Refuge Church Ojai Valley

Envy Steals, Kills and Destroys; But Jesus Has a Plan

When sin is normal, no one thinks it's sin. When everyone does it, it's the people who abstain who look strange; but that doesn’t mean sin is still not wrecking lives. Our world loves to envy and we don’t think much about it. But envy is destroying lives and crippling our ablity to relate to one another. So where is the hope? How can Jesus and a few of his peculiar people bring life?

Peculiar People: "Salt and Wrath"

Christians are supposed to look different than any culture they find themselves in. Jesus said they are supposed to be the salt of the earth. They are supposed to bring a flavor and a value that changes everything. So, how does that happen? We live in a angry, wrathful, rage filled world; is it even possible to be salt in the midst of wrath? 
 
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What Did Your Name Used to Be?

We go through our life with a few names. Names that were given to us a birth, nicknames that friends or family offered, and names we may not tell others but that we give ourselves. Some names we embrace and others we despise. But for every follower of Jesus there is a new name. That new name holds a reality and a future that looks nothing like our old names. The question is will we leave our old names behind and let him usher into the people he has created us to be. #identity #faith #giftsoffaith #Jesus #followingjesus

Hometown: The 5 Essentials

When God brought the first Christians together in the book of Acts there were five specific ways they “lived” out their new faith. But what about today? Is it different now? How do we actually live out our faith through our everyday lives?
 
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Hometown: Sent to our Hometown

What if God really means what he says? Jesus says some crazy things that sound good, but do we really believe him? If we do it means we have a huge part to play in his plan to redeem, restore, and make all things new. So how do we do it? How do we live as people who are his and ready to follow him anywhere? This week we dive headfirst into that question and see where Jesus sends us! #sermon #ojai #mission #greatcommission

"Time to Meet the New You" | Hometown

It’s time to talk theology again and this week we dive into the theology of adoption. Do you know that is how the early Christians explained how we become God’s sons and daughters? Do you know what it means to be adopted by God? Is it just an illustration or metaphor for you or do you really believe it? This week we dig deep and see how embracing our adoption changes everything! #familyofGod #faith #sermons

"God, What Should I do?" | Shawn Dilbeck

So often, when we find ourselves stuck in an impossible situation we ask God "What should I DO?". In looking at the life of Moses, we see that it isn't so much about what we should DO, but something else entirely. Join us as we hear the word from our guest pastor, Shawn Dilbeck. #faith #rest #sermons #inspiration #church # onlinechurch

How Long Will You Hesitate?

In your story who is the hero and who is the villain? Are you someone who speaks positively to yourself or are you harsh? These questions might seem strange but how we answer them reveals a lot about what we think about God and his interaction with our daily life. These are questions that men and women have wrestled with for thousands of years and thankfully our God has a message for us. Join us as we jump into a a powerful story of the prophet Elijah in our "Jesus is Better" series. #sermons #hope #God

Shame into Shouts

At the heart of the Bible is a claim that God is a God of making things new.  Jesus even says that is part of his work. So what does that look like? Is that just in the Bible or is that for us too? Do we have to wait until we die to experience redemption and renewal or can God make that happen for us today? Join us as we dive into the story of Esther in our "Jesus is Better" series. #bible #sermons #sermon

David: "Flannel Board Failure"

The story of David and Goliath is often, even in church circles, twisted into a moral tale of how you can conquer your Goliaths. That is not the story of Jesus. David’s life is one of beauty and tragedy, but it is not one to emulate. When Jesus comes he shows us that “we” are terrible saviors but thankfully God has provided exactly what we need. #savior #kingjesus #faith #dependance #trustGod