Restoration Church of Christ

Today we worshiped at Restoration Church of Christ, 1040 East Windhaven Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, 412.921.3231, www.restorationchurchofchrist.org, Faron Franklin, Evangelist.

Scripture – Luke 6:27-36 (NAS)

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We were warmly welcomed at the door and the woman there made a point of asking if we were visitors and introducing us to the pastor. Only a few others said hello.

I loved seeing a larger wooden cross with purple drape. The sanctuary is pleasant and the large wood beams help to tie it all together.

One of the opening songs was “It is Well,” an old favorite that was sung as we walked into church the day after our son was killed. The sandwich shop where we turned off the main road to the church was where was had our last meal with our son, so the song was particularly disabling.

Communion was reserved for those who had been baptized by immersion, but there were no words of institution or time for confession of sins, and the elements were passed silently. I didn’t miss it much.

We were asked to pray for our enemies and I couldn’t think of one.

The sermon dealt with forgiving and loving your enemies. It brought to mind a personal experience from before I came to Christ. I bought a used vehicle that was far from the condition it was represented to be in. The dealer refused to do anything about it and I took the car to the State Police to be inspected. It failed on many counts and the business failed over the ensuing investigation. Another time the result was even more drastic and I got so when someone wronged me I began to pray for them. God has dealt with these people way more harshly than I would have. These experiences were part of God’s opening my eyes to letting go of my anger and thoughts of retribution.

The congregation was reminded of upcoming Invite Friends and Family Days, and I feel compelled to suggest incorporating today’s sermon and also invite your enemies.

I forgot to ask about the church’s missions. We got to talk to the pastor after the service and learned a little of the history of the church and peaceful merger.

Jan’s thoughts:

The building is new, the location is new, and the name is new, and after the service we learned some interesting history about this church, which I’ll get to. A practical outdoor feature of the building is a breezeway which provides a protected spot to pick up and drop off passengers.

We were greeted at the door and provided bulletins along with an introduction to the pastor. Numerous other people also greeted us and introduced themselves.

The social room near the sanctuary looked useful for all sorts of fellowship events but today was used for coffee and sweets.

The worship area was functional with graceful wood decorating the ceiling and comfortable pews with plenty of legroom.

Communion was offered but we did not partake as the bulletin indicated that “Jesus invites all immersed believers to participate.”

The sermon was entitled “Living With the Enemy” and centered on Christ’s command to love our enemies. The preacher enumerated the Scriptural promises if we follow this command: our reward will be great (vs 35), we will be sons of the Most High (vs 35), and we will be like the Father (vs 36).

He also reminded that it is impossible to hate someone for whom you are praying. That is literally the only way I have ever succeeded in turning an enemy into a friend.

In talking with the pastor after the service we learned this church was born from the merger of two congregations that moved into new quarters together, both changed their names, and started over electing new leadership. In spite of the inevitable challenges, the marriage seems to be working.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray these merged churches solidify into one that continues to go forth in Your direction. Amen.