Refuge Church Ojai Valley

Last week we learned that God doesn’t mature us and grow us up just to be silent and complacent. One of the ways he calls us to live is through spiritual warfare. We are called to announce his kingdom and do battle on his behalf. But battle is a big word and brings all kinds of things to mind. What does God mean? What does it look like to live it out? This week we will dive deep into what it means to be his people and exactly what it looks like to fight our battle.  #spiritualwarfare #faith #followingGod

As God leads His people he always has a plan in mind. The big question then is what is that plan? If Yahweh takes his people through his bootcamp what are they supposed to do when it's over? This week we look specifically at how God calls his people to Go and live in the world. #faith #followingGod #faithjourney 

In the Bible, we are called something we don't often hear anymore... "Saints". What does it mean to be a Saint? Is it something we earn or is it a part of a God-given identity? This week, Rick Atchley, the lead pastor from The Hills Church in Texas, delivers a powerful message on what it means to live a new identity in Christ. #identity #saints #believers #newidentity #faith 

How does God’s grace work? Why is sin a bad thing? What does it mean for God to be Holy? Why and how would God ever want a realationship with me? From the beginning God has been on a mission to heal us, renew us, and be reunited with us. This week we see exactly how he accomplishes His mission. We see that he is not a God to run from but a God to run to. #grace #atonement #sin #forgiveness #oldtestament 

We all hate to wait. In fact, our culture has tried its best to make sure we never have to wait. But what if we are missing something? What if in the waiting, God shows us more of who we are and who he is? #faith #waiting #waitingwell  #ojai #god #healing #healingjourney #freedom #strongholds

Living into a new mindset or a new identity sounds easy, especially when something miraculous happens, but thats not always or almost is never the case. Old habits die hard and even when it sounds or looks ridiculous it can be easy for us to revert back to the old ways. So where is the hope? If we want to trust God or live differently how do we take on a new identity? Thankfully, since the beginning, God has been inviting us into a way of living and trusting that reshapes our mind and our ability to leave the old ways behind. #transformation #faith #trust #Jesus #yahweh #exodus #sermons

When we come upon moments like Easter or the Exodus it can be easy to celebrate them, but then wonder what it actually means for us. Sure it's an amazing moment, but does that moment change me for a lifetime or just give me a few good moments or days? Throughout God’s story, He is always inviting us into real life change, not just the celebration of a holiday. In this message we kick off our new series Bootcamp, where we look closely at how God invites us into a unique way of truly trusting Him. #faith #christianlife #God #sermons #walkingwithgod #yahweh 

Easter changed the world against all circumstances. No one thought a message from an obscure man from a tiny town called Nazareth would ultimately mean anything. But then resurrection happened. Skeptics now beleived, enemies were convinced, Jews trusted in him, and foreigners were now willing to give their life for him. When hope becomes real it changes everything and that is why at Easter everyone is invited to celebrate. #easter #resurrection #hope #grace #forgiveness #Jesus #holyweek #sermons

For some reason it has become unkind in our world to point out when something is incorrect or untrue. In our world if soemone sincererely believes something, even its its false or foolish, the culutre says to let them keep believing it. During Jesus ministry he never shied away from pointing out the lies and inconsistencies of his world. During one specific week he was hailed a king and messiah on Monday and then after pointing out lies, inconsistencies, and falsehoods, was killed on Friday. What does his message then mean for us today? As Christians should we just go along with the culture or is there hope in Jesus’s message? 

In the Bible there are several times where Jesus uses “I Am” statements to tell anyone who is listening exactly who he is and what his mission is about. In the midst of that there are also three specific statements when he says “I am not.” These aren’t as famous as the others, but still just as profound. This week we start by looking at what it means for Jesus, His Kingdom, and for us when he says “I am not alone.” #ojai #sermons #healing #hope #Jesus