Rediscovering Passion, Purpose, and Power in the Church
In our fast-paced, distracted world, it’s easy to drift off spiritually—even when we’re still attending church or going through the motions. We can find ourselves on autopilot, losing the spark that once fueled our faith. Now more than ever, the church is hearing a gentle but urgent call: “Awake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” This isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a rally cry for all of us to rediscover the passion, purpose, and power that God intended for His people.
What Does It Mean to Be Spiritually Awake?
Imagine waking up after a deep sleep—you stretch, open your eyes, and suddenly become aware of the world around you. Being spiritually awake is much like that. It means being fully alert to God’s presence, hearing His voice, and responding to His direction. It’s the opposite of drifting through life half-asleep or just “going through the motions.” The Bible is full of reminders for us to stay watchful and alert, not to miss what God is doing. To be awake spiritually is to have a heart that is open, eager, and alive to the things of God.
True Worship: Spirit and Truth
Worship is so much more than singing songs on Sunday or following a routine. True worship happens when we connect honestly and deeply with God—with our spirits and in truth. It’s about authenticity, not performance. Think of it like a real conversation with a close friend, not just repeating polite phrases. When we worship in spirit and truth, we bring our whole selves to God, not just our words or actions. This transforms worship from a task to a life-giving encounter.
Recognizing Stagnation in the Church
How can you tell if you—or your church—are stuck in a spiritual rut? Stagnation often shows up as lack of enthusiasm, routine-driven gatherings, or a sense that “nothing ever changes.” Maybe you feel numb during worship or disconnected from the messages. Sometimes, churches get so comfortable with the way things have always been done that they stop seeking fresh guidance from God. The effects? People lose passion, discouragement spreads, and the church’s light grows dim. Recognizing these signs is the first step to turning things around.
The Stench of Stagnation: Why Spiritual Lifelessness Displeases God
God desires a living, breathing relationship with His people—not a lukewarm, half-hearted faith. In the Bible, Jesus warns against being “lukewarm”—neither hot nor cold—because this kind of faith is empty and unappealing. Just as stagnant water turns sour, a stagnant faith loses its vitality and can even push others away. God’s heart is for us to be fully alive, passionate, and purposeful in our walk with Him. He wants us to overflow with life, not settle for a faith that’s flat and flavorless.
The Power of Revelation: Fresh Insight for a Living Faith
One of the most exciting parts of following God is that He wants to speak to us—today. Fresh revelation means receiving new understanding or guidance from God, whether through His Word, prayer, or the encouragement of others. It’s like getting a fresh dose of inspiration just when you need it most. When we seek God with open hearts, He brings new light to familiar truths and shows us ways to move forward. This keeps our faith growing and prevents us from getting stuck.
Reviving the Church: Returning to Our First Love
So how do we move from spiritual sleepiness to vibrant life? Revival, both personal and communal, starts with a return to our “first love”—the deep joy and commitment we had when we first encountered God. Here are some practical steps:
· Be honest with God: Tell Him where you feel dry or disconnected. He already knows and welcomes your honesty.
· Seek fresh encounters: Change up your routine—pray differently, read a new book of the Bible, or join a new group at church.
· Prioritize time with God: Set aside moments each day to listen for His voice, not just talk at Him.
· Encourage one another: Share your journey with others and support each other in pursuing revival.
· Serve with purpose: Find ways to use your gifts to bless others. Serving reignites passion and reconnects you to God’s mission.
Rooting Out Sin: Walking as Children of Light
A key part of revival is addressing the things that keep us from God—sinful habits, unforgiveness, or attitudes that don’t reflect God’s love. The Bible encourages us to “walk as children of light,” meaning we live in a way that matches what we believe. This isn’t about shame or guilt, but about turning away from what hurts us and others, and embracing new life. Repentance is simply making a U-turn—choosing God’s way over our own. When we root out sin, we make room for God’s light to shine through us more brightly.
Embracing a Vibrant Spiritual Life
God is calling His church to wake up—to leave behind spiritual sleepiness and step into a vibrant, powerful life. You don’t have to settle for “just getting by.” There’s more waiting for you—more passion, more purpose, more of God’s power at work in and through you. So let’s answer the call together: Awake, O sleeper! Let’s pursue a deeper relationship with God, worship Him with our whole hearts, and walk as children of light. The journey to revival starts now, and it starts with you.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 