CityReach Church Swissvale

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series through the book of Judges. This week we look at the death of Samson and how in his final moments he crushed his enemies through his death. This foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ. Passages: Judges 16:1-31; Judges 13:5; 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 10:10

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series through the book of Judges. Samson was a figure with such promise (Judges 13), but who was stirred more by his senses than the Spirit of the Lord. We will see both Samson's violent nature, as well as the Lord's purposes being accomplished through his behavior. Passages: Judges 14:1-15:20; Exodus 34:15-16; Acts 2:23; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Galatians 5:22-23

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series through the book of Judges. This week we begin the story of the final judge in the book, Samson. This chapter focuses on the miraculous nature of his birth and the hopeful anticipation that would create. Passages: Judges 13:1-25; John 3:14-15; Numbers 6:1-21; Isaiah 7:14; Romans 12:2

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series through the book of Judges. This week we look at Jephthah. The story of Jephthah is a tragic and horrible story in the book of Judges. It reveals just how easy it is to have blind spots which cause us to compromise on what is right. Passages: Judges 10:6-12:7; Deuteronomy 12:31

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series through the book of Judges. This week we continue looking at Gideon. Gideon's success has bred an expectation that he is owed honor and deference from others. Passages: Judges 8:1-10:5

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series through the book of Judges. This week we continue looking at Gideon. Gideon has rallied the army, but God says there are too many people there for him to deliver victory. What does this story reveal about boasting and weakness? Passages: Judges 7:1-25; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9; Mark 5:36

This past Sunday was Youth Sunday at Restoration Community Church. Leela Norman gave a message on the Fruit of the Spirit. She sang with us, gave us anecdotes and walked us through what each fruit might look like in our everyday lives. Passages: Galatians 5:19-24

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a new series through the book of Judges. This week we explore the next judge, Gideon. This first look at Gideon reveals the difference between regret and repentance. We also look at his use of the fleece to build his faith. Passages: Judges 6:1-40; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Romans 5:8; Mark 9:24

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a new series through the book of Judges. This week we explore the next judge, Deborah. Does Deborah's vocation inform and shape our understanding of women in ministry in the modern church? Passages: Judges 4:1-5:31; Hebrews 11:32; 1 Corinthians 11:5; 1 Timothy 3:11

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a new series through the book of Judges. This morning we encounter the first three judges of the book. One is expected, one is unexpected, and the third is an afterthought. Passages: Judges 3:731; Jeremiah 2:13; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Acts 4:31; Isaiah 62:8-9; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 110:1; Isaiah 53:2-3; 1 Corinthians 1:26-27

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church begins a new series through the book of Judges. This morning's second introduction to the book highlights the cycle of idolatry by the Israelites as the attempted to live in the Promised Land. Passages: Judges 2:6-3:6; Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church begins a new series through the book of Judges. This morning's introduction to the book highlights the half-hearted nature of the Israelite conquest and how that might apply to our lives of faith. Passages: Judges 1:1-2:5; 21:25; Numbers 13-14; Joshua 23:5-6; Joshua 5:9; Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:15,25; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 1:8-9

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church looks at the shorter ending to the gospel of Mark. He argues that this is the original ending of Mark's gospel. It is abrupt, incomplete, and brilliant. Passages: Mark 16:1-8; Mark 14:28; Mark 5:42; Mark 1:14-15

Andy Moore provides the message at Restoration Community Church  this week. He shares two encounters of Jesus, two men praying at the temple, and little children approach Jesus to be blessed. Everyone who exalts themselves will be humbled, but the one who humbles themself will be exalted. Passages: Luke 18:9-17

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church attempts to answer the question, "What is an Evangelical?" Using the Bebbington Quadrilateral, Pastor Chris looks at the four main characteristics of Evangelicalism. This week is Activism, the demonstration of the gospel through missions and social reform efforts. Passages: James 2:17

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church attempts to answer the question, "What is an Evangelical?" Using the Bebbington Quadrilateral, Pastor Chris looks at the four main characteristics of Evangelicalism. This week is Conversionism; a focus on humanity's need to experience a life-changing, direction shift with Jesus. Passages: Romans 10:9-10; John 3:3-8; Colossians 1:13; John 10:10; 1 John 4:18

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church attempts to answer the question, "What is an Evangelical?" Using the Bebbington Quadrilateral, Pastor Chris looks at the four main characteristics of Evangelicalism. This week is Crucicentrism; a focus on the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross for the redemption of humanity. Passages: Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-10

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church attempts to answer the question, "What is an Evangelical?" Using the Bebbington Quadrilateral, Pastor Chris looks at the four main characteristics of Evangelicalism. This week is Biblicism; a particular regard for the Bible. Passages: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Director of the Center for Play and Exploration, Dave Bindewald, delivers the message this week at Restoration Community Church. Dave looks into things we say and are we aware of what they actually mean. This message of hope reminds us that all good things we never end. Passages: Luke 9:33 Note: we did have some technical difficulty with the microphone, so some of the message appears a bit garbled.

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church concludes our look at the Lord's Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. This week we look at the benediction commonly included in the prayer. But was it part of the original words of Jesus? Passages: Matthew 6:13; 1 Chronicles 29:11; Colossians 1:15-18; 1 John 4:19

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our look at the Lord's Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. This week we look at the final petition which deals with temptation. Passages: Matthew 6:13; James 1:13-15; 1 Peter 4:12-13; James 1:2-4; Matthew 4:1f; Genesis 3; 1 John 2:16; Luke 22:31-32; Ephesians 6:10f; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7; Galatians 5:16; Hebrews 2:18

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our look at the Lord's Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. This week we look at the fourth verse which focuses on forgiveness. Passages: Matthew 6:12; 1 John 1:8-9; Matthew 28:21-35

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our look at the Lord's Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. This week we look at the third verse which highlights our request for our daily bread. Passages: Matthew 6:11; Genesis 3:19; Matthew 7:9-10; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10; Matthew 4:3-4; John 6:35

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our look at the Lord's Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. This week we look at the second verse which highlights the kingdom of God and his will. Passages: Matthew 6:10; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 17:21; Revelation 18:4

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our look at the Lord's Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. This week we look at the first petition, Our Father, in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Passages: Matthew 6:9b; Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 55:10; Psalm 19:1-2; Isaiah 66:1; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 6:1-7; Hebrews 4:16

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church begins a series looking at the Lord's Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. This week we provide an introduction to this prayer. Passages: Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:5-9a; 1 Kings 18; Matthew 15:8

Andy Moore brings the message this week. He looks at the story of the Good Samaritan and reminds us that there are situations where we think we know the everything, but then a situation humbles us. Passages: Luke 10:25-37

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church hosts a Q&A Sunday. The two questions asked were: 1. What does it mean that Jesus descended into hell? 2. How should Christians understand the Old Testament law?

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church addresses the season of Advent looking at the story of tween Jesus at the temple. What lessons can we learn from this rare story of his childhood? Passages: Luke 2:41-52; Deuteronomy 16:16; Mark 3:21; Hebrews 5:7-9

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church addresses the season of Advent looking at the story of Simeon and Anna. In their stories we see faithfulness in the midst of their waiting, and joy when God comes through! Passages: Luke 2:22-24; Leviticus 12:8; Luke 2:25-35; Isaiah 49:6; Luke 2:36-38; Luke 18:1

Sister churches, Restoration Community Church and the Gospel for All, Come and See Centre, come together for a bilingual, joint worship service. Bishop Fataki brings the message this week in defining truth and reality.

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church addresses the season of Advent looking at the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. In their story we see rhythms of faith in the midst of years, even decades of silence from God. Passages: Luke 1:5-7, 8-17, 18-25, 57-66; Exodus 30:7; Numbers 6:1-3; Malachi 3:1

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church begins the season of Advent looking at the genealogy of Jesus Christ as found in the gospel of Matthew. What might this list of names communicate about who Jesus is and his purpose? Passages: Matthew 1:1-17; Genesis 12:2-3; 2 Samuel 7; Genesis 38; 2 Samuel 11

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church closes out a series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. This might be the most difficult command of Jesus, to love our enemies. Passages: Matthew 5:43-48; Leviticus 19:18; Romans 2:4; Matthew 12:34; Luke 23:34; Romans 12:17, 21

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. What is God's will for my life? Jesus gives us some insight into our decisions. Passages: Matthew 7:21-23; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; Matthew 25:23; James 2:19; Genesis 4:1

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. Humans are judging machines. What does Jesus have to say about this part of our lives? Passages: Matthew 7:1-6, 15-20; Luke 9:51-56

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus instructs his followers that it is not problematic for them to feel anxiety, but that they should not feed it. Passages: Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 5:45; Luke 12:7

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus sets up money (Mammon in the Greek) as a rival god to Yahweh. How does Jesus want us to consider our wealth? Passages: Matthew 6:19-24; 1 Timothy 6:10; John 12:6; James 2:1-4; Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus' teaching on lust and adultery often produce the most resistance. What does Jesus have to say about our desires? Passages: Matthew 5:27-30; Genesis 3:6; 1 John 2:16

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. This week we look at Jesus' teaching about our words. Passages: Matthew 5:33-37; 2 Corinthians 1:20

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. This week we look at Jesus' words about our anger. Passages: Matthew 5:21-24; Exodus 20:13; Numbers 35:31; Deuteronomy 19:4-10; Mark 3:1-5

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. This week we look at two metaphors Jesus uses to describe his followers; salt and light. Passages: Matthew 5:13-16; Isaiah 49:6; John 8:12

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. This week we look at Jesus' call for us to live a life of hiddenness with our good works. Passages: Matthew 6:1-16, 16-18; 2 Corinthians 10:5

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues a new series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. This week we look at the beginning of that sermon, how Jesus describes the good life. Passages: Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20; Psalm 34:18; Micah 7:18

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church begins a new series looking at the Sermon on the Mount, the longest section of teaching by Jesus in the New Testament. We begin by looking at the two options Jesus presents us with, will we walk the broad or narrow paths? Passages: Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 4:25-5:2; Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 8:13

Bobbi Perkins brings the message this week. She shares the story of Hannah's despair at her barrenness and the subsequent hope she found in God. Passages: 1 Samuel 1:1-20

Pastor Mike Matthews returns to the pulpit to bring the message this week. He shares how God will build his church through the proclamation of the Gospel and that the Gospel will not be defeated. Passages: Matthew 16:13-20

Pastor Jon Shafter returns to the pulpit to bring the message this week. He reflects on having our faith shine out to make an impact on the world around us. Passages: Romans 8:19-22; Philippians 2:12-13

Mike Matthews brings the message this week. He shares how our posture as Christians should not be one of offense, but motivated by the radical love of Jesus Christ. Passages: Romans 12:9-21

Andy Moore brings the message this week. He shares the universal longing that we have for shalom, God's restoration of all things. Passages: Isaiah 35

On Youth Sunday at Restoration Community Church, Elizabeth Ansell delivers the message. She shares connection points between the film, "The Lorax" and our faith. Passages: Matthew 16:1-4; James 4:17