Awakening Bold Faith in Pivotal Times

Today’s word is a call to awaken from spiritual complacency and to live with bold, intentional faith in this pivotal moment for our nation and generation. We are living in a kairos time—a divinely appointed season of opportunity and urgency. The tragic loss of Charlie Kirk, a young leader who stood courageously for truth and the gospel, is a sobering reminder that our lives are not measured by their length, but by the impact we make for God’s kingdom. Charlie’s legacy, like that of so many faithful before him, challenges us to stand unashamed for Christ, to speak truth boldly, and to refuse to let fear or opposition silence our witness.

Scripture warns against the danger of spiritual slumber—a self-satisfied complacency that blinds us to the urgency of the hour. Now is the time to wake up, to recognize the unique opportunities God is placing before us, and to live with conviction. Faith does not mean the absence of fear, but the refusal to let fear dictate our actions. Like Daniel, who prayed openly despite threats, we are called to stand firm, even when it is costly.

Justice and vengeance are not the same. While vengeance belongs to the Lord, we are called to pursue justice—righting wrongs and standing for truth, rooted in the character of God. Persecution is not a sign of failure, but of faithfulness; it means we are making a difference and rattling the gates of hell. The church has always thrived under pressure, and history shows that attempts to silence God’s people only fuel the spread of the gospel.

This is not a time for lukewarm Christianity or silent compromise. The mantle is being passed to a new generation—moms, dads, young people, workers, and leaders—who will not bow to the culture but will live with conviction and courage. The question is not how long we live, but what we do with the time we are given. Let us make our lives count, leaving a legacy of faith that echoes long after we are gone. God is turning what the enemy meant for evil into a great harvest, awakening hearts across the nation. May we rise up, carry the torch, and run our race with boldness until we hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Key Takeaways

• 1. Spiritual complacency is a subtle but dangerous state that lulls us into self-satisfaction and blinds us to the urgency of God’s call. True faith requires us to wake up, recognize the kairos moments God gives us, and live with intentionality and purpose. We must resist the temptation to settle, always pressing forward for more of God’s will in our lives. [01:53]
• 2. Faith is not the absence of fear, but the refusal to let fear take root and control our actions. Like Daniel, who prayed with his windows open despite threats, we are called to stand boldly for truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. The enemy seeks to silence us through intimidation, but God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. [07:26]
• 3. Vengeance belongs to God, but justice is our calling. Biblical justice is not about personal revenge, but about making things right in alignment with God’s character. We are to pursue righteousness and truth, trusting God to ultimately set things right, while we actively work to right the wrongs in our society and relationships. [08:30]
• 4. Persecution is evidence that we are making a difference for the kingdom. When the world opposes us for standing for Christ, it is a sign that we are rattling the gates of hell and advancing God’s purposes. The church has always grown stronger under pressure, and our response should be greater boldness and faithfulness, not retreat. [11:06]
• 5. Legacy is not measured by the length of our lives, but by the impact we make for God’s kingdom. Whether we have many years or few, what matters is how we use our time to serve, to speak truth, and to love boldly. Our faith, courage, and obedience can echo for generations, inspiring others to follow Christ with the same passion and conviction. [20:39]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:53] - Wake Up from Spiritual Slumber
• [03:01] - Understanding Kairos Moments
• [04:40] - The Legacy of Charlie Kirk
• [06:15] - Faith Refuses to Fear
• [07:26] - Standing Boldly Like Daniel
• [08:30] - Vengeance vs. Justice
• [10:13] - America’s Foundation and the Call to Stand
• [11:06] - Persecution as a Sign of Faithfulness
• [12:34] - The Unstoppable Church
• [15:13] - God Turns Evil for Good
• [16:26] - Making Your Life Count
• [18:23] - Mission Stories: Living All In
• [20:39] - The Power of Legacy
• [25:13] - Responding in Worship and Commitment

Bible Reading

Romans 13:11 (ESV) — > Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) — > For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Matthew 5:10-12 (ESV) — > “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 13:11, what does Paul say is the reason we should “wake up from our slumber”? What does “slumber” mean in this context? ([01:53])
2. In 2 Timothy 1:7, what kind of spirit has God given us, and what does this mean for how we face fear? ([06:15])
3. What does Jesus say about persecution in Matthew 5:10-12? How does He describe those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake? ([11:06])
4. The sermon mentions the legacy of Charlie Kirk and others. What examples were given of people making their lives count for God’s kingdom? ([04:40])

Interpretation Questions

1. What does it look like for a Christian to be “spiritually asleep” or complacent? How might this show up in someone’s daily life? ([01:53])
2. The sermon says faith is not the absence of fear, but refusing to let fear control us. How can someone recognize when fear is starting to dictate their actions? ([07:26])
3. The difference between vengeance and justice was highlighted. Why is it important for Christians to leave vengeance to God but still pursue justice? ([08:30])
4. The pastor said persecution is a sign that we are “rattling hell” and making a difference. How should believers respond when they face opposition or criticism for their faith? ([11:06])

Application Questions

1. The sermon calls us to “wake up” from spiritual complacency. Is there an area in your life where you’ve become spiritually comfortable or passive? What would it look like to “wake up” in that area this week? ([01:53])
2. Think about a situation where you’ve felt fear about standing up for your faith or speaking truth. What is one step you could take to act in faith rather than let fear control you? ([07:26])
3. The pastor shared about Charlie Kirk and others who made their lives count for God’s kingdom, regardless of how long they lived. What is one way you can be more intentional about making your life count for Christ right now? ([17:11])
4. When you see injustice or wrongs in your community or relationships, how can you pursue biblical justice without seeking personal revenge? Is there a specific situation where you need to trust God with vengeance and focus on doing what’s right? ([08:30])
5. The sermon said persecution is evidence of faithfulness, not failure. Have you ever experienced pushback or criticism for your faith? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? ([11:06])
6. The pastor challenged young people and adults alike not to wait for a “better time” to live boldly for Christ. Is there something you’ve been putting off that you sense God is calling you to do? What’s holding you back, and how can you take a step forward this week? ([20:39])
7. The message ended with a call to leave a legacy of faith. What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your family, friends, or community? What is one practical thing you can do this month to move toward that legacy? ([20:39])