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.

Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seekthose things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

We are now risen with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places. Our life is now hidden with Christ in God. Psalm 16:11 says that pleasure is found at God’s right hand, pleasures forever more.

We are invited by God, commanded by Him, to seek thosethings which are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. God has pleasure for us at His right hand.

We are to consider those things which are above not dwelling on earthly things (Col 3:2). What an invitation to seek true pleasure which is only found in Christ alone.

Colossians 3:4 goes on to say, “When Christ who is our lifeappears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

Peter, James and John experienced Jesus in His glorifiedbody. When we appear with Christ in glory it will be like that day on the mountain top (Mat 17:1), but we can have these mountain top experiences with Him today.

God invites us to consider the pleasure that is at His right hand. Let us come and see what pleasures are at His right hand, where we are seated with Christ.

We need these mountain top experiences where we encounter God’s pleasure, His goodness, hidden in the person of Jesus. These are precious encounters with Him, but we're not to make shelters there and remain. We're togo out from there in the knowledge of our identity, our power, and our authority.

Colossians 3 goes on to describe the things we are to putoff, and the things we are to put on: put off the things on earth - anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language - and put on the pleasures of heaven, the pleasures where Christ is.

Verses 12-14 go on to talk about putting on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, forgiving as Christ forgave us. These are the pleasures that are available at His right hand.

Holy Spirit shared with us how we need to firstly clothe ourselves with these pleasures from Him towards ourselves, to put on His tender mercy and kindness towards us first, so we can give what we are receiving from Him to the world around us.

We ended by looking at putting on the bond of perfection that binds our families in perfect unity. This unity is not just keeping a family together under one roof, but perfectly together, nothing broken and with everything working in harmony. Put on His love.

Oh what pleasures are at His right hand forever more.