Refuge Church Ojai Valley

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.

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 do you need conquered in your life? What do you need to be washed clean from? Come see the King today!

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