grace was evident throughout his journey.   This is a valuable perspective. When we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, it can be challenging to see God’s goodness. Yet David urges us to do just that. He reminds us that our suffering doesn’t diminish God’s faithfulness; rather, it is an opportunity to experience His goodness more profoundly.   Learning Through Affliction “ Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes .”   As we dive deeper into verses 67-71, we see David confront his afflictions head-on. He acknowledges that before he faced suffering, he strayed from God’s path: “ Before I was afflicted, I went astray .” This powerful admission shifts the focus from blaming God to recognizing the reality of sin in our lives.   David teaches us that affliction often serves as a wake-up call, prompting us to turn back to God. Rather than harboring resentment, he finds purpose in his suffering: “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.” Through our trials, we have the opportunity to learn and grow closer to the heart of God.   Hope Amidst Suffering “ The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces .”   David’s declaration of hope culminates in verse 72: “ The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver .” In his affliction, he finds the ultimate treasure: God’s Word and His promises. This is the hope we cling to—knowing that our current struggles are not in vain but part of God’s redemptive plan that leads us toward His Son, Jesus.   When we feel like we’re drowning in despair, it’s easy to overlook the hope God offers. Yet, in Christ, we find hope, good news—The Gospel. Jesus endured unimaginable affliction, yet through His suffering, He secured our redemption through his death. This hope can transform our perspective, allowing us to see beyond our immediate pain to the greater story of God’s faithfulness.   Conclusion: Drawing Closer to God David’s journey through affliction teaches us profound lessons about God’s goodness, the purpose behind our struggles, and the hope we can find in Him. As we navigate our trials, remember four key realities:   ·      God’s goodness is present even in our afflictions. ·      Affliction can lead us to obedience to the Lord. ·      There is Hope in our deepest struggles. ·      Our afflictions draw us closer to the Lord.   When we view our hardships through this lens, we begin to see how God can transform our pain. Let’s embrace this journey, leaning on the truth that our afflictions do not separate us from God; rather, they invite us to draw nearer to Him.

As we navigate through Psalm 119, we encounter David’s vivid expressions of joy in the Lord and His Word. By the time we reach verse 119:57, we see a profound declaration from David: “ The Lord is my portion .” This statement encapsulates the essence of his relationship with God. To say that the Lord is his “portion” means that the Lord is his share, his security, and his greatest possession. In ancient Hebrew culture, “portion” often referred to land, which was crucial for economic stability and prosperity. The NET Bible translates this as “ The Lord is my source of security ,” capturing this idea perfectly. Consider a scene from the popular film set in the context of 1937 Mississippi. O Brother Where Art Thou  follows three escaped convicts. It follows three escaped convicts searching for hidden treasure while a sheriff relentlessly pursues them. In this scene, they are sitting around a campfire, sharing what they will do with their share of the treasure. One asks the rest, “What are you gonna do with your share of the treasure?” One responds about going “Out West, working every day with a tuxedo, and eating all his meals free.” And the other says, “I’m going to visit them foreclosing son of a guns down at the Indian Old Savings and Loan, slap that money on the barrel head, and puy back the family farm.” And then says, “You ain’t no kind of man if you ain’t got land.”   Similarly, David saw the Lord as his ultimate security and source of stability. He concludes, “I have determined to follow the Lord’s instructions,” highlighting his commitment to live according to God’s Word.   David’s confidence in the Lord as his portion is not an isolated sentiment but a recurring theme in the Psalms:   ·      “ The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup .” (Psalm 16:5) ·      “ My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever .” (Psalm 73:26) ·      “ I cry to you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living .’ (Psalm 142:5)   With the Lord as his portion, David finds profound joy, which he continues to express in the following verses.   Seeking the Lord’s Favor In verses 58-60, David moves from expressing his security in the Lord to actively seeking His favor. He reflects on God’s promises and turns from his own ways to align with God’s Word, a process of repentance. David describes this repentance as an eager return to obedience: “ I keep your commands eagerly and without delay ” (v. 60). His repentance is not fleeting; it leads to a faithful and joyful adherence to God’s commands.   Joy Amidst Adversity In verses 61-62, David describes how, despite facing trials, he finds joy in praising the Lord. Even as “ropes of the wicked” tighten around him, he remains steadfast in his praise. David’s unwavering joy and praise reflect a deep-rooted faith, akin to the upbeat message in Forrest Frank’s song, “Life is Good,” which celebrates a positive outlook despite life’s challenges.   David’s response to adversity is a testament to his deep joy in the Lord. He praises God not only during times of comfort but also amidst trials, illustrating a joy that transcends circumstances. This joy is rooted in the Lord’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Community and God's Love In the concluding verses (63-64), David highlights two important themes: community and God’s love. He speaks of his friendship with those who fear the Lord and emphasizes the value of fellowship with other believers. David’s joy and faithfulness are nurtured in the context of community.   Furthermore, David reflects on God’s steadfast love, using the Hebrew term “ hesed ,” which conveys loyal, covenantal love. This love is not just an abstract concept but a tangible reality that fills the earth and profoundly impacts those who experience it.   Conclusion: Experiencing Joy in the Lord David’s joy, as expressed in Psalm 119, is a joy that cannot be stolen. Unlike fleeting pleasures, the joy found in the Lord is enduring and surpasses all understanding. Many of us may find our joy in various changing circumstances—people, hobbies, achievements, or temporary satisfactions. However, David's example shows us that the Lord is our ultimate joy, providing a stability and fulfillment that nothing else can offer.   To find the Lord as our fullest joy, we must: 1.     Recognize that all we have is the Lord . Just as David saw the Lord as his portion and security, we must understand that true fulfillment comes from Him alone. 2.     Seek the Lord diligently . David’s active pursuit of God’s favor and obedience teaches us to seek Him with all our hearts. 3.     Praise the Lord in all circumstances . Regardless of life’s ups and downs, our praise should remain constant. 4.     Gather together in community . Engaging with fellow believers enriches our faith and joy.   Ultimately, the truth of the Gospel leads us to Jesus, who fills the deepest joys of our hearts. As we align our lives with these principles, we experience the joy that David found in the Lord—a joy that is full, lasting, and profoundly satisfying.

In the Bible, especially in the book of Acts, we see the early Christians tirelessly working to spread the Gospel. Their efforts were met with fierce resistance: stones were thrown to drive them out, imprisonment to silence them, and even death to end their message. This kind of severe persecution is thankfully rare for most of us today. In the U.S., we face challenges that are generally less intense—usually verbal disputes or social ridicule rather than physical harm.   It is surprising, given the strong opposition we encounter online, that persecution hasn’t worsened. Yet, as we see from history and as David’s experiences in the Psalms reveal, it’s likely that persecution will increase over time. Until then, David’s reflections in Psalm 119:49-56 provide us with deep insights on how to find encouragement and comfort during our own difficulties.   With all 176 of Psalm 119, they point to significant aspects in David's life. In these verses, David outlines how God’s Word was his source of strength and solace during times of persecution. As we explore this psalm, we discover that David found four specific sources of encouragement and comfort through Scripture: hope, life, relief, and joy .   The Bible Gives David Hope (v. 49) “ Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope .”   In times of hardship, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. This sense of despair often stems from significant loss or major life disruptions. Yet, David demonstrates a different approach.  David prays, “ Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope .” Here, David isn’t just asking for memory but is calling on God to remain faithful to His promises. This echoes Psalm 119:41, where David similarly requests that God’s promises be fulfilled.   David’s hope was anchored in God’s unchanging Word. As Daniel Akin notes, this verse is a plea for God to keep the promises made to His people. “[Psalm 119:49] is a prayer for God to be mindful of his word and to keep or fulfill the promises he made to his people .” [1] For David, the assurance of God’s faithfulness provided a stable foundation amid life's persecutions and sufferings.   The Bible Gives David Life (v. 50)  “ This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life .”   God’s promises provide David with life during affliction. David’s confidence in God’s Word brought him vitality and reassurance even when facing trials. Unlike David, we have the full revelation of the Gospel. We know that Jesus, the promised Messiah, came to fulfill the salvific promises made by God. This knowledge adds depth to our understanding of life through Scripture. The Gospel assures us of life beyond our present suffering, providing hope and vitality even when faced with life’s darkest moments.   The Bible Gives David Relief (vv. 51-52) “ The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law. When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord .”   David writes about his experience with mockery and ridicule. He describes the individuals causing him trouble as “insolent” or “arrogant.” Despite their derision, David finds relief in God’s Word, recalling the stability and comfort provided by divine laws. Psalm 119:52 further underscores this, as David reflects on how remembering God’s rules from of old brings him comfort. By uisng the Lord’s name, Yahweh, David highlights his covenant relationship with God, which anchors his sense of relief and peace amidst the ridicule of others.   The Bible Gives David Joy (vv. 53-56) “ Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law. Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. I remember your name in the night, O Lord, and keep your law. This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts .”   In the face of wickedness and injustice, David’s anger is palpable. Yet, Psalm 119:54-55 reveals that he finds joy and solace in singing about God’s promises. These verses express how David’s joy is deeply connected to remembering God’s faithfulness through His Word.   Singing Scripture was crucial for early Christians, who often used songs to reinforce their faith and encourage one another. David’s joy stemmed from this practice of remembrance, showing us that even in persecution, we can find profound joy in God’s promises and faithfulness.   Conclusion We see how David found encouragement and comfort through God’s Word in four distinct ways: hope, life, relief, and joy . These elements transformed his experiences of persecution into opportunities for deeper reliance on God’s promises.   David’s experience teaches us that in our moments of darkness and distress, we too can turn to God’s Word for hope, life, relief, and joy . If you find yourself questioning the reliability of this encouragement, I urge you to hold tightly to Scripture. As John 1:9-14 reminds us, Jesus is the light that shines in our darkest moments, offering us hope, life, comfort, and joy.   “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”   How will we respond to God’s work in our lives? Will we trust in the unchanging truth of His Word? Let us remember that in the midst of persecution or personal turmoil, God’s promises are our fullest encouragement, joy, and peace. [1]  Daniel L. Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Psalm 119  (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2013), 45.