ROMANS:

Redemption is found in Christ alone.

We are reconciled to God through Christ alone.

Obedience is brought about through faith.

As we said on the first Sunday of the year, we want to prioritize the Gathering. Sunday morning church is a Saturday night decision. The Gathering is more than just for the Christian, but a time to participate in being part of the body of Christ; a member of His church. Sundays are not just for the edification of the Christian but also for the edification of the body. So on Sundays when we don’t feel like Gathering, we go anyway! We prioritize the Gathering on Sundays, not neglecting to meeting together (Acts 10:25.) Over time the Gathering has a sanctifying and transforming affect on the the life of the Christian.

All members of Refuge are encourage to participate and even host groups! Whether at Refuge or in homes, we encourage you to gather with other Christians in the Church to be a part of community. Spiritual growth takes place within community, where we walk together, encourage one another and support one another. We Gather together to pray, seek the Lord, and build community. These groups are meant to build a culture of prayer and community within our church body. Prayer Groups will be structured out of The Prayer of Faith in James 5:

1. Praising God
2. Confession of Needs
3. Confession of Sin
4. Praying for the Impossible
5. Praying for salvation for the Lost

Gospel Partners are individuals that know us well whom we connect with frequently for prayer, encouragement, confession and accountability. Be known! Fully Known. One of the greatest ways we walk in the light is through being fully known. Fully known as in no secrets, no unconfessed sin, exposed fully before another in our weaknesses and in your triumphs. In being fully known we walk in the light and there is the promise of Jesus cleansing us of our sins and ongoing restoration of our relationship with God. Choosing to be fully known begins with praying that the Lord will bring a friend into your life that you can fully transparent with. Someone of same gender and someone you are able to connect with frequently. We refer to this person in your life as your Gospel partner. (1 John 1:5-10)

Saved people serve. One of the ways we Abide Together is by serving together (Romans 12:11 & 13). One of the ways we demonstrate that we belong to Christ is by serving others so that they can see, meet with and know the Christ we do. In John 13, we see Jesus modeling serving to His disciples by washing their feet. We are to follow our Savior in service as He serves. How can you serve at Refuge? There are various ministries you can be a part of as you seek to serve. See an Elder, or click here for serving opportunities. 

Leader: What shall we say then? (Romans 6:1)

Congregation: We are not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. (Romans 1:16)

Leader: What shall we confess then?

Congregation: For we confess that we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but now we are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23 & 24)

Leader: What are we convinced of?

Congregation: We are convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor heights, nor depths, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Leader: How then shall we live?

Congregation: We shall let love be genuine, hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good, love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor, serve the Lord, be patient in tribulation, constantly be in prayer, contribute to the needs of the saints, seek to show hospitality, bless those who persecute us, live in harmony with one another. Not to be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Leader: Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for lone ages, but has now been disclosed and made known to the nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith, to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ. Amen.