RESTORATION - Part One
After taking a break to seek God’s direction, I am resuming the presentation of teachings from the Word of God in this forum. The ministry behind these Bible lessons is Son of Isaac Restoration Ministry. It is not so much my ministry for the Lord, as His ministry through me.
As the name indicates, the emphasis of this ministry is “restoration.” Several of the teachings previously posted here either reflect that or stem from that. So far, I’ve only posted new teaching articles, the first of which was “Ezekiel 34 - Who Will Go?” which was an updated version of something first given me by the Lord many years ago. This article, in itself, tells a great deal of what this ministry is about.
Between January 2005 and March 2006, I published elsewhere a series of articles under the heading “Restoration is God’s Will.” This series presented detailed teachings on this subject. To date, I have not republished any of these articles here. However, I believe the time has come to do so!
What follows is the beginning of this series, updated and revised to include new understanding and insight that has been graciously given to me by the Holy Spirit. As God leads I will continue to post these at this location — while still presenting new teaching as the Spirit of God leads.
As always, my sincere intention is that the reader will be edified as God is glorified!
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God’s will for every born-again believer — and ultimately for all people — is complete and total restoration. In truth, the very message of the New Testament is restoration — the restoration of fallen mankind to right relationship with a Holy God, restoration to the purposes of God, and restoration to the blessings of God.
Let’s look at two scriptures: Acts 3:21 and Joel 2:25. In the third chapter of Acts, Peter by inspiration of the Holy Spirit says of Jesus:
Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the time of restoration of all things, which God has spoken through all his holy prophets since the world began.
If you’re like me, you may have read that and thought it meant that when Jesus comes back to earth he will restore all things. For many years that’s what I believed — until the Lord showed me something.
In Joel 2:25 the prophet tells us that God says, “And I will restore to you…”
Read through the entire second chapter of Joel, and note that there’s a clearly delineated progression of time. Then it shall come to pass, afterward, etc. Make note of what comes first, next, and so on.
In verse 25 RESTORATION is before the second coming of Christ. It is before the great “end time” outpouring of His Spirit upon all flesh. It is NOW!
Now take another look at Acts 3:21. Peter refers to this day in which we are living. Many believers say the return of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent as they look at the signs of the times. If that day is near, then restoration from God must be even nearer. Peter says Jesus will return after this restoration and refreshing of God’s people.
From the written Word of God, and the “rhema” word the Lord has placed in my heart, I have no doubt that God wants to restore His people now!!!
The Lord Jesus is not coming back for a broken down, dysfunctional, messed up group of people. He is coming for a church “not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing” … “without blemish” [Ephesians 5:27].
If you have any doubt that the heart of our loving Father in heaven is restoration, may I suggest you read these Bible passages:
- Zechariah 9:11,12
- Isaiah 61:7
- Ezekiel 34:16
- Psalm 23:3
- Isaiah 51:11
- Deuteronomy 30:3
Some of the above scriptures we’ll look at more closely in subsequent lessons. But for now suffice it to say there are many more such verses in God’s Word, the Bible.
There is not the slightest doubt in my mind and heart that the heart of God is restoration for all His people at all times. But the prophetic word that He has given me at this time is:
“This is the Day of Restoration for God’s people — for all who will receive this word and believe it!”