Weekly message and worship of Refuge.Church in Fort Myers, FL
We Don’t Know How to Rest Let’s be real. Most of us don’t know how to rest well, let alone take care of ourselves in a meaningful way. We’ve been taught to hustle. We’ve been conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to our productivity. Even in church spaces, we’ve heard messages that elevate […] The post Holy Habits // Self Care appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This week at Refuge, we continued our QTNA (Questions That Need Answered) series with a question that deserves a thoughtful, grace-filled response. The Gay QTNA. This question directly challenges how some Christians have used the Bible to link homosexuality and sin, causing deep shame. So, instead of just giving a theological deep dive (though we love a […] The post QTNA // The Gay QTNA appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Why do we not hear from modern day prophets? It's a fair question—especially in a world that feels like it's constantly teetering between chaos and collapse. As I prepared this message, I found myself wrestling with despair. News cycles are… Read More QTNA // O Prophets Where Art Thou? The post QTNA // O Prophets Where Art Thou? appeared first on Refuge.Church.
The Bible is thousands and thousands of years old, its hard not to wonder about the accuracy of the Bible translations. The Bible has been rewritten and interpreted by different people throughout history, so how can we trust it? This… Read More QTNA // The B.I.B.L.E The post QTNA // The B.I.B.L.E appeared first on Refuge.Church.
What is Prayer For? Why do we keep praying? What is it eve for? Is God listening? Prayer is not just about asking for things. It’s about connection and relationship. Isn’t it odd that the disciples asked Jesus to teach… Read More QTNA // Is God Listening? The post QTNA // Is God Listening? appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Why do bad things happen to good people? It’s a question we’ve all wrestled with. When life feels unfair, it’s natural to ask, “Why me? Why this? Why God?” This week Pastor Nicole dove into one of the toughest questions… Read More QTNA // Good People. Bad Things The post QTNA // Good People. Bad Things appeared first on Refuge.Church.
New Year, New Series! Here at Refuge, we’re jumping into 2025 with the thought-provoking series QTNA // Question That Need Answered. Our members have submitted their biggest questions and we will spend the next several weeks exploring them together! But… Read More QTNA // Ask, Seek, Knock The post QTNA // Ask, Seek, Knock appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Big Dreams. Big Plans. It’s hard not to think that big equates to success. But success looks different to everybody. So, what if there’s actually strength in smallness. In this bottle episode, Pastor Nicole reminds us that smallness isn’t a… Read More Acts of the Spirit // Bottle Episode: The post Acts of the Spirit // Bottle Episode: appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Gentleness can often be misunderstood. Many think it’s about weakness or avoiding confrontation. But true gentleness is far more powerful. Gentleness is strength under control. In her sermon on gentleness, Pastor Nicole teaches about this Christlike quality that doesn’t demand… Read More Acts of the Spirit // Gentleness The post Acts of the Spirit // Gentleness appeared first on Refuge.Church.
In this sermon from our Acts of the Spirit series, Pastor Nicole turns our focus to our Acts of Patience. More Than Waiting The biblical patience from Galatians is more than waiting in line or staying calm when your coffee… Read More Acts of the Spirit // Patience The post Acts of the Spirit // Patience appeared first on Refuge.Church.
What is Real Peace? When you think of peace, what comes to mind? A quiet moment? The absence of conflict? Maybe even a personal sense of calm? These are all great pictures of peace, but when we look at the… Read More Acts of the Spirit // Peacemaker The post Acts of the Spirit // Peacemaker appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Feeling Joyless? You’re Not Alone Have you ever wondered why your life sometimes feels like its missing joy, even when you’re trying to live out your faith? In this week’s sermon, Pastor Brian tackles this question head-on. Diving into Romans… Read More Acts of the Spirit // Restore Joy The post Acts of the Spirit // Restore Joy appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This week Pastor Nicole started our NEW SERIES. We’ll be diving into the FRUITS of the Spirit in the book of Acts. Pastor Nicole started us of with the core FRUIT; LOVE! Love. It’s more important that a good feeling… Read More Acts of the Spirit // Love The post Acts of the Spirit // Love appeared first on Refuge.Church.
We end our Y’all Means All series by answering this quesiton: Can faith and critical thinking coexist? If we read our bible through a critical lens, doesn’t that mean we’re criticizing the bible? In this weeks sermon Pastor Nicole takes… Read More Y’all Means All // From the Head to the Heart The post Y’all Means All // From the Head to the Heart appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Conflict is inevitable. No matter where we are, we all encounter disagreements. But how do we, as a community of believers, hand conflict in a way that reflects Jesus. This is the question Pastor David tackles as he takes us… Read More Y’all Means All // Conflict The post Y’all Means All // Conflict appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Have you ever found yourself in a strange place you never expected to be? Maybe you’ve looked back at your life and though: how did I get here? Was it coincidence, was it fate, or was it something bigger and… Read More Y’all Means All // Stranger things The post Y’all Means All // Stranger things appeared first on Refuge.Church.
We are moving right along in our summer of series! This week Pastor Nicole kicked off our new series: “Y’all Means All!“ Over the next few weeks we’re going to be looking at the apostles’ ACTS of inclusivity. So, to… Read More Y’all Means All // Tolerance vs. Inclusion The post Y’all Means All // Tolerance vs. Inclusion appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This we Pastor David wrapped up our Upstart Apostles Series! David looks at the transformation of one of the most pivotal upstart apostles of the early church; SAUL! Saul’s story stands as a reminder that no one is beyond the… Read More Upstart Apostles // Transforming Together The post Upstart Apostles // Transforming Together appeared first on Refuge.Church.
We continue to explore how the Apostles of Acts upstarted the church. The followed the bold vision through adversity and persecution, using innovation and creativity to meet people where the were. They were men and women filled with the Holy… Read More Upstart Apostles // Innovation The post Upstart Apostles // Innovation appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This week Pastor David takes us through a familiar story with fresh eyes. Stephen’s name might ring a bell for some. Known as the first Christian martyr, is story often stops at his tragic death. However, there is so much… Read More Upstart Apostles // Resilience in Adversity The post Upstart Apostles // Resilience in Adversity appeared first on Refuge.Church.
We are continuing our SUMMER OF SERIES with our NEW SERIES: Upstart Apostles. We get our inspiration for this series from Acts 4:1 of the MSG translation where the early followers of Jesus are labeled “Upstart Apostles.” This term encapsulates… Read More Upstart Apostles // Visionary Leadership The post Upstart Apostles // Visionary Leadership appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Pastor David wraps up our Acts B.C. series with a powerful message about the strength of the early church. Pastor David takes a trip down memory lane reminding us of some terrible fads we suffered through. Remember water beds, planking,… Read More Act B.C. // Meetings, Prison Breaks, & Fads! Oh My! The post Act B.C. // Meetings, Prison Breaks, & Fads! Oh My! appeared first on Refuge.Church.
On Saturday, June 22nd, Refuge hosted out FIRST service in honor of Juneteenth. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This service is a significant step forward in truly being a safe place for ALL PEOPLE to be unapologetically… Read More Juneteenth // A Night Of Reflection The post Juneteenth // A Night Of Reflection appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Acts 4 This week Pastor David tackles the theme of courage and boldness. In Acts 4:23-31 we read of profound courage within the early church. This is an encouragement we need today more than ever! Peter and John are once… Read More Acts B.C. // Boldness The post Acts B.C. // Boldness appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Pastor Nicole keeps our summer of series moving forward as she dives into Acts 4. The story of the church moves forward with the aftermath of the apostles healing the paralyzed man. Last week, we learned how Peter and John… Read More Acts B.C. // Act Like Jesus The post Acts B.C. // Act Like Jesus appeared first on Refuge.Church.
We continue to explore the beginnings of the early church and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. So, this week Pastor Davide tells the moving story from Acts 3. The ACTS of Peter and John healing a man who… Read More Acts B.C. // You Are Seen The post Acts B.C. // You Are Seen appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This week we learn about what to expect when we’re expecting! Pastor Nicole brings to life the Day of Pentecost from Acts 2. In this sermon on expectancy, pastor Nicole emphasizes the importance of living with a mindset rooted in… Read More Acts B.C. // What to Expect… The post Acts B.C. // What to Expect… appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Summer is right around the corner, an we’re kicking of a Summer of Series at Refuge. We will be journeying through the book of Acts from start to finish! One series at a time exploring it’s themes and telling its… Read More Acts B.C. // Previously On… The post Acts B.C. // Previously On… appeared first on Refuge.Church.
In the conclusion of his CYS series, Pastor Brian takes us deeper into the idea of choosing our suffering. Will we take the path of growth and resilience over passive endurance? We are introduced to a talented young artist, Jacob… Read More CYS // Choose Your Suffering Part II The post CYS // Choose Your Suffering Part II appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Are you feeling stuck in life’s struggles? Overwhelmed by challenges thrust upon you? Pastor Brian’s NEW mini-series; “Choose Your Suffering,” explores the idea of embracing hardships on our journey to find purpose and meaning. In this challenging message, Pastor Brian… Read More CYS // Choose Your Suffering Part I The post CYS // Choose Your Suffering Part I appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This week Pastor Nicole wrapped up The Barbie Movie series by showing us how much Barbie and Nicodemus have in common! We’ve been diving deep into the realms of deconstruction and restoration. And how this never ending process is supposed… Read More The Barbie Movie // Finale The post The Barbie Movie // Finale appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Welcome to week two of our FUN-conventional series centered around The Barbie Movie. Yes, yes, I know! You’ve heard all the things about Barbie! But stick with us, because this journey is about so much more than what meets the… Read More The Barbie Movie \ Advocate Barbie The post The Barbie Movie \ Advocate Barbie appeared first on Refuge.Church.
The Barbie Movie Follows stereotypical Barbie, who lives a seemingly perfect life alongside other Barbies and Kens in Barbie Land. In this world the Barbies have to prestigious careers, like doctors, lawyers, professors, teachers, and politicians… and the Kens they… Read More The Barbie Movie // Deconstruction Barbie The post The Barbie Movie // Deconstruction Barbie appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This week Pastor Davide wraps up his Before & After series by taking us on a journey through (of all things) The Lion King! Pastor David uses his favorite move to explore the before and after stories of one of… Read More Before & After // Peter The post Before & After // Peter appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Happy Easter! This year Pastor David dives into the significance of Easter. He unravels a beautiful message of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. From his personal stories to biblical passages, Pastor David creates a safe place to… Read More Before & After // Easter The post Before & After // Easter appeared first on Refuge.Church.
We live in a world where the darkest chapters of history and even our personal lives have shaped or worsened by religion. And so, Pastor Brian wraps up our “Losing My Religion“ series with a BOGO sermon! Time and time… Read More Losing My Religion // Part 2 The post Losing My Religion // Part 2 appeared first on Refuge.Church.
So often in the middle of our spiritual journeys a pivotal moment that calls us to sift through to relics of tradition and find the essence of truth faith. As we get closer to Easter, Pastor Brian is taking us… Read More Losing My Religion // Part 1 The post Losing My Religion // Part 1 appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This week we wrapped our Lent series as we explored the theme of Almsgiving. If you’ve been following along with us, you know that we’ve hit prayer and fasting. If you did catch either Pastor David or Pastor Brian’s messages,… Read More Lent // Almsgiving The post Lent // Almsgiving appeared first on Refuge.Church.
We continue to reflect on the Lenten season, as Pastor Brian takes into a deeper understanding of fasting. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6 that fasting, prayer, and almsgiving were not “IFs,” but “WHENs.” These practices are not just Christian… Read More Lent // Fasting The post Lent // Fasting appeared first on Refuge.Church.
Our journey through Lent continues as Pastor David takes us on an exploration of prayer. There are over 650 prayers mentioned in the bible. 25 of those are instances where Jesus prayer. The apostle Paul discusses prayer 41 times in… Read More Lent // Prayer The post Lent // Prayer appeared first on Refuge.Church.
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In our final week of our Refocus series, Pastor Brian tackles a big one: Financial Health. Through this series we’ve looked at what it means to shift our focus from resolutions to intentions. All series long we’ve talking about intentional… Read More Refocus // Financial Health The post Refocus // Financial Health appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This week we explored the significance of relationships in our latest sermon in our Refocus series! Pastor Nicole dives into the important role of relationships in our lives. And how fixing our eyes on Jesus can guide us in building… Read More Refocus // Relationships The post Refocus // Relationships appeared first on Refuge.Church.
In this inspiring installment of our “Refocus” series, Nicole guides us through a thought-provoking exploration of integrating mental health with our spiritual journey. Titled “Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus,” this sermon invites you to consider how our daily intentions, actions,… Read More Refocus // Mental Health The post Refocus // Mental Health appeared first on Refuge.Church.
As we keep moving forward into this New Year, we’re setting our intentions and fixing our eyes on Jesus. Most of us seek to improve both physically and spiritually. In this message Pastor David offers a refreshing perspective that bridges… Read More Refocus // Physical Health The post Refocus // Physical Health appeared first on Refuge.Church.
It’s a new year! We made it! We’ve arrived in 2024 with 365 days and 8,760 hours of possibilities. Most of us will even make a new year resolution! A big problem with resolution is that they have a high… Read More Refocus // New Years Resolutions The post Refocus // New Years Resolutions appeared first on Refuge.Church.
We have finally made it to our Christmas Eve Eve Service. We have been slowly journeying through Advent this year. This has been a different experience for us here at Refuge, but we’ve slowed down and reflected on Love, Hope,… Read More Christmas Eve Eve The post Christmas Eve Eve appeared first on Refuge.Church.
In a world often overshadowed by uncertainty and challenges, finding joy can seem like a distant dream. However, a recent sermon on joy, set against the backdrop of the Advent season, offers a refreshing perspective on how we can rediscover… Read More Advent // Joy The post Advent // Joy appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This week we continue our journey expectant waiting, as we reflect on HOPE! Pastor Brian dives into the heart of the Advent season, as we anticipate and prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Understanding the bible is like a… Read More Advent // Hope The post Advent // Hope appeared first on Refuge.Church.
As we officially begin our countdown to Christmas at Refuge, we’re excited to launch an Advent series focused on rediscovering and celebrating the core values of this sacred season. The first theme we’re exploring is Love, a fundamental aspect of… Read More Advent // Love The post Advent // Love appeared first on Refuge.Church.
This week we finished our series, “Thank You God!” In this sermon series we’ve been uncovering the profound beauty of gratitude in all seasons of life — in chaos, harvest, and waiting. Life is unpredictable! It so often takes us… Read More Thank You God // In The Waiting The post Thank You God // In The Waiting appeared first on Refuge.Church.