Restoration Celebration

Real Dudes, 
My last blog ended with asking God to restore a renewed spirit within me. On Sunday, October 5th of 2025, just a few weeks ago, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF) held a restoration service. It was an amazing celebration service as we witnessed a christian brother being restored back into ministry. Below is the link to Brother Tony Evans’ Restoration Service – evidence of a renewed spirit.  Begin at the 43:40 and go to the 1:30:00 mark. Jonathan Evans reminds us that historically the church has been quick to judgment and condemnation. But from biblical teaching this is the path OCBF exemplifies for us. 

• Galatians 6:1 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

This is evident in the video from their Restoration Service. Praying that each of us would have the desire to restore, rather than judge and condemn. Just observe how beautiful this service is in so many ways. I trust God was pleased with how their church handled it all. May we learn some lessons from this as well. Who in our lives could we make the effort to restore back into ministry…letting them know that God can still use their gifts and talents for His glory, even if limited in some ways. Ministry might look different than before, but still be able to be used.
What about you? Do you have sin in your life that needs to be brought before leadership in the Church? Are you afraid they might judge and condemn you? Pray that God will give you courage and humility to bring it to light. Pray for a people who will choose to help walk you through a restoration process no matter how difficult it may seem and be. Pray for those you love and care about who may be affected by your decision to seek restoration. Trust God will reward you for it and that the Church will celebrate with everyone directly involved by it. I highly encourage you to watch this service when you get an opportunity to…praying it will change you, your family, and your church, and that God will receive all the glory for His will being done. 
Practicing His Presence,
Nate

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2 Corinthians 4:16 (NLT) That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.