Restoration Church

Pastor Matt Ward from Charleston Church preaches today about encouragement and its importance for the Church.

'The Wilderness Test,' where we delve into how God uses challenging periods in our lives to humble us, test our character, and teach us obedience. Inspired by Deuteronomy 8:1-2 and Proverbs 17:3, we explore the Israelites' 40-year journey through the desert and its relevance to our spiritual journeys today.

Today, we dive into the powerful parable found in Matthew 25:23, exploring the profound importance of being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Whether our responsibilities seem small or significant, our faithfulness in these areas prepares us for greater blessings and opportunities.

🔑 Key Scriptures:

• Matthew 25:23: "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’"
• Romans 12:1: "Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship."
• Ephesians 5:15-17: "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is."
• 1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

🙏 Discussion Points:

• Understanding what it means to be a faithful steward.
• Presenting our bodies as living sacrifices.
• Making the most of our time in alignment with God's will.
• Using our gifts for God's glory, not personal gain.
• The importance of faithfulness in both private and public spheres.

Today we start a new sermon series about tests. Pastor Nate dives into the test of small beginnings.

In his sermon, Pastor Nate explores the concept of being "poor in spirit," drawing from Jesus' teachings and illustrating the profound need for spiritual poverty to experience true richness in Christ. He emphasizes that material wealth can often obscure our spiritual needs, urging the congregation to continually recognize their dependence on Jesus.