
Awaken Church
192 episodes — Page 2 of 4

Ep 139The God You Can't Ignore
Encountering the Glory of God explores how we often appreciate God's creation more than the Creator Himself. Many have reduced God to fit personal preferences, but this sermon emphasizes that you can't live right if you don't see God right. In Exodus 34:6-8, God reveals Himself as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love, forgiving, yet just. The proper response to this revelation is to fear God with reverence, marvel at His greatness, and bow before Him in surrender. When we approach God based on who He truly is rather than our misconceptions, it transforms our entire lives. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 138Fight to Stay Close
Sometimes the greatest threat to our spiritual victory is not the enemy around us, but the drift within us. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 137Mind Games
The most intense battles we face occur in our minds, where spiritual warfare manifests as fear, shame, and negative thoughts. Our minds are both vulnerable to enemy attacks and open to God's transformative truth. What we consistently think shapes our neural pathways, beliefs, behaviors, and ultimately our identity. To combat spiritual strongholds—deeply rooted false beliefs—we must employ divine weapons: truth from Scripture, intentional prayer, authentic community, and the Holy Spirit's power. By taking every thought captive and replacing lies with God's truth, we can experience the freedom Christ died to give us. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 136Stop Fighting Battles You Can’t Win Alone
When we feel surrounded by overwhelming challenges, we can learn from King Jehoshaphat's example in 2 Chronicles 20. Instead of fighting in our own strength, we must recognize that the battle belongs to God. Our role is to surrender our struggles, stand firm in faith through spiritual disciplines, and respond with worship rather than worry. By identifying our real battles, admitting our powerlessness, and keeping our eyes fixed on God, we position ourselves for victory. The battle may be real, but we don't have to fight it alone—God has already won it for us. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 135Train Like Jesus
Satan’s strategy is to tempt you in and take you out, but you don’t have to stay on defense. When you train with Jesus, you learn to fight back and live from the victory He already won. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 3Session 3 with Dr. Chris Thurman: Handling Relational Wounds Well
bonusThe Bible says, ‘“In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27). It also says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over” (Matthew 18:15) and “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 2Session 2 with Dr. Chris Thurman: Unmet Needs & Destructive Coping
bonusWe live in a fallen world. This means among other things, that people will sometimes not meet the emotional needs we have. When that happens, we experience certain painful emotional and are more susceptible to reacting in destructive ways. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 1Session 1 with Dr. Chris Thurman: Emotional Needs and Traps
bonusThe deepest longing of the human soul is for intimacy. For two people to experience a healthy intimacy with each other, they have to be willing to meet each other's emotional needs. This episode covers Dr. Thurman's 11 emotional needs of every human being. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 134The War You Can't See
This isn't a physical war, but an internal battle that we are all facing. Let's learn how to stand firm in faith and put on the armor of God to overcome this unseen enemy. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 133How to Heal from Your Hurts
Life's unexpected turns and painful betrayals can leave us wounded, but Joseph's story in Genesis reveals that God works through our pain for greater purposes. When we hold onto hurt, it becomes like bitter vinegar that spills over and affects those around us. True healing begins when we identify our injuries, find their source, and seek wisdom through support systems. Joseph teaches us that healing doesn't happen by reliving or rehearsing pain, but by releasing it to God. By trusting God with our bigger story, we can see how He redeems even our most painful experiences for good, transforming our scars into part of our purpose. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 132The Turning Point
Life rarely follows our plans, as Joseph's story in Genesis demonstrates. From being his father's favorite to enduring betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, Joseph's journey was filled with unexpected turns. Yet in Genesis 41, we witness a pivotal moment when God uses Pharaoh's troubling dreams to elevate Joseph from prisoner to palace official. This turning point teaches us that God often disturbs the comfortable, chooses the rejected, provides through practical planning, and elevates the obedient in His perfect timing. Joseph's story ultimately points to Jesus, the perfect deliverer who was rejected so we might be rescued—reminding us that our greatest hope comes not through our own strength but through surrendering to God's rescue. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 131Where is God When Life Isn't Fair?
Even in our darkest moments, God's presence never leaves us, as demonstrated through Joseph's story in Genesis. Despite being betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned, Joseph experienced God's steadfast love and favor. God's presence doesn't change our surroundings; it changes us from within. When we feel forgotten or stuck in life's prison moments, we must remember that delay isn't denial—it's development. The waiting room isn't wasted time but preparation time, where God shapes us for His purposes. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 130Faithful Before the Fight
Joseph's journey through slavery and temptation teaches us that God's presence isn't measured by our comfort, but by His promise. Joseph prepared for temptation before it arrived, demonstrating that spiritual strength requires daily discipline. When faced with temptation from Potiphar's wife, Joseph recognized that Satan targets our purpose, not just our weaknesses. His response—recognize, refuse, replace, and run—provides a blueprint for our own battles. Though Joseph's obedience initially led to prison rather than reward, his story reminds us that faithfulness often hurts before it helps, but staying true to God is always worth the cost. ★ Support this podcast ★
Ep 129Dealing with disappointment
Disappointment can sometimes feel like the end of the road, but it's often the beginning of God working out His purpose in your life. ★ Support this podcast ★
Ep 128Don't Bury Your Dream
God-given dreams don’t disappear—they develop.Join us for the first message in our new series, Plot Twist, as we're reminded the they delays and detours we encounter in life are often God's direction. ★ Support this podcast ★
Ep 127Built Different
You weren’t called to coast—you were called to carry. This Father’s Day, we challenged men to step up, not back, and to live with the strength, sacrifice, and love of Jesus. If you’re ready to be built different, this message is for you. ★ Support this podcast ★
Ep 126Go Anyway
When God calls us to something significant, fear is inevitable because faith requires stepping into the unknown. Moses' story at the burning bush demonstrates how God equips us despite our excuses and inadequacies. God doesn't seek the most confident person but the one who will depend on Him completely. He provides what we think we lack, expects us to keep moving even when the fire fades, and uses our obedience to build a future we can't yet see. The challenge is to go anyway - even with shaky knees and uncertainty - because our obedience today might lead to someone else's freedom tomorrow. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 125What's in your hand?
When Moses responded to God's call with a list of excuses, God didn't get flustered. Instead, He used what Moses already had in his hand. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 124Overcoming fear with faith
Learn how to overcome inadequacy and find freedom from fear using the example of Moses from the bible. Discover empowering insights to help you conquer your fears and live a fulfilled life. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 123Is God trying to get your attention?
What if the interruption you're trying to avoid is actually the invitation you've been waiting for? ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 122What to do when you can't carry it all
Faith isn’t proving you’re strong—it’s trusting God to carry what you can’t. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 121Gospel Saturation
Are you making every conversation count? Discover from guest preacher, Pastor Danny Box, how intentional relationships and grace-filled words can transform your community. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 120Peace, Be Still
Sermon Summary: Peace is not found in calmer circumstances, it's found in Christ. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 119The King We Never Expected
Jesus redefined kingship by choosing humility over dominance, service over power. Born into a working-class family and dying on a cross, He demonstrated that true greatness comes through lowering oneself. His approach to authority wasn't about pushing people down, but lifting them up. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus showed that apparent defeat can become the greatest victory, proving that darkness doesn't get the final word. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 118Battle with Bitterness
Sometimes the ones who are furthest from God are the ones who never leave home. Join us this week as we wrap up our series on the prodigal son by examining the heart of the older brother. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 117Life's NOT Fair!
Life doesn’t always feel fair. Disappointments, setbacks, and broken relationships can leave us feeling lost. But what if you could start over and find joy again? In this talk, we explore the powerful story of someone who hit rock bottom but discovered unexpected love, forgiveness, and a reason to celebrate. Whether you’re struggling to forgive yourself, rebuild relationships, or find a fresh start, this message is for you. ★ Support this podcast ★
Ep 116The Father's Joy
Ep 115The Turning Point
Ep 114The Truth about Chasing Fulfillment
No matter how far we wander, God's heart is still for us. In this message from Luke 15:11-13, we explore the story of the prodigal son — a reminder that even when we chase what we think will satisfy, home is never out of reach. If you’re feeling lost, this is your invitation to return to the One who’s been waiting for you. ★ Support this podcast ★
Ep 112How to Become a Better Parent
Parenting is one of the greatest responsibilities God has given us—but how can we do it well? In this message, we dive into Deuteronomy 4 to discover timeless biblical principles for raising children in a way that honors God. ★ Support this podcast ★
Ep 113Your Biggest Relationship Questions—Answered!
Are friendships, dating, marriage, and parenting as complicated as they seem? In this candid panel discussion, we dive into your biggest relationship questions! Whether you're wondering how to build strong friendships, navigate dating as a Christian, strengthen your marriage, or parent with wisdom, we've got real talk and biblical wisdom for you. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 111I Gotta Get Some Friends| Threads | Daniel Villarreal
True, lasting friendships must be rooted in Christ’s love, built with intentional effort, and strengthened through accountability while setting wise boundaries to avoid unhealthy relationships.Sermon Passage: 1 John 4:7-12 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 110Stitched Together | Threads | Ryan Cavinder
What does it take to make marriage work in today's world? Join us as we seek a deeper understanding of God's true purpose for this most intimate relationship.Sermon Passage: Matthew 19:3-6 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 109Found Family | Threads | Ryan Cavinder
Stop settling for mediocre church relationships and learn to build meaningful connections with eternal impact.Sermon Passage: Romans 16:1-16 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 108CHOOSE TO LOSE | GRIT | DANIEL VILLARREAL
Comfort zones don't produce callings. What would your life look like if you took a step out of your comfort zone and the things that bring you fake happiness to discover true joy in following Jesus? ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 107SHOUT DOWN DOUBT | GRIT | RYAN CAVINDER
When God's plans defy logic and stretch our faith, He calls us to respond with a shout of praise.Sermon Passage: Joshua 6:1-10, 16-20 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 106STACKING STONES | GRIT | RYAN CAVINDER
When you look back on God's faithfulness in your life, you'll find the grit you need for what lies ahead. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 105TIME TO STEP UP | GRIT | JOSIAH LEY
God's plan for your life isn't to leave you where you're at or you've been, but rather to move you forward in faith into all the good plans He has for your life. Are you ready to step up and step into all that God has for you? ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 104TAKE THE LAND | GRIT | RYAN CAVINDER
What’s keeping you from walking in the victory God has already guaranteed? Join us this week and throughout this series as we learn how to live with courage and conviction. Sermon Passage: Joshua 1:1-18 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 103Fight of Our Lives | Daniel Villarreal
Before stepping into a new year and loaded with resolutions, you've first got to fully surrender, embrace your limp, and let God lead. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 102Rewriting Possible | Rewritten | Ryan Cavinder
The Christmas isn’t about perfect people or perfect plans—it’s about a perfect God who meets us in our brokenness and calls us to trust in Him.Passage: Luke 1:26-38 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 101Hope in Hardship | Rewritten | Ryan Cavinder
Where do you turn to when you're hurting? What do you cling to when life feels out of control? This week, we'll look to the rewritten story of Ruth to discover how to find hope in the midst of hardship.Sermon Passage: Ruth 1:8-18 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 100Risky Faith | Rewritten | Ryan Cavinder
Jesus' family tree includes a few surprises, like Rahab, whose risky faith led to her inclusion in God's greater story of redemption.Sermon Passage: Joshua 2:1-21 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 99Overflowing Grace | More than Enough | Ryan Cavinder
Trust God's provision and experience the joy of His abundance flowing through you.Sermon Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:8-11 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 98Joyful Sacrifice | More than Enough | Jon Kozak
God's grace transforms our hearts, shifts our focus and makes it a joy to give.Sermon Passage: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 9:6-7 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 97All-In | More than Enough | Ryan Cavinder
Our earthly riches represent the greatest barrier between us and Jesus. This is why the call to follow Him is a call to go "all-in."Sermon Passage: Mark 10:17-27 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 96Take the Lid Off | More than Enough | Ryan Cavinder
In a world that tells us there's never enough, God invites us to trust in His more than enough.Sermon Passage: 1 Kings 17:8-16 ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 95RES(e)T Your Rhythms | RES(e)T | Josiah & Larissa Ley
What if rest became a rule of life to live by rather than an optional part of your day or week or even year? Join us this week as Pastor Josiah and a special guest unpack how to hit the reset on our rhythms so we can experience true rest. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 94RES(e)T with a Purpose | RES(e)T | Ryan Cavinder
If your life is overloaded and no longer operating the way you know it's supposed to, t's time to hit the RES(e)T. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ep 93Hope in Eternity | HFTF | Ryan Cavinder
Hope can feel hard to come by with all that's going on around us, but God's Word reminds us that the greatest hope we have is the hope that lies ahead of us.Sermon Passage: Joel 3:1-21 ★ Support this podcast ★