Sermons on Spiritual Growth
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…
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.…
Mary: The Lord’s Servant
Christmas is not primarily about how we find God—it’s about how God finds us. In this Advent message by Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we step into the story of Mary, a young woman from an unremarkable town who became part of the greatest story ever told. Through humor, Scripture, and thoughtful reflection, this sermon explores how God works through ordinary lives, unlikely circumstances, and simple obedience. Mary didn’t have impressive credentials—but she had a willing heart. And when she…
Anna – No Expiration Date on Faith
What do you do when waiting becomes a way of life? In this Advent message from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we meet Anna—an elderly widow whose quiet, faithful devotion placed her at the exact moment God revealed the Messiah. After decades of waiting, praying, and worshiping, Anna shows us that faith doesn’t retire, hope doesn’t expire, and God is still at work in the hidden seasons of life. This sermon explores: If you’ve ever felt overlooked, worn down by…
Jonah: A Heart Like His
In the final chapter of Jonah, God holds up an unfiltered photo of a prophet’s heart—and ours. Why does Jonah get furious when God shows mercy? What happens when grace lands on them instead of us? In this message from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., “A Heart Like His,” we discover how God uses uncomfortable moments and unexpected grace to reshape our hearts to look more like His. If you’ve ever struggled to love difficult people (and who hasn’t?), this…
True Wealth
Money. Worry. Greed. Family fights over inheritance. Sound familiar? Jesus told a story 2,000 years ago that still lands like a punch in the gut today. In this message, Gordon Dabbs unpacks the Parable of the Rich Fool and shows why our value isn’t tied to our valuables—and why barns and bank accounts can’t buy eternal life. Instead of chasing temporary treasure, Jesus calls us to be rich toward God. 📖 Scripture: Luke 12:13–21, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Timothy 6:17–19 About…
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…
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,…
Name, Image, and Likeness
In the world of college sports, N.I.L. is all about athletes finally profiting from their Name, Image, and Likeness. But what if discipleship was the ultimate N.I.L. deal? In this powerful and grace-filled message from John 4, Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., walks us through Jesus’ radical encounter with the woman at the well—a Samaritan outsider with a messy past—revealing a love that breaks barriers and reshapes lives. Discover how you were created to carry God’s Name, reflect His Image,…
Full Ride
When a rich young man asked Jesus the ultimate spiritual question, he got an unexpected answer—and walked away… sad. Why? What was Jesus really offering, and what does it mean for us today? In this message from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we explore the story of a guy who checked all the boxes—young, spiritual, successful, a leader—but still missed out on the one thing that matters most. Jesus doesn’t want your resume—He wants your heart. The Gospel is better…
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