City of Refuge

A new church is being initiated. It is not that we have to have a name. Yet, we would like it to be a City of Refuge. Let me explain.

Refuge [ref-yooj]
noun

a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble; something providing shelter

Synonyms

sanctuary, haven, sanctum; retreat, hiding place, hideaway, hideout

The original sanctuary on earth was the Garden of Eden. This is where the presence of God could be found. It was perfect. After the transgression of humanity, God had representatives that walked with Him daily such as Enoch, Noah, and Job. Eventually God called a man named Abraham to walk with Him. Abraham met with God and found Him to be a refuge, as did his descendants. Eventually, an entire nation came from Abraham. Whenever God would do something remarkable or speak to them prophetically, they would build an altar to remember meeting with the One True God of the universe.

Over time, God met with Moses. He asked Moses to construct a tabernacle in which God could dwell to meet His followers so they would not experience life separated from Him. Many years later God revealed the plans to King David and his son Solomon to build a Temple to replace the tabernacle. All this construction of altars, the tabernacle and the Temple was based on the presence of God being accessed or accessible to us. It all pointed ahead of time to Jesus Christ, the actual Temple. Notice, God took the liberty to introduce Himself to all the individuals listed above because He wants to be known and desires relationship.

When someone places their faith in Jesus Christ, the true Temple, His Holy Spirit or presence is put within them. Now His followers, collectively, are the temple unified with Christ. So, no longer does someone need to travel to a physical region in the Middle East to find the presence of God. He can be found in His authentic disciples who are of multiple ethnicities all over the world. Instead of making the Mecca to a building, you only need to lock arms with an individual that has a relationship with and genuine faith in Christ.

God has chosen to dwell amongst us through His Son and in His people. He is the ultimate refuge but has created a city of individuals to represent Him. Thousands of years ago, during the times of Moses, God established what were literally called Cities of Refuge. Someone that had accidently committed a crime that was not pre-mediated could flee to those cities and be free from guilt and punishment. In a sense, Christ Himself is our City of Refuge through forgiveness of transgression and the mercy granted to begin a relationship with our Creator. He desires for His church to also be that City of Refuge, from a human standpoint. In this way, the hurting, broken, and condemned can come and find a hiding place. The haven is not necessarily in a building, but in relationship with God’s people who point others to Christ.

Many churches may not seem to be safe. In some cases, many people (regardless of their religious affiliation) are not safe. Toxicity is a human problem not a religious problem. This is not how it was supposed to be in the beginning. This toxicity has torn our perspective of God in two. Now, even He doesn’t seem trustworthy. That is where the people of God must make a difference. They must reveal that God is trustworthy and that they are as well. This will never mean they are perfect. It will always mean they seek to be changed and directed by a Perfect Savior.

The people involved at the City of Refuge would like to offer that security through relationship. We hope you find us to be down to earth with a longing for heaven. We hope to be found safe over time. We hope that we represent Christ well, although we are completely flawed. If you are interested in getting to know us, we would enjoy meeting you.