REFUGE KENOSHA

REACTIONS REVEAL // Matthew 8:23-27

What do your reactions reveal about your heart? When the disciples faced a violent storm in Matthew 8:23-27, their fear exposed their lack of trust in Jesus. Yet, with a word, He calmed the wind, waves, and coincidentally, their hearts. This passage challenges us to examine our own responses to life’s storms and to stand in awe of the One whom even the winds and waves obey.

COUNTING, KILLING, CLINGING // Matthew 8:18-22

Following Jesus requires more than good intentions—it demands complete commitment. In Matthew 8:18-22, Jesus confronts half-hearted disciples with the hard truth that following Him means not living primarily for comfort, security, and personal priorities. Have you truly counted the cost, or are you clinging to compromises that keep you from fully following Jesus?

RESTORATIVE AUTHORITY // Matthew 8:1-17

Jesus has the authority to heal and restore what is broken, but do we truly believe that today? In Matthew 8:1-17, we see Christ’s power displayed as He touches the untouchable, commands creation, and restores people for service. This message challenges us to approach Jesus with humble trust, recognizing that His authority is not just a past reality but a present and personal invitation to faith.

RUNNING FROM GOD; FINDING HIS MERCY (Jonah 1-2)

In today’s message, “Running from God; Finding His Mercy,” Nathan McCray is going to lead us through some of the story of the prophet Jonah, a story of rebellion, pursuit, and relentless grace. We will find that often in our running from God we can actually come face to face with His inexhaustible love. Are you running from God? If so, today is an invitation to return to Him and seek Him out with your whole heart.

GOD'S GRACE > OUR SIN // John 4

Have you ever felt too broken, too unworthy, or too far gone for God’s grace? Today, as we look at John 4, Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well reveals a love that breaks every barrier to offer living water to the thirsty. No matter your past, God's grace is greater than your sin, and His invitation is for you—will you come to the well? Speaker: Mark Lehmann.

MARK 3 // OUR PRIORITY

What defines the true purpose of a local church? Today we are looking at the last Mark of Refuge - We prioritize gathering in Christ to GROWGO. What exactly does GROWGO mean, and why should it matter to Christians today? We will look at Hebrews 10:24-25 and Colossians 1:28 to see how God has called His church to build up one another toward love and good works

MARK 2 // OUR POSTURE

Posture is important in everyday life; what if spiritual posture mattered in an even greater way? Today we look at Refuge’s second mark of church life: “We posture ourselves to be poured out before God.” We will see how the posture of surrender and anticipation will lead to a collective pouring out of our hearts in prayer, praise, and service to God.

MARK 1 // OUR PURSUIT

We are taking a break from our study in Matthew to focus on the three marks of Refuge Church. Our first mark is “We pursue Scripture as God’s clear voice to us right now.” We believe that the Bible guides our lives and shapes our faith. How often do you pause to hear what God is saying through His Word?

HUMANITY'S HIGHEST SECURITY // Matthew 7:24-29

As we close out the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7, we look at Jesus’s famous teaching on the builders who built on the rock and on the sand. Both hear the teachings of Christ, but only one acts on them, building on the solid foundation. What foundation are you building on—one that lasts or one destined to fall?

I NEVER KNEW YOU, DEPART FROM ME // Matthew 7:21-23

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? Today, as we explore one of Jesus’s hardest statements in Matthew 7:21-23, we will see that those who belong to God’s kingdom possess more than right beliefs, fervent passion, and remarkable works. Are we truly living in alignment with God's will, or simply convincing ourselves that we are?