Aug 18, 2024 | Greg Johnson

Encounter, Embrace, Embody

At Restoration Church, our mission is clear: to help people encounter, embrace, and embody the way of Jesus. This isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s the heartbeat of who we are and what we’re about.

Let’s start with Encounter. When you encounter Jesus, it’s not just a fleeting moment; it’s a powerful, life-altering experience. Think about the woman at the well or the blind man who regained his sight—these were encounters that changed the course of their lives forever. Encountering Jesus means coming face-to-face with His presence in a way that you didn’t expect, but desperately needed. Maybe you came to Restoration expecting one thing, but you found something deeper, something real. That’s what an encounter with Jesus does—it surprises you, shakes you, and starts to transform you from the inside out.

But an encounter is just the beginning. It leads us to Embrace. To embrace the way of Jesus is to willingly and enthusiastically accept Him into every part of your life. It’s not just about that initial encounter; it’s about saying, “Yes, Jesus, I want you at the center of everything.” Embracing Jesus means letting Him reshape your priorities, your thoughts, and your actions. It’s a daily decision to follow Him, even when it’s hard, even when it means denying yourself. Like the disciples who left everything to follow Him, or like Paul, who said, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” embracing Jesus is about letting go of your old life and stepping into the new life He offers.

Finally, we come to Embody. This is where the rubber meets the road. It’s not enough to just encounter Jesus or even to embrace Him in your heart. The true test of our faith is how we embody His way in our everyday lives. Talk is cheap—what matters is whether our lives reflect the transformation that has happened within us. Are we living as Christ’s ambassadors in the world, showing His love, His grace, and His truth in every interaction? Are we embodying the way of Jesus in our homes, our workplaces, our communities? This is what it means to truly follow Him—to let our actions speak louder than our words, to be a living representation of Jesus to the world around us.

So, at Restoration, we’re committed to this mission. We want to help you encounter Jesus, embrace His way, and embody His life in everything you do. Whether it’s through our Sunday services, our small groups, or simply living out your faith day by day, we’re here to walk with you on this journey. Let’s be a people who don’t just talk about faith but live it out in a way that transforms our world. Let’s be a church that helps others encounter, embrace, and embody the way of Jesus, making a real difference in the lives of those around us.

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