Refuge Audio Podcast

It’s important to invite people to repent of their sin and receive Jesus as Lord. And it’s just as important to fully explain the gravity and seriousness of that decision. That’s why great grace and tough truths are so important in evangelism and discipleship. We see both in the life and ministry of Jesus during his exchange with a rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-23.

There is a vast difference between religious rulership and servant-leadership. If anyone had the right to be a religious ruler, it was Jesus. But He came to serve, not to be served; not to save His life, but to lay it down as a ransom for many. Jesus’ example shows us what servant-leadership looks like—not just in the church, but especially in the home.

What does it mean to be greatly used of God? How does Jesus view and define greatness? How does someone become great in His kingdom? These are questions we all want answered. And when we don’t know the answers, we tend to argue about it—just like the disciples. But we don’t need to quarrel and squabble—Jesus answers these questions for us.

There is a cosmic battle taking place in the heavenly realm. It is the battle for the hearts and minds of men, women, and children. It’s a battle for cities and nations. And ultimately, it’s a battle for the right to rule this planet. Even though this battle is not physical, we can fight by faith for the kingdom of God. Watch or listen to our study as guest speaker Peter Warren explains the weapons of our warfare, the tactics of the enemy, and the victory we have in Jesus.

Our only hope for lasting change in our lives, in our families, in our community, and in our country is a fresh move of the Holy Spirit. The answer does not lie in our own intellect, ability, strategy, or will—but only in Jesus. Our only aim is bringing people to Him and watching Him pour out His power in love by His Spirit.

Christianity is the only major religion to have as its central event the humiliation of its God. It was at the cross where Christ was exalted. Philippians 2:5-9 helps us understand what Christ was thinking as He came to serve, suffer, and save.

James, John, and Peter have a mountaintop experience. In their time with Jesus, they receive amazing clarity concerning who He truly is. We can also have mountaintop experiences in our regular times of solitude with Jesus. But these times are intended to be temporary. We receive clarity about Jesus so that we can come down the mountain and minister to people who are suffering in the dark.

Jesus didn’t come to save us from our circumstances. He came to save us from our sins. Once we are saved, He wants us to and calls us to participate and co-operate with Him in what He is doing. Like Jesus, we must be willing to live a life similar to His—a life of serving, suffering, and sacrifice—not to add to anyone’s salvation, but to lead others to salvation. This is where the life that is truly life is found—in being a disciple of Jesus, The Messiah.

God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit & power, and Jesus went around doing good & healing all who were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38). Who could find fault with Jesus for going around doing good? The Pharisees could—and did. These religious leaders were devoted to preserving the culture of Judaism instead of Scripture. So when they called Jesus out on not honoring the customs of the culture, Jesus brought them back to scripture to show them (and us) the error of legalism.