The Refinery 727: Recent Episodes
Mitchel
Curious as to who this angel of the lord character is? what is the importance of Him through out the O.T.?
Join us as we see the beauty of how Christ has been with us this whole time!
Pastor Mitch is back, Join us as we dive into the book of Numbers and see how Jesus uses it to bring about the beauty of the Gospel!
Pastor Mitch is back! The blood, the killing, the tabernacle, and Cain and Abel... how do they all connect?
Join us as we dive into the pictures and shadows that Leviticus lays out for us as they point us to Jesus!
Join us for part two of Nigel's study in Peter's sermons. This second sermon covers the second large sermon that Peter gives in the early moments of Acts. Join us!
Join us as we continue in our series as we bring in a guest speaker! Nigel Takes us through the two sermons that Peter gives in the book of Acts! Tonight is the first sermon!
In some of the most dense pages of scripture, where we find the true formation of the nation of Israel escaping Egypt. How are we to see Jesus? Follow along with us as we breakdown how Christ was there with His people prepping them for the the Passover to become the Lord's Supper!
If we are going to look for Jesus in the O.T., then there is no better place to start than creation.
Genesis 1:26-27 states that God says "Let US", what does that mean? And have we ever thought about the Gospel narrative when we think about the creation narrative?
Join us for our new series as we dive into why it is so important that Jesus is shown in the O.T.! Tonight we covered that Jesus Himself makes the case for how He was revealed!
To close out our series, we cover the reality that there are so many false gospels. Yet, if we know that there is one true exclusive gospel, we could then see the false ones faster. SO join us in the best medicine for church hurt.... The Gospel!
How are we to handle the freedom that Christ gives us? How do we live along side the people we are going to spend eternity with here and now? Join special guest Nigel Witsey who is a faithful leader with us!
There are a lot of us who, if we were honest, have been hurt or put off by a church. Join us tonight as we discuss that Christ is actually in control and cares deeply about the body aka the church and YOU!
Join us as we discuss the balance of suffering in this world and scripture teaching us that God is Good! How do we see this truth shine amid such darkness?
Join us as we dive into the realm of what healthy church leadership should and can look like! Pastor DJ brings over thirty years of Christian education and pastoring to the table with this concept!
The three Old and three New Testament passages that cover the areas of sexual immorality and homosexuality are what we call the clobber passages. Join us as we walk through some basic thoughts and how to love people in truth and to love while not accepting sin.
What are we to do when the local church gets rough? what about major life choices and faithful church attendance? Join us as we talk about pressing into the local church, not out!
Join us as we sit down with pastors from our church and Pastor Mitch as they discuss experiences and questions you all sent in about deconstruction and losing your faith. This is the launch of our newest series and pray you join us weekly as we continue to dive into these topics!
Welcome to 2024! We are so excited to see where God leads us this year, and if you are interested in learning more about us, listen!
We have covered the reality that the ascension is valued. We covered how it impacts our daily lives. Let’s now look at the future hope it brings to you and I. #Jesus #gospel #salvation #religion #hottopics #worship
So, now that we covered Jesus is ascended and seated on the throne. What does that look like for us here and now? How do we live in that truth?? #jesus #gospel #salvation #religion #hottopics #worship #king
When we think of the Gospel, do we think of how Jesus also ascended? Do we ever sit and think about where Jesus currently is reigning and ruling? #Jesus #gospel #salvation #worship #religion
What is it about the Christmas season that we anticipate the most? We all know that waiting is not always easy or wanted. but how do we handle it? join us as we break down this amazing song rooted in scripture!
Join us for a Friendsgiving devotional out of Romans fifteen. Then we hear from the Witsey family, specifically Matthew, and how he came to Jesus! Don't miss this!
Now that we have established that the Gospel changes everything for us. What does that look like as believers interacting with the church and this world in light of judging?
What is the difference between discernment and judgment?
Let's be honest, politics and the bible can be such a weird realm to be in. But as we have been diving into the scripture of Romans, let us use all we have learned to break down chapter thirteen.
Have we truly ever stopped to think about how and what God was trying to do via Israel and the body of Christ in light of history? What does the Gospel do for us in light of how we view people in this world? Join for the devotional Pastor Mitch gave on this chapter during their fall fest!
As we continue down the path of Romans, we really come to two amazing truths that are directly attached to the Gospel:
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The Gospel is the most inclusive truth because it is for everyone!
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The Gospel is the most exclusive truth because it is only through Jesus we are saved!
Join us as we venture into how we are called to be the feet of the Gospel!
Terms like election or predestination, mostly cause us to have stress or arguments. But what if we could actually see them in light of the full context and what the Holy Spirit is communicating through Paul about our salvation? Join us and ask plenty of questions!
The struggle against our fleshly desires and the wants of this world... As believers, we are stuck in the middle of wanting to please God but our sin keeps fighting for our attention. So how do we handle this war? Join us in chapter seven to see how!
Join us this week to see that a genuine gospel believed in will in fact produce genuine gospel fruit in the believer's life!
When we remind ourselves that God is the one in charge, He is the one that saves, we find true purpose and meaning in all aspects of life!
Now that we have walked through the premise that we are ALL sinners. That it is only by GRACE THROUGH FAITH, we now see the life change it brings! When we correctly understand the gospel message, we begin to grasp the reality of sin and suffering.
What does it mean that it is by "Grace through Faith"? What about religious acts and submissive obedience? How can salvation spur us to good things?
Join us as we discuss that all good things only come after we surrender to the ultimate Good News of Jesus!
Join us for Chapter Three in Romans and how Paul is working out that literally no one is good. Yet, God in His perfect love and justice is saving sinners!
Join us as we dive into the flip side of chapter one! In the previous chapter Paul is targeting the Gentiles in the Roman community stating that even as Gentiles they are still sinners. Knowing the other side of the coin was needing a reminder, in chapter two Paul hits on the hyper religious and legalistic side. That as Jewish and religious people, they need to understand that they are sinners!
What is the solution to both sides? The Gospel and Grace of Jesus balanced with the righteousness of Jesus!
Join us in this Ch by Ch study through Romans. in this opening message we see the thesis statement that sets the tone for the whole letter!
So, as we start this series: which side of God’s righteousness do you stand for?
Firm and in the light of the gospel?
Lost and loving self in the darkness?
Romans 3:23/ Romans 6:23/ Romans 10:9-10
Points:
1. A heart changed by the Gospel, is eager to communicate the Gospel!
2. God is love and righteous, never seek one without expecting the other!
3. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts, don’t be selfish! USE THEM, especially to build the church!
Questions:
1. Are you genuinely eager to share your faith?
a. Do you have faith to share?
2. How are you bringing your gifts to the church?
a. What is something you are gifted in that can benefit the church?
3. Seeing the balance of love and righteousness, does it help stand firm in culture? Or make you more nervous?
Join us as we rediscover what it truly means when scripture talks about purity and modesty! We also cover what it looks like scripturally for a church to handle sexual immorality in its members!
We cover in the sermon questions like "why do people cheat?' to "How to recover from someone who claims Jesus and abuses you?".
Scripture is clear on one thing, we are all sinners and need Jesus first and most of all!
Join us as we continue our series on Sex and Dating. This sermon is on the realm of lust or love.
We tackle topics on pornography, sexual acts in and out of marriage, and how lust has effects on relationships.
Join us for a special message that is all about the call of all believers to servant leadership. And a sweet time as we honor one of our own to the pastoral call.
Join us as we discuss all the avenues of dating and scripture!
we answer questions like:
Are soul mates real?
How do we know we found the one?
And more!
Points:
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Singleness is not a burden, it’s a gift. Embrace the season God has you in!
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Don’t chase Hollywood love, but holy love! Scripture defines it so you can display it!
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Don’t hold double standards! You want a beautiful relationship, be biblical!
Questions:
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Where does scripture come in your relationship worldview?
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Do you hold yourself to the same standards you keep others in relationships?
a. Are your standards selfish or scriptural?
- What determines your view on love, the world or the Word?
Welcome to week one of our summer series: Refine Nights - Sex & Dating
In this opener we cover topics on believers and non-believers dating, when should men lead spiritually?, and thoughts on transgenderism and friendships with people in the LGBTQ+ community. I pray this speaks biblically to you and challenges your walk with Jesus!
What is the heart of Hebrews? Jesus is better! Join Pastor Mitch as he lays out the wonderful reality of what it truly means that all of God's promises find their yes in Jesus!
Join us as Trevor from our young adult leadership leads us through a very applicable and concise outworking of the last chapter in Hebrews!
10 Marks of a healthy church/Christian
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Love
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Hospitality
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Compassion
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Purity
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Contentment
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Gospel-Centered Messages
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Holy (openly set apart)
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Continual Worship
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Submission to Leadership
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Pray
Questions
- Which of these marks of a healthy church/Christian are you gifted in/best at?
Which do you struggle with the most?
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Who is the most hospitable person you have ever met? What did they do that made them so hospitable?
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What are ways that you can continually worship the Lord? How can you have reverence and awe in your worship?
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What is something specific you can do to grow in one of these marks?
Join us as we have our awesome Pastor DJ come and dive into the reality of being faithful even when life seems hard! What a gift to have him come share!
Hebrews Ch.11 - The Hall of Heroes, the reality of faith, how the ones of the Old Testament also grasped the reality of faith! Join us as we got to hear from our church's Worship Pastor, Pastor Dean.
What does it truly mean that Jesus is the only way to be saved? how does this fit into the continuity of the Old and New Covenants? Join us as we get to learn from Pastor Jeff (Senior Pastor)
How in fact is it that Jesus can be the only way to be saved? What does Grace through Faith really mean? Join us!
Points:
1.We do not “live the gospel” but share it! He finished it and accomplished it!
2.Stop trying to save yourself! All your rituals and earthly comforts will fail, Jesus won’t!
3.Yes, the gospel is such good news but it has a time limit! GO AND TELL!
Questions:
1.What thoughts come to mind when we think of the exclusivity of Jesus?
2.What things have we either believed or heard others believe that contradict salvation by Jesus alone?
3.Who can you be sharing the gospel with right now?
The Refinery Town Hall is our live Apologetics Night with panel discussion. Our first portion is all sent in questions and this section is all of our live Q&A discussion. We pray you can join us as we dive into the awesome questions the Young Adults fired away.
Our night of apologetics, food, and fellowship. This first part is all of our panel tackling sent in questions ranging from "is God the author of suffering?" to "how can we validify the bible?". In Part Two we cover the live Q&A portion of the night!
How should we view the premise of the Old Covenant? What is all the hype with the new Covenant? Join us as we discuss how Jesus brings a better covenant!
“The implications are large. In theOld Testament, everything that seems to be for the nation of Israel had to bepassed down to Jesus, who then fulfilled the realities of the promises for usin His own person and work. This is how the Apostle Paul could say, “All thepromises of God find their Yes in him [Christ]” (2 Cor. 1:20). It is also thereason why he could say of the Old Testament Scriptures: “Whatever was writtenin former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance andthrough the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).When we read of God’s promises of restoration that He gaveIsrael through the Old Testament prophets, we must do so through the lens ofthe person and work of Christ. All of the judgment prophesied about the nationprepares us for the judgment that fell on Christ—the true Israel—for our sin.In His resurrection, Jesus secures the restoration that was promised so longbefore. When the Apostles appeal to Joel 2:28–32 in Acts 2:16–21 and Amos 9:11–12in Acts 15:16–17, this is what they have in view. The fulfillment of thoserestoration promises occurs first in the risen or restored Son of Abraham, whowill consummate them in a new heaven and earth. ” – Rev. Nicholas T. Batzig, issenior pastor of Church Creek PCA in Charleston, S.C., and an associate editorfor Ligonier Ministries. He writes regularly at Feeding on Christ.
Points:
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The WHOLE Bible is eternally important, don’t cherry-pick!
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God doesn’t make mistakes. No matter what lifebrings, when we turn to Him we find comfort and conviction.
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Even when we don’t see the whole picture, Goddoes!
Questions:
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How did you view the Old Testament before thismessage and now after?
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What are some ways you can use the full pictureof the Old to New Testament to witness to people?
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Scripture teaches us to forgive as Jesus hasforgiven us. If Jesus forgives and does not hold it over us. Are we trulyforgiving in the same way?
Have you ever truly considered how we can be so bold to say Jesus makes our salvation secure? join us as we venture into the priest hood of Jesus!
Conclusion:
•If you can, lose your salvation, then all we are claiming is that we like to re-crucify Jesus every time we feel ourselves losing it.
•If we cannot lose our salvation, then all we are claiming is the rightful truth that Jesus saves us fully and sustains us continually till the end.
He is the Kingly Priest. not you!
Points:
1.Don’t let the trails and season of life outshine the one who gets you through them!
2.Be gracious, the only thing you contribute to salvation is your sin!
3.When you feel alone or too messy, remember Jesus perfectly and presently holds you!
Questions:
1.When we think of Jesus currently, what do we think He is doing?
2.Have you ever glorified a trial or season of life above Jesus?
3.What are some ways we can find rest daily in the truth that Jesus holds us perfectly?
Have you ever doubted that you will make it to the end of your life as a believer? Have you ever thought that you could sin your way out of the love of God?
Join us as we dive into Hebrews Ch.6 and what it truly is telling us about believers and our security. And those who experience the reality of the gospel and choose to reject the good news!
Points:
1. When faith seems little or lost, strengthen it by studying the depthsof God’s Word!
2. Let us lead people to encounter Jesus not just experiences of Him.
3. Jesus is your anchor for eternity. When the weight of sin pulls on us,know that Jesus won’t let go or give way! YOU ARE SECURE WHEN YOU ARE HIS!
Questions:
1. When we wrestle with our sinful nature or this broken world, who do wenaturally lean on?
2. When doubts in our faith creep in where do we turn?
3. What is something that makes you question your salvations’ security?
How does knowing that Jesus is the ultimate high priest because of the cross bring us comfort?
Join us as we dive into chapter five and the behind the scenes look at what Jesus truly accomplished for us!
Points:
1. Before we can advocate for anyone else, make sure Jesus is yours!
2. The Gospel is all about Jesus and what He did, stop trying to add to it!
3. True compassion stems from a truly convicted prayer life!
Questions:
1. What thoughts come to mind when we think of authority words like a priest?
2. How do we see the difference between that idea (in question one) and the reality of Jesus as our high priest?
3. When we think of the Gospel, do we genuinely think “Jesus only” or do we add to it?
Why do we have creeds and confessions? what is the Apostle's creed?
How does the throne of Grace and Jesus as our High Priest truly apply to our walks today?
Points:
1. Confess Jesus daily, He is the one who gives youpurpose, identity, and peace!
2. Confess sins and needs daily, God is the onlyone sovereign enough to forgive and personal enough to give you hope!
3. Confess your faith daily, it can be the truthbomb someone needs to be impacted by today!
Questions:
1. Have you ever stopped to think about what youconfess and cling to in times of need?
2. If you were challenged to share your faith andthe Gospel with someone, could you?
3. What are some ways we can build each other up instanding confident in confession of Jesus?
Have you ever wondered what it means to have peace with God and from God? is life so burdensome that you seem to never have peace? join us as we see what true Sabbath rest is and how Jesus is Lord of it!
Points:
1. The word of Godshould be your first resource for rest!
2. Stop trying to fita to-do list where Jesus already marked it Done, your soul is secure in Him!
Questions:
1. Where do you turnto find peace and rest (Truthfully, no Sunday school answers)?
2. Do we find that weare more peaceful or uneasy when we read the bible?
a. Why did you pickyour answer?
Have you ever stopped and taken more than just a glance at Jesus? do we ever take time to consider Jesus?
Join us as we covered very applicable truths from Hebrews Chapter three and how Jesus is our intercessor.
On what authority does Jesus make the Gospel claim? Join us as we dive into chapter two of Hebrews!
Points:
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The Gospel is of First importance! If Jesus died for its truth, you need to know its truths!
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The whole world is subject to Jesus, stop holding back from Jesus!
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Redemption is found in the Reign of King Jesus, not in the rituals of this world.
Questions:
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How much do we value the gospel message?
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What does it mean to you that Jesus is coming to bring finality to life?
a. Either eternal life or eternal torment!
- Do we think of the love of God, the wrath of God or both when we see the cross? Why?
Join us as we open up the study through the book of Hebrews with CH.1 this week.
Who is Jesus? is he greater than the prophets? what about the angels?
Points:
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If you are found in Jesus, do not get lost in the lesser things! Jesus deserves all of you.
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Jesus created the way to new life, stop chasing this world.
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Stop hiding from or working towards God!
a. The blood of Christ covers all sins, let Him make you new.
Questions:
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Who is Jesus to you?
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What lesser things in the bible have we allowed ourselves to get too fixed on?
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Do we truly see Jesus as king of kings and Lord of Lords? Or is He just a part of your vast religious view?
Join our discussion as we sit down with pastor Tom and Pastor Mitch to cover:
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Do babies go to heaven?
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Christian liberties and how they affect dating?
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How do we handle friends going into astrology and the new age?
Keep sending us your question! and let Christ be glorified!
The doctrine of Sanctification and why Jesus calls out this church for being lukewarm!
Jesus wants us to be all in! And that's only possible when we come to terms with the fact that He is the means by which we are saved and empowered to endure!
Points:
- A lukewarm life is mocking Jesus!
a. Claiming to be a Christian means you shine Jesus to the world!
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True change in the community and church begins with consistency in obedience to the Word!
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A mark of true salvation is a life of ups and downs trying to pursue Jesus!
Questions:
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Do you see fruit in your life that lines up with scripture?
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Do you see trails and struggles as refining your faith? Or does it make you question your faith?
Eternal Security, do you genuinely know you are His? have you ever doubted your salvation or allowed fear and stress to push you away from God?
Join us as we see how Jesus encourages the church in Philadelphia to stand firm in the fact that He holds their souls!
Points:
- When fear and doubt come, remember the Key master, Jesus!
a. He holds the keys of life and death and hades, and to the Kingdom of God!
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When feeling lost, remember the Jesus Signs of Hope: Desire for the word and His name!
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When feeling meaningless, remember King Jesus is guiding you to our eternal home/ purpose!
Questions:
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What was your gospel moment? Do you remember the moment Jesus made you new?
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When you doubt your salvation where do you turn for assurance? The Word or world?
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Do we find purpose in knowing Jesus is carrying us in this life to a goal (eternity with Him)?
What is church truly suppose to be? What is the true message of the church? And how do we determine if a church we are looking at is a good one to attend?
As we look at the compliments and warnings that Jesus gives to the church at Sardis, let grasp them for ourselves today!
Questions:
1. What is the reason you come to church? Why are you here tonight and why do you go to the church you do on Sundays?
2. Why is it that some or even you avoid church?
3. What is something you have allowed to sway your thoughts on the church for too long that you realize is not truly biblical?
Points:
1. Learn to respect Church! The Church is not a cultural trend, it is the Bride of Jesus!
2. Get church friends! Enduring is way easier when you have a family!
3. Know the gospel daily! The energy of the gospel will carry you!
False teaching? How does Jesus address His church on what it looks like and how to handle it? And what is the reality for those who can endure through it and stand firm on the truth of Jesus' Word?
Join us as Trevor fills in for Pastor Mitch this week and tackles the Letter to Thyatira!
What does the word repentance mean to you? Is it only for when sharing the gospel or a daily discipline of the believer? Join us as we discuss how the comfort and conviction that Jesus brings to this church challenges us to seek a life of daily repentance.
I want to take you to a quote from a book called “Regeneration” by David B. McWilliams:
“It is important to point out that faith and repentance continue throughout the Christian life. Every day the Christian believes and repents and cries out ‘convert me, that I may be converted’ (Jere. 31:18). The first of Martin Luther’s ninety-five theses on the church door at Wittenberg in 1517 was intended to distinguish repentance from penance. Here Martin Luther pointed out the ongoing relationship of repentance to the Christian living: ‘when our lord and master Jesus Christ, said, repent, He willed the entire life of the believers to be one of repentance. The truly regenerated sinner will genuinely repent and will continue so to do. The standard that determines our initial and ongoing repentance is the law of God. this, then, points us to another essential fruit of regeneration, love for the law of God.”
Points:
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Never think you are past the point of conviction, Get in church and under sound teaching.
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A life of genuine repentance gives us a life of regular assurance in our salvation.
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Stop seeking the “moment” or “Experience” to solidify, rather cling to the Word and Name of Jesus!
Question:
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What does the word Repent conjure up for you?
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Do we think of repenting as a sign of our growth or only as a sign of condemnation?
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What can you be implementing in your walk to bring about daily humility and repentance?
How do we suffer? what is suffering in light of Jesus? What is church hurt? How do we handle it?
Join us as we dive into the exhortation that Jesus gives to a church that is truly suffering for His sake!
Points:
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If you are saved, yes there is forgiveness, but there is also eternal family. Remember to live and participate in God’s family!
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Suffering will happen, but with Jesus, suffering will be purposeful and temporal!
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Never suffer alone, you have the family of God aka the church. Get plugged in!
Questions:
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What does salvation mean to you? Do you realize you are now part of an eternal family?
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What does Church mean to you?
a. What about church hurt?
b. Is church important to you?
- Suffering is going to happen, how does knowing you are adopted by God into a family change the way you see suffering?
How does the Book of Ephesians lend to the proper reading of the Letter to Ephesus that Jesus gives in Revelation? Come listen and join the series!
Let this quote from the teachings of Charles Spurgeon on the church set our focus:
“The church is the kingdom of God among men. It is purely spiritual – comprehending only spiritual men and existing only for spiritual objects. And who is king? None but Jesus! we can truly say, as they did of old who proclaimed the kingship of the crucified. ‘we have another king, one Jesus.’ to Him the assemblies of the saints pay all regal honor, and at His Throne, the entire church bows itself, saluting Him as master and lord.”
Points:
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Jesus loves relationships! Stop working for Jesus and work with Jesus as your guide and king!
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Being a part of the church is essential, find one that’s about Jesus first and all else second!
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Don’t abuse the grace of God, He will remove your impact for His kingdom individually or corporately.
Questions:
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What are some ways individually, we can be so busy DOING stuff for Jesus that we lose sight of Jesus?
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What are some ways as the church, we can be so busy or wrongly focused that we lose sight of Jesus?
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Where is your foundation?
a. Is it simply on the basis that Jesus will make this life better? Or that He will bring you home one day to a restored and eternal life?
What is Revelation about? Who is at the center of it all? Has Revelation been difficult to read or approach?
Join us as we dive into this series and build a solid foundation on where to stand when it comes to this scripture!
Points:
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Jesus is big enough to hold His whole church, yet personal enough to love you eternally.
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All scripture is either looking towards, about or the result of Jesus. keep Him at the center.
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Jesus wins. When life seems impossible, remember the one who overcomes the “impossible”.
Questions:
- What were your views on Revelation before tonight?
a. What are they now?
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How do the attributes that John describes about Jesus and the claims that Jesus make about Himself change the way you see Jesus?
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Knowing that Jesus radically cares for and is concerned with His church, how do you view the church?
This is our final sermon of the Christmas season! Come see how Jesus fulfills all of the OT covenants and brings to light the reality of all that the Bible talks about. The best gift you could receive this year is either new life in Jesus or a deepened relationship with Jesus!
The video of the sermon is on our facebook!
This message is all about the covenants of the Old Testament and how they had two important roles. First, there is the immediate reality for the people it was spoken too. Second, they had the eternal side that is foretelling of the Messiah. We pray this blesses you and challenges you to see the bible as one unified story of Jesus!
This sermon is taught by our one and only Trevor who stepped in for Pastor Mitch who had a family wedding going on!
In this Mail Bag Episode, we have an amazing guest with us, Pastor DJ. we tackle:
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How to handle family and friends who only come to church on Christmas and Easter.
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If God is so good, why does He allow evil?
We pray this conversation is challenging, thought-provoking, and Christ-glorifying!
Ask us more questions!
Welcome to Christmas time at the Refinery! We know this season is either a really big high or a bit low, but even for some, it's just weird. Our prayer is that through this sermon series you find that eternal hope! Jesus was promised, layout, and presented through the full story of the bible! join us as we venture through the amazing reality of Jesus as our savior and redeemer. this message focuses on the Promise of the coming redeemer and how God Himself made it very clear that when He promised Redemption and forgiveness to us, He was going to see it through!
From the message:
Genesis 12
Now pay attention to two major details of why we trust God will be faithful and why we can from this see how serious God is about salvation and His glory:
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Abram was in a dead sleep. Why? So that he was but a bystander and beneficiary of the covenant!
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God alone passed through the carcasses as the fiery utensils. Why? The promise was on Him Alone!
Here is my conclusion and lead-in for next week:
There is a redeemer foretold by God, God makes a promise to see it happen, and God will protect this plan at all costs!
Next: We will cover the outworking of this promised redeemer as he is foretold by the covenants of the OT!
Our Final Sermon in the series! I can not believe that we have been tracking this series since august, but what a blessing! I pray this challenges you on the reality of Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection!
Key Doctrine:
The doctrine of freedom (Liberty): This is the two-part sense in which Christ made us born again and has liberated the person in light of our sinfulness. The first part is we are now set free by having peace WITH God. The second is that we are set free to experience peace FROMGod daily. So often we all seek Jesus to achieve some type of peace in life and our journeys and we fail to see that it can only happen when we first have peace with God. This is why it is so important to remember that Jesus is Lord and Savior, saving us to peace with God and being our Lord to dispense peace towards us daily.
Galatians 5, Romans 5:1, Colossians 3:15
Points:
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Not the daily grind, not chasing glamour, not striving for goodness. By grace through faith alone are you saved!
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Even if the earthly, temporal suffering continues, if you are His, you will have peace eternal!
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Jesus is real, judgment is real, and eternity in heaven or hell is real.
a. More importantly, Jesus’ power to forgive anyone is real, rest in that!
Questions:
- Like the two criminals, is it easier to point out others’ sins than deal with your own?
a. How do you handle conviction?
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What does grace mean to you?
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When we are seemingly lost or wandering, do we seek experience or scripture to be our guide?
Due to storm complications we closed our normal service for the night, but Pastor Mitch was able to preach the message to our church's Wednesday night service! Praying it is impactful and challenging!
Key doctrine:
The doctrine of Sola Scriptura: This is the belief and truth that we hold to the divine and holy scriptures alone for all truth pertaining to life and redemption and everything God. we do not hold any tradition, cultural norm, or selfish agenda above the ideas and words of scripture. It must be stated that the scriptures are not the ultimate authority, God is. Rather the scriptures are the ultimate guide toward seeking and understanding our divine ruler, creator, and life-giver.
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If at any point scripture is opposite of our tradition or cultural norm, we change our ideas not ignore the scriptures.
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Scripture is self-authoritative in the sense that it clearly states by Jesus, and the apostles and OT writers that it is God-breathed and alive and active!
2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 4:6, Matthew 15:3
Points:
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Stop comparing to the “highlight reel” of others, rather test yourself against the Word!
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Regardless of wealth or lack of, true riches are found in belonging to Jesus!
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Proper discernment is: If God’s word is against it, but culture is for it, side with the Word!
Questions:
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Are you guilty of comparing your faith with how “well” you are doing in life?
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Are there traditions you are seeing in your life that do not line up with scripture?
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How do we change those?
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When we notice something in our life or someone else’s that might be blinding them to scriptural truth, how do we handle that?
Finding the one, cars, emotions, and faith, and Adam versus Jesus, Join me (Pastor Mitch) as we seek scripture for some clarity. Even though I was solo on this episode I pray it brings great insight into what God has spoken on these topics and gives you a little insight into who I am!
I am so thankful for all the questions being sent in, we had such good questions I already have a solid start for episode three soon.
Sunday School Stories - Sorry about the audio but it works!
Key Doctrine:
The Doctrine of the Hypostatic Union: This is the reality that in the singular person of Jesus Christ are two natures! Jesus was fully God and fully human. (Or as R.C. Sprouls would say Truly God and Truly man.). For Christ to have these two natures in one is to allow for Him to accomplish what only the true Messiah and Savior could:
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live under the confines of our brokenness (human), and yet overcome it all (divine). Ultimately being able to overcome sin and death.
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There has never been a point that Jesus was only one of these realities. He entered the world as both and left the world as both! Why? To be the perfect bridge between God and man. To bring the right redemption of sins penalty.
Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 2:14, John 3:13, Acts 1:9-11
Points:
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Cling to the Word of God even when it conflicts with culture and tradition!
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When we focus on God, He makes the simplest and most normal of places sacred!
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When you experience Jesus, you never leave the same, be different!
Questions:
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What does it mean to you that our savior came in the form of a baby in a manger?
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People claim that Jesus was a good moral teacher, that He was a prophet, or that he simply was the example of how we all can be Christ. From the birth story of Jesus, how do we combat these heresies?
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What are some current things happening in the culture that seem normal, but the bible actually calls you to be different in?
Why do we participate in Trunk or Treat? and a brief overview of Halloween's origin!
Join me on a very brief but, I pray, informational and challenging devotional on a serious topic!
Key Doctrine: Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms
The story of Jonah captures a few realities that are so true today:
-
Our generations and societies are not ignorant of God, rather they simply are disobedient.
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People would rather acknowledge the hard truth and run, rather than stay and work through it.
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We in the church constantly want the next “Holy Spirit” moment than actually soaking up the Word already given to us!
Basil of Caesarea fought diligently against Arianism, which is the belief that Jesus was a powerful “created being” and not equal to the Father. He is quoted saying this about Jonah:
“We still hold fast to our earnest endeavors as much as possible, sensible of the fact that he who was swallowed by the whale was considered deserving of saving because he did not despair of his life but cried out to the Lord. So then, we ourselves, having reached the uttermost limits of evils, do not give up hope in the Lord but watch and see his help on all sides!”
Key Doctrine:
The doctrine of Guilt– The reality is that we are all worshipping something and loyal to something. Why? Because we are inherently aware that we fall short, so we try to fill the gap with earthly items, places, or people. We cling to these things as if they bring forgiveness/ comfort or at least purpose to the guilt we feel of being less than perfect. All the while we are okay for a season until those temporal things are taken from us or fail us. There is but one remedy to this reality of guilt, and that is the Gospel of Jesus.
Romans 1:19, Isaiah 44:9
Points:
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If you are His, all trials, hardships, and utterly crazy situations have a purpose!
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Stop running! The grace of God is way more peaceful than the pain of guilt!
Questions:
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How is your view of God’s grace in comparison to your guilt?
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Where do you naturally run to when it seems that following God is too hard?
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Are you guilty of seeking the experience and signs of God over faithfully soaking in God’s word?
Anxiety, dating, and end times are the core topics we covered in our first Mail Bag Episode! I (Mitch) am so thankful that Pastors Joe and Jeremy could come to hang out and hit on some needed topics! We pray this leads to more in-person discussions about how scripture and Christ handle these topics! There is a link on our Instagram and website via the church. Please do not hold anything back, ask all the questions so we can keep making episodes like this!
(Disclaimer: audio a little low, working on that for the next episode)
Join us as we enter into the first six chapters of Daniel! We cover the Fiery Furnace, the Lion's Den, and the grave that Christ conquered for us! What does it mean that Jesus descended to the grave/ hell? Well, we answer that in light of this OT narrative displayed for us in our sermon!
Key Doctrine:
The doctrine of Descent: Jesus, when He was laid to rest in the tomb descended to Sheol (under the earth). When He descended He was not there as a victim of sin and death. Rather, He went as Victor and solidified the faith of the OT saints and the damnation of the wicked. Ultimately in His resurrection on the third day, bringing home all those who waited in faith for the coming messiah to be at final rest with God.
Sheol: This is the land of the dead that all of the OT utilizes to talk about two places for the dead: (Psalm 49:15, 1 Samuel 2:6, Job 14:11-14, Job 7:9-10, Isaiah 38:9-11)
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Abrahams’s bosom – Resting place for the faithful saints. Not final, but one where there is separation from the wicked. (Luke 16:22, Job 14:13)
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Hades – A place of torment for the unbeliever. Not final, but the precursor till Christ solidifies to them His reality. (Luke 16:22-23, Isaiah 14:13-15)
o A Prime NT example of this being the truth until Jesus was crucified is Luke 16: 22-26
Psalm 68:18 makes the prophecy that the messiah will lead the captives to home but from where? From the temporal, rest they had till Jesus finished His work on the cross. We see Paul tie this to Christ as he brought victory to the grave. (Ephesians 4:1-16)
Jesus makes two claims on the cross “Into your hands (God’s) I commit my spirit.” & “It is Finished” (John 19:30, Luke 23:46 Psalm 16:10, Ephesians 4:1-16)
- Confidence that as He went to the “under the earth” aka Sheol as the victor, God would raise him up along with the faithful saints of the OT time! (Romans 10:9-10)
This ties us back to Revelation 1: 12-18 passage, Jesus is our victor over death and sin, but He is also sovereign Lord over both the righteous and wicked from the beginning to the end.
Points:
- Steady peace is found in WHO God is.
a. Experience will change and fail us, divine truth of who God is will never change!
- In Jesus you are defined! Loved and part of His family!
a. Your emotions and struggles are not who you are, but what you are going through.
- Stop re-crucifying Jesus. He already conquered this world. Give it all to Him.
Questions:
- Do the stories of the furnace and the den teach us to rebel against authority for any reason we see fit?
a. Hint: re-read the interactions of the three and with Daniel carefully towards the kings
- Where is your confidence level in your relationship with Jesus?
a. Daniel was able to say he knew he was innocent before God!
- Seeing Jesus as the ultimate victor over the grave, does this make us more confident in our salvation?
In this sermon, we cover the well-known story of Samson and Delilah. So often we can get so wrapped up in the nerdiness (I am guilty of this) that we lose sight of the simple application that God has for us. through this message, I pray you to see the solid truths about sin and our Savior Jesus while learning the historical account of Samson and Delilah.
Key Doctrines:
The doctrine of conscience:
Conscience is the premise of human thought and processing that has two major utilities. First, it is the reality that in life there is part of us that seems to be almost outside of every situation we are in and giving comments and judgments on it. Usually in the realm of morals and right from wrong. The second is then how we choose to apply these thoughts and judgments at the moment. We see from the fall that all of humanity is cursed and tainted by sin, so our conscience is thus swayed by sinful judgments and comments. It is only in the renewal of the person via the blood of Christ and surrendering to Him that one now has a conscience no longer captive to sin but enslaved to God and His precepts.
How do we make sure our conscience is in line with God? Renew your mind daily on the Word of God and do not conform to this world.
Points:
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Sin comes in the form of earthly comfort, and righteousness comes in the form of a heavenly conviction.
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Beware the three steps of sin:
a. Blinding you to your sinfulness
b. Binding you by guilt and comfort
c. Grinding you down till you feel trapped or numb
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The grace of God is greater than the glimmer of sin.
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Jesus becomes everything when we realize all other things are but nothing.
Questions:
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Where do you find comfort? (what things or people do you turn to, to feel complete and ok?)
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Seeing the three steps of sin (Blind, bind, grind). Are there examples or current situations you have seen where these apply?
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How hard is it to truly drop everything to cling to Christ alone?
a. How can we grow in that?
b. How can we help others grow?
My goal with these serve nights that are happening in the midst of our Sunday School Story series is to begin to build our hearts firmer in why Jesus calls us to serve! Serve night was all about learning how to have better conversations and guiding people in conversations about God's Word. So often we can let these valued times of talking with other believers go downhill fast if we are not confident and comfortable with each other and talking about our faith walks. This is the root of why it's even harder to talk to unbelievers or people questioning our faith. Pastor Tom who is our Groups and Adults pastor here at the church spends some time bringing applicable and scriptural truths that will set you up to be confident with fellow believers. And through that more confident to share your faith outside the walls of the church.
(The audio that you hear is from Rightnow Media! "Shallow Small Groups")
How do we view David and Goliath? Our modern church today with social media influencers and feel-good sermons alike has done damage to this historical event. unfortunately in chasing a "self-centered and feel good" approach the truth and beauty of David and Goliath are lost in most places. My heart is to bring to light the doctrinal and Christ-centered realities of the account to challenge us to see where our faith is truly at! Is it in what we get from God or in simply who God is?
Key Doctrines:
The doctrine of Imputed Righteousness – This is the reality that outside of Jesus, we are dead in our sins and unholy, unrighteous, and completely separated from God’s presence. Yet, when we repent and believe into Jesus Christ as LORD and SAVIOR, we are given the righteousness of Christ. Instantaneously we are made justified in the eyes of God.
The doctrine of Imparted Righteousness- This is the premise that once we are justified, now God is working through the Holy Spirit to sanctify us. This is the daily living righteousness that is the fruit of the righteousness given to us by Jesus at salvation. Whereas once we would do good for our own sake or based on loose cultural morals. We now can live rightly with God in actual accordance with His commands, out of love and not fear!
Points:
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Genuine faith is built on who Jesus is, not all the things we think He can do for us.
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Genuine faith will stand when our emotions and experiences fail us.
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Your salvation is secure! We now live in the victory of Christ. Stop fighting battles He has already claimed.
Questions:
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How do we view faith? Is it a golden ticket to gain rewards from God in life? or is it because you realized outside of Jesus we deserve nothing?
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When approaching situations, do we just leap in head first? Or do we seek where and how Jesus commands us to approach them?
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Seeing David and goliath where Jesus is David and not you, how does that change your view of the story and the points it makes?
Moses and the Red Sea... As I studied this passage and historical account God continues to wreck my heart for how we need to preach Christ and Him crucified. Within this sermon my prayer is that you see the gorgeous truths of Who God is and let that lead you into the experiences of God. we must always remember to seek first Who before we get to the rest of God. Ultimately we see through this story the gorgeous truth that Jesus was always there and always will be, we just have to LOOK UP!
Doctrine of Christophany/ theophany – This is the doctrine that is used to explain certain realities and characters within the OT that seem to pop up outside of the normal flow. We have now seen the Angel of the Lord and God connected, along with the Pillar of fire and smoke being associated with both as well. Why is this important? It is the premise that God has been interacting within the realm of creation from the beginning. For we are told that no one can handle the full glory of God in our present state. So, these human and creation placeholders were a beacon towards the promised messiah who would be God with them, Jesus!
- Another example of this doctrine would be Melchizedek the High Priest that Abraham meets.
Points:
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No matter how dark life might get, just look up! Turn your eyes to Christ!
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Stop seeking to find the will of God, just seek God and His will, will follow!
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In hard times, don’t ask how long? Rather, ask what are you up to God?
Questions:
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What is our initial reaction when we find ourselves seemingly stuck in life?
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What is your go-to means for solutions?
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Do we find ourselves more interested in things to do for God, or God Himself?
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Are you prone to question God’s grace when hard times come? Or do you seek it more intently?
The Tower of Babel and Jesus Christ have connections? This latest installment on our Sunday School Series we hit the Tower narrative and how God works in and through humanity, even when we are messing up in sin. Often we can get trapped in the simplicity of some bible accounts that we forget to see just what God is doing. I pray this message is encouraging and impactful for Christ.
Key Doctrines:
Doctrine of Idolatry – This is the premise that man is created for relationship with God. yet, in our sin we try to fill that void and chasm with earthly and false things. Where God should reign, we let little “g” gods take the seat and bring us confusion and temporal pleasure. We see it played out today in false religions that bring salvation into the hands of man by works. Or in practices that make us simply gods, or good enough that God doesn’t have to change us. Idols are the item, thing or thought that holds us captive over Jesus. Things inherently bad obviously are easy to see as idols like drugs, false religion, self. Things neutral can becomes idols such as sports, friends, status and jobs when they trump God.
Doctrine of Grace – God’s grace is the premise that even in our dreadful and dead state God penetrated through and providentially intervenes in creation for us. Either dead in sin or alive in Jesus God’s grace is working on us constantly. Grace in its simplest definition is that “God gives us what we really do not deserve.” In common grace God is holding up all creation and fallen man with it. In irresistible grace God is calling forth to those who will surrender their lives to Christ. Yet, while we were still sinner Christ Jesus died for us to create a way for redemption. That is grace in the most simplistic and powerful means!
Points:
- Follow Jesus, not your heart.
a. Unity with the world is separation from Jesus.
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God will accomplish His will, there is more peace in submission than resisting!
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If we are in Jesus, there is grace even in the pruning and chastising.
Questions:
- Can you think of a time where you sought unity with people around secular things? How did it go?
a. What about when you sought unity with people around godly things? How did it go?
- Seeing how God, even in punishment, will accomplish His will. How do we now view things we know we are called to, but might not like?
a. For example witnessing to people we might not know well, sharing your testimony..
- Seeing that in Christ we are brought into the presence of God, the holy of holies. Does this bring us to a reality of conviction or condemnation?
What a Special night come join us as we discuss with Pastor Mitch and Jessica about their lives, ministry, theology and more! (Might have to turn up the volume in some areas!)
We had our first Serve Night that we are doing at the end of each month while we go through our Sunday School Stories series this fall. In this serve night we held a Q&A, wrote letters to our fellow members who are either shut in or unable to come to church in person, then finished the night with fellowship over bingo, games and books!
Welcome back to the series called Sunday School Stories! We ventured into the realm of Noah's Ark and the worldwide flood! I personally was so convicted and challenged in preparing this message! I pray it impacts you. And as always is included our doctrinal points from the account, points and questions.
IF you would like to reach out my email is: mitchel_vandenbroeck@indianrocks.org
Doctrines:
Doctrine of perseverance of the saints – This Doctrine is also known as the eternal security! We see a typology and image of this in the Genesis 7 verse where God closes the ark. This doctrine teaches that when we surrender our lives to Jesus and are born again we are a new creation and we are sealed in the Holy Spirit. This means that you and I cannot and will never save ourselves, so if we have no part in the saving we can not do enough to become unsaved! Just as Noah was the one who walked on the ark, it was God who sealed Him in. just as we surrender to Christ, it is the trinity’s work that justifies, sanctifies and glorifies us! (Roman 9) God promises those who are in the faith that He will carry them through and that we are His forever (Roman 8)
Doctrine of Covenants – This one is a little less known or truly understood. Yet it is the simple reality of the inner workings of how a Holy God can be in relationship with a sinful people! The story of redemption is progressive just like the story of humanity is. As we have seen from Adam and Eve to now with the flood and ultimately with Jesus, it has always been by grace through faith that we are saved! This starts with the original covenantal promise given in the garden (Genesis 3:15). And then we see worked out through the ages via God’s justice and faithfulness overpowering humanities stupidity and sin. God’s grace in Adam and eve with their kids, Abel’s blood crying out, Noah’s faith was counted as righteous and by grace he was sealed in the ark and brought along. It has never been that God ordained multiple means of salvation or works versus faith, rather God’s sovereign will and intimate relation to His creation is displayed in His providence that leads us ultimately to the cross, the ultimate ark for our souls which is Jesus Christ!
Points:
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Focus on God working in and through you, instead of sin that all around you!
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Rest in the fact that God is in control!
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Our sins have effects on more than ourselves, beware of abusing grace!
Questions:
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Seeing how God’s sovereignty and our responsibility is so perfectly balanced in scripture. How does this affect our mindsets towards living and serving Him daily?
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Which seems easier: focusing on the drama and negativity of this world? Or on what God is doing in and through you?
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Do you have the peace beyond understanding that comes from knowing that your soul is eternal secure in Him?
Welcome back for the second "story" aka account we are covering in this series! Cain and Abel is such a wide known story and so many have a vast view on how it relates law and Gospel. My prayer is that as you listen to this message you find yourself being challenged to seek the balance that God Himself wants us to have as we approach His word and truth especially on the Law and Gospel!
Reach out at: mitchel_vandenbroeck@indianrocks.org
Key Doctrines:
Doctrine of God’s Sovereignty – This is the doctrine and reality that God being creator and ruler of all things is fully in control of all the inner and outer workings of His creation! The hard balance comes to us when we try to fully comprehend or take control of this reality, we will fail horribly. We are His creation and we call Him Father, that means as earthly parents are way wiser and smarter than us children, we heed their instruction and involvement since they are greater than we are in sense of life and lesson. God’s sovereignty means that what He wills and wants will ultimately take place and come to pass around us, in us, and through us!
- The premise of God’s sovereignty is directly related to the doctrine of God’s Providence.
Doctrine of God’s Providence – “Clear thinking about God’s involvement in the world process and in the acts of rational creatures requires complimentary sets of statements, thus: a person takes action, or an event is triggered by natural causes, or Satan shows his hand – Yet, God overrules!” (Book of Esther) – J.I. Packer
Points:
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The heart behind your actions will always speak louder than your actions.
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The sinner saved by grace will have impact and peace even in death, but the sinner dead in sin will have no peace even in life!
-
Rest in God’s sovereignty and providential hands! When we simply are faith to God and His word, the rest will fall in place!
Questions:
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Which is better: A lot of works with a self-centered heart, or fewer works but with a heart giving God full glory for them?
-
Seeing how gracious God is when Cain ran, how does this impact how we treat those who reject us or treat us bad?
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Does God being sovereign bring us rest or restlessness in life?
Welcome to our Fall Series Sunday School Stories! I am so excited to dive into the top 12-13 bible stories that are taught in and through churches to Sunday school classes! Ranging from Adam and Eve to the Cross. In this episode I take some extra time to explain my heart behind why we are diving into these stories from a young adults perspective. with each "story" we are going to have applicable points but also I want to give us some doctrines as we go to help you form foundations for your faith.
Key doctrines that we can use as takeaways from this account:
doctrine of the Trinity - God being spoken of in the third person singular is quoted talking to multiple with him, yet all those actions were fulfilled by the singular. making us realize that there is a community within God. this is ultimately played out to be the Father, son and Holy Ghost. Even in the OT we see trinity talk!
Doctrine of total depravity - Humanity in listening to Satan and willingly choosing to disobey God in the Garden entered a state of existence to which we are now totally deprived of the goodness and sinless community we are meant to have with God! not that we are no longer “free”. But just as how we had freedom in the covenant given to Adam, we are now free under the broken will bent to sin.
Doctrine of Salvation - God came towards humanity when humanity fell and entered into the realm of sin and shame. While Humanity is not dead and separated from God, through Christ God the father moved first out of unmerited love towards sinners!
Points:
- God is the center of our focus in reading the bible and in our daily life, never is it us!
- Sin was a choice made, never a blind and innocent mistake. Be careful to know God’s word!
- God moves first! We serve a God who never leaves His people in the dark, but actually comes after us!
Questions:
- What is something you might have learned new or seen from a new perspective in this account?
- Does taking the ultimate matter of our sin nature away from Satan and placing it in our own hands change the intensity of it?
- Is it better to simply speak a vague truth or to take the time and protect the details while speaking in a way that people understand? (the principle of taking time to know the details is the major focus)
This is the last sermon from our Refine Night Series! the follow week will be a multi-young adult ministry worship night, and then after that we are going to start a three month journey through the 12 most taught Sunday School lessons from an young adult perspective! So stay tune for those and be praying with us over that.
The front part of this message is the Gospel, why? Well i explain it all in the sermon, please enjoy and reach out if you ever want to talk at
mitchel_vandenbroeck@indianrocks.org
Points:
- To hear God and know His will starts with being born again in Jesus!
- pray, seek the word, and press into what God is showing you with fellow believers!
- Ultimately, in all that we do we need to bring God glory and thankfully that can be unique to all of us!
Questions:
- When does it seem like God is the quietest in our lives? and where are you with your own relationship with God at that time?
- Do we set God’s word as a moral guide? or as a foundation of truth?
- How can you currently be doing what you do for God’s glory?
(Disclaimer: the second part of the sermon did not record well, so we rerecorded it and I pray it still shine truth and makes an impact!)
This is Part four of our Refine night series, and we hit on Frameworks. The premise of what the world is trying to teach and push versus the Word of God. And how we as Christians need to view secular and fake ideologies in light of the truth of God and His word.
And especially with this topic, if you need to talk or want to interact with the sermon, email me at Mitchel_vandenbroeck@indianrocks.org
Points:
- The only way to spot a false claim of Christianity or a secular ideology, is to first know
the truth that is Jesus!
- Never can we allow society to twist our view of scripture, scripture should change how
we see society!
- In a world of confusion, cling to Jesus who is the WAY, the TRUTH, and LIFE!
Questions:
-
What is your foundation of truth?
-
Do we seek scripture to give us our opinion on society or seek society for our opinion on
scripture?
- Have you ever witnessed people twisting scripture to justify a sinful reality in the name
of the “greater good”?
Tonight was a special night for us in the Refinery, We had our Senior Pastor Jeff join us!
I asked Pastor Jeff to share a message that he would have wanted to hear in his 20's. So, This message was the heart of Pastor Jeff towards our ministry as Young Adults. Partially his testimony and also a question and answer time with him. I pray this encourages you as you walk either towards a relationship with Jesus or as you venture through life with Him already.
We are still slowly working our way through the Refine Night series and in two weeks we will be back at it with "Frameworks - CRT, intersectionality and more".
Part three of our Refine Night series - Sex & Relationships
My heart beat for this sermon is to make us rethink how we view, think and talk about sex and relationships in the church and culture alike! I pray this leads you to seek biblical truth and application of these ideas. Like always you can reach me personally at:
mitchel_vandenbroeck@indianrocks.org
Quote from opening:
God made each of us and invented sex — why would we act like we know better than him? God warns us that sexual immorality leads to pain, shame, slavery, and ultimately judgment — why would we risk so much for a little pleasure now? God bought our forgiveness, freedom, and purity with the blood of his own Son — an infinite cost — why would we heap more sin on his shoulders and drive the nails even deeper? God waits with open arms to welcome us into a never-ending adventure of peace and happiness with him — why would we trade it away for a few seconds of satisfaction? – Marshal Segal (Desiring God)
Points:
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God created the men and women unique in role, but equal in worth! Jesus died the same to redeem both!
-
Our ultimate purpose, joy, fulfillment is in Jesus and His church. Our relationship status is secondary!
-
Sex and relationships are beautiful truths, but deadly if we misuse and abuse them sinfully!
Questions:
-
How have I thought about relationships? Simply an earthly pleasure or an eternal representation?
-
The realm of sex and physical interaction, is it simply physical or do we see the connection to our souls?
-
What other stigmas have you found in Christian culture or dating culture that are more harmful than good?
Part two of our Refine Nights Series: The reality of Sin
Questions we cover:
- What is sin? 2. The reality of humanity and our fallen state? 3. The eternal end of sinners?
My prayer is that this sermon sparks your thoughts and heart to seek the premise of your own sin nature. And of where you stand with God? The message ends with the answer to sin and the only hope we truly have! Jesus.
Points:
-
Sin is never a forced upon issue, its who we are naturally. Don’t pass blame, rather press into the cross!
-
Wake up and preach the gospel to yourself! Sin is real, it is active and Satan is very good at using it against us.
-
Yes, the world and the people around us are lost in sin and loving it. Let that motivate us to shine that much more the light of Jesus.
Questions:
-
Does realizing how sinful we ALL are in the sight of God make you more thankful or doubtful of the grace we receive in Jesus?
-
Does the reality of knowing that Jesus doesn’t just do away with the commands and guidelines offend us or give us hope?
-
Have we ever been guilty of treating people who admit their sins and struggles to us differently depending on the sin?
First night of our new series Refine Nights!
We are covering hard and controversial topics in light of the Gospel!
Our first topic discussed is that of Truth? And how can we trust the Bible if people wrote it?
To close: remember the claim I made that Jesus was the most EXCLUSIVE – INCLUSIVE TRUTH?
23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Ro 3:23.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Ro 6:23.
9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame,, 12 since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved., - Ro 10:9–13.
It is exclusive because it is in Jesus alone that we can be saved and born again.
It is inclusive because it is the message of salvation for everyone.
Points:
-
The Truth does hurt, but that’s okay, real truth eternally heals also!
-
We can trust the bible! If we can trust the gospel, we can trust the rest of the pages also!
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In a world where nothing is absolute, hold on to Jesus. He is unchanging peace!
This is the final message of our James Series: Faith Foundations
The topic we discuss in this sermon is not one we take lightly and I know trigger words are unavoidable. But my prayer is that you listen and interact with this sermon in a way that God's word challenges you. False believers and backsliding Christians are massive areas that the church can struggle to handle. So we open up the message with defining terms and truths of these areas, then we focus on how to minister to these two groups!
Points:
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Just because your "in church" does not mean you're safe. Check your hearts daily.
-
When others fail in sin, remember we ALL need grace.
-
Never be afraid to confront anyone with the truth. It can save them from danger or death.
Question: what is your faith rooted in? the assurance of your own personal conversion by Christ, or the culture and circles you grew up in?
This episode is a sermon from our series in James. the special part of the night was over the last few weeks I gathered prayers from staff and volunteers from our church. And then challenged our young adults to write their own. Afterwards we spent a period of time in group prayer and covered all the request in prayer and praise! I challenge you to do the same!
Points:
- Regardless of how we feel, pray!
Pray in the suffering and sorrow, praise in the rejoicing and successes!
- Community and humility are foundations to genuine prayer!
Place yourself in Christian community!
- When you pray stop treating it like a request hotline or compliant box!
Genuine talk to God our father, Jesus established the connection, use it!
We appreciate the following along with us through the book of James! My prayer is that through this message you will grow or find for the first time that true meaning and reality to patience. It is rooted and perfected in Jesus. Again, if you ever have questions about the Gospel, the message, or the ministry you can email me at: Mitchel_vandenbroeck@indianrocks.org.
Points:
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Jesus is coming back! He is our present hope via the cross, and our future hope via the resurrection/ second coming!
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Patience grows when we grow in Jesus and the Word!
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Jesus is always bigger than our problems!
A. Don't let the temporal problems distract you from the eternal person and work of Jesus Christ!
Like I stated in the opening of the sermon we are working on getting James Chapter three put up. Trevor killed it and we recap it in the opening!
These are points and questions for the message currently being listened too!
Points:
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Remind yourself daily of the gospel and what is does, humility will natural flow from that.
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Plan your days with open hands, gospel hearts, and submitted to the Word of God!
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Things are not the problem, your heart is! Our intentions and motives are the root of any action/ plan we allow.
a. Let the Word be your filter and motive on earth, not the earth be your filter on the Word.
Questions:
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How’s your heart? Do you have a practice of preaching the Gospel to yourself daily?
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How are you planning your life? Do you get wrapped up in the temporal?
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Are the things of this world making you complacent? Or do we view any earthly blessing as means to grow and share our faith? (Remember motives are the root)
Join us for part two of James! Such a trigger worthy issue when it comes to faith and works, lets dive in:
Clearing up confusion:
Paul - We are given Romans and Paul’s heavy hitting discussion on how justification is by faith alone to combat those driving believers to legalism and old Judaism law keeping as requirements.
James - We are given James and James’ heavy hitting discussion on how its by Faith alone, but not a faith that is alone! James is combating that realm of "Easy Believerism" that is the opposite extreme of legalism.
The teamwork of Paul and James gives us this final picture for chapter two: We are justified in grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. His finished work justifies us (Paul). And it is the completed work of Jesus that makes us new and wanting to live as He now calls us to (James).
Points:
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We love on the broken! Favoritism has no room in the gospel, so it can’t have room in us!
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Faith is active and alive, something truly life changing will change your actions also!
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Our Salvation is evident in our faith and works, not faith in our works!
Questions:
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When we think about sharing our faith, do we willingly share? Or do we judge all the aspects of the situation and person first?
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Which is easier, claiming to love Jesus with our words only or allowing those words to prompt faith filled actions/ reactions?
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The world has proven that people can have “good faith” and “good works” separately. Why is it so important to get Faith and Works right?
a. Justification is by grace alone through Faith alone, but not by faith that IS alone.
First Sermon in our Faith Foundations series
James chapter one
Points:
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There is a distinct line between trial and temptation. That line is Faith! Trust the word of God guide you!
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Faith in the word of God, not the world, is how we have true Joy!
Special worship by our Middle School Pastor Joe! And a wonderful time observing the ordinance of Lord's Supper as we reflect on the last meal they had together leading up to the arrest and trials of Jesus.
John chapters 19-21
(Audio is low, turn up device audio. Phone Audio recommended)
Points:
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Regardless of how messed up we are or how many times we mess up, God’s love is greater!
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Salvation is complete in Jesus! And if He completes it, He can and will Keep you in it eternally!
Questions:
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Knowing God’s love is greater and stronger than our mistakes, does that make us feel more or less prone to be okay with sinning?
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People claim only His spirit rose again and not His body, to lead us to believe in moralism as salvation. Knowing that it is the personal and physical resurrection that keeps Jesus as our salvation, how do we combat works-based ideas push on us?
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Where are you at? What is the truth of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to you?
The video played is called "What is Christianity?" by American Gospel TV and Paul Washer (We own no rights to it)