Restoration: A Call To Healing And Redemption Series

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.