Awaken Church

In a world obsessed with likes, comments, and applause, many of us unknowingly become addicted to the approval of others. We live for validation, compromise convictions, and overextend ourselves—all to avoid disappointing people. But the truth is, we can't please everyone. And the good news is—we don't have to. This message challenges us to break free from the performance trap and step into the freedom of God's approval.

Note: Sermon originally preached on June 15, 2025. Spiritual growth doesn't happen by accident, it's fueled by appetite. In 1 Peter 2:1–3, we're challenged to crave the pure milk of God's Word. Just like a baby's rapid growth depends on its diet, our spiritual maturity hinges on what we consistently consume. You don't just reflect what you believe, you reflect what you feed on.

God speaks even in seasons when His word feels rare, calling the faithful to deeper purpose. Obedience begins when we posture our hearts to listen, as Samuel did with the words, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” Spiritual maturity grows when we move from serving out of duty to carrying God's word with conviction. Align your heart today to expect His voice and respond with willing obedience.

Restoration after failure remains possible through Christ's redemptive grace, even when we've failed in our most sacred responsibilities. Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus demonstrates that betrayal and broken trust don't disqualify us from God's purposes when we genuinely repent. Christ's patient pursuit of broken relationships shows His commitment to healing what seems irreparably damaged, offering hope for marriages, families, and ministries that appear beyond repair. Take courage today knowing that your past failures don't define your future potential in God's kingdom.

Jesus's Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20 calls all believers to active obedience, not passive faith. Hebrews 11 demonstrates that faith requires action—obedience becomes a lifestyle of taking uncomfortable but necessary steps with God. Individual acts of obedience create ripple effects that impact families, workplaces, and entire communities across generations. Whether beginning to follow Jesus or taking the next step of faith, courage is required to move from contemplation to action.

This message from Ephesians 6:4 challenges parents to raise their children with intentionality, love, and spiritual purpose. True parenting isn't about control—it's about awakening a hunger for God through example and engagement. The call is simple but sacred: don't just raise kids—raise disciples. What your child sees in you today shapes who they'll become tomorrow.

Matthew 6:33 calls us to build our lives around the rule and reign of God—not merely prioritizing Him among many tasks, but centering everything on His kingdom and righteousness. Jesus isn't asking for balance; He's demanding total alignment. When God becomes the center, every other area—marriage, family, purpose—finds its proper place. Without Him at the center, even good things lose their eternal impact.

We often fight to be right, but God calls us to communicate in a way that protects connection. Anger isn't always loud—sometimes it shows up in silence, distance, or withdrawal. But when we let the Spirit lead our words, our tone, and our timing, conflict becomes an opportunity for deeper intimacy—not division.

Everyone says marriages should be built on love, commitment, and Jesus—and that's true. But if we're honest, most marriages start with something else: past experiences and future expectations. The real question is: What's sitting at the foundation of your marriage? But the good news is, God can rebuild any foundation—if you're willing to unpack what's really there.

Legacy isn't just what we leave behind—it's what we deposit within. In a culture obsessed with the now, God is calling us to think generationally. This message challenges us to stop thinking in terms of comfort and start thinking in terms of calling. It's a call to invest in the future, to build with eternity in mind, and to live with a faith so bold it writes the future for generations to come.

It's not what you say, it's what you obey that determines whether you stand or fall. You can call Him ‘Lord' with your lips, but if you don't build your life on His words, it's all sand. 

Focus on becoming the right person, and God will align you with the right purpose. When your heart is right, your hands will follow.