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Restoration Story: Why Jesus Matters in a Broken World
What unanswered questions do you have about your life? Some of us struggle to find meaning, others wonder about identity, and all of us want to be loved. Your story―the events and relationships that define you―will guide how you answer those questions. But God has a story too. His story is about sending Jesus to this broken world to mend all that is broken. Author Robert Cheong, a pastor and counselor, helps readers connect their story to God’s story which will transform how they live and love. We all have our own back story―our sometimes unconscious beliefs―that have been shaped by our families, relationships, and life experiences. Our stories shape the personal narratives we live “I am not loved.” “No one cares for me.” “I have to be better than everyone around me.” “How I look is the most important thing about me.” Our back story guides us in how we relate to God and others. But are these beliefs true? And how are they affecting our lives today? Cheong helps readers unpack their story and learn to live out of God’s new story. Readers will discover how to retell their story out of who God is, what he’s done, and the call to love him and others. Learn how the dynamics of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation shape our present struggles, confirm our future hope, and ensure our ability to live in God’s power today. At the intersection of God’s story and your own, you’ll find that his love sustains you in your weariness, guides you in your confusion, and comforts you in your suffering. The story of his love will compel you to live for him. Restoration Story can also be used alongside Cheong’s Changing How We Live and Love Study Guide.
192 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2021
4 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 30, 2021
I've wavered between three and four stars for this, but I'm leaning toward four because I think the author truly cares. I could see the desire and heart behind the message and I appreciated that.
I really like the idea behind Restoration Story a lot. The framework for the chapters lays out a beautiful message, one that resonates with me. Learning to see our stories through the lens of God's story is powerful and freeing. I truly did enjoy the heart behind this book.
But I didn't love the execution.
First, this is such a little thing, but it makes such a huge difference--much of the book was written in giant blocks of text. Large paragraphs are difficult on the eyes and difficult to keep up with. It would be so helpful to break your paragraphs up and keep your points more concise and interconnected. Part of what contributed to this were the long strings of repetitive lists. (i.e. grace, faith, hope, love, encouragement, comfort, and confidence) These long lists popped up frequently. And so much of the material felt repetitive, in part, because of them. Sometimes short and to the point is more powerful.
I have mixed feelings about the narratives, but they're mostly negative. I think this could have been a really effective tool and it's a neat idea. But again, the execution just missed the mark for me. The book intermittently inserts tidbits of stories from four fictional people. The stories are designed to illustrate the author's point, and in theory, that would work really nicely. But at many points the illustrations didn't feel natural, which makes the point moot. If the characters and their stories don't feel realistic, I'm not going to connect to them. I found myself irritated that they just "instantly" (I can't count the number of times I read that) understood, had clarity, and were at peace with God's word. That isn't how it works in the real world. Sometimes it's months of confusion, hurt, and emotional desert. That doesn't mean God isn't there. It just means we are in the middle of a storm. And, yes, we do have to choose to trust Him, and yes, He does give us comfort and peace in the most bizarre of situations. But personally, I've rarely experienced instantaneous understanding of His word and how to apply it to my life. The stories felt contrived and thus negated the effects they were meant to have.
An additional note about the stories: there were a few points that they sort of just shoved in there that also could really take someone by surprise. So, for content warning for others: one girl works through a rape in her past and another guy struggles with pornography. Neither of these are at all graphic or explicitly shown in the book, but they aren't handled with the most sensitivity either. Both instances came out of the blue and could really take someone off guard since the rest of the book goes nowhere near any other sensitive topics. I'm not opposed to reading a book with these topics, but some people need a little warning. And furthermore, again, they felt thrown in just to give the people something traumatic and/or to struggle with. Real life examples are fine, good even, but this didn't feel purposeful or well thought-out in my opinion.
The people didn't really respond like people. They responded like the author needed them to, which just irritated me because they felt fake. And the tool could have allowed the reader to see themselves in the material, to see how it could apply, how they themselves faced struggles and brokenness, and how God's hope and truth can see them through. But I think trying to follow so many different issues and storylines just muddied the waters. Fictional stories can be amazing for allowing readers to connect on a deeper level, but because this is a nonfiction book, I don't think the author really took the time to pour into the fiction stories what would have made them work well.
In the nonfiction sections themselves, I liked a lot of what the author was trying to say. But it was difficult to parse through what he did say to get to the point. Lewis is challenging to read and takes time to digest. This wasn't the same kind of challenging. (Additionally, I will admit, I wasn't a fan of the use of the word "fantasy" throughout the book because I'm a fantasy writer myself, but I saw their point. I just wish it had been clarified what they meant, instead of assumed. I'd have chosen a more specific term, personally.)
Though there were headings, I often struggled to see how the narrative beneath the heading related to the heading, and thus, how it connected to the chapter and overall message of the book. There's a lot of good pieces in here! But connecting them was difficult. It didn't naturally flow very easily for me, which jarred me out of the book and made me stop and think, "What are we talking about again?" And why?
I'm not sure I'd read it again, but perhaps others would still benefit from it. The themes and overall message are good and worthwhile. But I'd love to see them revised and presented in a clearer, more concise, thoughtful, and engaging way.
Note: I received a free ARC from the publisher and the above are my voluntary, honest thoughts on the book.
I really like the idea behind Restoration Story a lot. The framework for the chapters lays out a beautiful message, one that resonates with me. Learning to see our stories through the lens of God's story is powerful and freeing. I truly did enjoy the heart behind this book.
But I didn't love the execution.
First, this is such a little thing, but it makes such a huge difference--much of the book was written in giant blocks of text. Large paragraphs are difficult on the eyes and difficult to keep up with. It would be so helpful to break your paragraphs up and keep your points more concise and interconnected. Part of what contributed to this were the long strings of repetitive lists. (i.e. grace, faith, hope, love, encouragement, comfort, and confidence) These long lists popped up frequently. And so much of the material felt repetitive, in part, because of them. Sometimes short and to the point is more powerful.
I have mixed feelings about the narratives, but they're mostly negative. I think this could have been a really effective tool and it's a neat idea. But again, the execution just missed the mark for me. The book intermittently inserts tidbits of stories from four fictional people. The stories are designed to illustrate the author's point, and in theory, that would work really nicely. But at many points the illustrations didn't feel natural, which makes the point moot. If the characters and their stories don't feel realistic, I'm not going to connect to them. I found myself irritated that they just "instantly" (I can't count the number of times I read that) understood, had clarity, and were at peace with God's word. That isn't how it works in the real world. Sometimes it's months of confusion, hurt, and emotional desert. That doesn't mean God isn't there. It just means we are in the middle of a storm. And, yes, we do have to choose to trust Him, and yes, He does give us comfort and peace in the most bizarre of situations. But personally, I've rarely experienced instantaneous understanding of His word and how to apply it to my life. The stories felt contrived and thus negated the effects they were meant to have.
An additional note about the stories: there were a few points that they sort of just shoved in there that also could really take someone by surprise. So, for content warning for others: one girl works through a rape in her past and another guy struggles with pornography. Neither of these are at all graphic or explicitly shown in the book, but they aren't handled with the most sensitivity either. Both instances came out of the blue and could really take someone off guard since the rest of the book goes nowhere near any other sensitive topics. I'm not opposed to reading a book with these topics, but some people need a little warning. And furthermore, again, they felt thrown in just to give the people something traumatic and/or to struggle with. Real life examples are fine, good even, but this didn't feel purposeful or well thought-out in my opinion.
The people didn't really respond like people. They responded like the author needed them to, which just irritated me because they felt fake. And the tool could have allowed the reader to see themselves in the material, to see how it could apply, how they themselves faced struggles and brokenness, and how God's hope and truth can see them through. But I think trying to follow so many different issues and storylines just muddied the waters. Fictional stories can be amazing for allowing readers to connect on a deeper level, but because this is a nonfiction book, I don't think the author really took the time to pour into the fiction stories what would have made them work well.
In the nonfiction sections themselves, I liked a lot of what the author was trying to say. But it was difficult to parse through what he did say to get to the point. Lewis is challenging to read and takes time to digest. This wasn't the same kind of challenging. (Additionally, I will admit, I wasn't a fan of the use of the word "fantasy" throughout the book because I'm a fantasy writer myself, but I saw their point. I just wish it had been clarified what they meant, instead of assumed. I'd have chosen a more specific term, personally.)
Though there were headings, I often struggled to see how the narrative beneath the heading related to the heading, and thus, how it connected to the chapter and overall message of the book. There's a lot of good pieces in here! But connecting them was difficult. It didn't naturally flow very easily for me, which jarred me out of the book and made me stop and think, "What are we talking about again?" And why?
I'm not sure I'd read it again, but perhaps others would still benefit from it. The themes and overall message are good and worthwhile. But I'd love to see them revised and presented in a clearer, more concise, thoughtful, and engaging way.
Note: I received a free ARC from the publisher and the above are my voluntary, honest thoughts on the book.
September 28, 2021
We live in a broken world and many times we end up looking at the world and ourselves through our own broken lenses. Our past hurts, betrayals, and failures shape our beliefs, hamper our relationships, and crush our self-worth. But author Robert K. Cheong’s Restoration Story – Why Jesus Makes Sense in a Broken World offers an opportunity to find rest for your soul by learning to obey and trust God through His own story.
The restorative lessons use examples from many real-life challenges. Most readers would be able to relate to some of the feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and self-doubt, and hardships such as infertility, adultery, adoption, and rape. In any case, restoration through seeking Christ transcends any possible hardship or emotional obstacles.
Readers steps through biblical truths of God’s love with the goal of readjusting the lenses through which they view themselves, others, and their worth. Each chapter ends with a suggested scripture and reflection points.
For most people, making sense of their broken identity in Christ will take a great deal of self-reflection, which isn’t really emphasized in this book. However, Cheong wrote a supplemental study guide for those who want to dig deeper into making sustainable changes in their lives. I didn’t read the study guide (Restore: Changing How We Live and Love Study Guide), but think it would be necessary for someone who is truly striving to change their life and/or mindset. Simply reading about the concepts won’t likely prompt a lasting shift. The publisher is New Growth Press.
Who would enjoy this book:
Many of us are broken in some way and all of us would benefit from a closer relationship with Jesus, so this book is pertinent to a fairly broad audience. But it’s specifically geared toward those who face interpersonal struggles with family or friends, such as those who feel lonely or abandoned or otherwise not belonging. Readers willing to open their hearts to the truths of Jesus and His love for them would find hope of a beautiful future In this book. Anyone willing to do the hard work to truly open their heart and mind should supplement Restoration Story with the Study Guide.
How this book affected me:
Restoration Story is well-written and provides a solid and well-rounded biblical foundation. I’m in favor of any book that encourages readers to seek a relationship with Christ, as this one does. But because making meaningful change in anyone’s life requires a significant amount of self-awareness and reflection, I would have liked to see a few more key reflection points at the end of each chapter, in addition to the suggested scripture readings. I felt the book, without the Study Guide, should have been able to stand on its own a bit more.
Our Christian Book Reviews:
The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books – adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. Our specialty is books on faith and new Christian book releases. We’re proud to be included in the Top 20 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The restorative lessons use examples from many real-life challenges. Most readers would be able to relate to some of the feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and self-doubt, and hardships such as infertility, adultery, adoption, and rape. In any case, restoration through seeking Christ transcends any possible hardship or emotional obstacles.
Readers steps through biblical truths of God’s love with the goal of readjusting the lenses through which they view themselves, others, and their worth. Each chapter ends with a suggested scripture and reflection points.
For most people, making sense of their broken identity in Christ will take a great deal of self-reflection, which isn’t really emphasized in this book. However, Cheong wrote a supplemental study guide for those who want to dig deeper into making sustainable changes in their lives. I didn’t read the study guide (Restore: Changing How We Live and Love Study Guide), but think it would be necessary for someone who is truly striving to change their life and/or mindset. Simply reading about the concepts won’t likely prompt a lasting shift. The publisher is New Growth Press.
Who would enjoy this book:
Many of us are broken in some way and all of us would benefit from a closer relationship with Jesus, so this book is pertinent to a fairly broad audience. But it’s specifically geared toward those who face interpersonal struggles with family or friends, such as those who feel lonely or abandoned or otherwise not belonging. Readers willing to open their hearts to the truths of Jesus and His love for them would find hope of a beautiful future In this book. Anyone willing to do the hard work to truly open their heart and mind should supplement Restoration Story with the Study Guide.
How this book affected me:
Restoration Story is well-written and provides a solid and well-rounded biblical foundation. I’m in favor of any book that encourages readers to seek a relationship with Christ, as this one does. But because making meaningful change in anyone’s life requires a significant amount of self-awareness and reflection, I would have liked to see a few more key reflection points at the end of each chapter, in addition to the suggested scripture readings. I felt the book, without the Study Guide, should have been able to stand on its own a bit more.
Our Christian Book Reviews:
The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books – adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. Our specialty is books on faith and new Christian book releases. We’re proud to be included in the Top 20 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 17, 2021
Restoration Story was a refreshing supplement to my quiet time and pointed me to passages in Scripture to add a little clarity to my faith each morning. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to re-center the gospel in their lives or discover the gospel for the first time.
The main goal of the book is to help you discover where your story fits into God’s story. With how dynamic our lives are and all the different aspects of how the gospel changes our lives, it’s no wonder that this is a book and not a short devotional. To really find the answer to the question "How does my life fit in God’s story?" we have to refresh our understanding of the gospel. We have to take a look at each puzzle piece one at a time.
The book starts with a few chapters about your story, what people share in common, and why it is important to use a gospel lens when you look at your life. But then it transitions into chapters that explore each part of the gospel: Creation, the Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. That’s when you really start to get to the meat of the book. 😋
One of the highlights for me was the way the author described temptation as “a merciful reminder that we desperately need Jesus” and that we experience guilt because “God loves us too much to allow us to live in ways that are contrary to how he designed us.” I found this approach mind-blowing!
The stories of people named Emma, Steve, Mark, and Nikki are used as illustrations throughout the book, and their experiences help capture what the main points of Restoration Story look like in real life. These stories are really helpful, encouraging, and well-written. Some books have illustrations that fail to capture the complexity of human life, and leave you on your own to figure out the applications. But the way the author does it in Restoration Story, the illustrations come to life and build on the truths we learn along the way. I have no idea whether the examples are based on real people, but the way the stories are told, they seem like real people.
However, these stories deal with heavy topics: adultery, sexual assault, pornography. These topics are handled biblically, and the focus is on the individuals and how their relationships with God play a part in their messy lives. But that said, this book may not be the best choice for a family read-aloud.
Restoration Story explores the beautiful already-and-not-yet realities of the restoration Christ is bringing to His people. It was a refreshing read for me, and I hope it will be for you too if you take it on. Five stars. =)
The main goal of the book is to help you discover where your story fits into God’s story. With how dynamic our lives are and all the different aspects of how the gospel changes our lives, it’s no wonder that this is a book and not a short devotional. To really find the answer to the question "How does my life fit in God’s story?" we have to refresh our understanding of the gospel. We have to take a look at each puzzle piece one at a time.
The book starts with a few chapters about your story, what people share in common, and why it is important to use a gospel lens when you look at your life. But then it transitions into chapters that explore each part of the gospel: Creation, the Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. That’s when you really start to get to the meat of the book. 😋
One of the highlights for me was the way the author described temptation as “a merciful reminder that we desperately need Jesus” and that we experience guilt because “God loves us too much to allow us to live in ways that are contrary to how he designed us.” I found this approach mind-blowing!
The stories of people named Emma, Steve, Mark, and Nikki are used as illustrations throughout the book, and their experiences help capture what the main points of Restoration Story look like in real life. These stories are really helpful, encouraging, and well-written. Some books have illustrations that fail to capture the complexity of human life, and leave you on your own to figure out the applications. But the way the author does it in Restoration Story, the illustrations come to life and build on the truths we learn along the way. I have no idea whether the examples are based on real people, but the way the stories are told, they seem like real people.
However, these stories deal with heavy topics: adultery, sexual assault, pornography. These topics are handled biblically, and the focus is on the individuals and how their relationships with God play a part in their messy lives. But that said, this book may not be the best choice for a family read-aloud.
Restoration Story explores the beautiful already-and-not-yet realities of the restoration Christ is bringing to His people. It was a refreshing read for me, and I hope it will be for you too if you take it on. Five stars. =)
September 21, 2021
"I wouldn't give a fig for simplicity on this side of complexity, but I would give my life for simplicity on the far side of complexity." This line, attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes, captures why I believe Restoration Story is so important and necessary in our fragmented world today. Language is paramount in society - it shapes and animates cultures and civilizations. What could be more helpful in our cross-pressured present than a genuinely caring church that is both radically dissimilar from its surroundings in some ways, yet leaves an attractive, constructive, and seriously amiable impression on it in others? The church would be both categorically different from and yet intimately involved with and committed to the flourishing of and caring for the unique cultures in which we live. This is where Robert's book is most desperately needed right now. By providing a practical framework for bringing the church's mission back to life, individual church members are empowered to focus on what matters most: God's heart for his broken world and his invitation to experience and transmit his comfort and care in it, not despite it. Here we find compelling contemporary illustrations of gospel-centered discipleship in the gritty details of real-life that we can both identify with ourselves and work through together with others. The results of incorporating Restore and Restoration Story into our vision for disciple-making would be increased gospel fluency among ordinary church members and expanded impact in our world by a church that lives a better story that beckons even more compellingly.
November 28, 2021
It was somewhere around chapter 3 that Holy Spirit used this book to completely change a concept of my identity that I had not realized was totally off. I have been a maturing Christian for a lot of years and have some biblical counseling background so the importance of a Christian keeping their identity in Christ is not a new concept. I am not perfect at always remembering this for myself so when I first sat down to read this book, I was expecting similar material to what I've read before, but presented differently, and was looking forward to it as a wonderful reminder from a perspective that might help those ideas sink in a bit more. Boy did I get that and more.
Taking the reader through the story arc of the Bible (Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation), Cheong does a marvelous job of using real life example intertwined with Biblical and Gospel truths to emphasize how much we need God's story, and specifically Jesus. The end of chapter reflections are well thought out and give you an opportunity to engage with what you've just read and what Holy Spirit might be revealing to you.
I recommend this book for anyone who considers themself to be a Christian. Even if identity and counseling through God's story are "old hat" for you, I strongly recommend you pick up this book and savor its pages. Even if you are unchanged, chances are you know someone who can really use the way Cheong delivers God's very Good News of Jesus and how he changes our lives, and who we think we are, permanently.
Taking the reader through the story arc of the Bible (Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation), Cheong does a marvelous job of using real life example intertwined with Biblical and Gospel truths to emphasize how much we need God's story, and specifically Jesus. The end of chapter reflections are well thought out and give you an opportunity to engage with what you've just read and what Holy Spirit might be revealing to you.
I recommend this book for anyone who considers themself to be a Christian. Even if identity and counseling through God's story are "old hat" for you, I strongly recommend you pick up this book and savor its pages. Even if you are unchanged, chances are you know someone who can really use the way Cheong delivers God's very Good News of Jesus and how he changes our lives, and who we think we are, permanently.
August 25, 2025
This book deals with, what is for me, an interesting and vital subject. Is there a way back to being what God intended us to be, after creation and the devastating fall? Yes says the author (and the Bible). How then can this work out in our own fallen lives? The text is full of good Bible doctrine backed up by a host of suitable Bible texts. For this I commend this author. I found it easy to read.
However, I found that, sadly, in the end I couldn’t recommend the book as a whole. In order to make the teaching more applicable and easier to understand, 4 fictional characters were used throughout the book alongside the teaching. To begin with I went along with this approach but I became increasingly uneasy has the storyline progressed.
Having been in pastoral work for decades, the stories don’t ring true. Oh how I would like them to be so! The way everything seemed to come together in the lives of the fictional characters, one thing after another and just at the right time, is idealistic. In real life, unfortunately it is so often a lot more complicated.
I liked the idea; I enjoyed solid truths in the teaching but question the delivery.
However, I found that, sadly, in the end I couldn’t recommend the book as a whole. In order to make the teaching more applicable and easier to understand, 4 fictional characters were used throughout the book alongside the teaching. To begin with I went along with this approach but I became increasingly uneasy has the storyline progressed.
Having been in pastoral work for decades, the stories don’t ring true. Oh how I would like them to be so! The way everything seemed to come together in the lives of the fictional characters, one thing after another and just at the right time, is idealistic. In real life, unfortunately it is so often a lot more complicated.
I liked the idea; I enjoyed solid truths in the teaching but question the delivery.
June 21, 2024
The thesis is absolutely vital to meditate on— that we do not primarily live in our story, but that we are a small part of the story of God and his glory, and our view of our stories should be shaped accordingly.
However, the writing style comes across as very unorganized and non sequitur, and at times platitudinous. The "stories" that the author has crafted are unbelievable at best and are often distracting from the point being made in the chapter. I wanted to like this book and kept trying to give it fresh eyes each chapter, but it was a miss. I agree completely with Coralie's review.
However, the writing style comes across as very unorganized and non sequitur, and at times platitudinous. The "stories" that the author has crafted are unbelievable at best and are often distracting from the point being made in the chapter. I wanted to like this book and kept trying to give it fresh eyes each chapter, but it was a miss. I agree completely with Coralie's review.
July 14, 2022
Words cannot express how much God has used Robert Cheong and his teachings and writings in Restoration Story and the Restore workbook to change and impact my life. I see myself, God, and God’s story differently.
It is simple, but it is not simplistic. There is so much beauty to abiding in Christ and knowing that every circumstance is an opportunity to know and experience God’s love.
It is simple, but it is not simplistic. There is so much beauty to abiding in Christ and knowing that every circumstance is an opportunity to know and experience God’s love.
September 17, 2021
Dr. Cheong does an excellent job of pulling together the breadth of pastoral theology and brings it into one coherent storyline tied to the divine metanarrative that will deeply impact the souls and lives of those who bring it to bear on their own story.
March 9, 2025
This is a very simplistic book that reinforced several great truths about God's restorative power. The illustrations were very creative and were able to accurately display the power God's Word can have in someone's life. Easy read with nothing groundbreaking, but I would still recommend it.
May 7, 2024
Restoration Story is a good book but suffers from being highly repetitive and overly reliant on storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews