Restoration Community Church

Advent Portraits: The Magi

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our series looking at different characters in the Advent story. This week we look at those mysterious characters from the east, looking for the "king of the Jews," the magi. What does their pursuit of Jesus show us about the radical inclusion of God?

Passage: Matthew 2:1-12

Advent Portraits: The Shepherds

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our series looking at different characters in the Advent story. This week we look at the first recipients of the good news that Jesus Christ had been born, the shepherds. There was no more "average Joe" in the ancient world then shepherds. What can we learn that God first went to these humble and lowly figures to share the good news?

Passage: Luke 2:8-20

Advent Portraits - Joseph

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our series looking at different characters in the Advent story. This week we look at Joseph, the adopted father of Jesus. Joseph is a character in the nativity who then fades into obscurity. In this message we learn about the balance between righteous living mixed with compassion, and the humility to accept the role God has placed upon him.

Passage: Matthew 1:18-25

Advent Portraits - Mary

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church begins a short series looking at different characters in the Advent story. This week we look at Mary, the mother of Jesus. God goes to a rural community, calls on a poor, unwed, teenage girl, and tells her she is going to carry the Messiah in her womb. God shows that all he needs to accomplish his purposes are those willing to partner with him.

Passage: Luke 1:26-38

FAQ Sunday - Anxiety in the Time of COVID

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church preaches another FAQ (frequently asked question) Sunday. This question focuses on anxiety in the midst of the pandemic of COVID.

Question: "How do I keep from worrying over the stats of COVID? Or even worrying about everyday things that I have no control over?"

Passage: Matthew 6:25-34

Gospel-Centered Giving

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church preaches about giving/tithing. With the content from the Gospel-Centered Life in the backdrop, what does it have to say about our giving habits to the Lord? Do the Old Testament requirements for giving apply to us as followers of Jesus Christ?

Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

GCL - Conflict

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church concludes our sermon series through the Gospel-Centered Life. In this episode, Chris looks at the place of conflict in our lives. When we engage in conflict through the flesh (i.e. human effort) we have a tendency to be an attacker or a withdrawer. How does the gospel speak to this constant presence in our lives?

Passage: Galatians 2:11-14

GCL - Forgiveness

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our sermon series through the Gospel-Centered Life. In this episode, Chris looks at the place of forgiveness in our spiritual lives. First we must consider the forgiveness we have been offered by God before we decide whether or not it is right for us to forgive someone else.

Passage: Matthew 18:21-35

GCL - Mission

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our sermon series through the Gospel-Centered Life. In this episode, Chris encourages us to examine how our freedoms in the gospel are not meant to be hoarded, but to be used to love and serve our neighbor. This is the fuel for mission. God invites us to be his agent to the world, out of love and joy and not drudgery.

Passage: Galatians 5:13-15

GCL - Heart Idolatry

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our sermon series through the Gospel-Centered Life. Last week we looked at the rhythm of repentance and belief as a catalyst for transformation in our lives. This week, we desire to make sure we are repenting of the "right" sins. Too often we try to turn away from sins that are symptoms of deeper heart idols. We need the powerful work of the Holy Spirit to flush these idols out and bring healing.