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.

The Sermon on the Mount (4) - Beatitudes, Part 3 08/31/2026

GOD ACTS! (Chapter 14) - Committed Them To the Lord 08/30/2026

GOD ACTS! (Chapter 14) - Committed Them To the Lord Acts 14 is a lesson in church planting. It is a lesson on how God’s people are called to call others into a relationship with Jesus, and to build congregations in homes, in unusual places, underground in some parts of the world, wherever the Spirit of God is moving. God gives to His people strength, guidance, direction and power to carry out the mission Jesus has given us in making disciples of the nations. The story pics up in Acts 14:1 in Iconium and there Paul and Barnabas teach both Jews and Greeks the Good News of Jesus and many came to faith. But a group of Jews who refused to believe in Jesus stirred up opposition. Paul and Barnabas however, were not intimidated and continued to preach and perform signs and wonders. Then there began a plot to stone them, so they fled and head to Lystra where they see a man that was lame. As Paul spoke the Good News of Christ, he saw the man had the faith to be healed and Paul tells the man to “stand up and walk.” Following this miracle the crowds, in their own language, spoke of Paul and Barnabas being gods; Zeus and Hermes. As Paul and Barnabas figure out what is being said and see people wanting to offer sacrifices to them, they tear their clothes and tell them they are human just like them and refuse to receive anything from the crowd. They tell them they are bringing them the Good News of a Living God. As the story continues Paul is being stoned, the angry leaders of the church and others, left him outside the town as dead, but the disciples gather around Paul and then he gets up and heads to Derbe where he and Barnabas again won a large number of disciples for Christ. (See 2 Timothy 3:10-11) But then, Paul and Barnabas return to those cities where they had been persecuted and they encourage the disciples to remain true to the faith. They tell them that as believers we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. Salvation is free but living the christian life is hard. THEN + NOW - Spreading the Kingdom - church planting When we are around people who have a confused notion of what is real and what is true we are to do as Paul did: Bring them the Good News of Jesus - tell them Jesus’ story. One God - tell them there is One god, not many like they had Creator - that the One God is Creator of all Good - That God is good Strengthen one another - We are to be grounded in the Word of God, the word of truth, and to take the narrow road. The word gives direction and understanding, and exposes what is false, evil and deadly. Encourage believers - we are to encourage believers going through tragedy and loss, reminding them of God’s promises, building them up in confidence and hope in Christ. Commissioning - As believers we are commissioned. Our purpose is to reach the world for Christ. We are called to being committed to carrying out the commission of Jesus. We are not called to be comfortable, we are called to be comforters. We are not called to be contented with the status quo, we are called to be committed to carrying out the commission of Jesus. This is needed in every age, every generation and in every land. Pastor shares a personal family story… Pastor concludes with: How dangerous it is to embrace religion without embracing Christ. It’s a danger to be comfortable with the status quo rather than to have hearts that grieve for those who don’t yet know the Lord. How dangerous it is to simply want to maintain what we have rather than follow what Jesus has commanded us to do to winning the world to faith in Him. We are to answer the Lord’s call, “Send me! Send me!” This week’s READING ASSIGNMENT: Acts chapter 14-15. Now What? Learn about God at EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: Or watch from our Youtube channel Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/42593445

Armor of God #8 - Sword of the Spirit 08/29/2026

The Sermon on the Mount (3) - Beatitudes, Part 2 08/28/2026

The Sermon on the Mount (2) - Beatitudes, Part 1 08/27/2026

The Sermon on the Mount (1) - Introduction 08/26/2026

Dig Deeper - Acts Chapter 13: False Prophet Bar-Jesus 08/25/2026

Growing Gracefully: Persecution 08/25/2026

Growing Gracefully: Sing! 08/24/2026

GOD ACTS! (Chapter 13) - Everyone Who Believes is Set Free 08/23/2026

GOD ACTS! (Chapter 13) - Everyone Who Believes is Set Free Chapters 1-12 the focus has been on the Jerusalem believers, Apostle Peter Chapter 13 and onward will be focused on the Apostle Paul (also known as Saul) and the church at Antioch. In the book of Acts Paul travels 12,000 miles (20,000 kilometers) to bring the message of Jesus to people who had never heard of Him. Acts 13 THEN + NOW Seek and heed the Spirit. In the first 3 verses of this chapter we see them praying, fasting and doing as the Holy Spirit leads.Seeking the Spirit’s guidance and then heeding it is an important truth for us today individually and as the Body of Christ. Acts 13:1-3 Rely on the Holy Spirit. Paul and Barnabas follow the Holy Spirit’s leading and head to the island of Cyprus. There they meet the proconsul Sergius Paulus and his attendant, a sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus. The sorcerer tries to stop the proconsul from faith in Jesus as Paul and Barnabas share the Good News. God blinds the sorcerer and when the proconsul sees this he believes because he was amazed at the teaching about Jesus. There is power in the Name of Jesus, there is power through the Holy Spirit, there is insight given to those who believe and trust the Lord and who rely upon the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:4-12 Connect Scripture to today. Paul and Barnabas leave Cyprus and sail to Perga and then travel to Pisidian Antioch. They go to the synagogue and are asked if they have a word of exhortation to share with the people. Paul talks through the history of the people of Israel and all that God had done ending with God’s bringing of the Messiah, Jesus the Savior. Paul connected the scripture to the present day. The Bible is for all people, in all times, in every generation. The Scriptures are relevant for us today. Acts 13:13-26 Testifies to the Risen Savior. Paul goes on to say how people missed and ignored what was prophesied about the Savior even going so far as to execute Him on the cross even without proper grounds to do so. Then they laid him in a tomb and God raised Him from the dead and there are witnesses to His resurrection. Paul makes it evident that what the prophets had said would happen was accomplished with Jesus Christ the Messiah and risen Savior. Our mission is to testify what God has done and point people to Jesus. Acts 13:27-32 Christ alone can free us. Paul shares by quoting Scriptures: Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3, Psalm 16:10 and goes on to tell that all sins are forgiven in Christ. Following the Law doesn’t save us, rather it shows us our failure to uphold it and shows our need for the Savior. Through faith in Jesus we are set free from every sin, a justification we are unable to obtain ourselves, it is only in Jesus Christ alone. Act 23:33-43 The following weeks many came to the synagogue to hear the Good News but some Jews were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what Paul was saying, heaping abuse on him. Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly that they had to speak the Word of God to the Jews first but that now they would teach the Gentiles. The gentiles rejoiced and the word of the Lord spread throughout the whole region and as it did the Jewish leaders incited the Jewish people against Paul and Barnabas until they finally left, shaking the dust off their feet and going to Iconium filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:44-51 This week’s READING ASSIGNMENT: Acts chapter 13-14. Now What? Learn about God at EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: Or watch from our Youtube channel Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/42517275

Armor of God #9 - Pray in the Spirit 08/22/2026

Growing Gracefully: Infilling 08/21/2026

Growing Gracefully: Awake 08/20/2026

Growing Gracefully: Prepared 08/19/2026

Dig Deeper - Acts Chapter 12: Herod's Demise 08/18/2026

Dig Deeper - Acts Chapter 12: Herod's Demise Herod Agrippa I Ruled 41-44 A.D. Grandson of King Herod the Great Imprisoned Peter during Passover in 42 or 43 A.D. He died before Passover of 44 A.D. Herod went from Judea to Caesarea following Peter’s angelic escape from prison. Herod was quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They joined together asking for an appointment with Herod requesting for peace as they depended on Herod for their food supply. From writings from Flavius Josephus “Antiquities of the Jews, Book 19” (Translator: Paul L. Maier) Josephus tells us that Herod met with the representatives of Tyre and Sidon in the theater at Caesarea. (Pastor shares pictures of the restored theater today.) Josephus goes on to share that as Herod entered the theater, “dressed in a garment of woven silver, … his flatterers at once started addressing him as a god.” This is just what the Luke (author of Acts) tells us in verses 21-22. “… Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne …. They shouted, ‘This is the voice of a god, not of a man.’” Josephus also adds the following: “The king did not censure them nor reject their flattery as impious.” (Josephus, Antiquities 19:343) Continuing with Luke’s narrative in Acts 12:23-24 we read, “Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” Josephus tells us that Herod, “died after five days of unremitting pain. He was 54 years old.” What do we learn? The word of God endures forever His word is faithful and true Even when His people suffer greatly, in the end God wins and so will we. This account gives a vivid reminder of the power of the Gospel of Jesus, the power of the Living God to comfort and strengthen His own, and the power of God to bring a new and just creation, a new heaven and a new earth. And that is what we await as we continue to walk with Him. Now What? Learn about God at EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! Join us Sundays Or watch from our Youtube channel Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/42446180

Growing Gracefully: Holiness 08/18/2026

Growing Gracefully: Obedience 08/17/2026

GOD ACTS! (Chapter 12) - He Proceeded to Seize Peter 08/16/2026

GOD ACTS! (Chapter 12) - He Proceeded to Seize Peter God’s word brings light into our lives, gives us direction and points us to Jesus showing us where our hope and strength are found. Today’s story demonstrates this truth. Join us! Chapter 12 is about some of the persecution Peter experienced and we will look at Peter’s writings in 1 Peter in conjunction with this story in Acts chapter 12 for additional insights. THEN + NOW Persecution - Acts 12:1-4; 1 Peter 4:12-13 Herod Agrippa the First, encouraged by approval after arresting believers and putting the Apostle James to death, decides to arrest and imprison Peter. He has Peter under guard by four squads of four soldiers each. He is planning a public trial of Peter after the Passover. 1 Peter 4:12-13 - Peter tells us not to be surprised at persecution and to instead rejoice that we can participate in the sufferings of Christ. There is a cost to following Jesus. The enemy desires to stifle our witness and to destroy the plans and purposes of God. Prayer - Acts 12:5; 1 Peter 3:12 (Psalm 34:15) While Peter is imprisoned the believers are praying for him. 1 Peter 3:12 Peter quotes Psalm 34:15 sharing that prayer is answered by God. We are called to be faithful in prayer. Peace - Acts 12:6; 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 5:7 The night before his trial we see Peter peacefully sleeping while under heavy guard. 1 Peter 3:14 Peter tells us not to fear threats because God is in control. 1 Peter 5::7 Peter tells us to cast all our anxiety on Jesus because He cares for us. Provision - Acts 12:7; 1 Peter 3:21b-22 An angel appears in the jail and the chains fall off of Peter. 1 Peter 3:21b-22 Peter tells us that Christ who is at God’s right hand, has everything in submission to Him. God is in charge and even when an evil ruler seeks to destroy God’s people, God knows and it is His plans that will succeed. Praise - Acts 12:8-11; 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 5:10-11 Peter gets dressed and follows the angel out of the prison. Peter thinks he is seeing a vision. He and the angel walk past the guards, out the gate and the angel leaves him. Then he realizes that it was all real and that the Lord rescued him from Herod’s clutches! We learn that our response to God’s deliverance is to be one of praise. 1 Peter 1:3 Peter tells us to praise the Lord for our new birth in the resurrected Christ. This gift is our motivation to praise Him. 1 Peter 5:10-11 tells us we are to praise God for His provision. We are to praise Him in all circumstances. Prepared - Acts 12:12—19; 1 Peter 3:15 Peter goes to the house where the believers are praying for him. He tells them how the Lord brought him out of the prison and then he leaves for another place. The next morning there is chaos at the prison as they try to figure out what happened to Peter. Herod holds a thorough search, cross-examines the guards and orders them executed. But what can we trust Peter shared with these guards as he was imprisoned? What do we know about Peter’s heart for sharing the Gospel message of Christ’s love for all including the soldiers holding him prisoner. Peter was prepared to answer all their questions and to give them the Good News of Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 Peter tells us to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have. These guards died not through their own fault but simply because they were connected to Peter. How did what Peter would have taught them about Jesus affect their last moments here on this earth? How did what Peter would have shared about Jesus affect where they spend eternity? Am I prepared with answers about who Jesus is? Am I prepared to be used by God to affect where those I meet spend eternity? In this life we will have persecution. How will we respond? -With prayer, knowing God hears and answers. -With peace, because God cares for us. -With the assurance of His provision because He is in control of all. -With praise, because He is our Deliverer. -And we will be prepared to be used by God to share the Gospel message even to our persecutors. This week’s READING ASSIGNMENT: Acts chapter 12-13. Now What? Learn about God at EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: Or watch from our Youtube channel Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/42446165

Armor of God #10 - Keep on Praying! 08/15/2026

Growing Gracefully: Training 08/14/2026

Growing Gracefully: Training Despite the most rigorous physical exercise and training regimen, our bodies will age and, eventually, die. But there is a training - training in godliness - that lasts into eternity. The spiritual diet we eat, the spiritual exercise we do and the spiritual training we choose affects our ability to grow graceful as Jesus’ disciples. Training ourselves for godliness has benefits for today, tomorrow and for eternity. Spiritual training is timeless. Train to be godly - Christianity is not a spectator sport. We can’t be a couch potato. We must be in training to be godly. This is training with eternal rewards - a crown of life. Train yourself to be godly - What does godly training look like and how do we accomplish it? 1. DIET - We are what we eat - this truth is both physical and spiritual. Concentrate on what is true, good, honorable and noble and be in God’s word. Fill up on the food that truly nourishes, the food of His Word. We are to seek Him with our whole heart and that begins with our diet, as we take in God’s Word and allow that word to fill us up for the work He has given us to do. How’s your diet? Fill up on the good things of God. 2. EXERCISE - we need to exercise our faith, to practice what we preach, to live out what we believe, to put into practice what God has said. As we practice our faith we grow stronger. It’s like strength training with weights; the more we exercise and practice, the stronger we get. As we practice our faith we become stronger in our commitment to Christ: that is training in godliness. 3. A TRAINER - A personal trainer can really help with preparing to participate in a race and God provides a personal spiritual trainer for each and every believer, that personal trainer is the Holy Spirit, our Advocate. The Holy Spirit, our Personal Spiritual Trainer, helps to strengthen, encourage and equip us for godliness. Why live a couch potato life as a follower of Jesus? Why be just a weekend warrior? Why not live as dedicated disciples, committed to Jesus and who are training ourselves in His strength for godliness? Let us finish the race well! Training in godliness is the natural follow-through for a follower of Jesus. Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-8, 1 Timothy 4:7-8, John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 9:25, Ezekiel 33: 31-32 Check out the video on our website Check out the video on Youtube /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/15825218

Growing Gracefully: Contentment 08/13/2026

Growing Gracefully: Humility 08/12/2026

Dig Deeper - Acts Chapter 11: The Origin of "Christian" 08/11/2026

Dig Deeper - Acts Chapter 11: The Origin of "Christian" In Acts 11:26 we read that the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. “Disciple” is the most used word in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus. It is used 261 times. The word “Christian” is used only 3 times in the New Testament. Brothers and sisters, believers, followers are also used but “disciples” is Jesus’ favorite word to describe His followers. Matthew 29:19-20 - the Great Commission - Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The other 2 uses of Christian: Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 1 Peter 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. The New Testament word appears to be invented by the opposition, a derisive term patterned after the names of Roman political parties; Example those following Herod = Herodians, or followers of Pompe = Pompeians. Christian = Christ followers. Or “Christ-ers.” Followers of Jesus accepted and reveled in the name. In the writings of non-Christian people we see them embracing that term. “And the tribe of the Christians so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared.” - Josephus, Antiquities, Book 18 (ca. 93A.D.) Another example from an adamant unbeliever: “Consequently, to get rid of the reports, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilat…” Tacitus, The Annals, Book 15 (ca.118 A.D.) Christian is all about the Messiah, the Christ of God, the Lord Jesus our Savior and the world’s Savior. It’s also about our mission to bring others to Christ where there is healing, forgiveness, and hope of eternal life. We are called to bear His Name with joy, confidence and power!! Now What? Learn about God at EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! Join us Sundays Or watch from our Youtube channel Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/42357440

Growing Gracefully: Freedom 08/11/2026

Growing Gracefully: Thankfulness 08/10/2026

GOD ACTS! (Chapter 11) - The Disciples Were Called Christians 08/09/2026

GOD ACTS! (Chapter 11) - The Disciples Were Called Christians God’s Gospel Goes Global After Peter told the story of his vision and going to Joppa to the home of Cornelius, we read in Acts 11:18 that “… the believers in Jerusalem had no further objections and praised God saying, ‘So even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.’” And now the barriers that had existed between the Jewish world and the non-Jewish world are down in a single moment. The believers in Jerusalem that had grown up as devout Jewish people had their eyes opened to understand the new age that God promised had arrived. AND God’s Gospel Goes Global!!! Then + Now GOD’s Plan - His plan and intent have always been to win the entire world to Himself. God’s plan is coming to fruition. Romans 10:12-13 we see that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile because the Lord saves all who call on Him. In verse 19 and 20 we read that those scattered by the persecution following Stephen’s martyrdom are spreading into Cyprus, Phoenicia and Antioch sharing the gospel message to Jews and Greeks. Peter’s ministry to Cornelius opened the flood gates!! Verse 21 tells us that the Lord was with them and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. We see the gospel exploding in Antioch, a place with many from multiple backgrounds and cultures, a wealthy city and an incredibly immoral city and this is where the Gospel explodes!! Unbelievers discover what they are living for has no lasting value, leaving them empty. Does this sound like the world today? It is there that God desires to bring the Good News that changes people lives, transforming them from the inside out, that brings an eternal destiny, and great joy and He does that through His people then and NOW! God’s People - God uses His people to do mighty things. He desires to use us to touch our families, neighbors, and even our enemies with His word and his love. In verse 22 the news of the spread of the Gospel got back to the church in Jerusalem, so they send Barnabas to Antioch. Barnabas was from Cypress and was known as an encourager and once he saw what the grace of God was doing there, he encouraged the new believers to persevere in their faith with all their hearts, just as we need to do TODAY! God’s Grace - God’s breaks into our lives because He is good, not because of anything we have done, but because He is gracious. It is all based on what Jesus did at the cross. We all need to encounter that grace and know that God cares for us. His grace is powerful and changes lives, families, marriages, communities and the world both then and NOW!. God’s Leaders - Through Barnabas a great number of people are brought to the Lord. And Barnabas goes to Tarsus to bring Saul to Antioch. God assembles a great group of leaders, an amazing team uniquely qualified to carry out God’s plan. In verse 26 we read that great numbers of people in Antioch were taught for an entire year by this leadership team, equipping God’s people to know God, His Word, His guidance, His direction, and His Holy Spirit. These leaders were specially needed in a corrupt age, in a corrupt city, because if God’s people are not equipped they will fall prey to the enemy. Today we see God continuing to raise up leaders to do His work, in His strength and with His guidance and Holy Spirit. God’s Teaching - we need to be instructed in the Truth. It is a matter of connecting what the Bible says to the life of a believer. Orthodoxy - right opinion - Beliefs - essential to be grounded in God’s truth - the message of Christ’s forgiveness. Orthopraxy - right practice - Conduct - knowing how to live our lives in a fallen world. It’s not just head knowledge, it is about heartfelt, Spirit-guided living - conduct that becomes a follower of Jesus. Titus 2:11-14 - the grace of God offers salvation to ALL people and teaches us to live self-controlled, godly lives as we await Christ’s return. God’s Mercy - In verses 28-30 we read that Agabus, a prophet, predicts a famine, so the disciples decide to support the believers living in Judea. In the mercy of God they reached out to those in the midst of famine, then. Today, God’s mercy shows in us as we walk by faith and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. … and God’s Gospel continues to Go Global! This week’s READING ASSIGNMENT: Acts chapter 11-12. Now What? Learn about God at EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: Or watch from our Youtube channel Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/42357380

Armor of God #11 - Full Armor 08/08/2026

Growing Gracefully: Kindness 08/07/2026

Growing Gracefully: Forgiveness 08/06/2026

Growing Gracefully: The Ultimate Indicator 08/05/2026

Awake Us Now

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