Genesis 16 teaches us to be constantly inquiring of God! God doesn’t want us to make just a rational decision, but to come to him for leading and guidance in making our decisions. Being a friend of God is not about doing the right thing, but it is all about having intimacy with Him.

Abraham: Friend of God - Genesis 15

Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Let’s emulate Abraham and be known as the people who have complete faith in God. Let Him always be the source of our encouragement, strength, wisdom, conviction, and guidance. Seek to hear Him always in all circumstances.

Abraham: Friend of God - Genesis 14

As Abrams friendship with God becomes ever deeper, we see Abram’s actions begin to reflect the heart of God in all that he does.

The Anatomy of Saying "Yes" to God

Thank you to James and Jesi Lusk for sharing with us about their upcoming adventure as they say “Yes” to God. The process of saying “Yes” was made easier through the revelation of who God is. As we come to know who God is, we know who we were and who we are in Christ. This revelation of God made the saying “Yes” easier! Watch out NYC. This great city is about get wrecked even more, through the Lusks, by the ever advancing Kingdom of God!

Abraham: Friend of God - Genesis 13

Let us follow Abraham’s example of living a generous lifestyle for God. He trusted in God’s promise, His provision, and His generosity. This revelation allowed Abraham to have an open-handed attitude with Lot because he trusted in the Lord, and not in the outcome of Lot’s decision.

Abraham: Friend of God

As Jesus called us to be His friends (John 15:13-16), let’s learn from the first person whom God called Friend - Abraham (Is 41:8). In Genesis 12, we learned that Abraham actively obeyed God. Let’s emulate this attribute, obedience through action, as it will enable us to walk fully into the promises of God and be called Friends of God.

Vision & Values- Jesus and His Presence

The most important revelation we have, is our revelation of who Jesus is. Let’s keep our passion and love for Jesus alive and be a church that is captivated by Jesus. Our revelation of Jesus will keep us from dry Christianity and going through the motions.
David pursued and longed for the presence of God, even when his own son was trying to kill him. (Ps. 63) We also can run into the Presence of God and receive grace and mercy in our time of need. (Heb. 4:16)

Vision & Values- Authentic Biblical Community

Let’s get back to God’s original design and function of the local church! His way is always perfect and better than our ways. It is the same with His original intention for the church (Eph 3:10) as it transcends culture, generations, and geography. God’s design for His church is always perfect and better than any model man can come up with in building His church (Matt 16:18).

Vision & Values- Advancing The Kingdom

One of the values at Restoration is to advance His Kingdom. We believe this “value” is also applicable to all Christians everywhere as it is the “commission” from our King to all followers of Christ. The most effective, and impactful, way is to be transparent to those around us at all times while constantly making Jesus the focus and center of our lives. This can, and should, be done through the various people we interact with on a regular basis.

The Assurance of Our Salvation

Having an Assurance of Our Salvation will allow us to confidently live with a Kingdom mindset, live with a pioneering spirit, and live as people on a mission. God has given us, individually and the church, all the gifts that we need to boldly embark on a mission to share the Good News and advance His Kingdom.

The Assurance of Our Salvation- The Presence of God

God is calling us to experience the the glory of his presence, to hear and awaken to His call, turn to him, and celebrate with others, and rejoice in the fellowship of His presence. As we unfold the story of Joseph, we can see that he is one who stood firm to experience the presence of God in such a fruitful way. God desires that you enter into his presence, and be filled with overwhelming joy. How will you experience God?

The Assurance of Our Salvation- Identity and Knowing Jesus

As we come to know Jesus more, as God, King of the universe, creator and sustainer of everything, and Savior of the world, we find our security and identity in Him (Heb.1:1). Knowing Jesus, gives our lives purpose and identity. We are loved, accepted, called, chosen by Him, not defined by our past, or the things that have happened to us. So instead of asking “Who am I?” our question should be, “Jesus, who are you?”