The Refinery Church Sermon Podcast

Refinery Media
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The sermon podcast for The Refinery Church in Columbus, Ohio.  Our prayer is that each sermon will help to increase your understanding of the Word and assist you in your pursuit to love and follow Jesus for life.  For additional resources, go to Refineryohio.com.

  1. 4d ago

    1 John // Children of God

    This week in 1 John series, we explore what it means to live as children of God. In 1 John 3, we’re reminded that our faith is more than words—it shapes how we live, how we love others, and how we respond to sin. Yet our hope isn’t found in trying harder or being good enough; it’s rooted in the truth that we are deeply loved by God. As we seek to believe in Jesus, love one another, and follow His ways, we can live with a heart at rest and choose to live from our identity as beloved children of God. Big Idea: We can live from the identity of being deeply loved children of God. Scriptures: 1 John 3:1-9, 11-12, 16-18, 19-22, 23-24 Lifegroup Questions: Growing up, what was one unwritten rule or “this is just how we do things” practice in your home? Is it something you've carried with you, or something you've intentionally left behind?Every family, workplace, team, or friend group develops an ethos—a characteristic way of doing life together. What is something you’ve been part of that shaped the way you acted, spoke, or thought in positive ways simply because you belonged to it?Read 1 John 3:1–3. What stands out to you about the way John describes our identity as children of God? What difference should “And that is what we are!” make in everyday life?The sermon described the ethos of a home as, “This is how we do life here.” What are some things that should characterize the ethos of God’s family?Read 1 John 3:4–9 alongside 1 John 1:8–2:2. Why is it important to read these passages together? What distinction do you see between struggling with sin and making peace with sin?Think about the question from the sermon: “Have I made peace with sin?” Is there an area of your life where God may be inviting you not simply to feel bad about something, but to actively pursue change?Read 1 John 3:16–18. John describes seeing a brother or sister in need and having the ability to respond. How can living in genuine community help us both recognize real needs and discern how to respond to them wisely and lovingly?Which is more difficult for you personally: allowing other people to know your needs and help you, or recognizing and responding to the needs of others? Why do you think that is?Read 1 John 3:19–22. What do you think it means to “set our hearts at rest in his presence”? How does knowing that God is greater than our accusing hearts give us confidence before Him?The sermon ended with, “This is your family now. And this is how we do life here.” As you consider 1 John 3 as a whole, where might you sense God inviting the ethos of His family to become more evident in your life this week?

  2. Aug 10

    1 John // Be Aware

    In Week 2 of our 1 John series, we explore 1 John 2:15–29 and the tension between loving people and not loving “the world.” This message unpacks how Scripture calls us to love others deeply while remaining discerning about the broken values and systems that pull us away from God. As we navigate competing influences and voices, we’re reminded to stay grounded in what is eternal, recognizing that while all people are worthy of love, not every way of living is. Ultimately, we are invited to be wise and intentional in how we choose to love. Lifegroup Questions: Read 1 John 2:15-17. When you first hear/read John say, “Do not love the world or anything in the world,” what reaction or questions does that create for you?The sermon distinguishes between loving the people of the world and loving the broken values and desires of the world. Why is that distinction important?The sermon mentions status, success, appearance, health, wealth, and approval as things that eventually fade. Which of these—or something else—most easily competes for your affection?Read 1 John 2:18–27 again. What do you notice about John’s concern over the voices influencing his readers?The sermon gives three examples of competing cultural stories: finding security through accumulation, hope through political outcomes, and fulfillment through experiences. Which story do you think is most persuasive in our culture? Why? A question from the sermon is, “Is this voice leading me toward Jesus or away from Him?” What are tangible helps to practice that kind of discernment?John repeatedly tells his readers to “remain in Him.” What do you think remaining in Jesus looks like—not just on Sundays, but in everyday life?The sermon says remaining in Jesus doesn’t mean we’ll never have questions, struggles, or seasons of wrestling with faith. How can someone wrestle honestly while still remaining rooted in Christ?Consider the sermon’s three closing questions: What has captured my affection? Which voices have been shaping my heart? Am I remaining in Jesus? Which one do you most need to sit with this week, and why?

  3. Aug 4

    1 John // Lived Out Faith

    This week, we kick off a five-week journey through the book of 1 John—three short letters near the end of the New Testament written by the apostle John, one of Jesus’ closest followers. Throughout this series, we’ll explore a powerful truth: every one of us can grow into a full and complete relationship with God. This message invites you to reflect on your own story: How have you heard, seen, and experienced God in your life? And how might your faith become something not just believed—but fully lived? Questions: The sermon opens by describing experiences like visiting the Grand Canyon or going on safari. What are some things in life that can't truly be understood until they're experienced? How does that relate to following Jesus?John emphasizes that he had heard, seen, examined, and touched Jesus (1 John 1:1-4). Why do you think he begins his letter this way? What confidence does that give us today?The message says, "Christian faith isn't casual; it's something we're invited to thoughtfully consider and then dive into fully." Where do you see the difference between simply knowing about Jesus and truly following Him?Read 1 John 1:5-2:2. Why do you think confession is such an important part of walking with God? What makes confession difficult for many people?The sermon calls out these two truths:None of us are without fault.None of us are beyond being made new.Which of those truths do you personally need to remember more often? Why?John says Jesus is our Advocate when we sin (1 John 2:1-2). How does remembering God's grace change the way we respond after we've failed?In 1 John 2:3-6, obedience is presented as evidence of knowing God—not a way to earn His love. Why is that distinction so important?Jesus summarized the commands as loving God and loving people (Matthew 22:36-40). Which of those two is easier for you right now? Which is more challenging?Read 1 John 2:7-11. According to John, what is the connection between loving others and walking in the light? Why do you think those two are inseparable?The sermon ends by saying John wasn't simply asking people to agree with him—he was inviting them to experience the same life with Jesus that he had experienced. How have you personally experienced God's faithfulness?The sermon identifies four responses we're able to live out because God is able:Believe deeplyConfess freelyWalk faithfullyLove others wellWhich one do you sense God inviting you to grow in during this season? Why? If everyone in this group took one intentional step this week in response to this passage, what might that look like? How can we encourage one another to follow through before we meet again?

  4. Jul 27

    My Story // Bailey Alexander

    When tension rises, our human instinct is often to escape rather than endure. Whether it’s chasing a bigger dream, running from a difficult season, or taking the easy exit ramp, we frequently mistake God’s divine restraint for a closed door. Drawing from the story of Jonah, the decision of the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes to return for "unfinished business," and personal testimony, Bailey explores what happens when we stop running from our placement and choose radical obedience. Discover why God isn't looking for a flawless track record, but a surrendered "Yes"—and how staying in your assignment might just be the very thing God uses to protect your future and unleash His purpose. Lifegroup Discussion Questions Identifying Your "Tarshish": Jonah ran toward Tarshish to escape a hard assignment. Have you ever felt the urge to take an "easy exit" from a difficult season, job, relationship, or ministry call just because it got uncomfortable or frustrating?Recognizing Restraint as Protection: Looking back at your life, can you identify a time when God said "no" or "wait" to something you really wanted (like a dream job or relocation), only for you to realize years later that He was actually protecting or redirecting you?The Trap of Reluctant Obedience: In Jonah chapter 4, Jonah technically obeyed God by going to Nineveh, but his heart was still fighting God’s grace and mercy. What is the difference between grudging compliance and surrendered heart obedience? How can we catch ourselves when we fall into the trap of doing the right things with the wrong posture?God Uses Imperfect People: From Abraham and Moses to Jonah and Peter, Scripture is filled with deeply flawed people who had profound moments of obedience. How does knowing that God doesn't require a "flawless track record" before using us change the way you view your own past mistakes?Executing Your Current Assignment: The 2024 Ohio State players stayed because they knew they had "unfinished business." What is the specific assignment or season God has you in right now? What would it look like for you to stop looking for the exit and simply say "yes" to executing the play right where you are?

  5. Jul 21

    My Story // Brad Kochis

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

  6. Jul 13

    My Story // Jay Zollars

    The Refinery Church Sermon Podcast

  7. Jun 30

    One Thing // Evangelism

    Big Idea: The most powerful thing we can do when telling people about Jesus is to share our own story. Scriptures: John 9 Questions: 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?What is something you find more difficult to talk about with other people (faith, politics, social issues, etc.)? Why is that more difficult? Revisit John 9 before and as you consider the following questions: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.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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? If someone asked you today, "What has Jesus done in your life?" what is one part of your story you would feel comfortable sharing? 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.

  8. Jun 22

    One Thing // Discipleship

    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.

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The sermon podcast for The Refinery Church in Columbus, Ohio.  Our prayer is that each sermon will help to increase your understanding of the Word and assist you in your pursuit to love and follow Jesus for life.  For additional resources, go to Refineryohio.com.

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