REFUGE KENOSHA

In a culture that focuses on wealth and possessions, how are Christians to live differently? As Refuge teacher Nathan McCray takes us through Matthew 6:19-24, we'll explore what it means to store up treasures in heaven, see with spiritual clarity, and serve God wholeheartedly. As you listen, ask yourself: What treasure is truly shaping the direction of my life?

How does fasting deepen your hunger for God? Today we explore Matthew 6:16-18, where Jesus teaches about fasting in secret to seek God rather than the approval of others. We will uncover how fasting reveals the state of our hearts, refocuses our desires, and revitalizes our faith—are you hungry for Him?

Today we’re diving into one of Jesus's most challenging teachings: forgiveness. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus speaks to the critical, sometimes uncomfortable truth that forgiving others is linked to our own forgiveness. As you listen, consider this: Is there someone in your life you haven’t forgiven? And, if so, what’s holding you back from releasing that burden today?

We are diving into what it means to be truly God-centered, following the pattern Jesus taught in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). This passage challenges us to seek God’s will, not only in our words but in every part of our lives. How might our lives change if we actually aligned our desires and decisions with the priorities Jesus laid out in this prayer?

What masks are you bringing to prayer, and how are they impacting your connection with God? This week we unpack Matthew 6:5-8, where Jesus calls us to authentic, unmasked prayer that fosters a deeper, true relationship with Him. We will explore the purpose, pitfalls, and power of genuine communication with our Heavenly Father.

Why do we want to be acknowledged for the good things that we do? What truly drives us to perform good deeds? Is it our heart’s true desire, or is it the desire for some ulterior purpose? Today, as we look at Matthew 6:1-4, we will see how heavenly rewards are only earned through good deeds driven by a heart of worship.

In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus calls us to a radical love—one that extends even to our enemies. This love transcends mere affection and seeks the well-being of those who oppose us. Jesus challenges us to reflect the character of our heavenly Father, who shows grace to both the righteous and the unrighteous. As followers of Christ, we are called to love and pray for those who persecute us, striving to live as true children of God.

Have you ever considered the power of emptiness in your spiritual walk? In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus challenges the instinct for revenge, urging us to respond with humility instead. What if true spiritual fullness comes from emptying ourselves of pride and retaliation? As we dive into this passage, we will reflect on how Jesus calls us to be transformed from within.

In today's message from Matthew 5:33-37, Jesus challenges us to reflect on the integrity of our speech. He calls us to let our "yes" mean yes and our "no" mean no, avoiding empty oaths and manipulative language. Are we truly people of our word, or do we dress up our speech to impress or deceive? What does it say about our hearts when we feel the need to bolster our words? As you listen, ask yourself: Does your speech reflect a heart of truth and trust in God, or are you masking deeper dishonesty?

Divorce is such a heavy and scarring topic for many, yet Jesus Himself actually chimed on in it. And one of the challenges we face, as many did in Jesus’s day, is to focus on the technicalities and overlook the heart of God. Today, as we look at the difficult topic of divorce out of Matthew 5:31-32, we will see that when we miss God’s heart on any matter, we often miss His blessing.