Awake sleeper! Are you tired of hitting the spiritual snooze button, feeling like you’re just going through the motions instead of building your destiny?
Hey, family! In his latest sermon at Rhema South Coast Family Church, Pastor Larry Elliott broke down exactly why believers need this wake-up call and shared 5 powerful marks of a true legacy builder.
This past Sunday’s message was the second part of our powerful series, Legacy Builders. Last week, Ps Larry challenged us to ask if we are a builder or a scatterer. Now, he’s showing us how to answer that call, get spiritually alert, and stop scattering our efforts so we can build a legacy that lasts for eternity.
If you missed the live service, you can catch the full sermon right here on our YouTube channel. And for our little champions, don’t forget to check out the awesome Faith Kids videos too!
This week’s message was titled “Awake oh Sleeper,” and it’s a direct challenge to every single one of us.
Time to Wake Up, Believer!
Ps Larry jumped straight into the heart of the matter with a powerful scripture:
Ephesians 5:14 (NKJV)
“Therefore He says: ‘Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.’”
Now, you might think Paul was talking to people who didn’t know Jesus. But he was writing to the believers in the church at Ephesus! He was telling Christians to wake up. This isn’t about salvation; it’s about being spiritually alert and intentional in our daily walk. How many of us are physically awake but spiritually snoozing, just going through the motions?
Ps Larry reminded us,
“When you live for yourself, your world gets smaller, not bigger.” A scatterer lives for themselves, allowing distractions and worldly things to take hold. But a builder, a gatherer, understands that every day is an opportunity for God to work in them and through them.
The Bible puts it this way:
Isaiah 57:13 (NKJV)
“But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, And shall inherit My holy mountain.”
When we intentionally trust God, He empowers us to rise above our circumstances. We can take hold of the promotion, increase, and growth He has set apart just for us. So, how do we become these builders? Ps Larry gave us five key characteristics.
The 5 Marks of a Legacy Builder
1. Clear Commitment
Builders have made a non-negotiable decision to sow good seed, no matter the season. This isn’t just about finances; it’s about sowing our time, our love, and our lives with intention. It’s knowing that the harvest we grow depends on the seed we sow.
2. Active Participation
This flows from a real relationship with God and with people. It’s impossible to spend time in God’s presence and not have your heart softened towards others.
Builders are proactive and understand that our function in the church flows out of connection, not legalism. We’re not just here to fill seats; we’re called to be disciple-makers!
This is why opportunities like our Destiny Training and Life Class are so vital. They are designed to help you build relationships and grow. Destiny Training is already underway with 133 students from all over the world, but it’s not too late to join! Did you know that our very first online Life Class kicks off on the 20th of August? Get registered and get connected!
3. Discernment
Discernment isn’t a spooky gift for a select few; it’s a result of maturity and experience. It comes when we allow God to stretch us beyond our comfort zones.
A builder must be able to recognise the spiritual forces at play and distinguish between divine allies and things that cause compromise. This protects our faith and keeps us aligned with God’s agenda.
4. Unity in Purpose
Builders get the power of teamwork. We don’t have to agree on everything to be unified around a common purpose: seeing souls saved and disciples made. All are one body, with no place for lone rangers. We collaborate because we understand that what each part supplies, makes the whole body grow.
5. Christ-Centered Focus
This is the foundation. Builders have gladly laid down their own agendas so that Jesus can be lifted high. Every effort, every action, is centered on reflecting His character and mission. It’s no coincidence Ps Larry gave us five characteristics—in the Bible, five is the number of grace. We are builders only by His grace!
The Warning Signs of a Scatterer
In contrast, a scatterer is controlled by the flesh (which is why Ps Larry listed six characteristics for them). They are marked by:
- Division and Discord
- Selfish Ambition
- Lack of Understanding
- Negativity
- Lack of Commitment
- Isolation
Let’s choose to be builders! Wake up, get intentional, and build a legacy that lasts for eternity. Let’s fill ourselves with the Spirit, encourage one another, and give thanks in all things. And as we build together, remember you can also partner with us in building God’s house by supporting our new building fund.
Bonus Praise Points
- Two coffee stations are now serving Sundays—each cup helps fund our youth heading to Youth Fest (target ±R50k).
- YLife Youth reached foster kids at Temba Club (Port Edward) and our teams ministered in KwaNzimakwe and KwaNosita—salvations and water baptisms to celebrate!
That’s what legacy looks like—building people.
How to live this out this week
- Morning: Read Ephesians 5:14–20; pray, “Holy Spirit, fill me afresh.”
- Relationships: Text someone, encourage them, and pray together.
- Mission: Invite a friend to church or your group; share the sermon link.
- Focus keyword reminder: Whisper it as a prayer: awake sleeper—“Jesus, keep me alert to Your will today.”
“Awake, you who sleep… and Christ will give you light.” — Ephesians 5:14
A Prayer for You
Father,
Thank You for Your word that both challenges and encourages us. We ask you to forgive us for the times we have been spiritually asleep.
Today, we choose to answer the call to “Awake oh Sleeper!” Stir our hearts, Lord. Fill us with Your Spirit and give us a builder’s heart.
Help us to cultivate a clear commitment, active participation, sharp discernment, a spirit of unity, and a Christ-centered focus in everything we do. Help us to build Your kingdom and leave a lasting legacy for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
