Refuge Church Ojai Valley
Refuge Church Ojai Valley
We exist to take the whole Jesus to the whole person. This podcast will be updated weekly with messages from Sundays once we start gathering in September 2023. Until then, we’ve posted some previous messages from our lead pastor, Kyle Costello.
Episodes
What to do When Submission Feels Like Death
What comes to mind when you hear the word submission? If we're honest, most of us probably cringe a little. We live in a culture that celebrates independence, questions authority, and was quite literally born out of rebellion. But what if one of the sneakiest things keeping us from the freedom Jesus offers is something we rarely even think to question? We know when we're struggling to forgive. We recognize when we're wrestling with fear or holding on to old wounds. But submission? Pride? Rebellion? Sometimes those are a little harder to spot in our own hearts. This week, we're taking an honest look at what it means to surrender to God—not because He's trying to hold us back, but because His heart has always been for us. What if the thing we're resisting is the very place God wants to bring us freedom? #faith #submission #redletters #spiritualwarfare
When Chains Fall
What does freedom actually look like? This week, we're stepping into Kyla's story of what it looks like to walk through the process of freedom—and what can happen when we stop living under the weight of what has held us captive. Because freedom isn't just something Jesus promised. It's something He came to give. #freedom #spiritualwarfare #faith
What to Do When You Don't Look Like Jesus
What if forgiveness isn't hard because you don't know you're supposed to forgive… What if it's hard because it actually hurts? Some wounds don't disappear just because we decide to forgive. There can be grief. Anger. Loss. Consequences. And sometimes, the person who hurt you isn't sorry—or isn't safe to be around. So what does forgiveness actually mean? Because forgiveness isn't forgetting. It isn't pretending it didn't happen. It isn't reconciliation. And it certainly doesn't mean giving someone permission to keep hurting you. Forgiveness costs something. And maybe that's part of what makes it so difficult. When we forgive, we're choosing to release a debt that feels very real, and in some way, choosing to carry the cost ourselves. This week, we're getting honest about the pain of forgiveness—and why Jesus calls us to it anyway. #freedom #confession #forgiveness #spiritualwarefare #refugechurch
What to do When you are a Wounded Gazelle | Kyle Costello
What happens when you’ve been wounded for so long that you start believing the wound is who you are? A wounded gazelle is vulnerable. It’s easier to isolate. Easier to deceive. Easier for the predator to convince it that there’s no way out. And sometimes, spiritually, we can find ourselves in that place too. We’ve believed the lie so long we don’t recognize it as a lie. We’ve been shaped by what happened to us, what the world tells us, or even what our own flesh tells us. But Jesus came “to proclaim freedom for the captives.” Freedom begins with truth. And sometimes truth begins with confession—bringing what’s hidden into the light and allowing God to tell us who we really are. This week, we’re asking what it looks like to walk in truth instead of deception. Because you may have been wounded. But you are not your wound. You are a child of the Living God. #freedom #confession #spiritualwarefare #refugechurch
Modern Day Revival
What if you’re carrying something you were never meant to carry? Jesus came with a very specific mission: to set captives free. And the truth is, you don’t have to be an outsider to be stuck. Sometimes the things holding us captive are much harder to see—strongholds, lies, patterns, and even counterfeits that promise freedom but leave us more bound than before. This week, we’re starting a new series called Modern Day Revival by asking a pretty important question: What actually has the power to set us free? Jesus didn’t just come to make our lives a little better. He came to proclaim freedom to the captives—and He says He is the way. And what better way to celebrate three years of Refuge than by watching people step into that freedom through baptism? There is freedom. And Jesus came to bring it. #RefugeChurch #Worship #GodsWord #Revival #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven
Wake Up to New
What if God isn't simply trying to fix the life you already have? What if He's inviting you into something completely new? We can spend so much of our lives asking God to repair what's broken, restore what's been lost, or make our circumstances a little better. But Scripture tells a bigger story—a God who makes all things new. This week, we’ll explore what it means to stop looking backward and start waking up to what God is doing right now. The new thing may already be springing up. Are you awake to it? #RefugeChurch #Worship #GodsWord #Communion #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven
The Cure for the Woe
What happens when we finally stop pretending? Sin has a way of convincing us that we're fine. Sometimes we hide behind our goodness. Sometimes we get stuck in the same patterns we can't seem to escape. Sometimes we say we need Jesus while quietly building a life that doesn't actually need Him. But eventually, we have to come face-to-face with the truth: Woe is me. Not because there is no hope—but because there is. As we close Savior vs. Sin, we're getting to the heart of the Gospel: what happens when we stop trying to save ourselves and let Jesus do what only He can do? The cure isn't becoming better at pretending. The cure is Jesus.
Where are Your Roots?
What are you trusting to hold you up when life gets hard? We all put our trust somewhere. In our own strength. In other people. In what the world promises us. In the things we think will finally make us feel secure. But Scripture gives us a different picture: a tree planted by water, with roots reaching toward something deeper—even when the heat comes and the drought lasts longer than we expected. This week, we continue Savior vs. Sin by asking a simple but searching question: Where are your roots? Because what’s happening beneath the surface of our lives matters more than we realize. The things we trust, the things we cling to, and the places we look for life can shape us in ways we may not even see. #SaviorVsSin #RefugeChurch #Jesus #Gospel #Grace #FreedomInChrist
Sin as Deception
What if the hardest person to be honest with… is yourself? Sin doesn’t always look like rebellion. Sometimes it looks like justification. Blaming someone else. Minimizing what we’ve done. Pointing to all the good things we do so we don’t have to face the thing we know isn’t right. We can know the truth and still find ways not to know it. But what if we didn’t have to hide? The cross gives us the courage to be honest about our sin—not because we’re good enough, but because Jesus already paid for the ways we aren’t. This week in Savior vs. Sin, we’ll explore the subtle ways self-deception keeps us stuck and the freedom that comes when we finally bring what we’ve been hiding into the light. You don't have to pretend you're enough when Jesus already is. #SaviorVsSin #RefugeChurch #Jesus #Gospel #Grace #FreedomInChrist
Sin as Predator
We spend a lot of time treating symptoms. Fear. Anger. Division. Anxiety. Addiction. Broken relationships. But what if there's something deeper beneath it all? This week we begin a new series, Savior vs. Sin, as we explore what the Bible says about sin—not as an outdated idea, but as a real enemy that quietly shapes our lives and keeps us from the freedom God desires for us. The good news? The story doesn't end there. The same God who warns us about the predator is the God who pursues us with grace, meets us in our brokenness, and invites us into a life of freedom. Join us as we discover where real hope begins. #SaviorvsSin #RefugeChurch #Grace #Freedom #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven
As it Happened
As It Happened | The Story of Ruth and So Much More Have you ever looked back on something in your life and realized that what felt like an accident might have been something more? A moment. A meeting. A door that opened. A place you just happened to be. Ruth found herself in a field that belonged to Boaz. As it happened. But what looked ordinary was part of a story much bigger than Ruth could see. This week, are looking at the story of Ruth—a story of loss and redemption, of ordinary people being woven into God's extraordinary plan. Because maybe God is doing more in your story than you can see right now. As it happened… and so much more. #RefugeChurch #Worship #GodsWord #Communion #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven
God Said, But I Don’t Understand
If you've ever opened Scripture and thought, “I have no idea what I'm reading right now,” you're not alone. The Bible is a big story—and sometimes it can feel overwhelming to know where you fit into it. But what if we stepped back and saw the whole picture? From creation and the fall, through the story of Israel, all the way to Jesus, the Church, and the promise of a new creation, Scripture is telling one unified story. And it all points to Him. This week, we continue Did God Really Say? and explore how to approach God's Word with confidence, clarity, and a fresh perspective—learning not just to read the Bible, but to understand what it means for our lives today. #DidGodReallySay #RefugeChurch #GodsWord #TheBible #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven
Did God Really Say?
From the very beginning, the enemy has planted the same question in our hearts: "Did God really say?" It's a question that still shapes the way we think, live, and follow Jesus today. This week, our Associate Pastor, Derry Brooks, begins a new series exploring the Bible—not just as an ancient book, but as the living Word of God. Together, we'll discover why Scripture can be trusted, why it still speaks today, and how God's truth transforms every part of our lives. Join us as we learn to recognize His voice above all the others. #sermons #bible #truth #temptation #lies
Mercy for my Enemies
What do you do when God shows mercy to someone you wouldn’t? As we close Modern Day Jonah, we arrive at one of the most surprising endings in Scripture — not a story about a city changed, but a prophet confronted by the mercy of God. Because God is always in the pursuit business. Always in the mercy business. Always in the renewal business. The hard question isn’t whether God will show mercy. The question is whether we’ll receive it… and extend it. What if the places God is calling you, the people around you, and even the parts of your own story you’d rather avoid… are actually where He wants to bring healing? Join us as we close the series and consider the question God asks Jonah: “Do you do well to be angry?”
The Time is Now
What if your rescue was only the beginning? Jonah’s story could have ended with grace in the fish. Instead, God spoke again: “The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time…” This week we look at the God who rescues, restores, and sends. Because the Gospel was never meant to stop with us. Your past doesn’t disqualify you. Your failures don’t remove your calling. We never outgrow our need for grace — we simply learn to carry it into more places. You are rescued to be a rescuer. Join us as we continue Modern Day Jonah. #sermons #church #onlinechurch #jonahstory
When Life Smells Like Fish
Have you ever felt completely qualified one moment… and completely unqualified the next? Jonah knew what it meant to hear God’s voice. He also knew what it meant to run from it. This week we continue our "Modern Day Jonah" series and step into one of the most honest moments in Scripture — the place where Jonah finally stops running, finds himself with nowhere left to look, and remembers the Lord. What happens when we find ourselves stuck? When our plans fail? When we realize we can’t rescue ourselves? Jonah discovers something we all need to hear: grace isn’t something we earn, negotiate, or deserve. It’s a gift. Join us as we explore what it means to stop striving, look toward the cross, and discover that salvation belongs to the Lord. Listen. Look. Then live.
Modern Day Jonah
Most of us know Jonah as the prophet who ran from God. But beneath the surface is a story about a man who struggled to trust God's heart—for others and for himself. The truth is, nobody is above running. We run from difficult conversations, difficult people, difficult callings, and sometimes from the very places where God wants to meet us. But when we run from God, we don't just leave behind our purpose—we leave behind the presence we were created for. Join us as we launch our new series, Modern Day Jonah, and discover how the story of Jonah ultimately points us to a better Prophet, a better Savior, and a God who never stops pursuing us. No matter how far you've run, His grace can still find you there.
Worship
We all worship something. The question isn't whether we're worshippers—it's whether we're giving our worship to someone truly worthy of it. As we conclude our 1 > 99 series, we'll explore how an encounter with the living God changes everything. When we see God for who He truly is, our minds are renewed, our hearts are transformed, our priorities shift, and our lives begin to tell a different story. Worship is more than singing songs on Sunday. It's surrender. It's trust. It's recognizing that we are not the hero of the story—Jesus is. Join us as we discover what happens when we stop asking God to fit into our plans and instead allow Him to reshape every part of our lives. #1GreaterThan99 #Worship #RefugeChurch #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven
1 > 99 : Community
We all long for connection, purpose, and a place to belong. But the kind of life Jesus offers isn't found by simply being around people—it's found by walking through Him. This week in our 1 > 99 series, we're exploring how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, invites us into a community marked by protection, healing, purpose, and real relationships. In a culture that often settles for isolation, distraction, or surface-level connection, Jesus calls us into something deeper. What does it look like to stay spiritually alive? How do we keep Jesus at the center when other things compete for our attention? And what happens when God uses community not just to comfort us, but to challenge us, heal us, and help us grow? Join us as we look at the invitation Jesus extends to each of us through the doorway of His grace. #1GreaterThan99 #Community #GoodShepherd #RefugeChurch #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven
Truth: The Foundation of Everything
Does truth actually exist? In a world full of “your truth” and “my truth,” we’ll look at what Scripture says about THE truth — Jesus himself — and what it means to be a church that refuses to compromise on it. We’ll explore how to find truth, take refuge in it, wield it as a weapon in spiritual battle, and share it with the lost sheep around us in a way that is both bold and loving. Whether you’re searching for truth or ready to help someone who is, this message is for you.
Calling Over Comfort
What if the life God is calling us to is bigger than the comfort we’ve settled for? This week we launch our new series, 1 is Greater than the 99, a journey through the heart of Jesus — the Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to pursue the one. As we begin, we’re asking a foundational question: Will we choose comfort, or will we answer the call? Following Jesus has never been about staying safe, staying still, or staying comfortable. It’s about joining Him in His mission — stepping into the places He is moving and becoming people who carry His hope to those still searching. Join us as we kick off this new series and explore what it means to live with a calling that is greater than comfort. #1GreaterThan99 #CallingOverComfort #RefugeChurch #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven
The Holy Spirit Filled Moms Who Changed the World
This Sunday, we’re looking at the powerful stories of women in Scripture whose lives reveal what it means to walk in the Spirit. Through obedience. Through surrender. Through suffering. Through faithfulness. From Eve to Hannah, Ruth to Mary, we see that God has always worked powerfully through mothers willing to trust Him—even when the road was costly. Their stories remind us that anointing isn’t about perfection or ease. It’s often forged in sacrifice, shaped through perseverance, and revealed through steady faithfulness. This message is a powerful reminder of the calling, strength, and spiritual impact of mothers—and what their lives teach all of us about following God.
Two Big, Absolutely Essential Words
Two big, absolutely essential words. Intercessor. Advocate. Words that reveal something powerful about the heart of God toward us. When life feels overwhelming, when anxiety is loud, when fear takes over, when you don’t even have the words to pray—the Holy Spirit is already at work. He knows. He sees. He speaks on your behalf. And when shame tells you to hide, the Holy Spirit doesn’t lead you deeper into denial. He leads you toward truth, freedom, and the kind of grace that changes everything. This week, we’re diving into what it means to have the Holy Spirit as both your Intercessor and your Advocate—and why understanding these two words changes the way you understand God’s love. #holyspirit #RefugeChurch #faith #churchworship #LiveStream #spirituality #spiritualrealm
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter
Where do you go for comfort? Is it control? Success? Proving yourself? Or something deeper? Jesus didn’t leave us to figure life out on our own. He gave us the Holy Spirit—our Comforter. Not comfort through autonomy… but through surrender. Not comfort through ego… but through mercy and peace. He meets us with truth when we need direction, with perspective when life feels overwhelming, with a reminder of who we are, and with the nearness of God Himself. The question isn’t if you need comfort. It’s where you’re looking for it. This week, we’re talking about the Holy Spirit as our Comforter—and the kind of peace you can’t create on your own.
The Holy Spirit is our Counselor
As we step into this message with our Associate Pastor, Derry Brooks, we’re reminded that the Holy Spirit is not distant or abstract—He is God with us. He is the Counselor Jesus promised. He dwells within His people and is actively at work in their lives. The Holy Spirit is personal. He is someone you can know and respond to. He guides you into truth when life feels confusing. He convicts, not to shame you, but to lead you into freedom. And He transforms hearts in ways no one can manufacture on their own. In a world full of noise and competing voices, everyone is being led by something. But the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, always pointing back to Jesus. He empowers ordinary people to live boldly and faithfully—not just for personal growth, but for the spread of the gospel. So the question isn’t whether the Spirit helps. It’s whether you’re willing to humble yourself, trust Him, and follow where He leads.
Introducing the Holy Spirit
Do you believe the Holy Spirit is real… or just an idea? Not a force. Not energy. Not something to control. A Person. One who speaks, guides, convicts, comforts—and lives in you. So what does that actually mean for your everyday life? Who are you really relying on? And what might need to be surrendered so you can actually grow? This week, we’re diving into the person of the Holy Spirit—and why your relationship with Him changes everything.
Christians are Consumed by Hope (Easter Sunday)
Hope has a name. Today we gather to celebrate a hope that does not end at the grave — a hope that meets us in our wounds, speaks into our questions, and holds us when we feel like we are running out of strength. A hope that reaches into yesterday, steadies us in today, and stretches far beyond what we can see. A hope not built on what we can earn, but on what has already been finished. Come and behold the hope of Jesus.
Christians are Sold Out to Jesus
In a world full of competing loyalties — religion, culture, comfort, success — Jesus doesn’t ask for part of us. He invites all of us. This Palm Sunday, we’re stepping into the tension of a crowd that shouted “Hosanna” one day and “Crucify Him” just days later. As we open Scripture, we’ll wrestle with an honest question: what are we really sold out to? Is it Jesus… or something we’ve built around Him? A version of faith that feels safe, successful, or in control? This week, we’ll see that following Jesus isn’t about religion, cultural approval, personal comfort, or even our own plans — it’s about surrendering to the One who is better than all of it. Because Jesus isn’t just part of life — He is our only hope for real life. No matter where you’re coming from, this is an invitation into deeper honesty, deeper surrender, and a faith that doesn’t shift with the crowd. #ChristiansAre #TransformedByGod #RefugeChurch #1Thessalonians #holiness #LiveStream #palmsunday
Christians are Pursuing Holiness
In a culture full of mixed messages about identity, love, and sexuality, God offers something different — something better. This week, we’re talking about holiness — not as restriction, but as invitation. An invitation into a life marked by honor, freedom, and wholeness. As we open Scripture, we’ll explore how God’s design for our lives is rooted in His love, His wisdom, and His desire to protect and restore us. No matter your story, you’re invited into a life of faithfulness — where your body, your desires, and your relationships are shaped by something deeper than culture: the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. #ChristiansAre #TransformedByGod #RefugeChurch #1Thessalonians #sexuality #holiness #LiveStream
Christians are Being Transformed
Transformation isn’t just about changing habits — it’s about becoming more like Jesus in every part of our lives. This week in our “Christians Are…” series, we explore how God works in us to shape our hearts, minds, and communities with our associate pastor Zack Totten. From receiving the Word with joy, to turning away from the patterns of the world, God’s Spirit is at work making us new, reflecting His glory, and building a reputation that honors Him. When God transforms us, it doesn’t just change us — it changes the way we live, the way we love, and the way the world sees Him.
Christians are Radical, Life-Changing Encouragers
Encouragement might sound simple — maybe even a little soft. But in the kingdom of God, encouragement is anything but small. Scripture calls believers to build one another up in ways that are bold, intentional, and deeply transformative. The kind of encouragement Christians are called to isn’t about surface-level positivity — it’s about strengthening faith, reminding each other of truth, and pointing one another back to the goodness of God. Join us as we continue our “Christians Are…” series in Thessalonians and explore how encouragement can become one of the most powerful ways we live out our faith together. #sermons #christians #christiansterotypes #church
Christians are Leaders with Integrity
What does godly leadership actually look like? In a world that often elevates platform over character, Scripture calls Christian leaders to something deeper — lives marked by integrity, devotion, holiness, and humility. Leadership in God’s kingdom starts at home, flows from a surrendered life, and is shaped by a commitment to guard the Gospel and care for people well. This message in our “Christians Are…” series walks through the kind of leadership that reflects the heart of a good Father — protecting, nurturing, and releasing others into maturity. Whether you lead in your family, your workplace, your ministry, or simply influence those around you, this teaching will challenge and encourage you to pursue leadership that is formed by Jesus. #ChristiansAre #LeadershipWithIntegrity #1Thessalonians #RefugeChurch #SermonReplay #SpiritualLeadership
Christians are Everyday Soldiers
Following Jesus doesn’t mean we ignore the reality of the battle around us — it means we learn to see it clearly. This week we talk about spiritual warfare: the unseen struggle, the very real resistance to our faith, and the power God has given us to stand firm. Not with fear, not fighting the wrong enemies, and never on our own — but strengthened by His Spirit and anchored in His victory. Join us as we discover what it means to live alert, equipped, and confident in the middle of the fight. #christians #christianfaith #sermons #spiritualwarfare
Christians are Storytellers
Every life is telling a story. The question is—what story is yours pointing to? This week, as we continue our journey through Thessalonians, we’re talking about what it means to live as people shaped by God’s mission, formed by His truth, and marked by a hope that’s bigger than our circumstances. Not perfect people. Not people with all the answers. But people whose lives and words point to what God is doing in the world. Join us as we explore what it looks like to live—and tell—God’s story together. #christians #christianfaith #sermons
Christian Are... Rooted in the Power of the Spirit
What if the Christian life was never meant to be lived in our own strength? This week, we’re talking about the Holy Spirit — not as a distant idea, but as God’s active presence teaching us, guiding us, filling us with joy, and leading us into real freedom. As we learn to listen in prayer and surrender daily, we discover a life shaped not by pressure, but by power. Join us as we open God’s Word and explore what it means to live rooted in the Spirit.
Christians Are… Submitted to God’s Word
What does it really mean to live as a Christian in today’s world? In this message we launch our series into the book of Thessalonians and explore what it looks like to stand firm in our identity without losing humility, to submit our lives to God’s living Word, and to be people who don’t just read Scripture—but listen, obey, and proclaim it. God’s Word isn’t static or outdated; it’s alive, active, and still speaking today. Join us as we open the Bible together and learn how God’s Word shapes who we are and how we live. #sermon #sermons #christians #faith
Start Fast: Felicia's Story
As we step into this year with a renewed mission to share our story with those around us, we’re reminded that God is still moving — and every story matters. This week, Felicia shares a powerful testimony of how God met her in moments of heartbreak and vulnerability, walked with her through years of searching, and faithfully revealed His again and again. When the world’s answers leave us performing on the outside but hurting on the inside, her story reminds us that God is the only one capable of restoring our hearts and giving us true hope. Join us as we celebrate what God has done and look ahead with vulnerability and joy. #ojai #ojaivalley #testimony
Start Fast: Rest
We all say we want rest… but do we really know what we’re asking for? This week, we slow down and listen to Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28–30 — not to escape life, but to find a different way to live within it. In a world shaped by hurry and pressure, we’re exploring what true rest actually is, why it feels so hard to receive, and what it reveals about our hearts. If you’re tired, worn down, or longing for something deeper, this message is for you. #sermons #rest #sabbath #faith
Start Fast: Repentance
What does it really mean to repent? Repentance is often misunderstood as feeling bad, making promises, or trying harder—but the Bible paints a much deeper and more hopeful picture. In this sermon, we explore what repentance truly is, what it is not, and why taking sin seriously is not about shame, fear, or earning God’s favor. Instead, we’ll see how repentance flows from God’s mercy, leads to real freedom, and reshapes our daily walk with Christ. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of guilt or wondered how Christians are meant to fight sin without despair, this message is for you. #sermons #church #sermon #repentance
Start Fast
Three Guys… and THE Guy. In this message, we look at three reasons Scripture gives us for fasting — and why it still matters today. Mordecai teaches us to fast in the middle of real, physical need. Daniel shows us how fasting sharpens us for spiritual battles. David reminds us that fasting can be an act of repentance when sin is real and present. This isn’t about earning God’s attention or proving our devotion. It’s about being all-in with Him. And Jesus — THE Guy — fasted too. If fasting mattered to them, and to Him, it matters for us. #fasting #newyearsresolution #2026 #ojaivalley #sermons
What if I Told You He Is Here?
What if I told you… He is here? In this message from our What If I Told You? Advent series, our Pastors, Kyle Costello and Derry Brooks, explore why the Christmas story is not just something we feel — it’s something we can trust. Together, we look at the testimony of the Father about the Son, the testimony of Scripture, and the testimony of the Holy Spirit, showing how God has revealed Himself in real, verifiable ways throughout history. This sermon invites us to worship Jesus not only with our hearts, but with our minds — grounding our faith in the reliability of God’s Word and the reality of His presence with us today. Christmas isn’t built on wishful thinking or emotional moments alone; it’s rooted in truth that has stood the test of time. If God is truly here, it changes everything. #advent #sermons #onlinechurch #christmas
What if I Told You He Is Eternal?
What if it’s true… that He is Eternal? Today we’re diving into John 1 and the Genesis story to see that Jesus—the One who came in a manger—has been there from the very beginning. The Word who spoke creation into existence is the same One who brings life and light to us today. The Light shines in the darkness… and the darkness has never overcome Him. Join us as we explore the Eternal Jesus and what it means for our lives right now.
What if I Told You He Is King?
All Hail the King! What if I Told You… He is King? He reigns over peace… and there will be no end. What if I told you that you can experience this King today? Whether you already follow Him, are ready to start, or had no idea—this week we invite you to encounter the humble King who is: A Wonderful Counselor – offering His presence, not just words. A Mighty God – conquering evil and bringing strength where you need it most. An Everlasting Father & Prince of Peace – reigning over a peace that never ends. What do you need conquered in your life? What do you need to be washed clean from? Come see the King today! #RefugeOjai #WhatIfIToldYou #ChristmasAtRefuge #LiveStream
What if I Told You He Was Humble?
What if I told you He was humble? In a world chasing status, image, and influence, Jesus chose a manger, a quiet life, and a posture of humility that redefined greatness itself. And this Christmas, that’s not just comforting — it’s the best news for our lives today. His humility opens the door to real hope… both now and forever. Join us as we launch this series and look at how the humble heart of Jesus changes everything. #RefugeOjai #WhatIfIToldYou #ChristmasAtRefuge #LiveStream
Grateful
This Sunday, we’re reminded of the power of remembering and giving thanks. Time and time again in Scripture, God calls His people to not forget what He has provided. Jesus continues this with the Eucharist — a practice of thanksgiving meant to shape our hearts. Join us as we explore how gratitude transforms our faith, our gatherings, and our lives. Let’s be a people who remember and give thanks! #RefugeOjai #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #FaithInAction #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven #ChurchFamily
Love As Our Power
This Sunday, Derry Brooks helps us focus on the truth that real power comes from the love and Spirit of God, not from anything we build on our own. We contrast our temporary “kingdoms” with God’s lasting work and look at how the Spirit empowered Saul, Samson, David, and the believers at Pentecost. From David’s cry in Psalm 51 to Moses refusing to move without God’s presence, Scripture shows that desperation for God is essential. Through personal stories of spiritual warfare, fasting, and answered prayer, we’re reminded that Ojai carries real spiritual weight and that we cannot change ourselves or our valley without Him. This message calls us to renewed dependence, clarity, and gratitude as we seek God’s power for our lives and community. #love #sermon #onlinechurch #spiritualwarefare #faith
Love as our Motivation
This morning, Derry Brooks continues in our “In Ojai as it is in Heaven” vision series with a message called "Love as our Motivation". In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul explains that spiritual gifts, knowledge, passion, and even sacrifice mean nothing without love. Human love on its own is inconsistent and self-focused — but God’s love is completely different. God loves first, God loves freely, and God’s love creates value instead of needing to find it. Through Jesus’ sacrifice and the Holy Spirit living in us, Christians are empowered to love with God’s love, not our own broken version. In this message we explore what love actually is, why our love fails, and how God’s love becomes the source that motivates our obedience, our relationships, and our way of life. #community #RCOV #ojai #god #faith #truth #Jesus #faith #onlinechurch
In Ojai as it is in Heaven | Interview
Zack and Diane Totten share how God’s calling doesn’t always look the way we imagined — but when we stay faithful to Him through every season, He illuminates our purpose in ways we’d never expect. #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven #FaithInAction #Calling #Testimony #LightInTheValley
Project Your Light
How do people like you and me actually make a difference? How do we help bring Heaven to earth? If God has us here for a purpose then how do we live out that purpose? #community #RCOV #ojai #god #faith #truth #Jesus #faith #onlinechurch
What Do You Do For A Living?
We let a lot of things name who we are and what our purpose is in life. Why do we give them that power? From the beginning of time God has been super clear about who we are and what our purpose is. Today is no different. When you follow Jesus you get a brand new vocation that trumps anything and everything the world offers. #vocation #mission #minssionallife #refugechurch #sermons #sermon #onlinechurch