The Refinery Church Sermon Podcast

Former founding pastor, Brad Kochis, joins The Refinery to share stories about how The Refinery was first founded. 

Big Idea:

The most powerful thing we can do when telling people about Jesus is to share our own story.

Scriptures:

John 9

Questions:

1. What is something you find easy to talk about with other people (favorite restaurant, hobby, sports team, vacation spot, etc.)? Why is that so easy to share?
2. What is something you find more difficult to talk about with other people (faith, politics, social issues, etc.)? Why is that more difficult? 
3. Revisit John 9 before and as you consider the following questions:
4. The sermon emphasized that Christian faith is deeply personal but always unfolds in community. How have other people helped guide, encourage, or support your faith journey? We often learn so much from the faith stories of others.
5. After the man was healed, people noticed that something had changed in his life. What are some ways a growing relationship with Jesus becomes visible to others? 
6. The formerly blind man repeatedly tells the same simple story about what Jesus did for him. Why do you think we sometimes feel like we need more knowledge, training, or expertise before talking about our faith? 
7. The man's parents knew something significant had happened but remained silent because the risk felt too great. (And there was real risk if they spoke up.) Have you ever experienced a situation where it felt easier to stay quiet about your faith? What made it difficult? 
8. The religious leaders kept asking questions, not because they wanted truth, but because they wanted a different answer. Have you ever seen someone resist a truth because of what accepting it might require of them? Have you ever done that yourself? 
9. One of the key statements from the sermon was: "We are responsible for bearing witness. We are not responsible for controlling the outcome." How does that perspective change the way you think about evangelism? 
10. The man's story begins with blindness and ends with worship. Looking back on your own faith journey, how has your understanding of Jesus grown over time? 
11. If someone asked you today, "What has Jesus done in your life?" what is one part of your story you would feel comfortable sharing? 
12. The sermon concluded with the phrase: "An encounter with Jesus changed everything." In what specific way has an encounter with Jesus changed your life, your priorities, or your perspective? 

Optional Closing Challenge:
Take a few minutes as a group to think of one person in your life who might benefit from hearing part of your faith story. Pray for that person by name and ask God to provide an opportunity for a meaningful conversation in the coming weeks. This fits naturally with the Invest & Invite posture of helping people consider for themselves what Jesus might do in their lives.

In this sermon, we explore what it truly means to live a life of discipleship through the words of Jesus and Paul. Looking at Luke 10 and Philippians 3, we’re invited to examine how we order our lives—what we prioritize, pursue, and ultimately become. While the world pulls us in many directions, Jesus calls us to choose what is better: a life centered on Him. Discipleship is more than knowledge; it’s intentionally spending time with Jesus to become like Jesus. Join us as we reflect on what may be crowding our “to do” lists and learn how reordering our lives in the way of Jesus leads to something far greater.

In this message, Pastor Jay helps us to explore Jesus’ encounter with the rich ruler in Luke 18 and uncover a powerful truth: being rich in God’s Kingdom is not about what we accumulate, but what we’re willing to surrender and invest. While the ruler appeared morally strong and spiritually sincere, Jesus exposed the deeper issue—his wealth had a hold on him. This sermon challenges us to examine whether we truly manage our resources or are quietly mastered by them. Through this passage, we’re invited to rethink generosity, take an honest look at our financial habits, and step into the kind of freedom that comes from open-handed living in the way of Jesus.

Big Idea:

Being rich, from God’s perspective, is far more about what we invest than what we gain.

Scriptures:

Luke 18:18-30

Questions:

1. What is something in your household that feels “non-negotiable” to spend money on? 
2. When it comes to money and spending, why do you think it is easier to notice or judge someone else’s priorities than to honestly evaluate our own?
3. Read Luke 18:18–30. What stands out to you most in the interaction between Jesus and the rich ruler?
4. The rich ruler asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Where do you see people today wrestling with that same kind of “just tell me what to do” mindset?
5. In the message, we heard that “who you are in Jesus is more important than what you do for Jesus.” Why is that truth important when talking about money, generosity, and obedience?
6. Jesus lovingly puts His finger on the one thing that had the ruler’s heart. What are some ways money, possessions, comfort, or security can compete for the “one thing” place in our lives?
7. The message said, “The rich young ruler’s problem wasn’t that he had money. His problem was that his money had him.” How can someone begin to recognize whether they are controlling their money or their money is controlling them?
8. What is one practical step you could take this week to grow in generosity, contentment, or financial surrender to Jesus?

Big Idea:

There is a peace, confidence, and security that comes when worship of God is our primary focus. 

Scriptures:

Psalm 27

Matthew 7:24-27

Questions:

1. What’s one area of life where you’ve recently felt either confident/secure or shaken/behind? What made the difference?
2. When you think about the idea of the most important “one thing” in your life, what comes to mind?
3. In Psalm 27:1–3 , David speaks with bold confidence: “Whom shall I fear?” What stands out to you about where his confidence comes from?
4. Verse 4 says, “One thing I ask… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord.” What do you think David means by this? What might it look like to live this way in our lives today?
5. The sermon suggests that we don’t set priorities based on efficiency but on affection. Do you agree? How do our loves shape our time, talent, and treasure?
6. David moves from confidence (vv.1–6) to a prayer for mercy (vv.7–9) . What does that shift teach us about faith when fear or anxiety resurfaces?
7. Verse 8 says, “Seek His face.” What does it practically mean to “seek God’s face” in everyday life?
8. In Matthew 7:24–27 , Jesus describes building on rock versus sand. How does this connect to Psalm 27’s vision of making God our “one thing”?
9. The sermon contends that many good things (family, career, health, wealth) make poor foundations. Why do you think good things can become unstable “ultimate things”?
10. How might prioritizing worship—centering your life on God—bring peace and confidence in seasons of uncertainty?
11. If you evaluated your current priorities honestly, what is competing most for first place in your life right now?
12. What is one intentional step you could take this week to put Jesus first in a practical way (time, prayer, obedience, calendar, generosity, reconciliation, etc.)?

Scriptures: 

Isaiah 40:25-26; Psalm 147:1-5; Luke 12:6-7

Lifegroup Questions:

1. What is your favorite memory of looking at the night sky?
2. When you observe how many stars there are, what thoughts or questions come to mind?
3. Read Isaiah 40:25-26. What do we learn about God in this passage? What might we learn about ourselves by implication?
4. Reflecting on God’s transcendence (power, might, etc.) and God’s immanence (closeness, intimacy, etc.) C.S. Lewis wrote, in The Problem of Pain, “God is both further from us, and nearer to us than any other being.” What do you think he means by that? Where have you experienced God being “further from” or “nearer to” you?
5. Pastor Erik said “God cares for what God creates.” How have you witnessed this?
6. Read Psalm 147:1-5. Knowing that this is written following a long, painful experience of exile in a foreign land, how do you react to this psalm?
7. Is it easy or hard for you to praise God in difficult circumstances? Why?
8. Read Luke 12:6-7. What is God’s attitude toward creation according to this passage? 
9. Compared to the rest of creation, what does God think about us?
10. How did Jesus show his love and care for us?
11. How can we invite others, who don’t already love and follow Jesus, to consider his love and care for them?

Big Idea:

When we trust that God is enough, we are freed from the endless need for more.

Scriptures:

Luke 4:1-3

Matthew 6:16-24

Philippians 4:11-13

Lifegroup Questions:

1. Sunday's sermon began with the “mini vs. small blizzard” confession. Do you have a similar personal example where you tend to believe “a little more” will make you happier or more satisfied?
2. When you’re stressed or feeling low, what do you most naturally reach for—comfort, control, affirmation, productivity, security, something else? What do you think that reveals about what fills you?
3. How would you personally answer the question: “How much is enough?”
4. Read Luke 4:1–3. What stands out to you about the phrase “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit”? How does that connect to His ability to resist temptation? When, in your life, do you feel most full of the Holy Spirit? What fills you? What leaves you feeling empty?
5. In Luke 4, the devil challenges Jesus’ identity (“If you are the Son of God…”). Why is identity so central in resisting temptation? What happens when our identity is rooted in something other than our relationship with God?
6. Read Matthew 6:16–21. What do fasting and storing up treasure in heaven have in common? What is Jesus aiming at beneath the surface behavior? 
7. In Matthew 6:21, Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How have you seen this principle play out in real life?
8. Jesus says, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Why do you think money (or material security) is such a powerful rival master? 
9. The sermon mentions “lifestyle creep.” How does that concept connect to Jesus’ teaching about contentment and Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11–13?
10. Brother Lawrence is quoted: “Seek Him only, and nothing else, not even His gifts.” What’s the difference between enjoying God’s gifts and pursuing them instead of God?
11. If you evaluated your current practices of fasting and generosity, where would you say you are: consistent, occasional, resistant, or unsure where to start? What might be one small next step?
12. The sermon closes with the idea: “When we trust that God is enough, we are freed from the endless need for more.” How can you grow in your trust of God through fasting or generosity, starting this week?

Big Idea:

We can trust that we have been invited to engage the story of God in scripture and be a continuation of that story today.

Scriptures:

Luke 24:25-27

2 Timothy 3:10-4:4

Lifegroup Questions:

1. The sermon opens by talking about the importance of good information in everyday decisions (buying a car, writing a paper, witnessing an accident). How do you seek to gather information personally? Do you rely more on reviews from people you know, online research, personal experience, etc.?
2. Sunday's sermon describes the Bible as a unified, forward-leaning story. How does viewing Scripture as one big story (creation, fall, promise, redemption) change how we read individual passages?
3. Read Luke 24:25–27 together. Imagine being there as Jesus unpacked the story of Scripture as they walked along the road together. What part(s) of the story would you most want Jesus to explain?
4. Cleopas and his wife were discouraged because they misunderstood the story they were in. Have you experienced something like this before? Is there a time when you felt confused or discouraged, only later to reinterpret that period after seeing what God was doing in the midst of it? 
5. In 2 Timothy 3:14–17, Paul says Scripture is “God-breathed” and useful. Which of the four functions—teaching, rebuking, correcting, training—stands out most to you right now, and why?
6. How do you personally respond to rebuke or correction? What makes it easier—or harder—to receive it as kindness rather than criticism?
7. Paul tells Timothy to “preach the word… correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience.” Why is encouragement just as important as correction in spiritual growth?
8. The phrase “thoroughly equipped for every good work” suggests preparation. What might it look like for Scripture to actively equip you for your current season of life?
9. Sunday's sermon encouraged developing a regular rhythm of Scripture engagement and keeping it “simple, real, and up." What has helped you stay consistent in reading or listening to the Bible? If you lack a regular rhythm, what has hindered you from developing one? How can the group support you in cultivating the discipline of scripture engagement in your life? 
10. “We can trust that we have been invited to engage the story of God in Scripture and be a continuation of that story today.” What does it practically look like to see yourself as part of God’s ongoing story this week?

In Week 2 of our Rooted series, we lean into the essential practice of prayer by looking at the life of Jesus in Luke 5:16 and 6:12. In the middle of full schedules, growing demands, and important decisions, Jesus consistently withdrew to be with the Father—reminding us that prayer isn’t optional, but foundational. This message challenges us to consider how much more we need that same connection—both in the everyday moments and in the significant decisions we face—and encourages us to trust that God truly desires to hear from us and speak into our lives.

Lifegroup Questions:

1. The sermon began with the idea that we all need sounding boards in life. Who in your life provides you with counsel and feedback? Do you tend to have a broader network of people like this or do you focus in with a few friends and/or mentors?
2. When you hear the statement, “We can trust that God desires to hear from and speak to us in prayer,” what resonates with you? What feels challenging about that?
3. In Luke 5:16, we read, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” How would you describe your current rhythm of prayer—consistent, reactive, seasonal, struggling, or growing?
4. Jesus withdrew to pray in the middle of growing popularity and increasing demands. What pressures or distractions in your life make it hardest to withdraw and pray? Why is it important to remember that prayer is vital especially during seasons of growth and opportunity?
5. The sermon emphasized that Jesus didn’t withdraw just for rest, but for communion with the Father. What’s the difference between simply being alone and intentionally meeting with God?
6. In Luke 6:12, Jesus spent the night praying before choosing the twelve disciples. How much do you rely on extended times in prayer when facing major decisions? Do you have an example where you leaned more or less into prayer and what you learned through that?
7. Consider this quote from Brother Lawrence: "One way to re-collect the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquility, is not to let it wander too far at other times." How can we put this counsel into action in our own lives? 
8. The sermon said, “We don’t get away to pray when there’s time. We make time.” What would it look like practically for you to “make time” this week for prayer? If you already have a rhythm share it. If you don't have a rhythm, how can you begin to cultivate one?
9. Are you more likely to treat prayer as a first move or a last resort? What would help shift that pattern in your life?
10. What is one specific next step you can take in the next 7 days—utilizing the 21 Days of Prayer, joining the Prayer Watch at church, setting a daily time, praying as a family, or something else—to grow a more intentional rhythm of prayer?