REFUGE KENOSHA

DRESSED UP REBELLION // Matthew 15:1-20

Have you ever considered that the spiritual leadership you follow might be using religious traditions to mask a heart in full-blown rebellion against God? In this study of Matthew 15, Jesus exposes the toxic ambition of self-centered religious leaders, warning that these "blind guides" will inevitably poison others and lead their followers into a pit. Jesus urgently commands believers to leave these false teachers behind so you can cultivate a deeper, life-giving dependency on the simplicity of the Gospel.

IGNORANCE ON FIRE // Matthew 15:1-20

Could your most cherished religious traditions actually be a form of rebellion that masks a heart far from God? In this study of Matthew 15, Jesus exposes how elevating human rules over Scripture leads to spiritual hypocrisy and a failure to love others as God commanded. Listen in to discover how to distinguish between hollow rituals and a heart-centered faith that truly honors the Word of God.

THE WEAKNESS IN CALCULATION // Matthew 14:22-36

We are in Part Two of the story of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14. In observing Peter’s experience with Jesus, we will see that there is power in the commands of Jesus. Not only that, but faith in God itself is something that desires to step out and take risks.

JESUS OR PHANTOM? // Matthew 14:22-36

How do you view Jesus in seasons of difficulty or when you are experiencing a struggle with living according to God’s ways? Do you see a Savior who has paid the price in full, or do you see a phantom of your own making—one who demands more, or is full of disappointment? In part one of the story of Jesus walking on water, we’ll see that we have the tendency to make a phantom of Christ, when he is most really Christ.

LISTEN, LEARN, AND FOLLOW - Part 2 // Matthew 14:13-23

We are in Part Two of the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. We continue looking at what the right priorities are for our lives by looking at the life of Jesus. Again, to Christ, intimacy or closeness with the Father was of highest priority, and then compassion and love for others, and then discipleship.

LISTEN, LEARN, AND FOLLOW - Part 1 // Matthew 14:13-23

Today is part one of a message on the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus withdraws to be alone with the Father—yet when the crowds chase Him down, He meets interruption with compassion, healing the sick and multiplying five loaves and two fish until everyone is satisfied.

TRUTH AND ITS CONSEQUENCES // Matthew 14:1-12

In Matthew 14:1–12, Herod shows what happens when truth brushes your conscience but never becomes your King—interest without obedience turns into fear, compromise, and eventually violence. John the Baptist stands as the opposite: steady, costly faithfulness to the God of truth, even when it leads to chains, isolation, and a brutal end. Are you living the truth you admire—or silencing it to protect the life you refuse to surrender?

YOUR RULER DETERMINES YOUR STEPS // Matthew 13:47-58

As we close out Matthew chapter 13, we are going to see one big idea: your ruler determines your steps—your destination, your responsibility with God’s “treasure,” and even how people respond to you when you won’t bow to their kingdom. What (or who) is ruling your heart right now—and where is it actually taking you?

WHAT'S YOUR TREASURE? // Matthew 13:44-46

Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a buried treasure and a priceless pearl—so valuable that the one who finds it gladly gives up everything to possess it. When God truly rules a life, priorities don’t just shift; they’re transformed by joy-filled surrender. 

CHANGED PEOPLE CHANGE THINGS // Matthew 13:31-35

When we consider how we are to be used by God, often we approach the question with a very mathematical mindset. Today, as we look at the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven, we will see that when Christ rules in the lives of His people, results always follow. In a world that expands through conquering, the kingdom of God will expand through humble, compassionate love.