REFUGE KENOSHA

JESUS, THE LAW, AND ME (PART 1) // Matthew 5:17-20

What does the Old Testament Law have to do with Jesus? How relevant is it for Christians today? As we look at Jesus’s words in Matthew 5:17-20, we will see that whatever God reveals ultimately stands the test of time.

THE CHRISTIAN INFLUENCER // Matthew 5:13-16

Influence is a word that is common in our culture. What is the Christian’s relationship tot he world in terms of influence? Today, as we look at Matthew 5:13-16, we will see that our job as believers is to influence the world in preserving God’s design and proclaiming the light of the good news of Jesus.

THE HIGHEST HAPPINESS // Matthew 5:10-12

Today we are talking about persecution. Jesus ends His Beatitudes by saying that the happiest people are those who are mistreated because of their righteous living. What exactly does He mean by that? Today, as we study Matthew 5:10-12, we will be challenged to live a life that is marked, not by this world, but by the Kingdom of Heaven.

HAPPY ARE THE PEACEMAKERS // Matthew 5:9

Peace is something that everyone wants, but few actually get. Why is there such a lack of peace among people today? Today, as we continue through the Beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:9), we will see that God’s children are called to be peacemakers. We will see that this is firstly a reflection of who God is, and that this reflection works itself out through bringing wholeness to others.

PURITY GIVES CLARITY // Matthew 5:8

Can a lack of purity in our hearts actually affect our ability to know and have fellowship with God? If other devotions find themselves mixed within my devotion to God, can it cause a spiritual vision impairment? Jesus has an answer to that. Today, as we look at the sixth Beatitude (Matthew 5:8), we will see how purity creates clarity. 

HAPPY ARE THE GIVERS // Matthew 5:7

Can our inward convictions or devotion to Christ stay inward? Is there a need for an external outworking of the character of Christ in us? Today, as we look through the fifth Beatitude (Matthew 5:7), we will see how people who belong to the Kingdom of God are to be merciful, showing active goodness toward people who are in misery and distress.

THE PROBLEM OF DESIRE // Matthew 5:6

Everyone wants to be fulfilled. However, where does true fulfillment come from? Where are we to aim our desires? Today, as we look at the fourth Beatitude in Matthew 5:6, we’ll see how true fulfillment is found in hungering and thirsting after the right things.

GENTLE POWER // Matthew 5:5

How can you overcome the American ingrained mindset, “just a little more?” How can you weather the difficult seasons that come in life? Today, we will look at the humble and gentle term “meekness,” and see how the Spirit of God can actually give you a gentle strength that completely trusts in Him throughout all seasons.

HAPPY ARE THE MOURNERS // Matthew 5:4

Everyone mourns. But is every tear that is shed good and right before God? Today, Refuge Elder Mark Lehmann continues through our study on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:4). The question that will be asked is: What sort of mourning is right and acceptable before God?

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT // Matthew 5:1-3

We begin what is referred to as the Sermon on the Mount, which is regarded by many as Jesus’ most hard-hitting sermon. Today, we’ll look at the first saying Jesus gives: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”