Wake Church Weekend Messages

Vivification is the Holy Spirit awakening the believer into increasing participation in the resurrection life of Jesus.

In this message from our Fundamentals series, Pastor Kai teaches on mortification: the daily, Spirit-empowered putting to death of sin in the life of the believer. Romans 8 reminds us that those who belong to Christ are no longer condemned, no longer ruled by sin, and no longer indebted to the flesh. Instead, we are called to set our minds on the things of the Spirit and walk in the freedom Christ has purchased for us. Mortification is not legalism, self-hatred, or behavior management. It is the ongoing work of killing sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. As we name sin honestly, confess it quickly, starve it, fight it with the Word and prayer, look to Christ, and walk with other believers, God forms us into the likeness of Jesus.

In this message from our Fundamentals series, Pastor Josh teaches on sanctification: the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit that progressively forms believers into the likeness of Christ and frees us from the power of sin.While justification frees us from the penalty and guilt of sin, sanctification is how God continues transforming us over time. It is slow, intentional, and often painful, but always shaped by grace. We do not grow by striving to earn God's love, but by abiding in Christ, surrendering daily, confessing sin honestly, and remembering who we are in Him.Sanctification is not behavior management. It is Spirit-led formation flowing from justification.

In this message from our Fundamentals series, Pastor Josh teaches on the doctrine of justification: the good news that though every person stands guilty under God's law, Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf, bore the punishment for our sin, and gives His righteousness to all who believe.Justification is not something we earn through performance, striving, or religious effort. It is received by faith in Christ. Because of Jesus, believers are acquitted, adopted into God's family, transformed by grace, and assured of their future hope.The verdict over every believer in Christ is clear: not guilty.

Fundamentals: The Basics of Formation

Today we discuss money and generosity within the church, aiming to correct common misconceptions around giving, the prosperity gospel, and the pursuit of wealth. It emphasizes that true generosity is about the heart and not about fulfilling cultural or materialistic desires, highlighting Jesus' teachings on financial stewardship and the dangers of greed.

The church is not just a physical location but a community of people called to live in fellowship. We must focus on the importance of gathering together, especially around tables, to share meals, build relationships, and express the true nature of the church through love, devotion, and intentional community, ultimately reflecting the love of Christ to the world.

Many Christians today are approaching church with the wrong mindset, treating it as an institution to attend or a subscription to fulfill personal preferences rather than understanding that they are the church, called to be active participants in God's mission. We need to challenge believers to wake up to our purpose of making disciples and following Jesus daily, rather than becoming complacent, spiritually isolated, or passive in our faith.

Today we dive into Chapter 4 of the story of Jonah, emphasizing how his selfishness and anger toward God's mercy for the people of Nineveh reveal the dangers of prioritizing personal comfort and desires over God's will. We are challenged to reflect on our own hearts, urged to surrender our anger and comfort, embrace God's mission of grace, and extend mercy to others, even to those who have wronged us.

Today we discuss the dangers of becoming complacent and oblivious to God's guidance in our lives, waking up to recognize our own disobedience. Realizing the importance of turning back to God, especially when life begins to fall apart, and remembering His character in times of difficulty.

Pastor Josh discusses the story of Jonah, highlighting how our understanding of God's character can influence our actions. Challenging us to reflect on whether we are running away from God's calling, perhaps due to a misunderstanding of His nature. Encouraging us to move toward repentance, forgiveness, and embracing God's mission despite personal inconveniences.