Celebrating 15 Years of God's Faithfulness at Refuge Church
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrate 15 years of God's faithfulness to Refuge Church. Reflecting on our journey, it's clear that our existence and growth are solely due to God's sovereignty and grace. From the initial calling to plant a church, through the challenges and triumphs, God has been our constant guide and provider. We began with 12 families, untrained but willing to trust the Holy Spirit. Over the years, we've seen God's hand in every aspect, from finding a meeting place to forming a worship band, and even in financial provisions during tough times.
Our journey hasn't been without trials. We've faced the tragic loss of loved ones, the challenges of merging with another church, and the global pandemic. Yet, through it all, God's grace has sustained us. We've seen lives transformed, people come to faith, and the church community grow stronger. Our mission remains clear: to proclaim the gospel, live out our faith authentically, and be a refuge for those seeking hope in Jesus.
As we look to the future, our hope is that Refuge Church will continue to be a place where lives are changed by the gospel. We aim to live on mission, be known for our holiness, humility, and love, and seek the interests of Jesus above our own. We are called to live sent, obediently, and differently, grounded in the truth of Scripture. Our ultimate goal is to glorify Jesus in all we do, trusting that He will continue to build His church.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sovereignty and Grace: Our church's 15-year journey is a testament to God's sovereignty and grace. From the initial calling to plant the church to the many provisions and miracles along the way, it's clear that we exist because of God's will and His unwavering support. This reminds us to always rely on God's sovereignty in our personal lives and trust His plans for us. [29:45]
2. Trials and Triumphs: We've faced significant challenges, including the tragic loss of loved ones and the global pandemic. Yet, through these trials, God's grace has been evident, sustaining us and helping us grow stronger as a community. This teaches us that even in our darkest times, God's grace is sufficient, and He can turn our trials into testimonies of His faithfulness. [46:35]
3. Living on Mission: Our mission is to share the gospel and see lives transformed by Jesus. We are called to be missionaries in our daily lives, sharing the hope of Christ with those around us. This encourages us to be proactive in our faith, not just attending church but being the church in our communities. [54:07]
4. Holiness, Humility, and Love: We strive to be known for our holiness, humility, and love for one another. This means living lives that reflect Christ, putting others before ourselves, and fostering a loving community. It's a call to live authentically and let our actions speak of the transformative power of the gospel. [55:20]
5. Trusting Scripture and Living Differently: We are called to trust the Bible and live according to its teachings. This involves putting off sinful behaviors and putting on Christ-like attributes. Living differently means standing firm on the truth of Scripture and letting it guide our lives, even when it's counter-cultural. [01:15:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:45] - Celebrating 15 Years of God's Sovereignty
[30:48] - The Early Days and Initial Calling
[33:01] - Acts 29 and Church Planting Inspiration
[33:53] - The Original Launch Team
[34:28] - Finding a Meeting Place
[36:02] - Naming the Church: Refuge
[38:10] - Forming the Worship Band
[39:26] - Early Financial Struggles and Miracles
[40:27] - The Cloverton Concert and Financial Provision
[43:16] - Merging with Another Church
[45:03] - Tragic Losses and God's Sustaining Grace
[46:35] - Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic
[47:15] - Renovating the Church Building
[48:02] - Adding Elders and Leadership
[49:07] - Lives Transformed by the Gospel
[50:40] - The Gospel Message: Hope in Jesus
[52:17] - Looking to the Future: Year 16 and Beyond
[54:07] - Living on Mission
[55:20] - Holiness, Humility, and Love
[57:41] - Seeking Jesus' Interests
[59:02] - Trusting Scripture and Living Differently
[01:03:00] - A Poem About Refuge Church
[01:05:28] - Jesus is the Hero
[01:06:14] - The Resurrection of Jesus
[01:09:52] - The Great Commission
[01:12:12] - Living Sent and Obediently
[01:15:02] - Living Orthodoxly
[01:16:19] - Living Differently
[01:17:55] - Declaring the Gospel with Clarity
[01:19:14] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 91:2 - "I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
2. Matthew 28:1-20 - The Resurrection and the Great Commission
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 91:2 reveal about the nature of God as a refuge and fortress?
2. In Matthew 28, what were the reactions of the women and the disciples to the resurrection of Jesus? How did they respond to the angel's message? [01:08:24]
3. According to the sermon, what were some of the key challenges Refuge Church faced over the past 15 years? [46:35]
4. How did the church's initial launch team come together, and what were some of their early struggles? [33:53]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God being a "refuge" in Psalm 91:2 apply to the trials and triumphs experienced by Refuge Church? [37:23]
2. What does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 imply about the mission and purpose of Refuge Church moving forward? [01:10:29]
3. How did the sermon illustrate the importance of living on mission and sharing the gospel in everyday life? [54:07]
4. In what ways did the sermon highlight the significance of holiness, humility, and love within the church community? [55:20]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 91:2, how can you personally find refuge in God during challenging times? Share a recent experience where you felt God's protection.
2. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What steps can you take this week to share your faith with them? [01:10:29]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of living on mission. What are some practical ways you can be a missionary in your daily life, whether at work, school, or in your neighborhood? [54:07]
4. Holiness, humility, and love were highlighted as key attributes for the church community. Choose one of these attributes and discuss how you can cultivate it in your interactions with others this week. [55:20]
5. The church faced significant trials, including the loss of loved ones and the global pandemic. How has God’s grace sustained you through personal trials, and how can you support others in your church community who are going through difficult times? [46:35]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of trusting Scripture and living differently. What specific changes can you make in your life to align more closely with biblical teachings? [01:15:02]
7. Reflect on the idea of living sent and obediently. What is one area of your life where you feel called to step out in faith and obedience to God’s leading? [01:12:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Sovereignty and Grace
Reflecting on the 15-year journey of Refuge Church, it becomes evident that the church's existence and growth are solely due to God's sovereignty and grace. From the initial calling to plant the church to the many provisions and miracles along the way, God's hand has been unmistakably present. This journey reminds us to always rely on God's sovereignty in our personal lives and trust His plans for us. Just as the church began with 12 families who were untrained but willing to trust the Holy Spirit, we too can step out in faith, knowing that God will guide and provide for us. [29:45]
Isaiah 46:10-11 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need to trust God's sovereignty. How can you actively rely on His grace and provision in this area today?
Day 2: Finding Strength in Trials and Triumphs
Throughout the 15 years, Refuge Church has faced significant challenges, including the tragic loss of loved ones and the global pandemic. Yet, through these trials, God's grace has been evident, sustaining the church and helping it grow stronger as a community. This teaches us that even in our darkest times, God's grace is sufficient, and He can turn our trials into testimonies of His faithfulness. By reflecting on these experiences, we can find hope and strength in our own trials, knowing that God is with us and will see us through. [46:35]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Recall a recent trial you have faced. How did you see God's grace at work in that situation? How can you share this testimony to encourage others?
Day 3: Living on Mission
The mission of Refuge Church is to share the gospel and see lives transformed by Jesus. This mission calls each of us to be missionaries in our daily lives, sharing the hope of Christ with those around us. It's a reminder that our faith is not just about attending church but being the church in our communities. By living on mission, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those we encounter, bringing them the hope and love of Jesus. [54:07]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you intentionally share the hope of Christ with them this week?
Day 4: Embracing Holiness, Humility, and Love
Refuge Church strives to be known for its holiness, humility, and love for one another. This means living lives that reflect Christ, putting others before ourselves, and fostering a loving community. It's a call to live authentically and let our actions speak of the transformative power of the gospel. By embracing these values, we can create a community that truly represents the heart of Jesus and draws others to Him. [55:20]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Reflect on your interactions with others. How can you demonstrate holiness, humility, and love in your relationships today?
Day 5: Trusting Scripture and Living Differently
We are called to trust the Bible and live according to its teachings. This involves putting off sinful behaviors and putting on Christ-like attributes. Living differently means standing firm on the truth of Scripture and letting it guide our lives, even when it's counter-cultural. By doing so, we can be a light in a dark world, showing others the way to Jesus through our actions and choices. [01:15:02]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Consider one area of your life where you struggle to live according to Scripture. What steps can you take today to align this area with God's Word?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What a beautiful picture we get to celebrate today of a sovereign king who calls people to himself. Builds his church. You build your church. Celebrate that today, oh God. You build your church by calling people from death to life. You, Holy Spirit, move in the hearts and minds of people, awakening dead hearts to life. What a glorious thing it's been to watch over 15 years just here." [29:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you walked in today and you think you're just good enough and you're going to find your way and you're going to skis by with the Lord one day. Or maybe you think there's a scale. And if I do more good than I do bad, then the Lord will let me in and have eternal life with him. That's not the gospel message. The gospel message says that we are all dead in Christ. We are all dead in our sins." [50:40] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We would urge you if you're here and outside the household of faith. Maybe still wondering what this Christianity thing is all about. If the Holy Spirit is stirring in your heart today. If this is stirring something up within you. We would encourage you today to turn to Jesus. To come to Jesus. Repent. Which means to turn from your sin. Not keep walking in the way you've walked. But to repent." [51:24] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Live in the joy of the Lord. We say it one way here. We say live differently. And live because of the joy of the Lord that resides within us when we've been born again. Man, it's really cool whenever people talk about refuge and see the joy of the Lord that happens within us." [01:02:03] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is the hero that changes people. Jesus is the hero that changes people to welcome in the stranger. To welcome in the wayward one. To welcome in the people that maybe you didn't know who they were. Maybe you not even hang out with them. Should you not know Jesus together. Jesus is the one who makes strangers friends. That's beautiful." [01:05:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What is it that I hope that people will remember Refuge for as we embark on year 16? There was something that... That I had done in year four of Refuge Church. And then at our 10-year anniversary, I talked about this same thing. And I just want to quickly remind ourselves of this very thing. This was four hopes after four years and after 15 years that I hope for our church. One, that our life on mission will be about conversions." [53:13] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Secondly, that we as a church family will be known for holiness. Humility and love for one another. Man, we like to say this at Refuge. That we don't take ourselves seriously. But we do take the gospel seriously. We love to laugh with one another. We love to laugh at one another. I mean, it's just part of being a refugee. I mean, that's just how we live. But I want us to be known not simply for that. But that we live a life of holiness." [55:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Live obediently. Man, there are multiple places in the scriptures where we are called to live in obedience to Jesus. He tells us to put off these things on our own. To put on the things of Christ. I'm not going to take time to read them today. But you can read in Colossians chapter 3. About places where we are called to put things to death in us. As followers of Jesus." [01:13:22] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Live orthodoxly. I thought it was orthodoxically. Which is what I had in my notes. But I don't think it's a word. It sounds better though. Orthodoxically. We're going to go with that. Live orthodoxically. What does that mean? Some of the same things. That means what the scriptures teach us. Let's live that way. Let's let that be. Let that be our guiding force." [01:15:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are a people who do not live and stand on shifting sand. We live on a firm foundation. That's found in Jesus Christ. 15 years is a wonderful thing to celebrate. It really is. 15 years of the kindness of God towards us. This church family. 15 years is a wonderful thing to celebrate. A vast number of churches don't survive for 15 years. But by the grace of God He has chosen to allow refuge to stand for 15 years." [01:16:19] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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