At Restoration Church, our vision is simple yet profound: to restore the glory of God to the Church and fill the world with the knowledge of Him. Why? Because we were created for His glory (Isaiah 43:7). The Hebrew word kabowd speaks of God’s honor, splendor, and divine presence—His very nature.We were created to display forth His splendour, and encounters with Him are fundamental to knowing who He is, and who we are in Him.

In this final episode in this mini-series, we take a look at the origin story of mankind, how we got into the mess we are in, and the journey to get back to displaying forth His glory with ever increasing impact.The Twist in Our Story

Sin broke our relationship with God and distorted His image in us. Humanity chose to rule itself, becoming a law unto itself. The result? Chaos and wickedness (Genesis 6:5). So God gave the Law—not to save us, but to reveal our need for Him (Galatians 3:19, Romans 3:20).

✝️ The Solution: Jesus

Romans 8:2-3 tells us that Jesus set us free from the law of sin and death. Now, we can return to our original purpose: to know God and reflect His divine attributes.

✨ Why Encounters Matter

To achieve this, encounters with God are mission-critical. They help us see Him, be transformed into His image, and live out His nature. As we behold Jesus, we are changed “from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

🧭 A Personal Encounter

Pastor Samuel once asked God two questions:

1. Is Jesus really The Way?
2. What is my direction in life?

During a prayer retreat in Llandudno, God answered through Romans 12:1-2—calling him to worship and renew his mind. The next day, the same scripture appeared in church. Later, a prayer he had prayed the day before for clear skies was answered in an unexpected, beautiful way—not whilst he was out for that walk on top of the Orme, but in an unexpected visit to a medieval castle, where from the ramparts he was looking out to sea and up an estuary with beautiful clear skies and boats dotted about. It was a reminder: God answers us in just the way we need Him to.

🔄 Transformed by Being With Him

We become who we’re meant to be by being with Jesus. Transformation comes through:

1. Looking at Jesus
2. Reading His Word
3. Talking to His Spirit
4. Seeking Him daily

🙌 Application

Ask yourself:

• Have I cut out distractions?
• Am I reading the Bible daily?
• Do I talk to God in everything?
• Am I setting aside time to go deeper?

Let’s be a people who see Him, be Him, and show Him—everywhere we go.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we continue exploring the first core value at Restoration Church: Encounters. What does it mean to encounter God daily, and why is it so vital to our faith journey?

Through personal stories, scripture, and practical steps, we unpack how encountering God transforms our understanding of who He is, who we are, and what we’re called to do. Encounters are more than emotional—they’re mission critical.

🗝️ Key Takeaways:

• Encounters are transformational: They shift head knowledge into heart experience.
• Knowing God deeply: Encounters lead to epiginóskó—a thorough, experiential knowledge of God (Matt 11:27).
• We reflect His glory: As we see Him more clearly, we become more like Him (1 Cor 13:12).
• Encounters align us with purpose: They amplify our voice, faith, and calling (Eph 2:10).

📖 Scriptures Highlighted:

• Deuteronomy 32:9–10
• Matthew 11:27
• 1 Corinthians 13:12
• Ephesians 1:4 & 2:10
• James 4:8, Jeremiah 29:13, Hebrews 11:6, Isaiah 55:6

🛠️ How Do We Encounter God?

1. Through Jesus – the only way to know the Father.
2. By giving Him our full attention.
3. Through the Word and the Spirit—working together.
4. By drawing near and seeking Him with all our hearts.

This Week’s Story: A simple walk on the beach turned into a divine reminder as Pastor Samuel simply picked up a stone to take home for his children: You are chosen, treasured, and created for a purpose. God speaks when we seek.

Reflection Questions:

• Are you making space to encounter Jesus daily?
• What lies might God want to break off through an encounter with Him?
• How can you move closer to Jesus this week?

Practical Steps:

• Cut out distractions
• Read the Bible with intention
• Talk to God about everything—even the small stuff
• Set aside time weekly to go deeper

🙌 Final Thought: Encounters help us see Him, be Him, and show Him. They’re not just a value—they’re the heartbeat of our mission.

New Episode: Expecting the Unexpected – Encountering God Daily

In this episode, we explore what it means to truly encounter God — not just once, but daily, in the glory of Jesus. From childhood prayers to life-changing moments in youth meetings and quiet revival in living rooms, Pastor Samuel shares personal stories of unexpected encounters that revealed the heart of the Father.

🔑 Key themes:

• We were created for His glory (Isaiah 43:7) — to reflect His splendour and become like Jesus (2 Cor 3:18).
• Encounters with God are often unexpected — but we’re invited to expect the unexpected.
• Jesus is the way to the Father (John 14:6), and through Him, we gain a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God (epiginóskó).
• True encounters align with Scripture and transform us from the inside out.
• We’re not just meant to experience God — we’re called to be an encounter for others.

💡 Challenge: How can you lead someone closer to Jesus today? Are you making space to encounter Him — and helping others do the same?

📖 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8

🎧 Tune in now and be stirred to seek Him afresh.