Awake Us Now

Awake Us Now is an online ministry sharing the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ, His Son. We have modeled our ministry after the early Acts Church and meet together in home groups. Using live broadcast and on demand video, we worship together each Sunday as one voice of praise and prayer across America. Through pertinent and vibrant teaching, we grow in faith and are encouraged to live each day in the power of the Holy Spirit that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our ministry has a heart to see revival breakout across America and we look forward to Christ's return.

Two Year Gospel Study Week 89 09/12/2025

Two Year Gospel Study Week 89 The Gospel of John Week 11 Scripture: John 7:22-59. Pastor opens by sharing details of the Feast of Tabernacles and the scriptures of the Living Water that were read during this 8 day festival. Festival readings included: Ezekiel 47:1-12, Zechariah 14:8 and Jeremiah 17:13b. As our story opens, it is the Feast of Tabernacles and these scriptures would have been read. Pastor goes on to share that there has been much learned over the last 100 years and especially in the last 15 or so that helps to bring this text and the story alive. As we look at what we know about the time of Jesus and what we are discovering, they are changing our understanding of the Bible, bringing a new sense of significance and even urgency as what we are discovering is a testimony that says, “This is real!” Some recent archeological work has found what is believed to be the City of David - but not at all where it was thought to be, and the discovery of the Hezekiah Tunnel, and more recently the Pool of Siloam show us a different location than originally thought for the Pool and also that it was a very large pool, not a small one. Also that it was filled with fresh water by the Han Spring flowing through the Hezekiah Tunnel into the Pool. The Pool of Siloam was the only fresh - or living water in the city of Jerusalem. Pastor shares the events of Tabernacles and the pouring out of water into the Temple by the priests carrying it from the Pool of Siloam for the first 7 days of the festival. On the 7th Day they carried and poured water 7 times in the Temple. So as our story continues, it’s either Day 7 (7 times the priests poured water in the Temple) or it’s Day 8 (the day of rejoicing, and celebration) when we read verse 37-38, “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” He is essentially telling them that what you’ve been doing for the last week with the pouring of water, point to Me and it’s what the prophets said would happen when Messiah comes, that living water would pour out of the Temple. And then it goes on in verse 39, “By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.and that the Living Water is the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is saying that He is the fulfillment of what the prophets have declared and that everyone who believes on Him will receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus is calling us to a new day - the fulfillment of what the prophets have said - Messiah- is here! And He, the Messiah, gives the Holy Spirit. Jesus is claiming to be God. At this some called Him prophet, others called Him Messiah and others were in disbelief and angry. The crowd became divided with many wanting to seize Jesus. The temple guard go and report back to the chief priests. The chief priests were Sadducees and they united with the Pharisees, a group that they did not get along with but they did unite together over their desire to do away with Jesus. The very ones who should have embraced Jesus as the Messiah, instead say, “Let’s kill Him.” Pastor concludes by saying in 6 months from this event of Tabernacles, the Passover will be celebrated and we will see Jesus dead, and raised during another important festival and how this festival too, finds its fulfillment in Jesus. Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 ⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most “Gentile/Greek” of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time! /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/37098705

The Life of a Christ-Follower #12 - Celebrate! 09/12/2025

The Life of a Christ-Follower #11 - Leadership 09/11/2025

The Life of a Christ-Follower #10 - Obedience 09/10/2025

Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 1 09/09/2025

Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 1 Scripture: 1 Kings 1-11, 1 Chronicles 28-29, 2 Chronicles 1-9, 2 Samuel12:24-25, 1 kings 1, 1 Kings 2:2-3, 1 Kings 2:13ff. This study will take us on an adventure through a period of approximately 400 years, a highly significant time when God was moving in a mighty way among His people, Israel. It will cover from around 970 BC when Solomon took the throne until 586 BC when Solomon’s Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians. It is a time filled with incredible stories, amazing truths, especially applicable truths and lessons for us in our lives today. There is an amazing cast of characters, people like you and me, sinners, all, but individuals whom God used in a wide variety of ways. And it all ultimately points to the Hope of the world, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and King of Kings. Background: Moses & Exodus - ca. 1446 BC Joshua’s Conquest - ca. 1406 BC Judges rule - ca. 1390-1050 BC King Saul - ca. 1050-1010 BC King David - ca. 1010-970 BC We begin our study with Pastor encouraging us to read about the reign of Solomon from around 970 - 931 BC in the following books of the Bible: 1 Kings 1-11 1 Chronicles 28-29 2 Chronicles 1-9 Solomon is believed to be the author of: Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Songs David and Solomon each reigned for 40 years and their combined 80 year reign ushered in Israel’s Golden Age. David known for being a warrior, a worshiper of God, musician and writer, he was also devout - while not perfect, he did follow the Lord. A man who followed God’s heart. Solomon was known as a man of peace, a man wisdom - authoring hundreds of proverbs, a man with literary gifts, but Solomon was divided - starting well but not finishing well. Solomon: Early Years ⁃ Birth - 2 Samuel 12:24-25 - the son of David and Bathsheba. ⁃ Adonijah’s Conspiracy - 1 Kings 1 - Adonijah’s the oldest living son of David and attempts to take the throne so that Solomon could not. ⁃ Solomon’s Coronation - 1 Kings 1 - Solomon is anointed while Adonijah’s party is going on. Solomon was crowned king while David is still alive. ⁃ David’s Words - 1 Kings 2:2-3 - David encourages his son, Solomon, to be strong, observe the commands and decrees of the Lord, and the laws and regulations as written in the Law of Moses. ⁃ Adonijah’s Appeal - 1 Kings 2:13ff - works to undermine Solomon’s throne.but Solomon ordered Adonijah’s execution thereby preserving his throne and reign. Israel grew in size under David so Solomon receives a very powerful, large kingdom. Next week we will take a look Solomon as a Wise Leader. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/38030530

The Life of a Christ-Follower #9 - Peace 09/09/2025

The Life of a Christ-Follower #8 - Hope 09/08/2025

David and the Heart of God - Week 10: Moral Collapse 09/07/2025

David and the Heart of God - Week 10: Moral Collapse Scripture: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Psalm 51, Matthew 21:9. This message deals with the difficult topic of moral collapse, specifically in David’s life. Painful as it is, it can teach us much about the importance of walking faithfully before the Lord and resisting temptation. David fell into temptation after seeing Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam (a trusted soldier) and the wife of Uriah (one of David’s elite soldiers). David had her brought to the palace and he slept with her resulting in her pregnancy. Instead of coming clean, David goes deeper into a dark place with more plans. After trying multiple times to cover his actions, David arranges for Uriah’s death and has him killed. 2 Samuel 11:27 tells us that what David had done displeased the Lord. What does the Lord do? 2 Samuel 12:1, God sends Nathan to David. Nathan, in great wisdom, tells David a story and when David hears the story he was incensed saying that the man must die. At this point, Nathan looks at David and confronts him eye to eye, and says, “YOU are the man!” David is confronted with the horror of what he has done. He had committed a huge moral failure, but David was also a man who understood the heart of God. His response to Nathan is, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Here’s what we can learn from David. LESSONS ⁃ Awareness - recognizing that we are all vulnerable and we are all sinners. Be aware of the temptations. ⁃ Consequences - come when we go against God’s purpose and plan in our lives. Consequences can be horrific. There are consequence to disobedience. ⁃ Repentance - after his sin was exposed David freely admitted he had sinned, he did not try to make excuses, he repented. Repentance brings about a change of direction, a turning away. David understood he had fallen. We all sin, but God calls His people to repentance, to not only admit our sin, but to turn away from it and begin anew all over again. ⁃ Forgiveness - The Lord takes away our sin through the death of His Son and we see how good and gracious God really is. He loves us and offered up His own son for us all. **Pastor shares divinely given wisdom around the loss of David’s son, be sure to listen to this message so you don’t miss out on some profound revelation.** ⁃ Restoration - comes from our Father who restores us to relationship with Him through His Son. God restores to us the joy of our salvation and sustains us with the Holy Spirit. David is described as a man after God’s own heart, yet he made some horrible decisions in his life. David’s story compels us to take seriously the danger of going against God’s plan and purposes for our lives. But this story also shows us the grace and mercy of God. These truths powerfully impact and transform us all. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/38112730

Rescued by Truth: Week 36 09/06/2025

Two Year Gospel Study Week 88 09/05/2025

Two Year Gospel Study Week 88 The Gospel of John Week 10 Scripture: John 6:22-7:24. Our teaching today starts with Jesus saying He is the Bread of Life. He is teaching from the synagogue at Capernaum. Jesus is the rabbi that is teaching. In a service in the synagogue in the first century, people talk back and forth asking questions and engaging with the rabbi. It can get heated - and what Jesus says is causing things to become heated. He continues to say many things in this dialogue: ⁃ I am the Bread of Life ⁃ Believe in Me and you will not hunger or thirst ⁃ You’ve seen Me yet you still do not believe ⁃ Whoever comes to Me I will not drive away ⁃ I have come down from heaven to do the Father’s will ⁃ I will raise them on the last day ⁃ My Father’s will is that everyone look to the Son and believe in Me ⁃ In Me is eternal life Pastor talks about a current day synagogue built on the first century synagogue there in Capernaum in Jesus’ day and shares pictures. This current day synagogue is built on the foundation of the synagogue of Jesus’ day.The foundation of black basalt from the first century is still visible. On this basalt foundation is built the several other synagogues with the newest synagogue built over these others. But the basalt rock shows us just where Jesus was as He gave the teaching we are studying today. Pastor also shares what the inside of a synagogue in Jesus’ day would have looked like in order to help us visualize today’s story As our story continues, John 6:53-57 “Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.” Pastor helps us understand this: ⁃ Jesus is Jewish ⁃ The crowd He’s talking to is Jewish ⁃ Hearing what Jesus is saying - the listeners would have processed what Jesus was saying through a Jewish perspective - their thought would have gone to temple sacrifices where they brought their sacrifices to the Temple ⁃ The blood was drained from the animal and sprinkled on the altar because without the shedding of bleed there is no forgiveness ⁃ We have sinned against a Holy God and that requires blood to be shed ⁃ Jesus is saying here that He is the real sacrifice ⁃ “I am the One who offers up My flesh and blood for the life of the world” ⁃ “If you do not realize who I am, that I am the One the Father has promised, then you don’t have life”The scriptures all along have said that God Himself would pay the price for our sin. Old Testament offerings were offered up day after day, year after year, but Jesus is the offering made once for all. Jesus is saying that He is the “Once for all sacrifice” and many of the people following Jesus turned away from Him after He said this. Jesus then turns to His disciples and asks if they want to leave Him too, but Peter answers: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” Note Peter says, “we have come to believe” and then he says, “and to know that You are the holy One of God.”This is highly significant as we human beings think that we know in order to believe. Pastor shares a personal story of an interaction from a friend who brought this truth to light that “I do not know in order o believer, instead, I believer in order to know God.” So many time we say, “if you prove this to me (once I know it) then I’ll believe.” But what Jesus calls us to do is to believe FIRST and then we will know Him. When we trust and follow Him - He reveals himself to us. Pastor comes with a look at three Jewish festivals - and how each has its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 ⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most “Gentile/Greek” of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time! /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/37098695

The Life of a Christ-Follower #7 - Grace 09/05/2025

The Life of a Christ-Follower #6 - Joy 09/04/2025

The Life of a Christ-Follower #5 - Power 09/03/2025

The Life of a Christ-Follower #4 - Prayer Power 09/02/2025

The Life of a Christ-Follower #3 - Authority 09/01/2025

The Living One - Week 20: Set Free! 08/31/2025

The Living One - Week 20: Set Free! Scripture: Acts 12, John 14:27, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Peter 5:10, 2 Peter 1:11 Even in darkness and apparent defeat, Scripture assures us of this truth: We win because God wins, and He will bring that victory to its final fulfillment on the day our Lord Jesus returns. This teaching is taken from Acts 12. It is a story of Peter being set free from prison chains by an angel, but also set free from the destructive thoughts and emotions and feelings that can rise up inside us during challenging times. Peter shows us how to hold on tight to what we know about God and let Him carry us through difficult times. In uncertain and challenging times, this story teaches us that, like Peter, we are:  1. Set Free from fear - Peter was at peace, sleeping between two guards, not fearing the imminent death sentence awaiting him, when the angel came to rescue him. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  2. Set Free from worry - Peter knew the Lord cared for him. Peter knew the Lord was at work in his life and that God had a plan and that plan is that God will win in the end! Peter did as the verse says, “Cast all your anxieties on God because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 We can rest in God’s arms - at peace - because Jesus is our Victor!  3. Set Free from despair - Peter was at peace, not wringing his hands in despair or saying how can this be happening to me… Peter understood that God is in control and that God would give him everything needed to get through the trial. 1 Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”  4. Set Free from death, both the fear of death and the finality of death. We are, like Peter, to face our days with confidence and assurance. Heaven/life forever with God is a promise through our faith in His Son Jesus Christ.  God setting Peter free still speaks to us today - Our God sets us free, too! Cling to the Lord Jesus for dear life! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/32525067

Rescued by Truth: Week 35 08/30/2025

Two Year Gospel Study Week 87 08/29/2025

Two Year Gospel Study Week 87 The Gospel of John Week 9 Scripture: John 5:41- 6:22. The feeding of the 5,000 (this is 5,000 men plus all the women and children there). Speculation is that there were close to 10,000 people there and from five loaves of barley bread and two fish, Jesus multiplies the food and feeds all 10,000. And not just a small portion, but as much as they wanted! Can you picture it? What is everyone thinking? What are they whispering to each other about this amazing miracle? Then Jesus has the leftovers gathered filling twelve baskets. This feeding of the 5,000 happened during Passover - a time the Jewish people remember God delivering His people from captivity, feeding them manna and leading them out of captivity by tribes. 12 tribes feed manna by God and now we have twelve baskets and the people fed fish and loaves by Jesus. Jesus is providing for them just as the Heavenly Father did in the wilderness. With this being Passover - this likeness had to be obvious to them, because we read that they began to recognize that Jesus is the One Moses predicted. John 6:14 “After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” In Deuteronomy we read “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” Deuteronomy 18:15) They thought when Messiah came He would bring them back to the glories of the time of King David and so Jesus withdraws to a mountain by Himself. “Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.” John 6:15 Pastor speculates on which mountain this may have been and shares pictures. Later that evening the disciples went to their boat and set off into the Sea of Galilee. Pastor then shares the discovery of a Sea of Galilee boat found in the summer of 1985. There was a drought and the Sea of Galilee had sunk to a new low and a couple brothers, amateur archeologist, went searching for items of antiquity and they found a 2,000 year old fishing boat from Jesus’ day! Our story continues with the disciples struggling against a storm and they see someone walking toward them. They do not recognize it is Jesus until He says, “I Am, don’t be afraid.” This is the same name God gave Moses, “I Am.” Jesus is saying He is the God of the Old Testament who appeared to Moses. When we are going through the storms of life - the person we want in the boat with us is Jesus! The story continues with “Then immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” What was that like!!?? The author, John, continues to emphasize who Jesus is - Jesus is the One that Moses predicted - He is the Living God who took on human flesh, gave Himself for all, and shows us all the attributes of the Divine in His life, ministry and work. And His disciples are coming to the realization that Jesus is the One that Moses predicted! He is the only One who can deliver His people and He does only what God can do. These stories are Real people in Real situations, in a Real boat, encountering the Real Savior! And that changes their lives forever - May it also change the lives of everyone of us! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 ⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most “Gentile/Greek” of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time! /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/37098675

The Life of a Christ-Follower #2 - Hypocrites 08/29/2025

The Life of a Christ-Follower #1 - Traditions 08/28/2025

What Are You Waiting For? #3 - His Return 08/27/2025

What Are You Waiting For? #3 - His Return Acts 1:6-11, Psalm 22, Luke 21:28, Matthew 24:6-8, 14 Our story today, the ascension of Jesus on the Mount of Olives, takes place 40 days after His resurrection. Throughout His ministry, Jesus has shared what the end times will be like: Disasters Wars Rumors of wars Earthquakes Famine Pestilence Jesus said that these events are like birth pains - meaning they start slow and they increase in strength and frequency. These show us the end is coming nearer. Pastor shares evidence of the ramp up to the events that lead to Jesus’ return as these signs grow closer and closer together and get more and more severe. Though Jesus had often talked about the end times, the disciples with Him that day of His ascension, ask Him yet again, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” They were anticipating that Israel’s freedom would be restored when Messiah came, that with the resurrection would come all that God had planned. And their anticipation that it must be now that it will happen, after all He’s alive, He triumphed over the grave - so now “are you going to restore the kingdom of Israel?” And Jesus replies, “It is not for you to know the dates the Father has set by His own authority.” Then Jesus goes on and what He says next becomes one of the biggest signs of all regarding the end, that the good news would reach the ends of the earth. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” In Jesus’ words found in Matthew 24:14 He says, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Jesus made it clear that we do not know the day of His return but we can look at the signs and the signs are very clear. We are living in remarkable times: disasters, war, persecution increasing, like birth pains, Israel restored (1948), but also the message of Jesus to every nation and peoples across the globe. These are unsettling times, but they are also exciting times. Our scripture story ends with a word from the angels that appeared with the disciples after Jesus went up into the clouds of heavens, “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Yes! He IS coming back as the song says, “Riding on the clouds!” Jesus tells us “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28) When we see the signs that He laid out being fulfilled, look up, be awake, watch! Because our Redeemer’s return is drawing near! Let’s eagerly anticipate the final appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! No matter what happens, we know our Savior is coming back and that gives us confidence and hope even in uncertain times. God is faithful! Jesus IS alive and He’s coming back! What are we waiting for? HIS RETURN! Amen!, Come Lord Jesus! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/14559305

What Are You Waiting For? #4 - An Outpouring of the Holy Spirit 08/26/2025

What Are You Waiting For? #4 - An Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Scripture: Acts 2:14-21, Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:38, Luke 11:13, Acts 2:17. Have you repented? And have you been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and believe on Him? Then the gift of the Holy Spirit is already yours (Acts 2:38). But... have you opened that gift? Pastor will examine what the Scriptures have to say about the Holy Spirit and what that means for our lives today. Our text is Peter’s speech to the crowd on the day of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit found in Acts 2. Peter shares that what has happened to a group of believers is that they had received the power of the Holy Spirit. This giving of the Holy Spirit came after Jesus ascension and was told in the book of Joel. Peter recounts those words: Acts 2:17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” We are living in “The Age of the Last Days.” Those days are from the coming of the Messiah until His final return. These are the days of God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, being poured out. This is “the age of the Spirit” the Spirit is poured out on all flesh. What does the Holy Spirit Do? He gives the power to Live for God Live a meaningful and significant life in a world that is decaying around us Live confidently What does the Spirit’s power look like? Teaches us Convicts us of sin and our need for a Savior and to turn our lives around Dwells with the people of God, our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit Reveals the things of God Guides us, leads and directs us Gives us gifts Intercedes and prays for us Sanctifies, transforms and renews us, changes our minds, attitudes and behavior to resemble the mind, attitude and behavior of Christ. Why is it that many Christian circles ignore the Holy Spirit? God instructs us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, to follow Him, listen to Him and to be guided by Him. What is it that has prevented so many of God’s people from doing that? THE ANSWER: F E A R What will happen if we start talking about the Holy Spirit What will take place if we begin to explore what the scriptures say about the Holy Spirit How will people respond What will be the result Fear sets in the idea it might cause division F E A R does not produce good theology! F E A R leads to a crippled theology that ignores the reality of the Holy Spirit. It speaks about the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, but so often stops there. BUT THE BIBLE DOES NOT! This is a new age - the age of the Spirit - and so we must act on it by faith. Fear keeps us from going where God wants us to go. IS FEAR KEEPING YOU FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT? The Bible declares we do not need to fear having the Holy Spirit, BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAVE IT! ACTS 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” When we repent, received Jesus as our Savior and are baptized we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. So the question is: HAVE YOU OPENED THAT GIFT? A good gift needs to be opened! God is saying “Open the gift and just watch what I will do!” We are not to have half-hearted faith but rather whole-hearted commitment to God who has given us His Spirit! What are you waiting for? OPEN THE GIFT! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/14653943

What Are You Waiting For? #2 - Family Matters 08/25/2025

What Are You Waiting For? #2 - Family Matters Scripture: Mark 16:15, Acts 16:11-34. Individuals matter to God, and so do families. In today’s study of God’s Word, we see entire households being baptized into the family of God. God calls us to proclaim the Truth of the Message of Jesus, The Gospel of God. For today’s teaching let’s consider this frequently asked question: Is baptism necessary for salvation? Answer: NO BUT! Is baptism necessary? Answer: YES Baptism IS necessary but the Bible makes it clear it’s not necessary for salvation. Yet, it’s incredibly important. Today’s story is of Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke in Philippi. In this city of retired Roman soldiers, there was evidently no synagogue in town, so on the Sabbath Day Paul and his group went to where people would be gathered. That was at the river outside of town and it was women that were gathered there. Paul’s team shared the gospel with the women and Lydia - a business woman - was there. God opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. After accepting Jesus as her Savior, she and her household (family, servants, employees) were baptized. As the story progresses, Paul and Silas end up being thrown into jail after being flogged. They were held in irons around their ankles and how are they responding to this? It’s midnight and they are trusting God in this time of difficulty, praying and singing while the other prisoners and the jailer were listening. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake causing the prison doors to fly open and the chains to fall off. The jailer woke and when he saw the prison doors were all open he drew his sword and was going to kill himself because he thought all the prisoners had escaped. But instead this jailer’s life was spared in every way imaginable: Paul shouts for him not to hurt himself. The jailer calls for light to be brought in and he sees they are still in their cells and he says “what must I do to be saved?” The jailer sees something in Paul and Silas that he himself is lacking and he wants what they have: JESUS! In Acts 16:31 we read, “And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then the jailer invites them to his house. Paul and Silas share the Gospel Message with him and his family and then the Bible text tells us that “immediately” he and his household were baptized. The jailer now has what Paul and Silas have - JESUS - and the jailer was filled with joy because he and his household came to believe in God. Biblical Basics RE: Baptism ⁃ Baptism is not magic ⁃ Baptism is miraculous ⁃ Baptism is the beginning nt the end ⁃ Baptism is never delayed ⁃ Baptism is never restricted. Baptism changes lives! God wants His Gospel Message to reach households, the people nearest and dearest to us all. God desires all to be saved to come to a knowledge of the truth. He wants all to become followers of Jesus and be baptized into Him. We are important to God, our families are important to God and He wants all to be part of His family, the Family of God because Family Matters! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/14472746

David and the Heart of God - Week 9: Ark of Gold 08/24/2025

David and the Heart of God - Week 9: Ark of Gold Scripture: 2 Samuel 6, Psalm 30:4-5, Hebrews 9:5, Romans 3:25. Today’s story of David is one that is an oft time ignored account from David’s life, but we will see ways it dramatically impacts and applies to our lives. We open with 2 Samuel 6:2 “David and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark.” Pastor shares the history of the Ark from the Book of Exodus during the time of Moses, its description, and rules and regulations from God to the Israelites about the Ark. Pastor also goes into the annual Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, and what the practice was with the Ark. But by the time of David the Ark was mostly forgotten. The Ark has a fascinating history and Pastor shares a chronology based on what we know from the Bible: ARK OF THE COVENANT ⁃ Mount Sinai - 1445 BC ⁃ Promised Land 1406 BC ⁃ Shiloh - ca. 1399-1075 BC ⁃ Kiribati Jearim - ca. 1074-1003 BC ⁃ Jerusalem - ca. 1003-586 BC And then the Ark disappears. While we do not know where or what happened to the Ark, we do know that during the time of David, he sought to restore bring the Ark back and to bring worship of God in Israel. 2 Samuel 6:3-5 “They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart with the ark of God on it, and Ahio was walking in front of it. David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets,[d] harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.” However, we see that they are not doing this as the Torah instructed. It was to be moved only by priests, and by holding onto the Ark’s handles with the ark completely covered from view. Ahia and Uzzah were priests but were not moving the Ark as God had instructed. On the walk, Uzzah reaches out and touches the Ark because the oxen stumbled and God’s anger burned against Uzzah for his irreverent act and God struck him down and he died beside the Ark of God. God desires to be taken seriously. Their intentions were good but the directions in the scripture were clear and straightforward and they had ignored them. Next we read that David ask the Lord, “how can the Ark of the Lord ever come to me?” God is capricious. God is holy and He’s not to be trifled with. We are not to ignore what He says. Today, many live in fear of God. But what He desires to communicate to us today is that He is holy. But He’s more than that, we will find He is merciful AND He is Salvation! David wouldn’t take the Ark into his city, after Uzzah died, instead he left it with Obed-Edom to see what would happen to him. And over the next three months Obed-Edom and his entire household were blessed, so David then moves the Ark the City of David with great rejoicing. They understood that God is merciful, that He is a generous and forgiving God. This time they follow what God has prescribed. The priests carry it, it’s covered and no cart is used. David wrote Psalm 30 during this time and it expresses what he learned: Psalm 30:4-5 “Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” It was an incredible celebration, a joyous time, because David and the rest understood that God is good, that God is merciful and that God can be trusted. They placed the Ark in the Tent that David had prepared and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. David organized the ongoing care of the Ark which we can read in 1 Chronicles 23 - 26 setting it up so that the priests would do what they were supposed to do. It also helped the children of Israel worship God the way they were supposed to. David wanted to ensure things were done God’s way, just as God had directed in the Book of Exodus to Moses. Pastor closes today with, “God is Salvation.” God desires all to be saved. He is calling His children back to Himself. Pastor shares great insight to the “Mercy Seat” using Romans 3:25 “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” Sacrifice of atonement or sometimes stated as “propitiation” are English translations of the Greek word for “mercy seat.” What this verse literally means is that God presented Christ as a mercy seat through the shedding of his blood to be received by faith. David and people of the Old Testament era had their sins removed once a year on the Day of Atonement, which finds its ultimate fulfillment once and for all, not once a year, but once forever in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He is the mercy seat of God. It’s His blood that covers our sin. And so what we have seen in 2 Samuel 6 gets its fulfillment in the One who is the Son of God. God is holy. God is merciful. GOD IS SALVATION. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/37930715

Rescued by Truth: Week 34 08/23/2025

Two Year Gospel Study Week 86 08/22/2025

Two Year Gospel Study Week 86 The Gospel of John Week 8 Scripture: John 5:19-40, Revelation 20. As we pick up our story, the religious authorities continue to question Jesus about who He says He is and about His actions and miracles. Jesus not only claims to be the Messiah, but also the God of the universe come in human flesh. Chiastic Structure is used as a teaching method by Jesus in John 5:19-30 - a speaking structure that repeats over and again certain fundamental truths. It’s a way of speaking what’s spoken first and then speaking it last. It’s speaking what is spoken second and repeating it second to the last and what’s spoken third, speaking it again as the 3rd to the last item. A diagram of this type of speaking looks like this: A1 verse 19 B1 Verses 20-21 C1 verses 22-23 D1 verse 24 D2 verse 25 C2 verses 26-27 B2 verses 28-29 A2 verse 30 Chiastic Structure is a complex speaking structure that Jesus uses to emphasize the seriousness of these life-changing truths. Other items Pastor discusses: Spiritually dead vs alive in Christ The 4 views of the millennium - Revelation 20 Historic Premillennialism Postmillennialism Amillennialism Dispensational Premillennialism Pastor focuses on the commonalities of the 4 views rather than what they don’t agree on. Their commonalities are: missionary age, great tribulation, rapture, millennium, physical return of Jesus to earth, dead will be raised, new heaven and a new earth. Pastor also explains first resurrection is when we become believers. The Bible says we go from death (not knowing God) to life (knowing God) through faith in Jesus Christ. The second resurrection is when Jesus returns and the dead are raised. The first death is unbelief. The second death is hell itself on judgement day for those who do not repent and believe on the Son. This teaching closes with the testimonies of Christ’s identity and with an emphasis on knowing Jesus, believing in Him and having a relationship with Him. Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 ⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most “Gentile/Greek” of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time! /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/37098650

What Are You Waiting For? #1 - The Invitation 08/22/2025

What Are You Waiting For? #1 - The Invitation Acts 8:26-39, Psalm 51:7, Isaiah 53 God offers His invitation to every single one of us. Pastor opens today's class with a story from Ruth Bell Graham's life (the wife of Billy Graham) and how personalizing chapter 53 of the book of Isaiah in the Bible changed her life. Our scripture story today is the story of an angel telling Philip to go south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. On the road, Philip meets a eunuch who is an Ethiopian high official in charge of the treasury. He is on his way home from Jerusalem. When God calls, when God invites, we ought to answer, we ought to respond, and Philip did. Things to learn from this story: 1. God loves individual people. 2. God especially seeks seekers. 3. God arranges encounters. The Spirit of God told Philip to go to the Ethiopian’s chariot and stay near. As Philip approaches, he hears the man reading out loud chapter 53 of Isaiah and Philip asks the him if he understands what he is reading. And the eunuch says he can’t unless someone explains it to him and so he invites Philip up into his carriage so that Philip can explain the powerful words that we find in this chapter. It is a chapter that talks about Jesus and who he is. Philip shares the good news about Jesus. This chapter that changed, Ruth Bell Graham's life had previously changed the Ethiopian’s life. Through Philip answering God’s call, the Ethiopian is given the invitation to experience life forever through faith in Jesus who died for him, for you, for me and who rose from the grave and who is coming back. The Ethiopian believed, and they stopped the chariot so that he could be baptized. Have you received the invitation? Have you received the invitation to believe on Jesus as your Savior? Have you received the invitation to be baptized into His name? If not, we invite you to reach out to us at [email protected]. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/14371274

Ten Words - Week 12: Mountain Men 08/21/2025

Ten Words - Week 12: Mountain Men Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-9, Luke 9:28-36, Psalm 104:2, John 14:8-9 Pastor’s teaching on Jesus’ transfiguration on a mountain top with Jesus, Peter, James, John, Elijah, Moses and the Voice of God brings this series of God’s Ten Words to a conclusion. It’s a surprise ending, because how could Jesus’ transfiguration be remarkably connected to God’s Ten Commandments, while also having a tremendous application to what we have been studying these past weeks? When Jesus was transfigured his face glowed like the sun. The three disciples Jesus brought along are in awe and amazed. Psalm 104:2 says, “The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment;” The disciples knew the psalms well, did this verse come to mind as they saw Jesus shining so bright? They are witnessing the true revelation of who Jesus is. True God and true man - God-man who has come to deliver us all. Then suddenly Moses and Elijah appear with them as a cloud (the presence of God) comes over the entire group and they hear the Voice of God, “This is My Son who I love. With Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” Jesus is revealed as the Son of the Living God. God in the flesh who has come to earth to deliver us all. Why do Moses and Elijah appear? 1. Both were devout followers of God 2. Both had unique ends to their lives on earth 3. Both went to Mt. Sinai 4. Both heard God speak at Mt. Sinai 5. But neither of them saw God’s face. But today, at Jesus’ transfiguration Moses, Elijah, John, Peter and James all saw the face of God as revealed in the face of Jesus, the Living God. John 14: 8-9 tells us, “Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” Jesus revealed Himself to them. He is the Living God, the Deliverer and He alone saves and He is our only Hope because apart from Him we have nothing. And then suddenly it is just Jesus and the 3 disciples. Jesus tells them not to tell anyone about what they have just witnessed until after His is risen from the dead.. (but they didn’t understand what He was talking about or what He meant.) In summary, The Ten Commandments are brilliant, powerful and profound instructions from God, but they can’t save us - they are like a curb, a mirror and a guide but they don’t save us. In Jesus, the Messiah, are revealed grace and truth and He alone can save. He willingly went to the cross to bring us righteousness as He bore our sin on Himself.. A. W. Tozer says, “The only sin Jesus ever had was ours. The only righteousness we can ever have is His.” We are encouraged to follow the Ten Commandments, but that will never save us. There’s only Jesus, the Living God, The Living Word of God, The Word that became flesh who can do that! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwt1kzFvsbAtGq6PLMPCn65 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/35820175

Ten Words - Week 11: Don't Covet! 08/20/2025

Ten Words - Week 11: Don't Covet! Scripture: Exodus 20:17, Mark 7:21-23, Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Timothy 6:6-10 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17 Covet - to yearn to possess or have what belongs to another. Covet - insatiable desire for more at the expense of others. Today’s tenth word is unique as it regulates thought. The other ten words all regulate behavior (e.g. have no other gods, remember the Sabbath Day, honor your parents, don’t steal, don’t murder). We see in scripture how our thought-life has a huge influence on our behavior: Cain - Genesis 4 Joseph’s brothers - Genesis 37 Korah - Numbers 16 David - 2 Samuel 11 Ghazi - 2 Kings 5 We see in the Bible that our thought-life greatly controls our behavior, actions and even our futures. As the mind thinks - so we behave. Pathology Envy Jealousy Dishonesty Relationships Dissatisfaction Focus Mental health Financial issues Where does coveting come from? Mark 7:21-23 tells us, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (ESV) Jesus is calling us to realize our thought-life matters! How do we stop coveting? 1. Christ - we need to look to Jesus and remember that He died on the cross and rose for us. Matthew 6:33 tells us to rely on Him and 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2. Contentment - while in this fallen world, we still know what the future holds: life forever with God. This is where our containment is found - in the promise of our future with Him. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 3. Celebration - celebrate what we have. In Philippians 4:4-7 we are told, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Celebrate the good things of God and have a thankful hearts. God’s 10 Words are still powerful words today. He gives them to us to: 1. Protect us - keep us on His path 2. Reveal our sin - so that we come to Him 3. Give us direction - that guides our lives and shows us how to live When we take to heart God’s Ten Words - that brings blessings to us as believers AND blessings to the world. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwt1kzFvsbAtGq6PLMPCn65 Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/35707085

Ten Words - Week 10: No Lies! 08/19/2025

Ten Words - Week 10: No Lies! Scripture: Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 19:5, John 8:44, Ephesians 4:25, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 26:20, Romans 1:28ff, Philippians 2:5, John 8:31-32 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16 The Bible tells us that there is One who is only truth. One who is total and absolute in His Truthfulness and that is our Living God. God values truth and judges lies. Proverbs 19:5 “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.” Pastor shares two examples from scripture. 1. From the Old Testament in 1 Kings 21 about Naboth 2. From the New Testament in Acts 6-7 about Stephen These stories encourage us to take seriously the importance of truth. Lying is an issue in our culture today. Lying is seen in some of the highest places and some of the most common parts of our daily lives. What does it mean “you shall not give false testimony” ⁃ REJECT THE LIE - Recognize where lies come from. John 8:44 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Lies come from the enemy - He’s a liar and his lies are destructive to our culture and to ourselves. We are to turn our backs on the father of lies. ⁃ SPEAK THE TRUTH - we are to speak only truth. Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” God only speaks truths and we are to speak truthfully, too. ⁃ SPEAK TRUTH IN LOVE - do not be spiritually haughty - that attitude tears people down. We are to speak what is best for people who we know Jesus died for. (Because he died for ALL) We are not to lie in order to seek to get even, or to lie in order to hurt others or to lie to make ourselves look good. Ephesians 4:15 “ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Our words are to give glory to God and blessing to others. ⁃ RENOUNCE GOSSIP - Gossip destroys reputations, it destroys relationship with God. Proverbs 26:20 “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” God detests gossiping - so live like children of God. ⁃ BE CHRIST-LIKE - have the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” Jesus is Truth and Truth sets us FREE! John 8:31-32 “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” God’s truth changes us, changes families, changes communities and changes countries, God is calling us to embrace the truth and to live the truth. He is The Way, The Truth and The Life. (John 14:6). And we are to reflect His goodness in this darkened world. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/35587235

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