Refuge Church

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28

God gave life to a new church on Easter Sunday. Refuge Church gathered together for worship for the first time. On the day when we celebrate the resurrected life of Jesus Christ; on the day when we rejoice in the eternal life we have by faith in Jesus Christ; that same day God gave life to a new church.

I have the privilege to serve as the lead pastor of this new church. My words can in no way describe the excitement and anticipation in my heart as we expect God to display and declare through us the good news of Christ's kingdom to individuals near and far.

A refuge is a place of safety, peace, and acceptance.  When a person seeks a refuge, he or she desires a place for help and relief from difficulty. Ultimate refuge isn't a place, it is a person. Christ is our Refuge.  

The gospel declares that we all are broken and hurting, facing difficulty and alienated from God. Yet God sent Jesus Christ to restore the broken, heal the hurting, give hope to those in difficulty and draw near the alienated. By His death and resurrection, this and more is made possible. Christ is our Ultimate and Eternal Refuge.

The ultimate goal isn't to bring people into a place, as important as the gathering of believers is, but to lead individuals near and far into the embrace of Christ our Great Refuge for all eternity. Too many celebrate the 99 who have already found the Refuge, while forgetting the one(s) who, as U2 sings, "still haven't found what they are looking for." 

No soul will ever find peace and contentment until he or she finds refuge in Christ.

Our mission demands we never give up until all have found refuge in Christ.