Refuge Church Ojai Valley

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. 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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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? 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 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.

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? 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every one of the followers of Jesus is called to open our mouth and speak about God. It’s convenient, or maybe comfortable to pretend that it’s a pastor’s job or someone on social media’s job, but it's all of ours. We can pray for the shalom of our valley, but we also must speak and preach shalom to our valley. #community #RCOV #ojai #god #faith #truth #Jesus #faith #onlinechurch

How do we follow Jesus if we love the place we live in? How do we follow Jesus if we hate it? He is pretty clear that no matter our feelings, the followers of God have a path and a plan to follow in how to seek the Blessing and Peace of the place they find themselves in.

In the Psalms, there is one amazing psalm about God giving us rest beside a quiet stream in a green pasture, but there are over 100 references to us being in a WAR. So how do we actually live a life of spiritual combat? How do we stay ready?   #community #sermons #church

We don’t just hang out in Christian community. There is work to be done and a great deal of that work is us walking away from sin. We don’t do it on our own or in secret, but as the Ecclesia, we live life together being willing to confess our addictions to the world, crucify our selfish flesh, cancel our entanglements with evil and commit everything to Jesus.   #community #RCOV #ojai #god #faith #truth #Jesus #faith #onlinechurch

This week, we launch our new Ecclesia series looking at community. We all say we want community, friendship, relationship, etc… That makes sense to God and he actually has a design for what that looks like. The Called Out people of God are always people of community and relationship, but it probably looks differntly than you think. Today we dive into what it means for people to dive deep into God’s intentions for community and relationship.    #sermons #community #godsdesign

We’ve walked through Psalm 23 verse by verse—now, we get to see it come to life. This Sunday is Story Weekend, where real people from our church will share how God has personally shepherded them through some of their hardest seasons. Pain. Uncertainty. Hope restored. Come and hear powerful, honest stories of how the Good Shepherd has been present in the darkest valleys—and how He still leads, restores, and provides.    #faith #psalm23 #reallife #stories #testimony

Have you ever wondered what’s really following you through life? Stress? Regret? Pressure to perform? Psalm 23:6 offers a radical truth: it’s not fear that’s chasing you — it’s God’s goodness and mercy. In a world where we’re constantly looking over our shoulder, this verse flips the script. God isn’t just walking with us… His love is actively pursuing us — every step, every stumble, every season. God’s goodness isn’t just behind you — it’s ahead of you too.

As you start to know God and live life with God, he will quickly become much more than you realized. Your picture and perspective of Him will always be increasing and changing. As Psalm 23 starts wrapping up, the passage gives us a glimpse into just how good and great the character of God is.   #RCOV #ojai #god #psalm23 #faith #truth #Jesus #faith #onlinechurch

There is an absolute guarantee for anyone who breathes life on this earth: that guarantee is that they will face evil. This is no different for people who follow Jesus. Evil comes at us and it is real. The question everyone has to answer is, how will they deal with it? In Psalm 23, God gives us the perfect way to deal with it, where we not only find protection but actual hope.

The hardest part of following Jesus for a lot of people is letting Him lead. Jesus as our Shepherd sounds like a good idea, but then that actually means that we are sheep and we must follow. In today’s message, we dive into just how good of a shepherd he is and how it changes everything for us when we do surrender to Him.  #sermon #sermons #church #psalms #psalm23

Psalm 23 isn’t just a poem — it’s a prayer. A place to bring your silence, your struggle, your need. Who’s shaping what you say to yourself? Is it God? Or… the noise of the world, the lies of the enemy, the pull of your flesh? Today, we’re learning to pray when words feel far away. To practice giving everyone and everything to God. To linger long enough to actually receive His love. It starts now. Let’s shut out the noise. Let’s silence the enemy. Let’s give Him everything.    #psalm23 #sermon #sermonpodcast 

What does it mean to truly fear God—and why does Scripture say it's the beginning of wisdom? In this message by our guest speaker, Derry Brooks, we explore the powerful theme of the fear of the Lord throughout the Bible, from trembling at Mount Sinai to the blazing glory of Jesus in Revelation. You’ll discover how holy fear leads to life, obedience, blessing, and awe—not anxiety or shame. Join us as we reclaim a vision of God's holiness that humbles, empowers, and transforms. #feargod #fear #wisdom #knowledge #sermon #sermons

In this message, Derry Brooks shares how the fear of man—often subtle and disguised—can rob us of calling, courage, and authentic love. Drawing from Scripture, we explore how even bold leaders like Peter and Pilate caved to the pressure of people, and how this same fear distorts our identity today. Learn how the fear of man leads to shame, self-deception, and missed purpose—and how the fear of God is the only cure. This is a message for anyone who's ever hidden, hesitated, or held back because of what others might think.   #identity #sermon #sermons #onlinechurch #fearofman

If you see or experience something that changes your life, you probably tell a whole lot of people about it. That is what a witness is; people who experience something life changing or important and must tell others about it. What does your life witness to? How does Jesus play into that? This week we see that every Christian is called to be a witness and every Christian can only do that if the Holy Spirit is active and alive in leading them. #RCOV #ojai #god #holyspirit #prophesy #faith #truth #Jesus #faith

During Jesus’s life one of the things that attracted people to His message and mission was His willingness to heal people. After His ascension, the early church has story after story of miraculous healing.  What about today? Are healings still happening? Is God still moving this way? This week we dive deep into God’s gift of healing and what it is supposed to look like in the life of His people. 

A church service can be a pretty tame and predictable place. We know we are going to sing, hear a message, some prayers, and say hello to a few people. But what if a tame place is nothing what God had in mind when his people gathered.  What if he wanted it to be a place where His Spirit made people come alive, where heaven touched earth, and things changed that were never the same again. This week we look at prophecy and how its essential for a church to thrive. 

Are you good at spotting fakes? Can you see when someone or something or some advice that might look or sound good actually isn’t? When it comes to God it can be tough. We can think he is leading one way, but in the back of our minds we can be second guessing. Thankfully the gift of Discernment is there to lead us in this.  Discernment is not just a big word, but a must have for anyone seeking to know and follow Jesus well. 

The Holy Spirit might be the most misunderstood person in all of Christianity. What do you think of when you think of the Holy Spirit? If someone asked you to describe Him what you would say? Do you feel like He is a part of your life? Do you want Him to be a part of your life? During this message and this series we jump into a study of the Holy Spirit so that we can misunderstand Him no more! 

What does it look like to produce the harvest that Jesus calls us to in Matthew 9? Dive into that question this week with our Associate Pastor, Zack Totten. 

Our world loves talking about sex, but it doesn’t like talking about what Jesus has to say about it. From the beginning of God’s creation sex is there, the question is, do we know why it was given to us? Do we care why it was given to us? And do we see the destruction it wreaks when we ignore its purpose and intention?

Everyone who ever takes a breath holds some measure of power. God creates us as humans who have an effect on one another and the environemnt around us. We don’t think about it much, but it's there. The question is - how do we and should we use that power? The world is telling us all the time that we should use it to serve ourselves, but Jesus has a different message and someone close to him lives it out her entire life. Jesus calls us to be unreasonable with how we manage the power that God gives us and his mother, Mary, shows us what might look like.   #mothersday #motherhood #sermons