There are different types of churches…
Cruise ship church- People who attend ”cruise ship churches,” much like cruise ship passengers, often come to be entertained and catered to by the staff. Very little is expected of these church attendees. In fact, they tend to rate the quality of their experience—the music, the sermon and the way it made them feel—much as cruise ship passengers rate their satisfaction with various aspects of their trip. Show boats. These types of churches are beautiful and fun, but not often effective.
Battleship churches- These churches are designed to empower all members to find their God-given purpose in life, to equip them and to send them on missions into the world to reach and serve. The people who serve in these churches will get dinged up from time to time.
SICKNESS, OPPRESION, DEPRESSION, GUILT, AND ALL TYPES OF MALIDY.
Jesus said this in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Another term for heavy laden is burdened.
Introduction: The Biblical Concept of Restoration: Restoration is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God’s desire to redeem and renew His creation. This concept encompasses various aspects of spiritual, relational, and physical renewal. Understanding restoration involves exploring what it means, why it is necessary, what qualifies us for it, and what we are restored to.
I. What is Restoration in the Church?
"Restoration in the church is a sacred journey towards healing, redemption, and reconciliation—a call to mend the broken, restore the fallen, and witness the transformative grace of Christ. In its practice, the church becomes a beacon of love and restoration, embodying the essence of Christian community."
Restoration, in a biblical sense, refers to the act of God renewing, repairing, and bringing back to a former state of wholeness and purity what has been damaged or lost due to sin and brokenness. This process is not merely about returning to a previous state but often involves a transformation into something even better.
The Bible is replete with images of restoration. For example, Psalm 23:3 declares, "He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake." This verse highlights the spiritual renewal that God provides. Similarly, in Joel 2:25, God promises, "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten," indicating that God’s restoration can also involve repairing the consequences of past devastations.
II. Why Do We Need to Be Restored?
The need for restoration arises from the brokenness and separation caused by sin. Sin distorts God’s perfect creation, leading to spiritual death, relational conflict, and environmental decay. Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," emphasizing that everyone is affected by sin and in need of restoration.
Here are Three Bible Figures Whom God Restored-
1. David: David’s plea in Psalm 51 illustrates the process of repentance and restoration. He acknowledges his sin, seeks God's mercy, and asks for a renewed spirit and the restoration of his salvation’s joy. This teaches us that acknowledging our sins and turning back to God is crucial for regaining our spiritual joy.
2. Elijah: In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah, after a great victory over the prophets of Baal, falls into deep despair and wishes for death. God’s response is tender and restorative; He provides Elijah with food, rest, and a gentle whisper reminding him of His presence. Elijah's story reminds us that even great spiritual leaders can experience profound lows, but God’s gentle care can restore their strength and joy.
3. Paul and Silas in Prison: Acts 16:25 records Paul and Silas singing hymns to God while in prison. Despite their dire circumstances, their joy in salvation was evident. This example highlights the power of focusing on God's presence and promises, rather than on external circumstances, to maintain our spiritual joy.
III. What Are We Restored To? The Joy of Our Salvation.
Understanding the Joy of Our Salvation
The joy of our salvation is fundamentally linked to the recognition of what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. In Psalm 51:12, David prays, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." This verse highlights that the joy of salvation is a gift from God, and it sustains us through life’s challenges.
1. The Assurance of Eternal Life
One of the key aspects of the joy of our salvation is the assurance of eternal life. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This promise of eternal life brings immense joy to believers, as it assures them of their future with God. The knowledge that our sins are forgiven and that we have a secure place in heaven fills our hearts with joy and peace, transcending the temporal troubles of this world.
2. The Presence of the Holy Spirit
The joy of our salvation is also deeply connected to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Galatians 5:22, the Apostle Paul lists joy as one of the fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." The Holy Spirit works within us to produce this joy, which is a reflection of our relationship with God. Romans 15:13 further emphasizes this by stating, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit ensures that our joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a steady and enduring aspect of our faith.
3. Transformation through Christ
Another dimension of the joy of our salvation is the transformation that comes from knowing Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This transformation brings joy as we experience the newness of life in Christ, leaving behind our old ways and embracing a life of righteousness and holiness. This transformation is both a process and a promise, as we are continually being renewed in the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10).
Salvation is the cornerstone of Christian faith, a divine gift of grace through Jesus Christ that offers eternal life and reconciliation with God. It is a profound and transformative experience meant to fill believers with joy and gratitude. However, there are times when the joy of our salvation seems distant or even lost.
Reasons for Losing the Joy of Our Salvation:
1. Sin and Guilt: Persistent sin and the resulting guilt can severely dampen our spiritual joy. David's experience, as recorded in Psalm 51, is a poignant example. After his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent guilt, David cried out, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me" (Psalm 51:12). Sin creates a barrier between us and God, leading to a loss of intimacy and joy.
2. Trials and Suffering: Life’s hardships and suffering can obscure the joy of our salvation. Even though James 1:2-3 encourages us to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance," the immediate impact of suffering can lead to discouragement and a diminished sense of joy.
3. Spiritual Dryness: Periods of spiritual dryness or feeling distant from God are common in the Christian journey. Psalm 42:11 reflects this sentiment: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Spiritual dryness can result from various factors, including neglect of spiritual disciplines, lack of fellowship, or simply the ebb and flow of spiritual fervor.
IV. What Will Foster Restoration and Enable It?
* Righteous Living: Proverbs 12:2 states, "Good people obtain favor from the Lord, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes." Living a life of integrity, honesty, and righteousness is fundamental to seeking God's favor.
* Humility: James 4:6 teaches, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Humility is crucial in acknowledging one's dependence on God and His grace.
* Prayer and Supplication: Consistent prayer is a means of seeking and maintaining God's favor. Philippians 4:6 encourages believers, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
* Faith and Obedience: Hebrews 11:6 asserts, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God." Trusting in God's promises and obeying His commands are essential components of seeking His favor.
Corum Deo: A YOUNG couple got married and was on their way home from the honeymoon. A tractor-trailer pulled out in front of them suddenly and the young groom swerved to avoid it. The car went into a tailspin and crashed. The groom was okay, but his new bride was bleeding profusely. He knew if he didn’t get his new wife to a doctor, she was going to die. He got out of the car and saw a sign just a little ways away: “The Office of Dr. Rufus Jones—Internal Medicine.” He picked up his beloved and struggled up the hill toward the doctor’s home. He began knocking on the door. An old man came to the door and the groom said, “Dr. Jones?”
The man said, “Well, yes?” He said, “My wife is bleeding. She’s dying. Please save her!” Much to this young man’s surprise, Dr. Jones said, “I’m sorry, son, I can’t help you. You see, son, I stopped practicing medicine many years ago. I don’t have any equipment here. I don’t have medical supplies. I stopped practicing medicine a long time ago.”
Distraught with frustration and grief, the young man said, “Dr. Jones, if you can no longer help hurting people, then please take down the sign.”
We’ve got a world out there bleeding to death, as well as inside. We tell people to come to the church where we offer Dr. Jesus, the medicine of the Holy Spirit, and the healing power of the Word of God. We tell people to come to the hospital. Otherwise, then we need to take down the sign. There’s no need in having a sign that says “North Bay Community Church,” if when people show up, they don’t receive Christ’s restorative love. Let’s be the real deal. Let’s be the church—the authentic representation of that which Christ gave His life for.
