When the Cross Gets Close, the Truth Comes Out | Pastor Garrett Black | Axess Church - Glen Ellyn

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

The Sift Is A Gift | Luke 22:31–32 | Pastor Garrett Black | Axess Church - Glen Ellyn

Satan didn't just attack the disciples — he asked God's permission first. And God said yes. In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus tells Peter something most people read right past: Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat. But tucked inside that moment is one of the most overlooked truths in Scripture — because Jesus doesn't just warn Peter. He says, "But I have prayed for you." In this episode we unpack why God sometimes allows the enemy access to our lives, what compromise gives Satan to work with, and how Jesus — as our advocate before the Father — sanctifies the very process designed for our destruction. If life is shaking everything loose right now, you may be in the sift. And through Jesus, the sift is a gift.

When the Cross Gets Close, the Truth Comes Out | Pastor Garrett Black | Axess Church - Glen Ellyn

What happens when the real Jesus doesn't match the version you've been holding onto? In this Easter message from Matthew 26, we follow Peter to the moment everything falls apart — and discover that the cross doesn't just save us, it exposes us. As Jesus was being arrested, everyone around him began to show who they really were. Peter drew his sword. And Jesus said, put it away. That moment is still happening today. This episode explores how the cross reveals the hidden posture of our hearts, why offense and disappointment are often invitations to a deeper encounter with Jesus, and what it looks like to finally stop fighting the version of Him we've tried to preserve. If you've ever felt disillusioned, let down by God, or quietly kept Jesus in a safe box — this one is for you. The invitation of Easter isn't to admire the cross from a distance. It's to surrender to the real Jesus and let Him show you who He actually is.