As we conclude the story of Joseph, we look at God’s timing in the story of Joseph, in the story of the Bible, and in the story of each of our lives. God gave Joseph a dream. 13-YEARS LATER, we see that dream finally fulfilled … in God’s time. We never see Joseph force the situation. We never see Joseph drag his feet. He simply makes the most of it within the rhythms of God’s timing.
SERMON AUDIO
NEXT WEEK
If you’re in town, make it a priority to gather with your church family this Saturday night, and hear an amazing testimony of God’s amazing grace, timing and sovereignty.
In week 2 (of 3) on the story of Joseph we look at God working out bad situations for the good of Joseph. We may never fully understand why God allows bad things to happen to us (or those we love), but we don’t need those answers, as much as we need God with us through the trials. If we don’t die at least a little confused about how God works, then how can we die trusting God? I think on this evening, we all left a little confused 😉
This week Dr. Glen Collins takes us through the story of Jacob’s transformation. He pulls from that text that brokenness comes in all ages, all sizes, all colors, and all social economics. We are all broken. We all need the rest that only Jesus can give.
FULL MESSAGE AUDIO
DON’T FORGET
No formal corporate worship gathering this week. Instead we will worship through service together, as we participate at the Villa’s Community Trunk-or-Treat, as we serve and love our neighbors.
The story of Jacob is a story about a dysfunctional family and morally ambiguous antiheroes. An antihero is a protagonist in a story who lacks conventional heroic qualities and attributes such as idealism, courage and morality. Although antiheroes may sometimes do the right thing, it is not always for the right reasons, often acting primarily out of self-interest.
As we read this story we feel dissatisfied, yet drawn in. Why does God choose this dysfunctional family? Why does God choose its deceitful son Jacob? What’s the moral of this story?
SERMON AUDIO
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Refuge is designing a step based discipleship platform based off the exemplary model of AA (steps with one-on-one guidance and accountability).
Intended to encourage those who want to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and live in the fullness of that identity
Be a part of a team to build something very impactful from the ground up
Must be consistently available to contribute. Your time and abilities are very needed. Also if you have the desire to disciple someone in this program, you will need to be readily available
This is not an addiction rehab program. We are simply using AA as a basis for this new discipleship model, because it has transformed millions and millions of lives around the world.
We are not seeking more “ideas”, we are actively seeking ongoing, consistent contributors who want to be a part of building this new model at Refuge.
If anyone is interested in learning more, they can contact Brandon Marini directly at bmar35@gmail.com, 310-782-5210
Tonight we REST (or at least, hopefully discover how we can rest). What theology do we find in the Bible on rest? Why does God command us to rest? How do we practice rest? Can rest become instinctual? What things look like rest, but are actually work? Why does Refuge meet on Saturday night? Lots of questions … hopefully we developed some answers on this evening.
On Saturday evening, we took a look at the life of Abraham, and the promise God made to him. God tests Abraham’s faith. How would you respond if God asked you to do something illogical? This week we hear from guest speaker Matt Podrasky as he shares with a story of sacrifice and redemption.
On this Saturday night at Refuge, we looked at the story of Noah. Not the Epic blockbuster of the flood, ark and animals. The after story. Noah, passed out, drunk and naked in his tent. Exposed by one son. Covered by his other sons. Why is this story in the Bible? Why does God slow down to tell us this one failure, by an otherwise seemingly great man?
On this Saturday evening, we looked at Genesis 3 and the fall of man. Adam and Eve are living intimately with God. They are naked and unashamed. After believing the lies of the serpent, they feel vulnerable and exposed. No longer believing they can be truly known and yet still loved. So they hide.
On the 6th day of creation, God creates mankind in his image, which distinguished us from all other creation. On this Saturday evening, we discovered that EVERYONE is beautiful … because EVERYONE is made in the image and likeness of God. To see the crown of God’s creation, all we need to do is look in the mirror, or look at our neighbor.
