Refuge Church Ojai Valley

The Blessings Found in Giving Thanks

How do we live a life of thankfulness in a world that bombards us with difficult things and encourages us to fixate on what is wrong? Join us as we dive into 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 where we learned what it means to live a life of gratitude, focus on the true story and experience true joy.

God has a Name: ”Evil has an enemy”

Join Kyle as he continues in our "God has a Name" series.

God has a Name: ”Love without Faithfulness Equals Nothing”

In Exodus 34, God tells Moses that he is a God who is abounding in LOVE and FAITHFULNESS. This week, Kyle unpacks why those two attributes about God matter so much as we relate to God and represent him in this world. 

God Has a Name: ”How God Gets Angry”

This week we talk all things “anger!” We are continuing our series “God has a Name” where we find ourselves at the place where God reveals that anger is a part of his character. He specifically says he is “Slow to Anger." Is that bad or good? Should it be welcomed or rejected? What does it even mean when it says he is “Slow to anger?”

God Has a Name: ”The Power of Compassion and Grace”

Join Kyle as he continues in our "God has a Name" series unpacking the leading attribute of God which was given to Moses in Exodus 34; that Yahweh is the COMPASSIONATE and GRACIOUS God. 

”Hope for Everyone” - Mike Hickerson

Guest speaker, Pastor Mike Hickerson from Mission Church in Ventura, delivers a sermon on the theme of hope and God's rescue. He emphasizes that no one is perfect, but everyone is welcome in God's kingdom. Using the story of a woman in the Bible, he illustrates the cycle of hope, change, and faith. He provides practical tools for becoming "hope dealers," encouraging listeners to have faith in God's ability to transform their lives and to share hope with others.

God Has a Name- ”Yahweh Among the gods”

We live in a world that is more than just what we can see. Although it’s easy for our culture to dismiss the spiritual world Jesus and the Bible do not. When God introduces himself to us he doesn’t ignore the implications of His existence for the spiritual world and His place as God of everything. This week we look hard at what that means for our personal relationship with Yahweh, and also what that means for our lives here in the Ojai Valley. 

Yahweh - God has a name Week 1

For a lot of reasons, some good and some not so good, we don't often refer to God by the name he has given us for Himself. We use generic terms, terms we see in the Bible, or traditional terms, but rarely do we use His name Yahweh. This week we begin our series and our look at just how powerful it is when we receive the name God has introduced Himself to us with and begin to let that shape our idea about who He is and what He means to us. 

New Week 4: New Purpose

In this sermon titled "New Purpose," Kyle explores the idea that Jesus has given every believer a fresh purpose. He discusses how the disciples initially struggled to understand this new purpose but were reminded of it after Jesus's resurrection. The sermon then focuses on three key passages that highlight the believer's purpose: Acts 1, 1 Peter, and John 10:10. Pastor Kyle emphasizes the call to share the hope and mercy found in Christ, be messengers of mercy, and live an abundant life. He encourages listeners to embrace their purpose and share it with others, inviting them to know Jesus.

NEW Week 3 : New Reality

In this sermon, Kyle explores the journey of Jesus and relates it to our lives as Christians. He highlights Jesus' late start in ministry, followed by his baptism and temptation in the wilderness. The main theme is presenting ourselves fully before God and surrendering to His plan each day. Pastor Costello emphasizes the importance of being honest and hiding nothing from God, as this allows us to experience His love and acceptance. He calls the congregation to examine their lives, surrender to God's will, and live as people led by the Spirit.