Restored Life Fellowship Church

10/29/2026

10/29/2026

Between Two Kingdoms

Since the beginning of time, there's been a war between two kingdoms—the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light.

The kingdom of God, or the kingdom of light, is anywhere God has rule and reign over His people. Prior to having a relationship with Jesus, all of us were trapped in darkness, or as Colossians 1:13 says, “the dominion of darkness.” We all were captive to our previous way of life—a life marked by sin, pain, and destruction.

But when Jesus came to earth, He brought with Him a new kingdom, which included a new way of life. This means that rather than being held captive to darkness, we can walk in the light—His Light. We are made new by the power of Jesus. Paul says that this new reality comes through believing in Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He has opened up a way for us to have a relationship with Him, and to experience this new life. Having been forgiven, we are now part of the kingdom of God—and this is something Colossians 1:13 confirms. But even though we are part of Jesus’ kingdom, we are still awaiting Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. This means we are living between two kingdoms. We are made new in the kingdom of God, and yet we are still living in an imperfect world.

In the meantime, our job is to expand the kingdom of God by telling others about Jesus. This is the mission that Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. As we tell others about the love of Jesus and point others toward a relationship with Him, we bring more people into the kingdom of Jesus and away from the kingdom of this world.

As members of God’s kingdom, we should always be thinking about the ways God wants to work in us and through us. Have you considered your own role within God’s plan to bring the message of hope to those around you? You play an important role in God’s kingdom. Think about how you can be bold in sharing His message with others this week.

10/28/2026

Cultivating Honest Conversations with God

Prayer is one of the most important habits we can develop. Not only does Scripture command us to pray often, but there are tremendous benefits to building a life of prayer.

Prayer connects us relationally to God. We can thank God for who He is and what He has done for us during our prayer time. We can ask Him for things that we need.

Even though we know we should pray, we often do not take the time to do it. Unless we set aside time to talk to God, it doesn’t always find a way into our daily schedules. But Paul, the writer of the letter to the Ephesians, urges Christians to build a life of prayer. He says that every occasion is a chance to talk to God.

All of our requests and needs should be given to God. However, our time praying should not only be asking God for things. We should also spend part of our time in worship—thanking God for who He is and all He has done.

Paul also encourages us to pray for other people. In fact, part of our responsibility towards others is to advocate for them through prayer. We typically remember to pray for others when something negative is happening to them. But God’s Word says we should always be praying for the people in our life.

As we pray, we should not be discouraged when we don’t see immediate change. God is always working in our lives, even if it doesn’t match our desired timeline. We may not receive the answers we want, but we can rest assured that God is always listening and working on our behalf.

Take some time today to pray to God. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Tell Him your needs. Think of a few people in your life that you can pray for. Throughout your week, use every opportunity to pray to God.

10/27/2026

Walking Through Trials

Let's start by debunking a myth: Nowhere in Scripture does God promise us a perfect life, free from troubles. In fact, many times in the Bible, Christ-followers find themselves persecuted, under attack, or facing trouble of all kinds.

In a letter from James to first-century believers, James informs them about the various trials that they will experience in life:

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
James 1:12 NIV

When we see trials as a means of becoming more like Jesus, we can be blessed by them.

Think back to a difficult season of life. Looking back, you might be able to see how God used that trial to refine you, or teach you something. God is often at work behind the scenes—deepening our character and enlarging our capacity, even when we don't see it.

Maybe you're going through one of those difficult seasons right now. Take this passage to heart! You can persevere knowing there is a promised reward for us in heaven. While rewards on this side of heaven are not promised, looking towards our final destination with Jesus gives us hope to endure the trials in the present.

If you’re walking through a difficult season of life, spend some time meditating on the promises of God. He promises to never abandon you or leave you, but to walk alongside you through trials. And at the end of the trial, you’ll be more like Christ.

Take a moment to thank God for His faithfulness in your life.