The Fire That Doesn't Destroy You | Burnout Proof | Axess Church - Glen Ellyn, IL

The Fire That Doesn't Destroy You | Burnout Proof | Axess Church - Glen Ellyn, IL

There's a Japanese practice that makes wood fireproof — by burning it. Fire is the very thing that protects it. It's a paradox, and it's also exactly how God works. He uses fire not to destroy you, but to preserve you. In Part 2 of our series "Burnout Proof," Pastor Garrett opens Exodus 3 and the burning bush — and finds a God who deliberately chose the most fragile, flammable thing in the wilderness to reveal Himself. The message underneath the miracle: God made you fragile and flammable on purpose. He knows your weaknesses and He knows your potential, because He designed both. And here's what changes everything about burnout — the bush wasn't supernatural. The fire was. God doesn't need your strength to fuel His mission. You were never meant to be the fuel. Burnout is proof we're striving in our own strength. But when you stop being the fuel and start being planted in God's presence, you can burn without burning out — and people will turn to look. In this message: the Japanese wood paradox and what it reveals about God; what vitality actually is and why optimizing sleep, diet, and routines isn't enough; why God chose a fragile, flammable bush to reveal Himself; why He knows both your fragility and your flammability — and designed both on purpose; why the bush wasn't supernatural but the fire was; and why a healthy, burnout-free life is one of the most powerful witnesses you can carry. Scripture: Exodus 3:1–6. — Axess Church exists to ignite passion for Jesus through risk-taking faith. If you're new to Axess or just listening in, we'd love to meet you. Join us live every Sunday at 10 AM — 501 Hill Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL. Website: axesschurch.com Plan a visit: axesschurch.com/visit Instagram & Facebook: @axesschurch Give: axesschurch.com/give Prayer requests: axesschurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1072478 More from Pastor Garrett: short-form teaching on his personal channel, youtube.com/@grrttblack.

Peak Burnout Used to Hit at 42. Now It's 25.

Researchers used to measure "peak burnout" — total physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion — hitting people around age 42. Now the average is 25. The pace of burnout has nearly doubled, and an entire generation is hitting the wall before they've even gotten started. In the opening message of our new series "Burnout Proof," Pastor Garrett goes to the book of Exodus to ask why — and what God says about it. The Israelites got comfortable in Egypt, a land of provision that was never the promise. We do the same thing: we chase the career, the income, the next rung — good things — until provision quietly becomes our identity, and burnout is the result. But here's the reframe that changes everything: you're not burnt out because you're failing. You're burnt out because you're focused on the wrong thing. You don't need a correction of character. You need a correction of focus. God did not call you to be a burnout. His people are designed to be burnout proof. In this message: why young adults are hitting peak burnout at 25; the difference between the provision you're stuck in and the promise you were made for; why loving your job and hating your job both lead to the same place; why your provision is not your identity; and what God's promise actually is — identity, belonging, and presence. Scripture: Exodus 1–2.

Manifesting Is Witchcraft. Here's What the Bible Actually Says.

Manifesting. Vision boards. "Match the frequency." "The universe is sending you signs." It all sounds spiritual — but it's actually one of the oldest spiritual practices in human history, and the Bible has a different word for it. In the closing message of our series "Armed & Burning," we land where Paul ends Ephesians 6 — on prayer. We unpack why Paul caps the full armor of God with prayer, why the city of Ephesus was steeped in cultic mystery religions that look shockingly like modern manifestation culture, and what it actually means to "pray in the Spirit at all times." Spoiler: you already pray 80+ times a day. You're just praying to the wrong thing. If your prayer life has ever felt dry, scattered, or selfish — or you've been hesitant to call out what spiritual practices in our culture really are — this one's for you. In this message: why Paul ends the armor of God with prayer; what the Bible calls manifesting and mystery religions; what it actually means to pray in the Spirit; why submission is the secret source of prayer; how to pray the answer instead of the problem; and why the next generation needs us to pray now. Scripture: Ephesians 6:18–20.

The Conspiracy About Spiritual Warfare

What if the biggest conspiracy isn't between nations — but the one happening over your soul every single day? In Part 1 of our series "Armed & Burning," Pastor Garrett opens up Ephesians 6:10–13 and unpacks the reality of spiritual warfare that most Christians never name. This isn't paranoia. It's reality. And the enemy's greatest tactic is convincing you the war isn't happening at all. In this message: Why "undetected warfare is unchallenged warfare." What Paul actually means when he says "stand firm" — it's not what you think. How the enemy uses misdirection to get believers fighting each other instead of him. Why spiritual warfare is fundamentally a battle of strength, and how to build yours. And how to recognize spiritual warfare in your own life this week. If you've been feeling robbed — of joy, passion, creativity, peace, or drive — this message is for you. Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–13, with Ephesians 1, John 10:10, and Galatians 2:20. Key takeaway: Spiritual warfare is a constant battle of obedience. The question isn't "is there a war?" The question is "who will you obey?"

Satan Can't Question This One Thing in Your Life | Water Baptism | Pastor Garrett Black | Axess Church Glen Ellyn, IL

The enemy questions a lot of things in your life. Your worth. Your past. Whether God really loves you. Whether you've gone too far to come back. But there is one thing Satan cannot question. One thing he cannot discredit, cannot take from you, and won't even try to argue against. Your baptism. When Jesus was baptized in Matthew 3, the very next thing that happened was Satan tempting him in the wilderness. His first move? "If you are the Son of God..." He went straight for identity. But notice what he never said: "If you were baptized in water." Because he knew better. In this episode we unpack what water baptism actually is, why so many believers have treated it like a box to check instead of a life to live, and how your baptism functions as a rallying point, a public declaration, and an unshakeable proof of your belonging to God. Whether you've never been baptized, were baptized as an infant, or were baptized years ago and never fully understood what it meant — this one is for you. Axes Church | Glen Ellyn, IL axesschurch.com