A Note from Michael Gossett
Awaken Our Hearts
You have all heard the saying, “You snooze, you lose!” A 2023 study suggests that hitting the snooze on your alarm clock may not be that bad after all. This study out of Sweden seems a little far–fetched if you ask me, but the study showed that 70 percent of people routinely hit the snooze button. This is what really caught my attention in the study. The subjects mostly did so because they felt too tired to wake up or they admitted that it felt good to hit the snooze just one more time. The study is trying to make sense of snoozing scientifically, but what is even more alarming is habitually snoozing spiritually.
There are many moments in our lives when we are tempted to ignore the alarms God sets for our lives, hitting the “snooze” on the opportunities He gives us to wake up and live faithfully. In 1 John 2:18-27, the Apostle John sets off a spiritual alarm, urging us to recognize the urgency of the time and remain steadfast in Christ. His words carry timeless weight, calling us to a deeper biblical understanding and a deeper relationship with Christ.
Have you ever had a moment where you thought to yourself, “I want more of Jesus” and you continued on without any significant change in your life? You go about your routine, your day, your work, your family, and your life on the same path that you know biblically is not best, or at least you know that there is more of Christ that you can have in your life? This is the idea of spiritual sleep walking. You are walking as if you are awake, but really you continue to hit the spiritual snooze, ignoring these spiritual alarms in your life. There is one truth that we need to recognize: You have all of Christ that you desire. Our desires in life become competitive. Our desires of the flesh are competing with the desires of the Spirit. Every time the desires of the flesh win, we are getting less and less of Christ.
This does not mean that you are only partially saved or that Christ is partially withholding Himself from you. What it really means is that Christ does not have all of you.
Recognize the Time
John begins with a striking statement in verse 18: “Children, it is the last hour.” What does he mean by this? The “last hour” refers to the period between Christ’s first coming and His return. This is the time when the Gospel spreads across the world but also when spiritual opposition intensifies. This is the language that is used by Christ and others throughout the New Testament. Jesus referenced this time to “birth pains” in Matthew 24:8 as signs of the last days. This time is marked by both the expansion of His kingdom and increasing rebellion against His kingdom. Paul reinforces this language with Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul describes the “last days” as a time when people will love themselves, reject truth, and oppose God. These descriptions resonate with our world today, where moral decay, spiritual apathy, and moralistic therapeutic deism run rampant. John’s point could not be more clear. The hour is now, the clock is ticking, and believers need to awaken.
This is not new to our day. Throughout history, there have been preachers, scholars, teachers, and faithful Christians beating the drum for the people of God to wake up and stop hitting the snooze. Throughout history, there has been a consistent message that the people of God need to rise up, understand the time, and stand firm for the Kingdom of Christ. The Apostles preached the gospel with a fervency fueled by their belief in Christ’s imminent return. In the 16th century, reformers like Martin Luther echoed this urgency, calling for a return to Scripture as the ultimate authority. Luther once said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” We are not to grow weary! We are to live with the understanding of time, while remaining steadfast in our obedience to Christ.
Recognizing the Deserters
Those who grow weary and give up are those who continue to hit the snooze and pretend that tomorrow is always guaranteed. A weariness grows within the church, which is first seen as apathy but then grows to apostasy. Those are the ones who abandon the faith. John warns of those who “went out from us, but they did not belong to us” (1 John 2:19). These are the spiritual deserters—individuals who once appeared to belong to the faith but ultimately abandoned it. This isn’t about casual churchgoers who drift away but about those whose actions and beliefs reveal they were never truly transformed by Christ.
This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture. Jesus addressed it in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), describing seed that falls on rocky ground. It springs up quickly but withers when trials come because it has no root. Similarly, Paul speaks of a “falling away” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, warning of those who will reject the truth in the last days.
Church history is filled with examples of spiritual deserters. In the early church, groups like the Gnostics distorted the Gospel, claiming secret knowledge that contradicted Christ’s teachings. In the Reformation era, men like Erasmus appeared aligned with reform but ultimately retreated from the bold stance taken by Luther and others. Even modern examples like leaders of cults—Joseph Smith of Mormonism or Charles Russell of Jehovah’s Witnesses—began within the church before departing into false teaching.
The danger John highlights isn’t merely individual apostasy; it’s the ripple effect of deception. False teachers not only abandon truth but lead others astray. This is why vigilance matters. Are we grounded in Scripture, discerning truth from error? Are we clinging to Christ, or are we swayed by popular yet hollow ideas? You are not secure in Christ because of your ability to stand firm, you are secure because of the One by which you stand who is the Rock, Christ Jesus Himself. You are secure in your faith only because Jesus has tightly gripped your soul. These are the true disciples.
True Disciples Remain
In contrast to deserters, John identifies true disciples: “If they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us” (v. 19). Remaining—or abiding—is a central theme in John’s writings. In John 15:4, Jesus commands His followers, “Abide in me, and I in you.” To abide is to remain deeply rooted in Christ, nourished by His Word, and empowered by His Spirit.
This concept reflects a biblical pattern of perseverance. Noah remained faithful as he built the ark over decades, trusting God’s promise even when the world mocked him (Genesis 6-7). Daniel remained steadfast in prayer despite the threat of the lion’s den (Daniel 6). These moments in Scripture remind us that true discipleship is marked by endurance, even in the face of difficulty.
Historically, the perseverance of believers has been a testament to the power of God’s grace. The early martyrs of the church, like Polycarp, willingly faced death rather than deny Christ. When asked to renounce his faith, Polycarp replied, “Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” His words echo the heart of a disciple who abides.
For us today, abiding means staying engaged in the Kingdom of God—Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and worship. It means loving the church, despite its flaws, because Christ loved and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25-27). The culture today teaches a different concept of abiding. The culture today will teach a false doctrine of Christ and His church by saying things like: “Well, we are the church so we can have church anywhere.” Or “I don’t need to go to church to be saved.” Or “The church treated me poorly so there is no need to subject myself to that hurt again.” There are many who prioritize everything else over the church. Our time, finances, attention, and affections are the truest indication of what we value most.
When we are conflicted with priorities, it is too often (in my own life as well) that we are quick to hit the spiritual snooze and continue on. We justify hitting the snooze button by saying, “We need our family time and Sunday is it.” Or “We have been too busy and just need a break.” Or “I will make this a priority some other time.” Or “We just simply cannot afford to give anything to the church right now.” This is us hitting the snooze button over and over and over again when the Spirit of God is setting off alarms in our hearts for us to awaken. The caution, as well as the danger, is that every time we hit that spiritual snooze, we are loosening the anchor in our lives little by little.
Anchored by the Spirit
The key to remaining anchored lies not in our strength but in God’s provision. John reminds us, “The anointing you received from Him remains in you” (v. 27). This anointing refers to the Holy Spirit, given to every believer at salvation (Acts 2:38). The Spirit is our guide, teacher, and seal, ensuring that we are kept in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14).
The Holy Spirit is both a comforter and a source of power. In John 14:26, Jesus promised that the Spirit would teach us all things and remind us of His words. Paul describes the Spirit as the one who enables us to cry out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15), testifying to our adoption as God’s children.
The Great Awakening, led by men like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, was marked by a deep awareness of the Spirit’s work in convicting hearts and drawing people to Christ. Edwards described the Spirit as the one who “inclines the soul to seek after God.”
In our lives, the Spirit anchors us amid trials and temptations. Like Noah sealed in the ark, we are sealed by the Spirit, who secures our salvation and empowers us to live faithfully. Are we yielding to the Spirit’s leading, or are we resisting His work in our hearts, reaching over and hitting the snooze one more time?
What if, instead, we determined that we would no longer hit the snooze button on our hearts? What if, instead, we determined that today is the day that I am going full–on surrender so that I may walk with a heart fully awakened to Christ?
Today is that day….
Pray to Wake Up, and Remain
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of your Word, which reminds us of the urgency of the time and the call to abide in Christ. Forgive us for the times we’ve hit snooze on your calling, choosing comfort over faithfulness. Help us to recognize the deception around us and to stand firm in your truth. Holy Spirit, will you please guide me today, awaken my heart to you, and help me to fully surrender. Fill me with your power, wisdom, and discernment. Teach me, Lord, to remain in YOU, to love your church, and to live with an eternal perspective. May my life bring glory to you, and help me to remain faithful until the end.
In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
Amen.
Have you ever wanted to step into the pages of Scripture? To stand where the Apostle Paul proclaimed the Gospel and witness the incredible sites of his missionary journeys? Now is your chance!
I’m inviting you to join my wife, Katie, and me for a trip of a lifetime as we explore the rich history and profound theology of Paul’s ministry in the ancient world. Together, from October 25 to November 4, 2025, we’ll walk in Paul’s footsteps and experience the lands that shaped the early church and transformed history.
📍 Highlights of Our Journey:
Philippi: Visit the site of Paul’s first church plant in Europe and where Lydia, the first European convert, was baptized.
Thessalonica & Berea: Discover the cities where Paul’s teachings inspired the faithful and stirred the hearts of seekers.
Athens & Corinth: Stand in awe at Mars Hill, where Paul preached the Gospel to Greek philosophers, and explore the vibrant city of Corinth.
Ephesus: Explore the ruins of ancient cities pivotal to Paul’s mission and the spread of Christianity.
Greek Islands & Crete: Sail through the beauty of the same seas as Paul while reflecting on his journey to these historic lands.
🗓 Trip Dates: October 25–November 4, 2025
📖 What You’ll Gain:
- Transformative teaching at every site to deepen your understanding of Paul’s life and theology.
- Opportunities for spiritual reflection and meaningful fellowship with others.
- Memories that will bring the Bible to life like never before.
💬 What Past Travelers Have Said:
“Walking through Philippi and standing in the very places where Paul shared the Gospel was unforgettable. This journey truly transformed how I read Scripture.”
“Standing in the ruins of Corinth, where Paul wrote to the early church, gave me a deeper appreciation for his letters. This trip made the Bible come alive in ways I never imagined.”
“Sailing the Greek islands and visiting Crete reminded me of the challenges Paul faced and the power of the Gospel to overcome them. It was an unforgettable spiritual and historical experience.”
“Hearing the teaching at Philippi and seeing the baptistry where Lydia might have been baptized brought tears to my eyes. This journey deepened my faith and my understanding of Scripture.”
Reserve Your Spot Today!
This exclusive experience is limited, so don’t wait to secure your place. Register HERE or reply to this email with questions.
Let’s make this journey together—learning, growing, and experiencing the powerful story of the Apostle Paul in a way that will inspire your faith for years to come.
P.S. Invite a friend or loved one to join you. This shared experience will be one you’ll cherish forever!
Space is limited, so please sign up as early as possible.
I hope that you will join us as Pastor and Comedian Ted Cunningham returns for MARRIAGE NIGHT 2025 with more insights and laughter!!! Marriage Night is Thursday February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, so it is the perfect date with your spouse! The night will be filled with laughter & inspiration, and you might even learn a thing or two! Space is limited, so sign up soon!
🌅 Join Us This Sunday! 🌅
Are you searching for clarity in the chaos, purpose in your everyday life, or hope in a dark season? Come and worship with us as we dive into Luke 1:57-80 and discover what happens when God breaks through! 🙌
✨ God’s promises bring clarity.
✨ His plan gives us purpose.
✨ His mercy shines hope into our lives.
You don’t want to miss this uplifting message of God’s faithfulness and the hope we have in Jesus, the Sunrise from on high. 🌟
🗓 Sunday at 9:30 am or 11:00 am
📍 Tyler Campus, Español Campus (Crosswalk of Tyler Campus at 11:00 am only) or Flint Campus
Invite someone to join you and let’s worship together!
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett