Sermons on Matthew
Strong Foundation
At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 7, Jesus talks about two builders. Two houses: one house stood… the other collapsed. Matthew 7.24 (ESV) Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. A life built on Jesus and the words of Jesus is built to last. A life can look strong and still be fragile. Successful and still be hollow.…
Ready or Not
When Jesus returns, will you be ready—or scrambling to get your spiritual life in order? In this message, Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., continues the Coming Soon series with a powerful look at Matthew 25:1–13, the parable of the ten bridesmaids. Jesus’ story reminds us that His return will be sudden, surprising, and glorious—and that preparation isn’t about fear or perfection, but faith, joy, and readiness. From a crazy wedding story to lessons about “borrowed oil” and cell-phone batteries, Gordon…
A Tale of Two Sons
In Jesus’ parable of two sons, we learn the importance of obedience. Of not simply giving lip-service to God, but actually following through with our commitment to follow him. Listen as Young Adults Minister Dr. Jacob Hawk helps us work through a fascinating parable about obedience in Matthew 21. About the series. . . The parables of Jesus aren’t just quaint tales—they’re divine disruptions. These simple stories carry deep truth, pulling back the curtain on the heart of God, the…
Two Sides to Every Story
In this message, Young Adults Minister Dr. Jacob Hawk challenges us to see that there are always two sides to every story using the parable of the weeds and wheat. About the series. . . The parables of Jesus aren’t just quaint tales—they’re divine disruptions. These simple stories carry deep truth, pulling back the curtain on the heart of God, the values of His Kingdom, and what it means to live in step with Him. In Kingdom Stories, a new…
When Grace Doesn’t Add Up
Outlook is such a powerful thing. The lens through which we see our world leads us toward gratefulness and wonder… or grumbling and worry. Through parables, Jesus keeps pressing us: Are you seeing with your eyes, or are you seeing with kingdom eyes? Mark 8.18 (NLT) “You have eyes — can’t you see? You have ears — can’t you hear?” Jesus tells a story in Matthew 20 about workers in a vineyard. Some worked all day, some for an hour,…
Rags to Riches
What would make you sell everything you own—your house, your car, even your prized possessions—without hesitation? In Matthew 13, Jesus tells two short but powerful stories: a hidden treasure and a priceless pearl. Both reveal one truth—there’s nothing that compares to the treasure found in Him. In this message, Preaching Minister, Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., explores why the Kingdom of Heaven is worth everything, how to safeguard your faith, and why even “good things” can become dangerous substitutes for grace. About…
The Dirt on Discipleship
Why do some hearts grow in faith while others never take root? In this powerful kickoff to our Kingdom Stories series, we dig into Jesus’ Parable of the Sower—one of his most iconic teachings. Spoiler alert: it’s not about gardening… it’s about your heart. Is your faith withering in the heat? Getting choked by life’s distractions? Or ready to bear some serious fruit? Join Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., as he unpacks the soil conditions of the soul—with humor, honesty,…
Surrender
Jesus isn’t just a great teacher, a prophet, or a feel-good spiritual guru—He’s Lord. And that changes everything. In this honest and challenging message, we explore one of the most difficult things Jesus ever said: “Let the dead bury their own dead.” What did He mean? Why was He so blunt? And what does it reveal about what it really takes to follow Him? If you’ve ever tried to negotiate the terms of your faith—“I’ll follow you, BUT FIRST…”—this message…
Faith Walk
What if faith isn’t about pretending everything’s fine—but about seeing what’s truly real? In this message, we dive into the powerful truth of the story of Peter walking on water from Matthew 14. We learn that faith is the lens through which we glimpse God’s presence, His promises, and our purpose. When life feels chaotic and uncertain, faith doesn’t eliminate the storm—it helps us walk through it. In this message from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we uncover some powerful…
The Savior’s Standard for Forgiveness
How many times should I forgive someone? Peter asked that question—and Jesus gave a shocking answer. In this message by Young Adults Minister Dr. Jacob Hawk, “The Savior’s Standard,” we dive into Matthew 18:21-35 to explore the radical, relentless nature of Christlike forgiveness. Through the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus confronts our scorekeeping hearts and calls us to extend the same mercy we’ve received. This isn’t about cheap grace—it’s about living in the freedom of a forgiven life. If…
A Bigger Desire
What does Jesus have to say about sex? And specifically, how do his teachings impact single adults? Tune in as Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., works through the essential teaching of Jesus on sexual purity. About the series. . . In a culture filled with conflicting messages about sexuality, it’s easy to feel lost, confused, or pressured to compromise. Yet, God has a beautiful and intentional design for our sexuality—one that reflects His love, holiness, and purpose for our lives.…
Oxygen
God speaks. Sadly, people just often don’t position themselves to hear. In this message from Matthew 13, Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., uses Jesus’ story of the Sower and the Seed to address the ways that we make it difficult for ourselves to hear the word of the Lord. About the series. . . In a world filled with noise and distraction, hearing God’s voice can prove elusive for many believers. Yet, the Bible reminds us that God’s Spirit speaks—through…