We've Lost That Lovin' Feeling | Doug Wekenman | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

We've Lost That Lovin' Feeling

Red Rocks Church • Jun 14, 2026 • 50 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In a culture where constant digital overstimulation and short-term pleasure cause love to grow cold, believers are called to reject secular patterns and embrace God's design for relationships. By intentionally slowing down, reducing overconsumption, and practicing stillness, we protect our capacity for genuine attachment with others and communion with God. Rekindling passion in our spiritual life and relationships requires remembering our original intimacy and actively returning to the practices that build lasting connection.

Themes

Biblical Relationship PrinciplesOvercoming OverstimulationPreserving Covenant IntimacyThe Discipline of StillnessReturning to First Love

Pastor's Points

1.

Be more bored (lower stimulation when you are by yourself)

2.

Have more fun when you're together

Key Points

1.
Relationships are the foundational structural building blocks of the Kingdom of God and the church.
2.
As society strays further from God's design, lawlessness increases and genuine love naturally grows cold.
3.
Modern culture frequently prioritizes short-term attraction and infatuation (dopamine) over long-term attachment and commitment (oxytocin).
4.
Conforming to the world's patterns for romance and sex creates unrealistic expectations that harm long-term marital intimacy.
5.
Chronic overconsumption and constant digital stimulation exhaust the brain's nervous system, robbing believers of joy and spiritual sensitivity.
6.
King Solomon pursued endless self-indulgence and earthly pleasure, concluding that everything apart from God is ultimate emptiness.
7.
Practicing intentional stillness allows the mind to enter its default state where God can speak clarity and direction.
8.
Rekindling lasting love requires remembering original intimacy, turning away from distraction, and intentionally practicing joyful connection.

Sermon Moments

“Oxytocin tomorrow cannot compete with dopamine today.”

“Sunsets are so much better than Vicodin—unless you're addicted to Vicodin.”

“The world has sexual patterns. They're working right now for nobody, and I'm just tired of pretending like we all have to imagine they are.”

“The more doomscrolling there is in your marriage house, by definition, the less passion there will be in your marriage bed.”

“You only get so much wonder, anticipation, and excitement—be careful that you don't spend all of it before breakfast.”

“Screens are the new digital pacifier.”

“You don't drown out fear by trying to examine it and just muster it out of your life; you pour in perfect love, and it drowns out fear for you.”

This Week

Intentionally lower daily stimulation by starting mornings with scripture before checking your phone.

Practice deliberate moments of quietness throughout the week, such as walking or driving without podcasts, music, or background noise.

Choose covenant commitment and biblical principles in dating and marriage rather than chasing short-term emotional highs.

Schedule intentional, fun activities and dates with your spouse to recreate early joy and cultivate long-term attachment.

Reduce screen time and digital overconsumption to protect your capacity for deep focus, present relationships, and spiritual sensitivity.

Resist falling into endless over-analysis in relationships; focus instead on pouring in love, grace, and enjoyment.

Reflect on your spiritual journey and return to the simple devotional practices that initially sparked your love for Jesus.

Remember This

God's design for love and relationships is far richer than the world's substitutes, but experiencing it requires stepping away from constant stimulation and returning to our first love.

A Challenge for You

Remember where you started, turn back to your first love, and do the simple things you did at first to keep the flame of love alive for God and others.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.