Sixty-Six

66 books combined into 1. It's old, but still fresh; it's historic, but extremely relevant; its authors are dead, but it is alive and kickin'. God's Word has been around for multiple millennia now, while its critics rise and fall. Love it or hate it, it's the primary tool God has chosen to use to change your life. Will you let it?

awakenchurch.com/sixtysix

Heartbreak Stable - Matthew 1:18-25

The tranquility of the typical nativity doesn’t communicate the heartbreak, stress, and pain that led up to the birth of the Savior. Your story may be similar. Rest in this truth: as you respond in obedience, God responds with His presence. Your heart may be broken, but Jesus came to mend broken hearts!

Finding Your Name in the Bible - Matthew 1:12-17

Guest Speaker Chip Lusko Continues our series on the Family Tree of Jesus Christ.

No Excuses - Matthew 1:10, 2 Chronicles 34-35

What were you doing at age 8? You were probably still learning basic math, feeding your dog, and watching Power Rangers. Not Josiah. At age 8, he became King of Judah. At age 20, he purged the land of idolatry. Regardless of your past or lack of experience, if you’re following God, you can rewrite history!

The Naughty List - Family Tree Christmas Series

When Santa makes his rounds, only the kids on the “nice list” get presents. If you end up on the “naughty list,” it’s a lump of coal for you! One person that would’ve topped the naughty list in her early years was Rahab. However, her faith in God was rewarded, reminding us that no one is out of God’s reach!

The End. - Revelation 20:7-15

Throughout history, the question has been asked: “How long?” How long will sin go unpunished? How long will the rebellious prosper? How long will God allow suffering? The answer is: not much longer. When the time is right, God will once and for all prove His power over Satan and sin. Will you be ready?

Guest Speaker Pastor Nate Witiuk - Make It Count For Eternity

Guest Speaker Pastor Nate Witiuk speak on the Parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19:11-27

ThanksLiving - Luke:11-19

As Americans, we have a holiday set aside to give thanks, but how many of us live thanks? In Luke 17, 90% of those Jesus healed didn't return to say thanks. Let's turn the tide: let's make sure our praise is louder than our problems!

Heaven's Appetizer - Revelation 20:1-6

The phrase “party like it’s 1999” became popular as 1999 rolled into the year 2000. But that pales in comparison to the dawning of THE Millennium after Christ’s return! It will fulfill promises, as well as prove Christ’s power and man’s sin nature. Faith in Christ is your RSVP to this thousand-year party on earth!

When God Goes to War - Revelation 19:11-21

Many people prefer to think of God as a baby in a manger, or a crowd-wowing, demon-casting, food-multiplying miracle worker. Although He is all of those, He’s not only those. He will one day return as ruler and judge. Those who choose not to surrender now will be forced to then. Will you be ready?

The Party To End All Parties! - Revelation 19:1-10

We've all been to parties and weddings of many different sizes and occasions. Some, we want to never end, others can't end soon enough! Everyone who has ever lived is invited to God's party that will end all parties. The invitation has been extended, but will you be ready?

The Greatest Depression - Revelation 18:1-24

In 1929, the bottom fell out of the world’s economy, resulting in the Great Depression. Many people and countries that were highly invested went bankrupt. That’s the coming story of all who invest in the world system. Apart from God, there is only loss, disappointment, and spiritual bankruptcy.

A Girl And Her Pearls - Revelation 17:1-18

Everywhere you look, there’s something to entice you: food, clothes, money, a car, and much more. Unfortunately, those things don’t last. Satan is on the prowl, looking for ways to lure you in. His system is enticing, but it’s also doomed for failure. Choose instead to follow Jesus, who guarantees the victory.

Justice Is Served - Revelation 16:1-21

A Judge can’t acquit a murderer because he doesn’t feel like punishing the criminal. Same with God. Since He is righteous, He must act in righteousness. He judged His Son on our behalf, but those who continually reject Him must be judged as well. However, even judgment reminds us of God’s righteousness.

Monuments Drive the Movement - Joshua 4

Forgetfulness is a plague. We forget birthdays, anniversaries, appointments, and the location of our keys and remote controls. We are also in danger of forgetting God’s faithfulness. No matter how good He is to us, we can forget. We need to intentionally build monuments that drive our forward movement.

The Beginning of the End - Revelation 15:1-8

As the Tribulation comes to a close, and God prepares to finalize His judgment on the earth, a parade breaks out. It’s not your typical parade, but what we witness reminds us that God’s judgment on sin is righteous and just. Even in the darkness of God’s judgment, His people can rejoice in victory! 

The Real Grim Reaper - Revelation 14:14-20

The grim reaper is one of the images that people associate with death and judgment. However, a more accurate picture is that of a compassionate Savior who died so that we wouldn’t have to. God’s holiness demands justice, but He served that to His Son so you wouldn’t have to endure it!

A Dying Plea - Revelation 14:6-13

Short of forcing people into repentance, God exhausts all avenues of grace. Although the world paints Him as a vengeful, pain-inflicting God, He is ultimately a compassionate, loving God that pursues the lost to the very end. What will it take for God to get your attention? Will you harden your heart until it’s too late?

Endless Opportunities - Acts 8:26-40

Doing things God’s way almost always means doing things differently than we would have expected. Philip was a great example of a man who unquestioningly followed God’s command, regardless of how backward it seemed. The result was worth it. Endless opportunities await when you live in obedience.

Guest Speaker Pastor Nate Witiuk - A Song Worth Singing (Luke 1:46-56)

We take a look at the song of Mary the mother of Jesus in Luke 1:46-56. Where even with all the worry and anxiety that any pregnant teen age girl would have, she worships God and finds peace in the fact that He is Lord, Savior, Mighty, Faithful, and a Respectful God. Find out more in this teaching message from Pastor Nate Witiuk.

Untouchable - Revelation 14:1-5

Emerging from the darkness & demonic oppression of the Tribulation will be a team of victorious men, unlike anyone this world has never seen. Like them, Christians are called to be set apart from the darkness of our culture, rejoicing always, and setting an example of purity and commitment to Jesus, at all costs.

The Worship Leader From Hell - Revelation 13:11-18

The job of a worship leader is summarized in the title: lead people into worship. Every person – Christian or not – is a worship leader of some sort. We are either worshiping ourselves or worshiping Jesus, and leading others to do the same. Don’t settle for a substitute, and don’t lead others astray. Worship Jesus!

Substitute "Savior" - Revelation 13:1-10

Even people who say they worship nothing worship something. It may be a person, fame, wealth, a job, or anything else. At the end of the world, people will be drawn to the promises of the Antichrist. However, he will eventually go to hell and take millions with him. There are many counterfeit saviors. Don’t be fooled.

This Means War! - Revelation 12:1-17

If you rewind the clock to before the Garden of Eden, you’ll find that Satan has been attacking God’s redemptive plan for a long time. He’s always persecuted Israel, and today he persecutes the Church as well. Although Satan is defeated, we daily go to war on sin, strategizing, resisting, and fighting him to the death!

The Pre-Party - Revelation 11:15-19

Tailgate parties are fun, but you hope you’ll have a bigger reason to celebrate later, once your team has won. In Revelation 11, the final trumpet sounds, and heaven bursts into a party, celebrating a future victory. That’s the beauty of following Jesus: victory, though still future, is so sure, we can celebrate it now!

Tribulation Task Force

Advertising is everywhere: busses, restrooms, product placement, and even people’s skin! Similarly, God has scattered His witnesses throughout the earth as He pursues the lost with the hope of the Gospel. In Revelation 11, we see God continuing that pursuit at one of the world’s darkest hours. He loves us!

Heartburn - Revelation 10:1-11

Heartburn is common and is often related to food and drink intake. Believe it or not, the Gospel can produce a similar spiritual effect. Although it is sweet and portrays God’s love, it is also bitter because of God’s judgment. That mix should cause our hearts to burn with urgency to proclaim the message of salvation!

Hell On Earth - Revelation 8:1-9:21

Kids throw fits because they think their way is best. People do the same thing spiritually. God won’t force feed His blessings to us. He knows best, and will continually warn you and guide you, but if you refuse repentance, your worst nightmare will come true: you’ll get your way. Consider yourself warned.

Eye Of The Storm - Revelation 7:1-17

In Revelation 7, we get a small break from the carnage of the Tribulation to get a look at 2 unique groups of people. One groups is Jewish, the other is Gentile, but both remind us that God has made a way for salvation even in the midst of judgment and chaos. He is constantly seeking more souls!

The Lamb Lets Loose

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 6:1-16- Sunday, June 10, 2012. The phrase "the wrath of the Lamb" seems to make as much sense as  "the speed of a turtle" or "the gracefulness of a goat." However, one day soon, the wrath of Jesus, the Lamb of God, will be unleashed in unprecedented, earth-shaking ways. There will be no survivors except for those who repent and turn to Jesus. Repent today and help others to do the same.

Grape Expectations - Guest Speaker Andy Deane

Grape Expectation is a teaching by Andy Deane Guest speaker for Awaken Church on Sunday, June 3rd.

The Crowd Goes Wild - Revelation 5:8-14

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 5:8-14- Sunday, May 27, 2012. If you’ve been to a sporting event, you know the excitement when the home team wins and the crowd goes wild. In heaven, when Jesus steps forward as the Redeemer, the home team wins…and the crowd goes wild! Heaven and all of creation erupt in worship! If you’ve been redeemed, you have a song to sing!

Let's Make A Deal - Revelation 5:1-7

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 5:1-7- Sunday, May 20, 2012. Everywhere you look, people are looking for deals: yard sales, Craigslist, eBay, and more. Some things can be purchased cheap, while others go for a lot more. We are on the receiving end of the single greatest transaction in history: our sin for Jesus’ salvation! The deal is simple: you surrender, and Jesus saves you!

Nucleus - Revelation 4:1-11

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 4:1-11- Sunday, May 13, 2012. Until the 16^th century, most people believed in a geocentric solar system (centered around Earth). Copernicus finally proved that it is actually heliocentric (centered around the sun). Contrary to popular belief, the world doesn’t revolve around you. Heaven is God-centric – and our lives should be too!

Guest Speaker Pastor Nate Witiuk - Taking Mary Moments in a Martha World

Guest Speaker Pastor Nate Witiuk - Luke 10 Mary and Martha - Sunday, May 6, 2012. 

Making God Gag [Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church] Revelation 3:14-22

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 3:14-22 - Sunday, April 29, 2012. Most people prefer their drinks either hot or cold, not lukewarm. Jesus prefers His people the same way, but unfortunately, many people settle right in the middle. The lukewarm life seems to be much easier: no huge sacrifices for Jesus and no offending others with Jesus. The reality is, it makes God sick!

Just Do It. [Philadelphia: The Faithful Church] Revelation 3:7-13

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 3:7-13 - Sunday, April 22, 2012. “Just do it” is Nike’s famous slogan. It’s meant to motivate and challenge athletes to get out and do their best. Jesus provides plenty of motivation for His people to get out there and just do it when it comes to ministry that’s all around us. Although obstacles are everywhere, the rewards are eternal!

Cancel The Funeral - Revelation 3:1-6

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 3:1-6 - Sunday, April 15, 2012. A taxidermist poses, paints, and recreates a dead animal to look alive. In some cases, the animals look better dead than they did when they were living! Many people look alive, but are dead spiritually. Jesus wants to cancel your funeral, but you have to repent first. It won’t be easy, but an eternal reward is waiting!

Easter- Take The Plunge - Romans 6:1-4

Pastor Kevin Miller teaches from Romans 6:1-4 - Easter, April 8, 2012. The death and resurrection of Jesus changed a lot of things. Good Friday and Easter Sunday are not just two more events to add to your calendar. The shockwaves of what transpired on those days should ripple through the rest of your life. Sin’s power has been broken and life’s meaning has been redefined!

Good Friday - Premeditated 2:14-15

Pastor Kevin Miller teaches from Hebrews 2:14-15 - Good Friday, April 6, 2012. The title “Good Friday” has to be confusing to a lot of people. Normally, the anniversary of someone’s death is full of tears and mourning. Good Friday is good because our God is not still dead! He came with the premeditated plan to destroy Satan and deliver us from death. It is indeed GOOD Friday!

Poison In The Pulpit - Revelation 2:18-29

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 2:18-29 - Sunday, April 1, 2012. No one says, “I’m only drinking a little bit of poison – it’s no big deal.” Any amount of poison could be lethal, so it’s best to stay away at all cost. The same goes for sin, but unfortunately, it’s disguised as being beneficial and fun to play with. The reality is that sin is slow suicide. Choose obedience if you want to live.

Get A Grip - Revelation 2:12-17

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 2:12-17 - Sunday, March 25, 2012. Without traction or grip, your car would slide off the road, your pants would slide off your waist, and your feet would slip out from under you. It’s important to have a grip, but more importantly, that you’re gripping the right thing. Let go of the world so that you can have a grip on Jesus – you can’t have both!

Crushed - Revelation 2:8-11

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 2:8-11 - Sunday, March 18, 2012. At a restaurant, if you ask your waiter for pepper, they will probably grind the peppercorns onto your entrée. Similarly, as you follow Christ, there will be times that you will be crushed and ground down in order for God to receive the most glory. It will be painful, but it will also be worth it. Be faithful through the pain.

Erosion - Revelation 2:1-7

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 2:1-7 - Sunday, March 10, 2012. Many churches look impressive from the outside: functioning ministries, good works, and booming attendance. Although you may be impressed with their full calendar, what God is looking for is a full heart. If love is not at the center of what we do, we’re wasting our time and in danger of forfeiting our impact.

Jesus in HD - Revelation 1:12-20

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 1:12-20 - Sunday, March 04, 2012. If you’ve watched anything on VHS, you know how much the quality has improved since then! John had spent years of his life with Jesus, but this new vision blew him away. In fact, it was in such High Definition, he fainted! It’s time we remember Jesus for His eternal majesty, then respond in worship.

Lessons From A Deserted Island - Revelation 1:4-11

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 1:4-11 - Sunday, February 26, 2012. Sometimes life feels like a party, and other times, like a punishment. However, even in the deepest, darkest moments of your life, God has never left. In fact, pain and loneliness can often be the catalyst for some of life’s greatest lessons and most intimate times with God. Don’t despise your exile.

The Unveiling - Revelation 1:1-3

From the series "The Reckoning" - Revelation 1:1-3 - Sunday, February 19, 2012. Before forming an opinion about someone, it’s best to get to know them. The book of Revelation was designed to give you a personal introduction to the one Person you need to know the most: JESUS! It’s urgent that you know Him and are living for Him because He’s coming back soon. Get ready!

THE BOOK - Volume 2: New Testament

Pastor Kevin Miller teaches from The Old Testament - Sunday, February 12, 2012. Everything in the Old Testament was pointing toward Jesus, so when He showed up, everything God had been saying for thousands of years found their answers in Him. Jesus is the center of Scripture and should be the center of our lives as well. He came once, and you can be sure He’s coming back!

The Book: Volume 1 - Old Testament

Pastor Kevin Miller teaches from The Old Testament - Sunday, February 5, 2012. Unfortunately, “old” sometimes has negative connotations. People try to prevent aging and often obsess with new things. However, just because the Old Testament has the term “old,” doesn’t make it irrelevant. In fact, it provides the footing for the New Testament. Even the Old Testament is about Jesus!

Be A Rebel - Philemon 17-25

From the series "Redeemed" - Philemon 17-25 - Sunday, January 29, 2012. The term “rebel” normally has a negative connotation. It speaks of someone who doesn’t follow the rules and stands up against authority. However, Christians are called to rebel against the social standards of society like vengeance and grudges. Grace enables us to play by a different set of rules.

Redefine Your Life - Philemon 8-16

From the series "Redeemed" - Philemon 8-16 - Sunday, January 22, 2012. Trying to live life while constantly staring over your shoulder at your past regrets can be as dangerous as trying to drive while staring in the rearview mirror. However, if you’ll let it, the Gospel will empower you to confidently face your past mistakes and redefine your purpose for eternity.

worshiping. - Romans 12:3-8

From the series "simplify." - Romans 12:3-8. - Wed, January 15, 2012. In return for your soul, God gave you a gift. It could be Spiritual gifts, natural abilities or talents, etc. The bottom line is, you have a gift. But God doesn’t give gifts so that you can hoard them to yourself. He gives them because they play a role in the bigger picture. Embrace yours and put it to work!

The Gospel Is Not Chained - Philemon 4-7

From the series "Redeemed" - Philemon 1-3 - Saturday, January 8, 2012. Road hazards, construction, and accidents often result in detours while driving. As we follow Jesus, we will also encounter plenty of detours. However, regardless of our boundaries or obstacles, the Gospel continues wherever we are as we allow love for others to flow from our faith in Jesus.

discipling - Hebrews 10:24-25

From the series "simplify." - Hebrews 10:24-25. - Wed, January 11, 2012. Eve was created because God said Adam shouldn’t be alone. Although God created us for community, our tendency is to isolate. We have to fight against that tendency and purposely seek out opportunities to gather with Christians in order to grow and endure in our faith. Don’t forsake it. You’ll regret it.

(much more than) Small Talk - Philemon 1-3

From the series "Redeemed" - Philemon 1-3 - Saturday, January 8, 2012. Every piece of mail you receive has only a few seconds to convince you that it’s more than just junk mail. Paul’s letter to Philemon may not seem seem like much, but from start to finish, it’s a rare glimpse into a pastor’s heart and a picture of the power of the Gospel to redeem what was once lost.

Evangelizing - 2 Corinthians 5:20

From the series "simplify." - 2 Corinthians 5:20. - Wed, January 4, 2012. Instead of doing a lot of things halfway, as a church, we want to do a few things very well. As Christians, one thing we are called to is evangelism. We are the mouthpieces that God uses to proclaim salvation to a dying world. It’s not an option for you to share your faith. It’s what you're called to.

God Is Ready When You Are - 2 Chronicles 16:9

Pastor Kevin Miller teaches from 2 Chronicles 16:9 - Sunday, January 1, 2012. At the zoo, a small pane of glass or a simple fence is all that stops those animals from running wild. In a similar way in our lives, God can be held back by simple disobedience or sinful rebellion. God is ready to ferociously take the enemy by storm, but a life of loyalty is the only way to unleash Him!