Sermons by Gordon Dabbs
Church on Fire: Waiting for Power (Acts 1:1-11)
In this opening message from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., in our Witnesses: Stories from the Book of Acts series, we step into Acts 1 and discover a powerful truth: Jesus didn’t just finish His work… He began it. And that work continues through His people—even now. Before the Spirit falls in Acts 2, there’s a moment we don’t always talk about: waiting. Waiting for the promise. Waiting for power. Waiting on the kingdom. But this isn’t passive waiting. It’s…
Easter: We Wouldn’t Write it This Way
Easter: We Wouldn’t Write It This Way | Evidence, Doubt, and the Resurrection of Jesus Why does the Easter story include doubt, failure, and unlikely witnesses? Because it wasn’t made up. In this message from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.,D., we explore how the messy, “embarrassing” details of the resurrection actually strengthen its credibility. From doubting disciples to the empty tomb, discover why the story of Jesus’ resurrection is more believable—not less—because of what it includes. If you’ve ever struggled…
Handling Family Conflict
Paul calls us to conviction about peace and harmony. Ephesians 4.2-3 (NIV) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. • BE COMPLETELY humble and gentle • BEAR WITH one another in love • MAKE EVERY EFFORT Bad news: every family has conflict. Good news: every family has conflict. Matthew 5.9 (ESV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be…
Marriages that Last
What does it really take to build a marriage that lasts? In this message from Ephesians 5:21–33, we explore God’s design for marriage—one built on sacrifice, service, commitment, and Christ-centered love. Through Scripture, practical insight, and a few humorous real-life moments, Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., walks us through how two imperfect people can build a relationship that not only survives but thrives. We also address difficult but important questions about divorce, grace, and God’s heart for healing and reconciliation.…
Love Lives Here
What makes a home strong? It’s not perfect schedules, spotless kitchens, or flawless parenting. According to Scripture, the foundation of every healthy home is something deeper—Christ-shaped love. In this message by Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we begin a new series called “Home Team” by exploring Paul’s powerful words in Ephesians 5–6. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and a few laughs along the way, we’ll discover six foundations that help love take root in our homes—from sacrifice and respect to…
The Great I Am
The Great I AM (John 8:12–59) | Jesus Doesn’t Just Comfort—He Diagnoses & Rescues In John 8, Jesus doesn’t tiptoe around the big questions—He drops one of the most explosive identity claims in the entire Bible: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” That’s not poetry. That’s Exodus 3 language. Jesus is claiming the very name of God… and everyone listening knows it. This message from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., is a front-row seat to a full-on theological cage match—where Jesus…
The True Vine
Why does life feel so busy… but still a little hollow? In this message from John 15, Jesus’ final “I AM” statement—“I am the vine; you are the branches”—speaks straight to one of our deepest needs: connection. We chase identity through success, schedules, and self-improvement, but Jesus says real life is found only when we stay connected to Him. In this sermon by Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we explore:
I Am The Way, the Truth and The Life
On the night before His crucifixion—when fear was thick in the room and the disciples’ hearts were troubled—Jesus made one of the most shocking statements in human history: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) This sermon from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., explores why Jesus said that, what He meant, and why it still matters in a pluralistic, anything-goes spiritual culture. Set in the Upper…
The Resurrection and the Life
Have you ever felt like Jesus missed an appointment? Like you sent the prayer request, marked it urgent, and heaven just replied… “Seen.” In John 11, Jesus doesn’t rush. He waits. He weeps. And then He speaks life into a tomb. This is not a neat, tidy miracle story. It’s emotional, messy, and painfully human—full of grief, disappointment, and questions about God’s timing. Right in the middle of it all, Jesus makes one of His boldest claims: “I am the…
I Am the Door
When life is under pressure, options stop feeling comforting—and security starts to matter more than preferences. In John 10, Jesus makes a bold, unmistakable claim: “I am the door.” Not one option among many. Not a helpful suggestion. The door. In this message from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we explore what Jesus meant in the everyday world of first-century shepherds—and why His words still challenge, comfort, and confront us today. Using the image of doors designed to hold under…
I AM: Light of the World
What happens when light meets shame? In this message by Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., from John 8, Jesus steps into a moment of public accusation, quiet desperation, and religious hypocrisy—and declares, “I am the light of the world.” If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost your way, lost your voice, or lost a sense of who you really are, this message is for you. Light doesn’t wait at the finish line—it meets us at the starting line. 👉 Watch…
Bread of Life
In a world obsessed with what’s next—new technology, new trends, new answers—it’s easy to feel worn out and spiritually hungry. But what if the most important question isn’t what will change, but what will never change? In John 6, Jesus makes the first of His great “I Am” statements: “I am the Bread of Life.” Not bread to give—but bread to be. In this sermon, we explore why the crowd followed Jesus, why many eventually walked away, and what it…