Jerry’s message, “Awake, O Sleeper, and Arise,” calls believers to recognize the spiritual battle against the life and testimony of Jesus Christ. Drawing on Ephesians 5 and 6, he warns that the enemy seeks to weaken Christians and bring division, discouragement, and spiritual death into individuals and assemblies. Ordinary troubles are not always spiritual attacks, he cautions, but believers should seek discernment while keeping their eyes fixed on Christ.
From the fall in Eden through the opposition faced by Christ, the apostles, and the church, Jerry traces the conflict between death and God’s life. Satan works subtly through temptation, jealousy, pride, distraction, and conflict. These can hinder ministry, prayer, fellowship, and the remembrance of the Lord at His table. Jerry shares personal experiences of resistance and fear, emphasizing the need to stand in Christ’s victory, rather than striving to win victory by human strength. Through His death and resurrection, Christ defeated sin and death; believers share in His victorious life and are called to resist the devil in faith.
When discord arises among believers, Jerry urges the assembly to recognize the spiritual dimension and respond through intercessory prayer. The cross must deal with personal pride, opinions, and self-will; Christ alone must be held as Head, as believers seek His mind together rather than merely compromise. Love for the Lord and for one another is essential to maintaining the church’s testimony. The message concludes with a call to remain watchful, united, prayerful, and courageous, trusting Christ’s life and grace through ongoing trials.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.