Refuge Community Church Carthage

In Romans, Paul challenges the Church in Rome to submit their lives in full obedience to God. He calls his followers to do the same today. God calls us to continually grow in our faith and our willingness to offer our lives as living sacrifices. Obstacles arise, but God uses those to renew our minds and refine our hearts.

In Romans 5:8, Paul says that "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." We are reminded that our position before God is not based upon our actions; it's based on Christ's action because of His love for us. That said, becoming a follower of Jesus requires us to change what we fix our thoughts upon. Our thoughts must be aligned with God's truth. Our minds are renewed when we study His Word,...

Temptation often comes our way when we are at our lowest point. Matthew 4 recounts how even Jesus was tested in the wilderness, but He used the Word of God to withstand Satan's attacks. In this message, Pastor Greg reminds us that there are seasons when God may lead us into difficult places to prepare us for His purpose for our lives. It's in these hard times that He refines us and reveals where o...

God is with us in both the good and hard seasons of our lives. We can live boldly for Christ because we know that our struggle is not the end of the story. God can and will use all circumstances in our lives to bring goodness and glory to Him.

In Colossians 4:10-17, Paul praises his fellow missionaries for their perseverance and encourages them to fulfill the mission they have received from the Lord. During Sunday's sermon, Pastor Greg motivates fellow followers of Jesus to persist in serving the Lord and not let their love of the world lead them to abandon the mission God has given them.

In Colossians 4:7-9, Paul praises his brother in Christ, Tychicus, and former slave, Onesimus, for their faithfulness and servant hearts. God uses His faithful servants who work behind the scenes to carry out His work.

The gospels continually emphasize the importance of humility in those who seek to follow Jesus. In today's sermon, Pastor Greg reminds us that the plan was never for Christ's followers to be glorified; the plan was, and still is, that He would utilize us to glorify Him.

In closing his letter to the Colossians, Paul reminds followers of Christ to remain devoted to prayer. When we pray to God daily, we invite Him into our lives and stay thankful, whether on mountaintops or in valleys. Our connection with Him refines our thoughts, attitudes, speech, and actions so that we communicate in truth and grace in every interaction.

When we invite God into our lives, He transforms us and our relationships with everyone around us. As Christ's followers, we are called to do all things as if we are doing them for the Lord. Even when no one else is watching, God is watching.

Drawing from the Book of Acts, Pastor Greg emphasizes the importance of fellowship among followers of Christ. Small groups help create connections, provide support, and encourage one another as we grow in our knowledge of and relationship with God.

Guest speaker, Josh Bloyd, teaches on the importance of building a gospel-driven, God-centered family like Paul describes in Colossians 3:18-21. When Christ is the center of our homes, they are transformed. We become more like Jesus, selflessly serving and loving one another.  

In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul reminds the Church to put on the virtues modeled by Jesus Christ, to be forgiving of one another, and to be thankful to God for His abundant blessings. He encourages them to let the Word dwell in their hearts so that everything they do is done in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Greg breaks down Colossians 3:11, addressing unity within the body of Christ, regardless of one's social status, race, ethnicity, and background.

Pastor Greg continues our study of Colossians, discussing the transformation that occurs when one becomes a follower of Jesus. We die to ourselves and choose to live by His commands. Our lives should serve as a reflection of His teachings.

Pastor Greg continues to share Paul's letter to the Colossians, encouraging the Church to beware of legalism and warns them not to submit to the rules of man and of this world. Our command is to pursue God's purpose and seek His wisdom and truth.

Pastor Greg Walker continues our study of Colossians, unpacking chapter 2 verses 6- 15. Despite our hardships and the forces at work against us, we can have joy and spiritual fullness in Christ Jesus.

Worship Minister Chase Vasquez shares a message from Colossians 2:1-5, encouraging followers of Jesus to stand firm in their faith and remain disciplined until His return.

Guest speaker, Josh Hedrick, shares the story of the woman at the well from John 4. While our sin and shame cause us to try to hide from God, we can receive forgiveness and redemption through the blood of Jesus.

In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he urges them to live lives of sacrifice for God's higher purpose. To be true followers of Jesus, we must learn to embrace suffering because as we walk closer with Him, the more the Holy Spirit will call us to do hard things that are contrary to the comfort we crave.

Guest speaker Mark Phillips speaks about the importance of remaining connected to the vine, our Lord. The closer we walk with Him, the more fruit we bear—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

How do we leave a good legacy of following Jesus to those God has entrusted us with? Explore with us as we close our series Eden: Walking with God.

But what is the real mark of God's blessing? Is it prosperity? Is it whether things are going well? Being healthy? No. The evidence of the follower of Jesus and blessing of God is the JOY OF THE LORD in their life. 

When we decide to follow the direction of God in our lives, He is sufficient to provide for all of our needs.

 The life of Moses was filled with trials and sacrifices, to a heightened degree, when he said “yes” to walking with God. The faith of Moses shows us that saving faith does something more than merely believing in God or acknowledging Jesus as Savior. It takes action.

Although Noah walked with God, we never see him talking to God like Abraham or Moses did. He is always listening to what God is telling him to do, but Noah didn’t just listen, he obeyed. He obeyed whatever God told him to do, no matter how difficult.