Restore Church Podcast

Where does evil really come from? The world says the problem is broken systems and corrupt institutions. But the Bible says the problem is in us, and the solution is outside of us. Ephesians 2:1-5 reminds us that even when we are at our worst, God steps in with mercy and grace. This message is about the power of two life-changing words: BUT GOD. No matter how hopeless things may feel, there's nothing a "But God" can't fix.

Paul is writing to a group of believers who are staying faithful in a tough culture, and he's genuinely thankful for them. But when he starts talking about God's goodness, he almost can't find the words. He wants them to really see what they already have in Christ; unshakable hope, unbelievable worth, and power beyond anything this world can offer. This message dives into Paul's passionate prayer in Ephesians 1:15–23, showing us that sometimes the reason we feel distant from God isn't because He's far away, it's because we've forgotten how close He actually is. If you've ever struggled to understand what God is doing or doubted if He's really with you, this one's for you.

Ephesians 1:11-14 encourages believers to fully embrace and activate the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ. Our inheritance is not just a future promise, but a present reality, sealed by the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of all that is to come. You'll be challenged to consider what you're doing with your spiritual “deposit” and inspired to live out the fruits of that inheritance—peace, joy, love, and self-control. This is more than just information or inspiration; it's a call to transformation.

Do you knock on wood or avoid walking under ladders to keep bad luck away? In ancient Ephesus, people lived in fear of the unseen, using chants and rituals to keep the gods from turning against them. But Ephesians 1 reveals a better way: the God who blesses is already working behind the scenes for our good. God has blessed us in Christ—He chose us, adopted us, redeemed us, and brought us into His eternal plan. You weren't just born—you were chosen and called. Let this truth shape how you live, think, and worship. Ask yourself: Is my life blessing God? Not just with words, but with a life surrendered to Him.

What can happen in just one hour? In this message, we look at Jesus' final hour before the cross and how it became the most powerful moment in history. From shame to glory, from death to eternal life... Jesus faced it all, and He prayed for us in the process. One hour changed everything and it can change you too.

What's your most painful experience with love? A breakup? Divorce? Loss? We've all faced love that ended—but Jesus shows us a love that doesn't. In this episode, we dive into John 13 and the night Jesus washed His disciples' feet—even the one who would betray Him. His love doesn't stop at betrayal. It doesn't pause at pain. It goes all the way to the end. True love serves. True love costs. And real love calls us to move beyond words into action. No fluff. Just the kind of love that changes everything.

What's been the most meaningful hour of your life? In John 12, Jesus faced His darkest hour—betrayal, denial, and death—not with fear, but with purpose: “For this purpose I have come to this hour.” His hour was the turning point of history, fulfilling every promise and opening the way for us to face our own. Don't wait for a sign or the “right time”—even miracles didn't convince some. Maybe this is your moment, your hour, to stop running and finally trust Him.

Have you ever felt like God was taking too long? In John 2, at a week-long wedding in Cana, the wine runs out—a disaster in that culture. Mary, knowing the weight of shame, turns to Jesus. But He responds, “My hour has not yet come.” In the end, Jesus performs His first miracle, turning water into wine—better than what came before. Trusting Jesus always leads to action. It may feel risky, but it always leads to more than we could imagine. Are you rushing Jesus?

Let's explore four essential principles to a steadfast life as we await the return of the Lord: WORK in peace and holiness, diligently preparing for His coming; TRUST in God's faithful promises, knowing He will fulfill them; GUARD our hearts and minds from the dangers of false teachings; and GROW in grace and knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we are reminded in 2 Peter 3:14-18, these steps will help us stay strong in our faith and continue moving forward, looking toward our promised future.

Have you heard the warning that the day of the Lord will come suddenly, and everything—evil, injustice, and even the earth itself—will be destroyed. So, how should we live? Join us as we look at 2 Peter 3:10-13 to determine if we want to live in fear, arrogance, or in active faith, embracing holiness and godliness. God promises a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells. Are you ready for that future?

Are you being misled about the end times? In 2 Peter 3:1-9, we see how false teaching distorts God's truth—fueling fear, doubt, and confusion. It always starts with sinful desire, leading people to question Christ's return and misinterpret God's patience as weakness. But here's the good news: true teaching brings boldness and trust! Don't let deception shake your faith—grow in grace and stand firm in God's promises.

False teachers don't just want your attention—they want your devotion. 2 Peter 2 warns how they lure you in through temptation, manipulate your awe, and disguise deception as truth, all to pull you away from God. Their goal isn't just influence—it's your downfall. Stay alert, stand firm, and don't let deception replace your devotion to God.

Peter's warning in 2 Peter 2:12-17 is a timeless truth—false teachers are driven by: Greed – Seeking wealth over God's truth. Lust – Using religion to justify sin. Power – Controlling people rather than serving them.

False teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies, exploit others with deceptive words, and deny the Lord who redeemed them are still active in church today. Their doom is certain, as seen in past examples of God's punishment, like the fallen angels and Sodom and Gomorrah. However, God also rescues the righteous, as He did with Noah and Lot, showing that He knows how to deliver the godly while reserving the wicked for judgment.

In a world filled with uncertainty, we often wonder what we can truly rely on. Peter reminds us that God's Word is trustworthy and reliable. First, he shows us a death worth living as he faces his own end with purpose, urging us to live boldly and firmly rooted in God's truth. Even in his final moments, he wants us to remember the gospel. Then, he shares a message worth believing, emphasizing that the gospel is not a clever myth, but the sure revelation of God's truth, witnessed by those who saw Christ's glory firsthand. Today, let's dive into why we can stand firm on God's Word and let it shape our lives.

Peter reminds us that through Christ, we've been given a new nature, equipped with everything we need for life and Godliness. This transformation empowers us to escape the corruption of sin and live according to God's promises. But this new life isn't just about believing, it's about becoming. Peter calls us to build on our faith with virtues like knowledge, self-control, and love, which keep us fruitful and growing in our relationship with Jesus. and in our knowledge and understanding of Grace.

Today, we celebrate 9 years of God's faithfulness at Restore Church in Portsmouth, VA! Vision Sunday is here, and we're reflecting on all God has done while looking ahead to the exciting future He has for us. This is a time to unite as a church family, embrace the vision for 2025, and step into the next chapter with faith and purpose. Whether you've been with us from the start or are just joining us, today is a powerful day of worship, celebration, and vision. Let's celebrate all God has done and believe for even greater things ahead!

In this sermon, we'll explore the powerful story of Hannah from 1 Samuel 1:3-20 and learn how to pray when life doesn't go as planned—when bad news hits, or when we feel too weary to even pray. Hannah's journey reveals that even in the midst of unfulfilled desires, personal struggles, and uninvited advice from those around us, there is a deeper way to approach God. We'll look at the tension between seeking validation from the world (social, financial, physical) and choosing to depend on the Creator who knows us better than anyone else.

What is the big deal about confessing sin if we as believers already acknowledge personally what we have done wrong? Through the voices of prophets, the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and moments of personal reflection, God calls us to face the truth. When we're honest with God, it transforms our hearts and makes us more authentic in our relationships with others. Join us as we unpack the power of repentance, the call to genuine honesty, and how this leads to true transformation in our lives.

Where does prayer start, and what makes it powerful? Prayer is meant to align our hearts with God's will, trusting that He will move in our lives and bring His kingdom on earth. It's not just about asking; it's about believing His power and trusting in His faithfulness.

Are you in a season of waiting? In this sermon, we'll explore Acts 1:4-11 and how faithful waiting always involves faithful working. Waiting isn't passive, it's an opportunity to focus on God's eternal Kingdom and actively live out your faith. Learn how to stay purposeful, trust in God's timing, and rely on the Holy Spirit for strength as you wait. 

Are you waiting on God to do a miracle in your life? In today's message from Luke 1, we'll see how sometimes the miracles we're looking for are already happening in ways we don't expect. We often focus on the big, dramatic moments while God is at work in the small, everyday things too—revealing His bigger plan. The true miracle of Christmas is that God saves us through Jesus, and it's amazing that He invites us to be a part of what He's doing. God is working, even when we don't see it.

Life has a way of testing our patience, doesn't it? Whether you're waiting on an answer, a breakthrough, or a sense of direction, the in-between can feel overwhelming. Yet, what if this season of waiting is not wasted? What if, in the quiet moments of uncertainty, God is revealing Himself in ways we might be missing? In today's message, we're going to explore how even in the waiting, God is present and working.

How is waiting on God an often-overlooked power? Waiting isn't just about passing time—it's a season that forces us to reflect on our lives, understand God's truth more deeply, and realign our priorities. Through the lens of Isaiah 64:1-12, we'll discover how waiting on God has always been part of His plan to shape and transform us.

What's the most memorable gift you've ever received? Not the most expensive, but the one that truly touched your heart. In this episode, we reflect on how the best gifts often come from a deep understanding of what we value—just like Jesus taught us last week. Money can be helpful, but it can also be hazardous. Let's explore what really makes a gift meaningful.

When we prioritize money, we let it replace God in our hearts. We begin to depend on it as we should depend on God, making it our master instead of a tool. As Jesus said, we cannot serve two masters (Luke 16:13), and we cannot be both friends with the world and with God (James 4:4). This is the problem with money.

In Numbers 33:1-2, as the Israelites remember their wandering, we're reminded to celebrate God's faithfulness not just in big moments, but in the small ones too. It is important to create a rhythm of remembrance—pausing regularly to reflect and give thanks for God's presence in every part of our lives. Join us as we explore how to keep a heart of remembrance alive every day.

Let's explore the story of Balak and Balaam from Numbers 22-24, where Balak tries to hire the famous seer Balaam to curse Israel. Despite conflicting instructions from God—first saying "no," then "go"—Balaam's journey reveals key lessons about waiting on God's timing and understanding His plan, even when it's unclear. Tune in to discover how God's sovereignty and our motives intersect while navigating uncertainty.

We're diving into a powerful topic: the danger of mocking God's provision in our lives, much like the Israelites did with the manna that sustained them for 40 years. This manna symbolizes Christ, and when we embrace cultural Christianity, we risk diminishing His sacrifice. Jesus didn't die so we could take control; the call to follow Him is non-negotiable. Let's explore what that truly means for us today.

The Bible is refreshingly honest, revealing not just the triumphs but also the failures of its greatest heroes. This morning, we will continue looking at one of the most significant figures in Scripture: Moses. Despite his incredible leadership and the miraculous acts he performed, Moses also made mistakes that had lasting consequences.

What do you do while waiting in traffic? It's frustrating, but it can also be a chance for reflection. Moses learned patience while leading the Israelites, reminding us that waiting can be a time for growth. Today, we'll explore Moses life and see how he turned moments of waiting into opportunities. How God taught Moses and used Moses to continue His Story for all of mandkind. Let's embrace the journey!

Have you noticed that the American economy is often driven by desire? More ads for products reflect how marketers tap into our wants, blurring the lines between need and want. This creates a culture of consumption where we chase the next best thing instead of appreciating what we have now. Today, we'll explore God's word to see why God makes us wait. Let's dive in!

Have you ever tried to fight the ocean's current at the beach, without sinking your feet into the sand for stability? Or maybe you've watched a sport game unfold in a downpour, with players struggling to find their footing in the mud and snow? Today, we're going to explore another powerful message in 1 Peter and connect it with Matthew 7:24-27. Just like those players need a solid foundation to stand firm against the elements, we, too, need our spiritual grounding to resist the forces at play around and within us.

Who is a leader that has blessed your life? Being honest with ourselves it is not going to be the President of our nation or some celebrity figure we have never met or talked to. Watching a video where a person shares promises for change or steps to attain wealth is not really blessing us. Leaders that have blessed your life have to have an integral part of the world around you. Leadership is a buzzword among Christian circles and in churches but what does God say about leadership?

Rejection isn't a problem to solve, it is a tension to live in. This statement sums up I Peter 4:12-19 but Pastor Brian dives deeper. Check out todays message and learn how scripture teaches not to live as "Sunday Saints and Monday Aint's"!

Want to know a true test of love in the "American Church"? Consider the vast differences represented politically inside of any church. The person you spent time reading the Bible with probably has very different political views. This is what makes the Church of Jesus the largest coalition of unlikely brothers and sisters in history.

What scares you? How have your fears changed as you get older? I would assume financial security is now more fearful than your night light not being turned on after dark. As believers we should not struggle with fear yet we all still do. Even telling ourselves not to fear often does not seem to help. So here is your reminder of where true hope comes from as we continue the Stand Firm series. No matter who wins election, which nation is on the rise or fall, the trajectory of economy... THE KING has ultimate authority. So why mope as if we don't know the end of this story? King Jesus wins!!

Peter does not make friends when it comes to wives and husbands relationships when reading from todays view. However, when Peter was writing about "submissive wives" and "loving husbands" the culture and society was drastically different from what it is today. So let's learn together what God teaches about husbands and wives in I Peter 3.

Common lies believed in society today is, "If my heart wants it then it must be good" or, "follow your heart" or, "do what makes you happy." While this belief may make us feel empowered in it does not live out well in real life scenarios. Work places would be a mess if everyone followed their heart rather than their job description. Road systems all over the world would be absolute mayhem if each driver followed their heart rather than rules of the road. Law enforcement and public servants would be overwhelmed with emergency calls if every person lived for their hearts desires rather than the laws of their land. Scripture teaches how to follow Christ and be able to guide our hearts desires to align with Jesus rather than self.

What do you think of when you hear the word church? Many picture beautiful cathedrals, tall auditoriums, steeples, stained glass and so on. Peter knew the physical Temple was being destroyed and the new temple would be God's people. So how do we live as the temple according to Peter?

Peter tells readers in 1 Peter to "love with brotherly love" because the word love was a buzzword used to describe feelings rather than commitments. He is saying to Love Sincerely which is more than affection. So how does truth affect how we show love or live out love? Can Truth inform us how to love and love well?

Holiness is a word that is thrown around a lot in church life culture. However, most of us don't truly understand holiness. We treat holiness as something we can't or shouldn't do but holiness is more than that. Holiness is "set apart" living and Peter reminds us that it starts with mindset rather than action.

Culture is constantly shifting around us. Some shifts are obvious while some shifts are subtle. However, both shifts are unbiblical and if we aren't careful we will follow culture on some fronts & fight culture on others. So, how should we stand firm in the faith and what does that even mean? Fortunately for us we aren't the first generation of believers to face changing culture.

Who have you discipled since you have become a believer? Who has discipled you since you have given your life to Christ? Could it be that believers are more concerned with their own problems and spiritual struggles that we don't take opportunity to encourage and lift other believers up. Not because we don't have the knowledge but because we don't have the desire to.

How often in life are we looking for the next big mountain top experience? High School Graduation; College Graduation; First Career Job; Marriage; Kids; Vacations; Etc. In our spiritual lives we can often focus on the Big Things while never giving a second thought to the daily living for Christ. In today's sermon Pastor Marc reminds us from scripture the importance of keeping the small things a priority so we are ready to face the lows of life and celebrate the highs!

Steps in a Christians walk can be categorized into Outward Steps (easier) and Inward Steps (more difficult). Outward steps are things like Baptism, Fellowship, Serving and Giving while Inward steps revolve around Prayer, Word, Discipleship and Submission. While these lists are not exhaustive they give a good direction for spiritual growth!