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.

Questions - Week 20: Is Palm Sunday Jewish? 03/29/2026

Questions - Week 20: Is Palm Sunday Jewish? Happy Palm Sunday! Hosanna! Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem: Palm Sunday - Passion Sunday - story is found in: Matthew 21 Mark 11 Luke 19 John 12 Many of us know the Palm Sunday story, but do we know the details? Today we will look at some of the most fascinating and intentional details of this story. 1. Did you know that donkeys around the world have a similar dark marking on their backs that runs along the spine and across their shoulders? It is a cross. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a beast with a cross emblazoned on its back. 2. Why haven’t I heard this before - meaning why didn’t I know about this and other details before? Join us as we talk a look at the Palm Sunday story with a Jewish view of the story to see some amazing and significant pieces of the story. PASSOVER - Pastor reviews the story of the Passover and the 10th plague. By placing lamb’s blood on their door posts, the angel of death would pass over their homes. Passover was celebrated annually. In Exodus we read about God telling Moses how to annually celebrate the Passover event, “This month (Nissan) is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household.” Jewish Passover Schedule: Nissan 10 - the lamb was chosen and set apart and we read in Exodus 12:6 “take care of them (lambs) until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight.” Nissan 14 - the lamb was killed as the sun was setting. Nissan 15 - the Passover lamb was eaten. A closer look using several verses from the Bible, we see: ⁃ Nissan 9 - John 11:1 we read “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.” ⁃ Nissan 10 - Palm Sunday - John 12:12-13 “The next day (the day after Nissan 9) the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”” ⁃ Reminder - Nissan 10 is the day the Passover lambs were herded into Jerusalem and set aside for sacrifice and it is at this very time that Jesus, the Lamb of God sets Himself apart as the sacrifice for all Israel and all the world as He comes into Jerusalem with all the other lambs. ⁃ Nissan 14 - Luke 22:7-8 “Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”” The Jewish people had all come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. As many as a quarter-million lambs would be needed and slaughtered. Then at sunset the next day starts - so that evening it is Nissan 15 - the day the Passover meal is eaten. Our God is a God with a plan! He’s sets all pieces of the story in line for the coming of the Messiah. The prophetic pieces all fit together as we look through the scriptures. Jesus is our Passover Lamb who sets us free. 1 Corinthians 5:7 “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” And because of His sacrifice we willingly surrender our lives over to Him for He alone is worthy. Revelation 5:12 tells us, “In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.” Every piece fits together - God’s plan and purpose AND His deep love for each of us is revealed. His love is a love that caused the Lamb of God to lay down His life for us. It is a love that culminates at the cross where the Son of God was killed by man. God’s love knows no limits and His faithfulness knows no bounds. It’s at the cross that he shows us the magnitude of His love. And it’s in the empty tomb that He shows us the victory. And that changes everything and is why our lives can no longer be the same. Because He loves us that much - now our lives are never the same once we see the fulfillment of the scriptures in Jesus our Messiah. John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Palm Sunday isn’t Jewish, but when we look at the event of that day with Jewish eyes the significance of God’s plan and His love cannot be missed. 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/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/40651885

Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 13 03/28/2026

Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 13 Today we come to one of the most fascinating times in the history of the kingdom of Judah, an amazing king who does amazing things by the power of an amazing God. But first we take a look at King Ahaz who ruled from 731-715 BC. In 2 Kings 16:2-3 we read that Ahaz did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He followed the ways of other kings, even sacrificing his son in the fire. King Ahaz ⁃ Finds himself under attack by Pekah and Rezin ⁃ Discovers there is a price to pay when you turn your back on the Living God ⁃ Seeks help from the Assyrians - Assyria was a massive growing super power. ⁃ Then God brings a rebuke through the prophet Isaiah (a most effective and influential prophet) but Ahaz refuses to listen. ⁃ Ahaz continues to turn away from God and desecrated the Temple of God as he continues to rebel against God. ⁃ His rebellion brings sadness and tragedy and he continues to suffer military attacks. During Ahaz’s reign in Judah, we read in 2 Kings 17:5-6 that Israel is defeated by the Assyrians after a 3 year siege. At the end of Ahaz’s reign we see that in spite of the faithlessness of God’s people, God remains faithful. The next king of Judah is one of the best. King Hezekiah is Ahaz’s son and Hezakiah rules 715-686 BC. King Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. 2 Kings 18:3. King Hezekiah ⁃ In the first month of the first year of his reign he had the Temple cleansed. 2 Chronicles 29:3-5 ⁃ Then Hezekiah holds a national Passover celebration inviting all of Israel and Judah. They had a 2 week Passover celebration. 2 Chronicles 30:1. ⁃ Hezekiah destroys the sacred stones, high places and Asherah poles and also brakes into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had used to God’s glory but that had become an idol of the Israelites who had been burning incense to it. 2 Kings 18:4 ⁃ Hezekiah is facing the enemy of Assyria as they are coming to conquer Jerusalem and so in 2 Kings 20:20 we read that he built a tunnel and a pool. In the 1880’s the Siloam Inscription was discovered. It tells the story of the building of the tunnel. Hezekiah built this tunnel to ensure there would be water when under siege by the Assyrian army by diverting the Gehon spring into Jerusalem leaving no fresh water available to the Assyrian army. ⁃ Then the siege begins against Jerusalem. 2 Kings 18:28-29 the king’s commander, speaking in Hebrew, calls out that the king of Assyria says that Hezekiah has deceived you because he will not be able to deliver you from me and my army. The king of Assyria is trying to get the people in Jerusalem to just give up. ⁃ Then Hezekiah prays a beautiful prayer - 2 Kings 19:15-16 and God listens and the King of Assyria is defeated by God Himself. 2 Kings 19:35-36. The Assyrians withdraw and return to Nineveh and the siege is ended. ⁃ Then Hezekiah becomes very ill to the point of death. Isaiah comes to Hezekiah to tell him to put his house in order. Hezekiah weeps and prays and God sees Hezekiah’s tears and hears his prayer and God heals him. 2 Kings 20:1-5 ⁃ Hezekiah is visited by the Babylonians, a rising power that will ultimately defeat the Assyrians. 2 Kings 20:13 we read of Hezekiah being tempted by pride. The prophet Isaiah then brings a word to Hezekiah telling him that everything you just showed off to the Babylonians will be taken by Babylonians. Hezekiah repents. ⁃ The prophets Micah and Isaiah were very active during Hezekiah’s reign. ⁃ Hezekiah was one of the greatest kings the nation had ever known. 2 Kings 18:5-6 tells us that Hezekiah trusted the Lord, that there was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, both before and after him, that Hezekiah held fast to the Lord and did not stop following God and that he kept the commands of the Lord. 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/39307300

Growing Gracefully: Thankfulness 03/27/2026

Growing Gracefully: Kindness 03/26/2026

Growing Gracefully: Forgiveness 03/25/2026

Dig Deeper - Week 8: Green Grass Grows 03/24/2026

Dig Deeper - Week 8: Green Grass Grows The past Sunday Pastor taught on “What’s the Answer - Are the Gospels believable?” This teaching is a follow up to that message. Pastor takes us to the story of the Feeding of the 5000 BUT it’s not about the feeding!! So what is this teaching about if it isn’t about the miracle of Jesus feeding 5000 men (plus all the women and children) from 5 small barley loaves and 2 little fish, then what’s this teaching about? Why even bother looking at the story if we’re not going to look at the miracle of Jesus? Well, come along and find out what Pastor is going to show us today! The story of the Feeding of the 5000 is found in all 4 Gospels and Pastor shares a small detail that has great impact on exposing the truth of the Gospels. Feeding of the 5000 in all 4 Gospels ⁃ Matthew 14:13-21 ⁃ Mark 6:30-44 ⁃ Luke 9:10-17 ⁃ John 6:1-14 Feeding of the 5,000 ⁃ Mark talks about “the green grass” - Mark 6:39 ⁃ John tells us there was “plenty of grass” - John 6:10 ⁃ This is important because it shows that the 4 Gospels compliment one another and together give us insights we might otherwise miss. It is a testimony to their reliability and that they are written by eyewitnesses and people who know the eyewitnesses. ⁃ John 6:4 we read “The Jewish Passover Festival was near,” ⁃ Mark 6:31-32 tells us the “so many people were coming and going” that Jesus and His disciples “went away by themselves.” ⁃ Then we read from Luke 9:10 “they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida.” ⁃ Then in Mark 6:34 Jesus “saw a large crowd”…. And He “began teaching them”. With this being the time of the Passover there would be many in Jerusalem and the surrounding area. ⁃ Then in John 6:5 we read that Jesus said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (Philip was from the town of Bethsaida) ⁃ Next Andrew speaks up in John 6:8-9, “Here is a boy with 5 small barley loaves and 2 small fish…” (Andrew was also one of the disciples from Bethsaida) ⁃ Why is “barley” significant? It’s because the Passover follows the Barley harvest. (Late March or early April) ⁃ The feeding of the 5000 is happening during Passover and barley harvest times, which means the rainy season is over, and the season moves into drier hotter weather - the harvest time. The rains from the previous months during growing season would have left the hill sides full of “green grass” as Mark tell us in chapter 6 verse 39 and there was “plenty of grass” as John says in John 6:10 This is a small thing to prove, but these small details testify to an even greater truth and that is that we can trust the Word from God! He is faithful. He keeps His Word and His Word is TRUE even when it comes to green grass that grows! 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 For more check out the series, “What’s the Answer” https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer 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/40566055

Growing Gracefully: The Ultimate Indicator 03/24/2026

Growing Gracefully: In Joy 03/23/2026

Questions - Week 19: Are the Gospels Believable? 03/22/2026

Questions - Week 19: Are the Gospels Believable? Today’s question is one that Pastor has heard most often from young people. The questioning of the Gospels seems to center around miracles, especially the resurrection. Atheistic Materialism Worldview ⁃ No God - universe is by chance ⁃ Matter only - Life came from non-life ⁃ No Miracles - Life is meaningless Bible’s Worldview ⁃ There is a Creator ⁃ He created life ⁃ Life has a purpose These two worldviews are in conflict with each other but careful analysis of the Bible shows the Biblical worldview to be trustworthy. No matter your worldview - there is evidence of the Biblical worldview. THE FOUR GOSPELS: ⁃ The Gospels are Jewish in both their content, background and details ⁃ Matthew - Genealogy + 55 quotations ⁃ Mark begins with Old Testament quote ⁃ John: “In the beginning…” just like Genesis starts ⁃ Luke: Priesthood + “deathbed prayer” Luke 23:46 + Psalm 31:5 (Jesus spoke this prayer “into your hands…”) ⁃ Geographical knowledge - written by people familiar with the territory ⁃ 26 different towns; Sea of Galilee, etc. ⁃ Up to/Down from Jerusalem ⁃ John: 2 pools - Bethesda + Siloam (archeological proof has been found) ⁃ 2 Gardens - Gethsemane + Golgotha ⁃ Details ⁃ Common Jewish names in Israel ⁃ Clarification: e.g. frequently used names: Simon…Mary… thus the need for the clarity given in the Gospel around common names ⁃ Dill and cumin dispute (Mt 23:23) things known at only a specific time in history ⁃ Tax Collectors in Capernaum/Jericho ⁃ Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic languages ⁃ Identity - not the most likely candidates to have written the Gospels ⁃ Interesting names of Gospel authors ⁃ Matthew = former tax collector ⁃ Mark = not one of the original 12 ⁃ Luke = physician, Gentile(?) ⁃ John = Jesus’ closest friend ⁃ Dating - when were they written? Everything that we have suggests that these books were written early and are accurate ⁃ The Gospels reflect the “early days” of the Jesus movement. Jesus is Jewish, the 12 disciples were Jewish, the early believers were Jewish - The Gospels speak from a Jewish view ⁃ Passover within Jerusalem’s walls ⁃ Best documented texts from antiquity ⁃ Paul quotes Luke’s Gospel (1 Tim 5:18 from Lk 10:7 and 1 Cor 11:24-25 from Lk 22:19-20) ⁃ But this verse is a stumbling block for acceptance to the gospels because it is “productive prophecy”: Jesus said, “Jerusalem will be destroyed…” And that brings us back around to the word: MIRACLES. If your worldview is that of atheistic materialism, a miracle / predictive prophecy would seem impossible. But if you believe there is a God and that He is the Creator then He does these things. If Jesus is…. who He claimed to be… who the Gospels declare Him to be…. who the Old Testament said He would be… Then that Good News in the Gospels changes everything the Gospels deserve to be observed they call us to believe it is not irrational it is not foolish the Gospels make perfect sense it is rational it is reasonable and Jesus alone offers life forever and He invites you and me to receive what He freely gives. May we each respond to His Word of truth as we see it proclaimed by those early eye witnesses. Pick up a Bible and read it today! 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/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/40566045

Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 12 03/21/2026

Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 12 Our story picks up with Joash (the hidden royal) being brought forth at the age of seven and hailed as the king of Judah followed by the death of Athaliah. Peace reigns in Judah as we see over 100 years of four fairly “good” kings reigning in Judah from 835-731 B.C. These kings started well but didn’t always finish well: Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah and Jotham. King Joash ⁃ Takes the kingship at age 7 ⁃ Jehoiada, the High Priest, is Joash’s mentor, advisor and instructor ⁃ Spiritual reformation was taking place across Judah as Joash starts out so well with Jehoiada as his advisor - until Jehoiada’s death ⁃ Joash then gets new advisors (2 Chronicles 24:17-18) and they led him astray, worshiping idols and God’s anger came. ⁃ Zechariah is the High Priest after Jehoiada. Zechariah was Jehoiada’s son. He tells Joash and his new advisors of their sin against God, so they plot to kill him. 2 Chronicles 24:20. Zechariah is stoned to death. ⁃ Hazael is victorious in bottles over Judah ⁃ Then Joash’s assignation follows Amaziah ⁃ Amaziah is Joash’s son - Amaziah starts well but doesn’t finish well, following the pattern of his father. ⁃ Mercenaries come from Israel ⁃ Amaziah is given victory as he acts on the words of God through a prophet. 2 Chronicles 25:9 ⁃ But then Amaziah brings idols back from that victory. 2 Chronicles 25:15. Again a prophet comes to Amaziah to warn him, but this time Amaziah doesn’t listen. ⁃ He is then defeated by Jehoash, king of Israel and he too is assassinated. King Uzziah (also known as Azariah) ⁃ Uzziah is Amaziah’s son. 2 Chronicles 26:4-5 tells that he had godly counsel and as long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success. ⁃ He was an extremely capable king ⁃ Ruled for 52 years ⁃ In Israel, Jeroboam II was ruling. Uzziah and Jeroboam II expanded both nations to the original size of the kingdom at the time of David and Solomon. ⁃ New prophets arise during the reign of Jeroboam II and Uzziah: Jonah, Amos, Hosea and Isaiah ⁃ Their kingdoms experienced the glory days of David and Solomon ⁃ But then Uzziah does not finish well. His pride went to his head and he usurped the role of the priests in burning the incense and immediately gets leprosy. 2 Chronicles 26:16-17 King Jotham ⁃ Uziah’s son, Jotham becomes king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 27:2. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but the people, however, continued their corrupt practices. ⁃ Battle with the Ammonites - Godly king who is victorious over the Ammonites. 2 Chronicles 27:6 ⁃ Prosperity & Spiritual decline begins. The renewal did not spread throughout all the people. ⁃ We see the growing power of their enemy in Assyria Next week our story continues with the rise of the power of the Assyrians. 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/39134440

Growing Gracefully: Renewed Minds 03/20/2026

Growing Gracefully: In His Word 03/19/2026

Growing Gracefully: In Prayer 03/18/2026

Dig Deeper - Week 7: Strong Man Bound 03/17/2026

Dig Deeper - Week 7: Strong Man Bound The past Sunday Pastor taught on “What’s the Answer - what is the unforgivable sin?” using Matthew 12:24-32. Today, Pastor digs deeper and takes a look at Mark 3:22-29 - which also talks about the “unforgivable sin.” In Mark 3:22-26 we read that the teachers of the law say that Jesus is possessed by the devil, doing healings in the devil’s power and doing what the devil wants. But Jesus responds by sharing parables and asking how can Satan drive out Satan? A house divided cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand. Jesus explains how illogical their accusations are. Jesus goes on in verse 27 saying that in fact no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then his house can be plundered. Jesus is not denying the devil is strong, but He’s saying He is stronger! He is challenging these men to think things through, to think about what they are saying. Jesus is encouraging them to listen not to their prejudices, but to the Holy Spirit’s testimony, that of what is spoken in scripture and the things that Jesus is doing and what the Spirit is revealing about who Jesus is. In verses 28-29 Jesus continues, “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” He doesn’t say they have done that sin, but reminds them that is the path they are on. Jesus tells them that ALL and any sins and slander can be forgiven, except the persistent refusal to listen to the Holy Spirit. Meaning never letting the Spirit in or listening to Him. The Spirit will transform our lives, Jesus will heal us, forgive us, and bring us into His eternal kingdom. Jesus’ power and the Holy Spirit can deliver us from the bondage of the enemy and give us freedom through Jesus’ saving power at the cross and resurrection because Jesus HAS bound the strong man! 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 For more check out the series, “What’s the Answer” https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer 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/40460720

Growing Gracefully: The Great Commission 03/17/2026

Growing Gracefully: The Great Commission In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus states that He has been given "all authority on Heaven and on Earth," and with that authority gives us our marching orders - make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy spirit, and teach them to obey everything He has commanded. But this isn’t just about His command, this is about God’s faithfulness and His desire for us to experience that faithfulness. Let’s begin by contrasting genuine faith with mere religion: ⁃ Relationship vs. Religion ⁃ Knowledge of God/Knowing God vs. Information/Knowing ABOUT God ⁃ Trusting in God vs. Believing only certain things ⁃ Obedience because we trust God vs. Acceptance of only certain things We are to keep on growing in faith - to know and experience Him - to follow and obey Him. In our verses today, His desire is that we not only obey, but that we teach others to obey Him. He gives us the command to “Make disciples,” and to encourage us He gives us the promise of His faithfulness “to the end of the age.” Jesus opens today’s teaching with “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” - Authority of Jesus: Why? because of His death and resurrection, His sacrifice on the cross and His glorious triumph AND His obedience to the Father. Thus we live in His authority, living by faith in the power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus continues, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” ⁃ Priority of Discipleship: Note that He didn’t say make church members. He didn’t say make Christians. He didn’t say make converts. He said make disciples (followers of Jesus) - build up each other in the faith. Jesus goes on with, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” ⁃ Unity of God: three, yet One. And then He says, “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” ⁃ Necessity of obedience: we are not saved by obedience, but when we know Him and are empowered but the Holy Spirit, our desire is to obey Him. Then Jesus closes with, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ⁃ This is His assurance! His promise! And this gives us strength, hope, power, encouragement and peace, because God is faithful. God is good but above al else He is faithful and God can be trusted no matter what is happening in our lives. Pastor goes on to share a very powerful and very personal story centered on his grandfather. It is an amazing story of God’s faithfulness. (Grab a tissue…) Our good God is calling us to walk with him, to know him more and more, to experience the fullness of His presence, His Holy Spirit and His astonishing love in Jesus ,our risen and returning Savior, the One to whom all authority has been given, the One who tells us, “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 we can do this because He ends this Great Commission with this great promise, “ And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” https://www.awakeusnow.com /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/14745992

The Living One - Week 32: Personal Testimony 03/16/2026

The Living One - Week 32: Personal Testimony Scripture: Revelation 12:11, Romans 9:10, Acts 21-26. Pastor opens and closes today’s teaching with Revelation 12:11 and everything in-between these bookends focuses on the goodness of God through Jesus and the power and impact of our testimonies. Here’s Revelation 12:11, “They triumphed over him (the enemy) by the blood of the Lamb (Christ Jesus) and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Testimony - What’s your testimony? The Bible teaches if we confess Jesus is Lord with our mouth and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead we will be saved. (Romans 9:10) Let’s learn from Paul - Paul continually was sharing his testimony of what Jesus had done in his life. In today’s chapters of Acts we follow Paul as he gives his testimony to: An angry crowd at the temple in Jerusalem The Jewish high counsel in Jerusalem The Jewish high counsel in Caesarea The Roman governor Felix The Roman governor Festus The Jewish King Agrippa and his Sister Princess Bernice Paul’s testimony: He shares how he lived as a Pharisee and opposed the teaching of Jesus, and on the authority of the chief priests imprisoned those believing in Jesus and supported many being put to death. But then his story changes as he tells of being on the Damascus Road when a bright light blinded him and a voice from heaven spoke to him saying, “I am Jesus, who you are persecuting.” God broke into Paul’s life and Jesus told him, “I am sending you to them (the Gentiles) to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:17b-18) As Paul goes on with his testimony he shares how God had helped him share the Gospel message of Jesus’ suffering, death, resurrection, ascension and return. Jesus is the Light to all. In Him alone is life forever and forgiveness. Paul’s personal testimony shared over and over and over again is an encouraging example for us to do the same. Personal Testimony - it is something we want to share - a declaration of what God has done in our own lives. Like Paul, our testimonies impact the lives of those we share it with. Pastor Dodge shares his personal testimony. If you have not ever written down your testimony or bullet pointed it we encourage you to do so! When we are prepared, it helps us share more confidently and boldly! In closing, Pastor encourages us to be bold with our own testimonies and to watch what God can do as we overcome the enemy through the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and the word of our testimonies. (Revelation 12:11) https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/33954657

Questions - Week 18: What is the Unforgiveable Sin? 03/15/2026

Questions - Week 18: What is the Unforgiveable Sin? Today’s question is one that Pastor says has been the question asked with the most fear. Other ways this question is asked: ⁃ What is the unforgivable sin? ⁃ What is the sin against the Holy Spirit? ⁃ How can I be sure I haven’t done this? ⁃ If I have done this is there any hope? ⁃ How do I avoid the unforgivable sin? Matthew 12:31-32 Jesus says, “And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” What is that sin? Let’s start by looking at the context … ⁃ Jesus was preaching and healing. Religious authorities saw Jesus as a threat. Jesus heals a paralyzed man and the religious leaders say Jesus is blaspheming because He told the man your sins are forgiven, take up your mat and walk. And the religious leadership are angry and they continue to get angrier. Matthew 9:3 ⁃ Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples, hosts a dinner, invites his tax collector friends and Jesus attends too. The religious leaders accuse Jesus of “eating with tax collectors and sinners.” Matthew 9:11 ⁃ Jesus heals a demon possessed man and the religious leaders say Jesus was able to heal the man through demonic powers. Matthew 9:34 ⁃ Jesus and disciples are walking in the grain fields on the Sabbath Day, picking and eating grain and the religious leaders say they are working on the day of rest, which is unlawful. Matthew 12:2 ⁃ Jesus heals a demon possessed man and now the religious leaders plot to kill Jesus. Matthew 12:14 ⁃ Jesus heals a man and they say that Jesus healed by the power of Beelzebul (the devil) Matthew 12:24 It is at this point that we continue with the verses just before our text for the day on the unforgivable sin. We read in Matthew 12:25-28 “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? (Meaning how can I be healing from demons by using demons?) And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” What Jesus is saying is look at what you see. Stop judging on the basis of your own anger and bitterness and look at what the Bible has said along. God’s healing is being brought to people. The Holy Spirit is testifying that the Messiah has arrived! Then Jesus speaks the words we started with this morning. Note that the first words are “EVERY KIND OF SIN AND SLANDER CAN BE FORGIVEN.” Jesus goes on and what He’s saying is if we continually refuse to listen to the Holy Spirit and actually go so far as to call what the Spirit does as demonic then we are setting ourselves up for the unforgivable sin. (Note: Jesus is not saying they have done this, but He is calling them to search the scriptures, to search their hearts.) The Holy Spirit always testifies to Jesus. Jesus is saying do not sin against the Spirit because if you persist in that you are cutting yourself off from the only One who can save. The Holy Spirit leads us to faith and to Jesus, who opens our eyes to see the goodness and grace of God. What is the sin against the Holy Spirit? IT IS THE CONSCIOUS, DELIBERATE AND PERSISTENT REJECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S TESTIMONY TO THE IDENTITY AND SAVING POWER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Jesus speaks these words of warning to them to lead them to repentance and faith. God is merciful. His desire is for ALL. Classic example: ⁃ Saul of Tarsus - the persecutor of believers who becomes a transformed man - Apostle Paul. Pastor shares Saul’s story of transformation. Paul understood the sin of the Holy Spirit because that was the path he had been on in his life. But then Saul has an encounter with God that changes him and he understands the immense patience of God and His amazing grace. Pastor closes with Romans 10:9-10 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” God is good! So let us listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice who leads us to Jesus our only Hope. 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/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/40460705

Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 11 03/14/2026

Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 11 Pastor beings today’s class with a Flashback to twelve years earlier from where we left off last week in order to take a look at the prophet Elisha. Elisha’s name means “God is my Salvation.” Even in this dark time of history, God uses Elisha to draw people back to Himself. Elisha’s Ministry ⁃ Moab revolts (2 Kings 3) against Israel. ⁃ Widow’s olive oil (2 Kings 4) God shows His love for individuals ⁃ Naaman healed (2 Kings 5) “The God of Israel is the God of the world!” ⁃ Blinded Arabians (2 Kings 6) “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet Elisha answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:16-17. ⁃ Samaria besieged (2 Kings 7) Now that we know the activity of Elisha during these 12 years of turmoil leading up to the deaths of both the king of Israel and the king of Judah, we return to where we left off with our story last week. King Jehu of Israel ⁃ Kills Kings Joram (king of Israel) and Ahaziah (king of Judah) (2 Kings 9) ⁃ Has Queen Jezebel killed (2 Kings 9) ⁃ Has Ahab’s extended family killed (2 Kings 10) ⁃ Has King Ahaziah’s relatives killed (2 Kings 10) ⁃ Has Baal worship destroyed (2 Kings 10) “So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel. Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit.” 1 Kings 10: 28,31. Such a powerful reminder to have a heart for the things of God, to not take lightly what God desires and has done. Jehu took political control but her did not take spiritual control. Meanwhile in Judah… “When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son had been killed by Jehu king of Israel, she took over the throne of Judah and proceeded to destroy the whole royal family of the house of Judah.” 2 Chronicles 22:10. “But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal prices who were about to be murdered and put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Because Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of the priest Jehoiada, was Ahaziah’s sister, she hid the child from Athaliah so she could not kill him.” 2 Chronicles 22:11-12 Then when the secreted away son of killed king Ahaziah of Judah was 7 years old, we read.… “In the seventh year Jehoiada sent for the commanders of units of the a hundred, the Carites and the guards and had them brought to him at the temple of the lord. He made a covenant with them and put them under oath at the temple of the Lord. Then he showed them deceased king Ahaziah’s son.” 2 Kings 11:4 God had preserved the line of David! “Jehoiada brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him; he presented him with a copy of the covenant and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted “Long live the king!” 2 Kings 11:12. Join us next week as our story continues! 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/39045190

The Living One - Week 31: Thy Will Be Done 03/13/2026

The Living One - Week 31: Thy Will Be Done How do we know what God’s will is? Our Acts story continues: Paul leaves Miletus for Jerusalem and stays at the house of Philip the Evangelist. A couple days after Paul arrives at Philip’s home a prophet named Agabus comes to visit Paul. Agabus takes Paul’s belt, wraps it around his own hands and feet and says, “The Holy Spirit says, “In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.” The people gathered in Philip’s home pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem after they heard this word, but Paul responds, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart. I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Paul makes it clear that he is willing to risk his life to give glory to His Lord, Jesus Christ. In Acts 21:14, we read that when the group could not dissuade him they gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” The Holy Spirit had given Paul a warning through Agabus - that he would be captured by the Jewish leaders and then turned over to the Gentiles. So this is the question: Was Paul disobedient when he decided to go on to Jerusalem? Were the words of the Holy Spirit a warning to say do not go to Jerusalem or could they perhaps be words of warning meant to prepare Paul for what was coming? Could these words be asking Paul’s obedience in going to Jerusalem but God in His goodness is giving Paul a heads up of what he will suffer for Christ’s sake in obeying. Theologians are split on this but here are some reasons to see Paul’s decision to go on to Jerusalem as being obedient. We will use Bible texts: Acts 9:15-16 - from Paul’s conversion story we hear God tell Ananias that Paul will be a chosen instrument to proclaim God’s name to many and God goes on to say, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Paul as Saul had caused many believers to suffer, but as a transformed believer in Jesus - Paul would come to see that suffering would come into his life over and over again. (Beaten, ship wrecks, jailed, and many more difficulties) these were all part of Paul’s life. Paul understood suffering. Acts 20:22-23 - When Paul had announced to the leaders in the Miletus meeting that it was time for him to move on, he said, “I am COMPELLED by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are ahead.” He already knew that difficulties were ahead. The Holy Spirit had already warned him, nonetheless he says he was compelled. This text speaks nothing from God about NOT going - only that ahead were hardships. Acts 23:11 - Several chapters after today’s text, Jesus speaks to Paul, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome.” These are more warning words - no correction for disobedience, but rather kindness and encouragement for Paul - Take Courage! The Lord says! These words are words of kindness to prepare Paul for what more is to come. What we can learn from Paul: Comfort is NOT job #1. Comfort is not our primary focus. Obedience IS job #1. We are not saved by obedience, but by the death and resurrection of Jesus our Savior. Saved by and through Him alone, by grace. However, when we know Him - we desire to follow Him. Salvation leads us to obedience. God’s glory is paramount - What matters MOST is that our glorious God receives glory in each of our lives. In thanks and gratitude for what the Savior bought for us (life forever with God) and so we give Him glory with our lives in response to His gift of salvation to us. God’s plan is incredible - our destiny is to be made new - transformed with glorified bodies with Christ forever. As a result of Paul going to Jerusalem he WAS ACCUSED FALSELY WAS ATTACKED HIS LIFE WAS ALMOST TAKEN HE WAS PUT IN CHAINS SOME PLOTTED TO KILL HIM HE WAS JAILED FOR 2 YEARS THEN SENT BY SHIP BACK TO ROME AS A PRISONER TO APPEAR BEFORE THE EMPEROR But look at what happened as a result of Paul going to Jerusalem - Paul’s Gospel testimony went to: Huge temple crowds Sanhedrin 2 governors King Agrippa Emperor Nero So to the question: Did Paul disobey by going to Jerusalem? Will we see the Holy Spirit warning as God’s way of giving Paul the strength for what was going to happen in Jerusalem, because God wanted to use Paul’s difficulties to get the Gospel message to many who otherwise may not have heard. As Paul walked faithfully before God, God used his faith in remarkable ways. God uses our faithful walk before Him in remarkable ways as well. Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/33860262

The Living One - Week 30: The Inheritance 03/12/2026

The Living One - Week 30: The Inheritance Scripture: Acts 20:32-38 Pastor continues with the story of Paul’s talk with the leadership of the church in a gathering in the town of Miletus - it is Paul’s farewell speech to this group of believers. Paul finishes his time with these friends and leaders with them all in prayer together. There are tears as the leaders are grieved at knowing they will not see Paul again. Paul knew he had complete his work here and in the surrounding cities and areas. The chapter closes with them walking him to the ship to leave. But let’s focus on one of the words from Paul’s speech as it draws to an end. He talks about our inheritance in Christ. What does inheritance mean in the Bible? The biblical definition of inheritance is speaking of what God gives to us through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us that when we believed in Christ, Christ identified us as His own by giving us the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the guarantee that Jesus will give us the inheritance He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people. 1 Peter 1:3-4 tells us of an inheritance that comes to us through the death and resurrection of Christ and is an inheritance that can never perish or fade away. Jesus’ death and resurrection is the heart of our inheritance. BUT there’s more! The Essential Fundamentals of the Faith: 1. Deity - Jesus is true man and true God 2. Death - Jesus, the Lamb of God, through His death, paid for our sins on the cross 3. Resurrection - Jesus’ resurrection assures we too shall rise. The resurrection is God’s declaration that the sacrifice of Jesus is accepted. 4. Return - Jesus is alive forever more and is coming back. His second coming- He’s coming back for us. These fundamentals are pointed to in the Old Testament, and are fulfilled in the New Testament. Jesus’ return is the heart of Paul’s teaching and Christ’s return is what assures us of our inheritance. Are you doubting the Resurrection of Christ? Dr. Gary R. Habermas is a scholar of the resurrection of Christ and has written several books. Here are two we suggest for those wanting to read about the evidence of Jesus resurrection: “On the Resurrection: Evidences” And “On the Resurrection: Refutations” Anthony Flew, a renown atheist debated Gary Habermas. Several years later Antony rejected atheism because the evidence for God is convincing. The evidence for the existence of God and for the resurrection of Jesus is powerful and convincing. Many people have never examined the evidence but instead they have just bought into what they’ve been told by the world rather than the things they could have discovered. What does it mean for us that Jesus is alive? What is our destiny? It is NOT as a spirit in heaven. The Bible teaches the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Pastor sites these verses for what the New Testament says about the: Deceased Believers Luke 23:43 - in paradise Philippians 1:23 - with Christ, better by far 1 Thessalonians 3:13-14 - asleep BUT on our destiny we read in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 1 Corinthians 15:22-26, 51-52 Titus 2:13-14 John 5:28-29 that: 1. Jesus will come down from heaven with a trumpet call and a loud voice of the archangel 2. The dead will rise 3. We will be with the Lord forever 4. A new heaven and a new earth 5. Death will be destroyed 6. We will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye - imperishable! Our destiny is to be raised to life forever with God with transformed glorified bodies in a new heaven and a new earth - ALL things new. May the truth that we too shall rise anchor us in our faith in God and give us strength in opposition, joy in the face of loss and assurance in the face of death. https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/33756067

The Living One - Week 29: Warning Words 03/11/2026

The Living One - Week 29: Warning Words Today’s message is a continued study of Paul’s farewell words of encouragement and warning to the gathering of church leaders. Paul shares honestly that he understands his time left on earth is short. He states how he has proclaimed the whole will of God. What is the Whole Will / Counsel of God? CREATOR - We and the world are intentionally created by a pure, loving, holy creator who shows us how brilliant a Creator / Designer He is. His design points us right back to Him, our Designer. CONDITION - Our condition is that - All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. None of us is righteous. CHRIST - we all need a Savior and that Savior turns our lives around. Christ is the prophesied Messiah: Deity - God Death - on the cross for us - paid the price of our sin by taking it on Himself that we might be saved. Resurrection - His resurrection ensures our victory over death. We will be raised on the last day when He returns. Returning - He will return and we will have eternal life with Him forever. Paul encourages the leaders to take care of themselves and the flocks God has given them. They are to be shepherds of the church of God. Paul warns them of the spiritual war that is all around and to be cautious not to fall prey to the eternal and internal threats against the truth of God’s word. Paul closes by telling them to be on guard because remaining on guard is a life and death matter. Not just a life and death matter temporally (on this earth). It is a life and death matter eternally! (Our eternal destiny). We must be on guard - in Greek this is one word. That word is AWAKE! We need to wake up to the truth of what God says in the Bible. BE AWAKE - be prepared because Jesus is coming back! He will return, so…. Be awake in prayer Be awake in faithfulness to God Do not be deceived! https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/33624057

Dig Deeper - Week 6: One Taken, the Other Left 03/10/2026

Dig Deeper - Week 6: One Taken, the Other Left Pastor starts today’s class by taking a look at Matthew 24:37-39a “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.” This text is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount of Olives and He is talking about His second coming. Jesus compares what it will be like at the end of time, to what happened at the time of Noah’s flood. Noah and his sons built the boat over a long period of time and people could see he was building a huge boat, but they continued doing their regular life things and the flood took them all away. They had not listened to Noah’s preaching and warnings. It will be like that at the end when Jesus returns. In 2 Peter 3:3-10 Peter shares another comparison of what the Second Coming of Christ will be like. There will be a time when God keeps His word once again. There’s been a warning that there will be an end - the Second Coming of Christ and it will take place. We are called to be alert, listen and respond and not to ignore that He is returning. We are to be ready and waiting. Matthew 24 continues with verses 39b-42 “That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. ‘Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.’” Pastor zeroes in on the words “one will be taken the other left.” The question is taken to where? Believer opinions are: ⁃ Taken for judgement ⁃ Taken to be with Christ Pastor refers back to a recent teaching entitled “What Happens When I Die?” That teaching can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/live/5L41Ufkiq2w?si=xxcv4CNj2FC-y7XD Part of that teaching is on 1 Thessalonians 4:13- 5:6. These verses are Paul’s description of the Second Coming of Christ. Paul makes it clear that when Jesus returns the dead believers will be raised first and those still alive will be caught up with them. Pastor takes a deeper look at the original Greek text of the word Jesus uses for our translated word “taken.” For the “taken” Jesus uses here, the word is paralambanō which means to be taken to one’s side, to receive to one’s self. It is a positive and affectionate word. It’s the picture of the Bridegroom taking His bride (His people) to Himself. In our day it is like Noah’s day and Jesus’ day where people are just going on like normal and ignoring God or not paying attention to Him or His Word. But Jesus speaks a word of warning to those not listening and a word of encouragement to believers. In verse 42 He says, “Therefore keep watch!” The greek text for “keep watch” is the word grēgoreō and it means to keep awake! And to be ready for Christ’s return! In closing, Pastor shares a saying he once heard: “Live as though Christ died yesterday, arose this morning and is coming again tomorrow!” 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 For more check out the series, “What’s the Answer” https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer 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/40351240

Message - The Living One - Week 28: Ephesian Farewell 03/10/2026

Message - The Living One - Week 28: Ephesian Farewell God’s word is compelling and so very practical. It thoroughly equips us and it still speaks to us today. Today’s story takes place in the town of Miletus where Paul is speaking to leaders of the church sharing the difficult challenges and testing he experienced in his three years of mission work in Ephesus. He shares how he humbly did the work God gave him even in the most despairing times he humbly hung on tight to God who brought him through it all. What can we learn from Paul’s speech? 1. Humble Service - we are called to humility before our awesome and mighty God, recognizing all we have and are comes from Him and that we are all in the same condition - sinners. We need a Savior and only God can save us. Humility is needed in understanding this. We are called to serve God in humility and to humbly server others to use our gifts, time, talents, abilities and opportunities that God gives us to serve Him and bless others. Our lives are to be lives of Humble Service. Paul goes on to summarize what he taught while in Ephesus: that all must turn to God in repentance and have faith in Jesus. He taught the full counsel of God, not just the popular things but also the things that weren’t. He did so without camouflaging God’s word or avoiding those things that could be heard as upsetting. He spoke the full truth to all. Repent and believe the good news is the heart of the Gospel message - come back to the living God in the way we live and walk with a change of heart and mind through Christ. 2. Steadfast Truth - Speaking the truth in love - that we need to repent before God. Martin Luther says, “When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said repent, He willed that entire life of a believer be one of repentance.” Repentance is a calling - a daily calling to turn back to God, to daily recognize the importance of walking with Jesus. We are not called to simple religion, we are called to a relationship with God through faith in Jesus, God’s Son, who died, rose and is coming again! We are to live in this truth and to share that truth with others As the story continues, Paul shares how he will go where God leads even though he does not know what lies ahead. He shares how the Holy Spirit has warned him that prison and hardships are coming but even in the face of this knowledge, Paul follows willingly where the Holy Spirit compelled him to go, regardless of danger and threats ahead. 3. Spirit Directed - we too have a calling from God - to know Him, to rejoice in Him, to receive hi forgiveness in Christ, to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to allow the Spirit of God to guide and direct our lives. It’s not always easy or comfortable, but it is for our benefit and God’s glory. We are called to listen to the Holy Spirit, walk in the Holy Spirit, to follow the Holy Spirit, to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal and show us God’s goodness. Paul’s story concludes with him stating his life’s aim is to complete the task the Lord Jesus had given him - the task of testifying to the Good News of God’s grace. Pastor shares a personal story regarding this verse, a conversation with a college professor and the place he had this verse inscribed prior to his wedding day. This verse had a profound effect on Pastor life and he shares the impact of visiting the city of Miletus several years ago and being where Paul had spoken these words of Acts 20:24. Without Jesus we are lost - when Jesus breaks into our lives we are changed!! 4. Life’s Commitment - we are to live our lives committed to Jesus. We are to live our lives for Jesus and “finish the race,” the course of our lifetime as planned by God. Our life is a “race.” Towards the end of Paul’s life he writes the following in 2 Timothy 4:7 - “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” That is our calling, too! We are to run the race with endurance, to follow Jesus as our Savior and Guide, to honor, worship and praise our Heavenly Father, to listen to the Holy Spirit as He speaks into our hearts, to follow where God leads NO MATTER THE DIRECTION. NO MATTER THE COST. Scripture: Acts 20:17-24, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/33523447

The Living One - Week 27: Enemy Territory 03/09/2026

The Living One - Week 27: Enemy Territory Today’s teaching is on enemy territory and the reality of spiritual warfare. In a fallen world the battle is not between people - it is between the Living God and the powers of darkness, It is between the Body of Christ and those under the spell of the devil. Ephesus was the center of worship of Artemis and also a hotbed of the occult, magic, eastern religions, drugs, alcohol and many of the same things we encounter in our world today. Ephesus is where Paul carried out some of his most important mission work and it is where God shows us some important lifetime truths through how He worked in Ephesus nearly 2000 years ago. Where we left off last week was with Paul spending two years teaching daily in the Hall of Tyrannus. Verse 10 of Acts chapter 19 tells us that all Jews and Greeks in the area heard the word of the Lord. Paul and others were training up believers to share their faith and so the Gospel message was shared all over Asia. During Paul’s time in Ephesus he experienced more push back than ever before. God was doing extraordinary miracles through Paul and many were healed physically but Paul was also casting out demons and healing people from spiritual illness. DIVINE POWER We need to be connected to the Living God. Our faith is not to be a little bit of head knowledge, a song and a prayer. Our faith is to be life changing, it is to be the heart of who we are. Because God was doing amazing miracles through Paul, news traveled that Paul was not only healing physically but also doing spiritual battle and that He was healing in the name of Jesus. Ephesus was a town filled with evil but the DIVINE POWER of God was so obviously being displayed in the miraculous healings done in Jesus’ name, that it caused the name of Jesus to be held in high honor and it caused a reaction of believers to openly confess what they had done as part of the evil in Ephesus. TAKE GOD SERIOUSLY A massive move of God caused people to take Him very seriously. Our faith molds and transforms us because we are delivered from bondage to sin and death. God offers deliverance from the power of the demonic and the things that can so easily destroy our lives. CLEANING HOUSE People who had practiced sorcery burned their scrolls publicly and the word of the Lord continued to spread and grow in power. as believers changed and non-believers become believers people grew and matured in their faith and suddenly began to realize they needed to do a house cleaning in their lives. God’s Holy Spirit is gracious and reveals things to us as we grow and mature in faith. We are not fully mature the moment we believe - It is a life-long process. God’s desire is that we clean house in our lives, in our homes, in anything that gets in the way of our love and worship of God, anything that controls us in ways that are dangerous and spiritually defiling. With all the awakening to the reality of the Gospel Power of Jesus and the importance of a God-pleasing life of faith, those who didn’t have that faith were began to try to stop all that was happening in Jesus’ name. WORLD VIEWS COLLIDE A worker who made silver shrines to Artemus was very concerned about his economic future in light of the amazing growth of Christianity. And so he spoke out publicly, drawing a crowd and the two sides began to collide. World views are colliding in our world today. The world view of our culture is: All that matters is me All that matters is what I want All that matters is that you don’t stand in my way and say anything to upset me. The world view of the Bible is: All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God God sent His one and only Son The Living God took on flesh and brought life and forgiveness through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the grave. In Jesus there is life, forgiveness and power. The power to live a new life. And so their two world views clashed then and they are still clashing today. We are called not to fight with human weapons, but to recognize the reality of spiritual war and to use the weapons of the Holy Spirit: Prayer Trust in God God’s Word The power of our testimonies Today’s scripture reading ends with the whole city in an uproar - both sides shouting and many joining in the near riot. CROWD FOLLOWERS It can be easy to just go along with the crowd Yet God warns us not to follow the crowd. Exodus 23:2 says, “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.” Wise words for us today! Scripture: Acts 19:11-41, Ephesians 6:12 and Exodus 23:2 https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/33430477

Questions - Week 17: When is the Rapture? 03/08/2026

Questions - Week 17: When is the Rapture? Pastor opens with a prayer for God to build unity among believers especially in the areas where we have differing opinions, that we would show grace to one another and humility before God. Pastor begins with the “rapture” passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will be with the Lord forever.” "Will be caught up.” This caught up is the rapture. “Will be caught up” is one word in Greek: harpazō (Latin was used to translate the Greek work and in Latin the word is rapiemur from which we get “rapture”) Let’s check out 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 where Paul answers the question about Christian believers who have died, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. According to the Lord’s word we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will rise first.” These are encouraging words for believers, giving them the assurance of Jesus’ Second Coming and the assurance of the resurrection of the dead, the gathering of the living and all going with Jesus in the air and of being with Him forever. If we take Paul’s powerful words of summary of the Second Coming in these verses - it seems to be saying that the rapture occurs when Jesus returns, when the dead are raised and when we are all caught up in the air with Him. Paul goes on to say in verse 18: “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 we read that Christ comes at a time no one knows, and He comes not only to bring His people to Himself, but to bring judgement. Verses 4-6 goes on to tell us that we belong to the Light and not to the darkness and Paul calls us to understanding that Jesus can come anytime and that we should be ready and looking forward to His return. Common questions: What is all this talk about the Rapture - its referring to believers who have died in Christ and those who are alive when He returns and the risen dead and the alive will be united with Christ Will there be a rapture - Yes!!! Where is the rapture found in the Bible - In 1 Thessalonians 4 When will the rapture take place - at the Second Coming of Christ Will Christians go through the Tribulation - The word for tribulation is the Greek word thlipsis. It is used 45 time in the New Testament. (Suffering, persecution, tribulation) Pastor takes us on an exploration of the ways thlipsis is used in the New Testament by looking at: John 16:33 Matthew 24:21-22 Romans 5:3 1 Thessalonians 3:7 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Revelation 7:14 We see in these verses that tribulation is a reality, we read of the tribulation of others, of Jesus saying that in this world we will have tribulation, that there will be tribulation, and we read about glorying in our tribulations. Pastor shares the tribulation of the apostles, disciples, and early believers, and that throughout the centuries there has been tribulation of Christian people and in our day the tribulation that is attacking many believers around the world (kidnapped, raped, captured, hunted down, killed, ridiculed, put down, in fear of losing jobs, etc). Tribulation is real, it’s a reality. the Bible doesn’t say we will escape it, instead it says we will be persecuted. Our hope is not based on being taken out of tribulation, our hope is on the second coming of Christ. And the assurance that we will be raised on the last day and will live with Him forever. Believers have differing opinions - Pastor encourages us with what the Bible says: to maintain the peace of the Holy Spirit. To search the scripture to not get caught up in details that cause controversy to focus on the mission of bringing others to Christ Jesus is the only message of reconciliation and eternal life. That is our focus, labor, prayer and service. Bottom line …. The entire New Testament points to the Second Coming of Christ and urges us to live in such a way as to be always ready for His return. Pastor’s closing prayer speaks of thanks to God for the Scriptures, while in them we don’t find everything we want to know, the Scriptures do provide ALL that we need to know. 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/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/40351220

Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 10 03/07/2026

Kings & Prophets: From Solomon to Jeremiah - Week 10 Today we will be taking a look at 25 chapters that are both exciting and complex. The 25 chapters: 1 Kings 15 - 22 2 Kings 1 - 11 2 Chronicles 17 - 22 A period of approximately 33 years. As our study begins we see Ahab (874-853 BC) - is the ruler of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Jehoshaphat (870-848 BC) - is ruler of Judah, the Southern Kingdom. There’s good news and bad news from this period of 33 years… There was an alliance made between Israel and Judah. Bad news: 2 Chronicles 18:1 tells us, “Now Jehoshaphat (Judah) had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab (Israel) by marriage.” As we dig into this we see Ahab (Israel’s worst King) was married to Jezebel, they had a daughter named Athaliah. We also see that Jehoshaphat had a son named Jehoram. Athaliah and Jehoram marry. This is the alliance between Israel and Judah, but the marriage brought great tragedy. Ahab invites Jehoshaphat to Samaria in Israel. Ahab tells him he wants land back that had taken from him and he wants Jehoshaphat to help him fight to get it back. Ahab has 400 false prophets that say he should attack Judah because he will be victorious. Jehoshaphat listens but requests a 2nd opinion. That 2nd opinion comes from a prophecy of Micaiah son of Imlah a prophet of the Living God. Micaiah tells them, “I saw all Israel was scattered on the hillside because the shepherd was gone.” And what happens is that he is thrown in jail. Judah and Israel go to battle and attack Remoth Gilead and the bettle ends in great defeat for Israel and Judah. King Ahab is killed and one of his sons takes over his throne. About 5 years later we read in 2 Chronicles 21:1 that Jehoshaphat dies and his son Jehoram succeeds him as king of Judah. Additionally, in 2 Chronicles 21:4-5 we see Jehoram puts all his brothers to death in order to protect his throne. And now we see Elijah stepping in with a letter to King Jehoram. 2 Chronicles 21:12-13 we see Elijah tell Jehoram that he has not followed the way of his father and grandfather in following God and instead follows the worship and practices of idolatry of the Northern Kingdom. Jehoram has turned away from the God of David. Vs 13-14 he holds Jehoram accountable for killing his brothers, and tells him that he will become sick and die of disease. This is a warning to the way Jehoram is headed and it’s God’s call to stop and to come back to Him. But Jehoram continues to do what he had always done. So he dies and his son, Ahaziah, becomes King of Judah. Reminder: Athaliah is King Ahab and Jezebel’s daughter. Ahab and his wife led Israel away from God. Their daughter Athaliah is married to Jehoram (King of Judah) and when Jehoram dies their son Ahaziah becomes King of Judah. The spiritual pollution of Israel has not only come down to Judah, it has taken the throne. The line of Ahab is on the throne in both Israel and in Judah. In Israel Ahaziah’s uncle, Joram, is King. There is a second Battle of Remoth Gilead at this time. Ahaziah (King of Judah) and his uncle Joram (King of Israel) decide to do the battle again, expecting to win this time. Joram, King of Israel is severely injured in the battle, Ahaziah, King of Judah, goes to check on his uncle. 2 Kings 9:1-3 Elisha has a man go to Remoth Gilead and anoint Jehu as King over Israel. The result is found in 2 Kings 9:22-23, Jehu confronts the Joram King of Israel and Ahaziah King of Judah at the bedside of Joram, Ahaziah’s uncle, where he and Ahaziah are talking. Jehu says there can be no peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of Ahaziah;s mother Jezabel abounds. Joram flees and Jehu pulls out his bow and arrow and hits Joram in the back killing him. Jehu then chases Ahaziah wounding him. Ahaziah dies, too, and now both the King of Israel and the King of Judah are dead. I Kings 11:1 tells us that when Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah saw he son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family of Judah. She desired to eliminate the whole line of David through which the Messiah was to come. 2 Kings 11:2 but the Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash, son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed. And as a result a godly king will ultimately come to the throne against the desire of Ahaziah. Join us next week as our story continues! 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/38960395

The Living One - Week 26: Fully Instructed 03/06/2026

The Living One - Week 26: Fully Instructed This week’s teaching shows us the importance of growth in faith. Today’s scripture is on the story of Paul’s mission work in the city of Ephesus. As he begins to meet people he asks several believers if they received the Holy Spirit when they came to faith in Jesus. Their response was no, that they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, this is much the condition of the christian church in America today. The Holy Spirit has often been ignored. Paul learns that the Christians there had received John’s baptism. They had heard the teachings of John the Baptist and had been baptized in a baptism of repentance. Paul taught them that the One (Jesus) that John had predicted was coming was here and this was Jesus. John had said that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Paul fills them in on Jesus, the one John had said was coming. So after hearing this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues. Today speaking in tongues has become very controversial. How do we deal with spiritual gifts? Spiritual Gifts Expired - A view that many have is that these once were, but have now ended with the end of the apostles and the end of the New Testament. But the TRUTH is that there is NO expiration on the gifs of the Spirit. We are to earnestly desire the gift of the Spirit. (1 Corinthian 12 and 14) And Jesus says in Luke 11:13 “…how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” There is nothing in the New Testament to indicate that these gifts have expired. Everyone - People say everyone has to have the same gifts or we all have to have the gift of speaking in tongues and yet the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul says that the Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different believers, that not all have the same gifts. Eliminate - Many desire the gifts of the Spirit be eliminated because they are controversial. This attitude is basically trifling with the gifts of God and in effect encourages the church to remain weak and spiritually deficient. However, Paul says to earnestly desire the gifts and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. We need to take to heart what Paul says. The gifts aren’t badges to impress others with our spirituality, but they are gifts from the Holy Spirit given to build up the body of Christ, encourage believers and to empower us to carry out the work God has given us to do. These opening verses of Chapter 19 of Acts - while controversial - show us that the gifts are still very important and require us to take a look at what the Bible actually says about them. We need to make sure we are allowing the scriptures to guide us rather than our own prejudices, our own practices and our own jealousies. As we continue looking at more of Paul’s work in Ephesus where he spent around 3 years, we discover more that we can learn. In the synagogue, Paul spoke out boldly about the kingdom of God, but after 3 months, individuals refused to believe and began to publicly malign the teachings on Jesus the Messiah. So Pal moves from teaching in the synagogue to teaching daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus for the next two years so that all the Jews and Gentiles who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the God. Paul was a tireless worker for the Lord, but what was it that he shared with the people of Ephesus? We can discover the answer to this in his epistle/letter to the Ephesians. The Book of Ephesians Messiah - Firstly, Paul concentrated on sharing the Good News of Jesus the Messiah and that through Him we receive every spiritual blessing, we come to know the deep love of Jesus, that we are saved by grace, and to know the fullness of God. Maturity - Paul encourages us to grow in our faith, in our knowledge and love of Jesus our Savior. He shares how to not grieve the Spirit of God through impurity, but instead to grow in fellowship with God and to be filled with the Spirit. Paul also teaches to always give thanks for everything and to put on the full armor of God. In summary of today’s text, Christ is to be in the center of our lives and we are to grow up in our relationship with Him. This is God’s desire for His children. We do not want to hold to a form of religion and deny it real power. We want to hear the Holy Spirit's testimony We want to respond to what the Word of God has to say We want to live in a dynamic relationship with Jesus, that we might not only be blessed by Him but may be used by Him to be a blessing for others The Gospel message of Jesus transforms! It has POWER! We encourage you to read the book of Ephesians. Scripture: Acts 19:1-10 and 2 Peter 3:18 Check out the video on our website Check out the video on Youtube Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/33339652

The Living One - Week 25: Encouragement 03/05/2026

The Living One - Week 25: Encouragement God’s word teaches endurance: how to face the difficulties and challenges of life. The Bible doesn’t tell us we will get through life without difficult days and trials. God’s Word gives us encouragement because God’s word is true, it is genuine and it speaks directly into our lives. Paul at Corinth is a story that shows us how God gives His children encouragement even in the most difficult of times, difficult of places and the most trying of circumstances. Paul went on missionary journey to Corinth (in Greece) a very corrupt seaport city. They had a temple to Aphrodites and Paul found himself very discouraged at the evil he found there. But God brings encouragement in a way that teaches us to see the ways that God ministers to us in the darkest of days. Observations: Provision: Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla - God provides as he brings people into our lives who will minister and encourage us. Support: Silas and Timothy - God’s support through colleagues that helped Paul be able to devote full time effort into preaching the Gospel. Opportunity: Jews from the synagogue didn’t want Paul teaching any longer in the synagogue, so Paul went to a man’s house next door to the synagogue and there he preached the gospel to the gentiles. Even in the difficulty of being rejected by the Jewish community, God gave Paul an opportunity to teach Gentiles. Assurance: Corinth was a difficult city to share the Gospel, but Jesus speaks by a vision to Paul, saying, “Do not be afraid - Keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you and no one is going to attack or harm you because I have many people in this city.” God says this to you and me as well, “Don’t give up because I am with you!” So Paul stayed in Corinth a year and a half teaching them the Word of God. Protection: There is dissension between the Jews going to synagogue and the Jews and Gentiles that believed in Jesus as the Messiah. Consequently, after teaching for 1 1/2 years, Paul was arrested and charged with the crime of practicing an illegal cult. They wanted him imprisoned or killed. But Gallia - the court judge - says the one bringing Paul to trial needed to figure things out on their own and that he would not rule on the charges, nor would he punish Paul and Gallia dismissed the case. God knows how to deliver His people! He did it for us at the cross! And the final victory is now ours. We win! Surprise!: Surprisingly, following the dismissal of the case against Paul, the Jews from the synagogue attack the synagogue leader and beat him up instead of Paul! God’s additional surprise is that in 1 Corinthians 1:1 we read that this synagogue leader, Sethenese, becomes a believer in Jesus and part of the house church in Corinth. And God has surprises for us in the difficult times, too, because our God is a good and gracious God. He loves His children. He is always with us in difficult times and easy times. He brings joy and hope, endurance and assurance to those who call on Jesus, the Messiah, our Savior! Scripture: Acts 18:1-17, Romans 15:4 Check out the video on our website Check out the video on Youtube Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/33246387

The Living One - Week 24: Unknown Known! 03/04/2026

The Living One - Week 24: Unknown Known! This account takes place on Paul’s second missionary trip, on his trip to the city of Athens, A city that prided itself on knowledge and education, learning, culture and the arts. It was also a city filled with idols. As Paul looked around and saw all the idolatry it just really riled him up and he began passionately sharing the gospel message in the synagogues and even in the market places. He worked to draw people to Jesus and not to idols. His impassioned message caused much interest, but also much controversy. Paul teaches us to not give up - when we are confronted with issues or by people who reject what we believe we don’t give up - we are kind, gracious, we are generous and merciful, but we can be encouraged by Paul’s example. In this story we learn that we do not need to hesitate to say what we believe and why. Paul’s persistence cases those listening to become curious. They ask questions and want to know more and more. While they were curious, they were still not wanting to believe. So Paul says that he noticed how “religious” they are, but what they took as a compliment Paul meant as a warning because what is necessary is a relationship with the Living God and not mere religious behavior. But stating he noticed their “religiosity” was a great starting point for keeping them listening. He tells about all the idols he’s seen and points out an altar they have with the world, “to an Unknown God” on it. He points out to this group of people (who despised ignorance and prided themselves on wisdom) and goes on to say that he will tell them about the Unknown God. Paul will make the Unknowns KNOWN! Today many are influenced by an Unknown God: 1. Never heard of Him 2. Never understood anything about Him 3. Never cared to know about Him 4. Never believe in Him These were the issues Paul was facing - the same issues we face today. Paul goes on to say that the God who made the world is not a statue and is not confined to a building. He’s not served by human hands (like their idols are) and it is God that gives everything life and breath. God, from one man, made all nations, thus showing His concern for all nations and that God has mapped out each nation’s appointed time in history. Nothing that happens on earth happens without God’s foreknowledge and without His plan coming to fruition. Paul’s life had been transformed when he came to know Christ, and it is Paul’s desire that these people experience that same thing. 1. Talks about the natural knowledge of God which all have instinctively - that we innately know there must be a divine being. 2. Talks about the revealed knowledge of God, that He has revealed Himself as Creator of all and loves us and desires we know Him. 3. Tells them that having natural knowledge and revealed knowledge requires a response, that human ignorance is not overlooked by God. God calls us to repentance, making a U-turn in our lives and having a changed mind and attitude - re-directed lives. If God truly is God — He cannot be manipulated through statues. We are called to yield to Him. Paul ends with the story of Jesus Deity, Death, resurrection and Return. Without Jesus and a relationship of faith we are lost. God is God! Many listening to Paul repented and received relationship with the Living God through Jesus Christ - the Savior or ALL nations. The fruit of Paul’s efforts were many becoming believers and followers of Jesus because Paul had the courage to share Jesus with them and confront them with TRUE Wisdom. Scripture for the message: Acts 17:16-34 Check out the video on our website Check out the video on YouTube Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app. /episode/index/show/awakeusnow/id/33053382

Dig Deeper - Week 5: Holy Spirit - Old and New 03/03/2026

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