Podcasts about second service

Worship In Crisis by Apostle Bright Onoka (Second Service)

TONGUE TIED Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 3.1-12 James 1.26 (ESV) If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. A transformed tongue requires a transformed heart. James 3.1–2 (ESV) Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. James 3.2 (ESV) For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. James 3.3–5 (ESV) If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder… A sentence can take seconds to say and years to forget. James 3.5 (ESV) How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! “Do people know what you think of everything? They shouldn't. That's why you have a journal or a prayer closet or a dog.” - Kevin DeYoung Vs. 8: "It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3.9–10 (ESV) With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. Luke 6.45 (ESV) Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. What is going on in my heart? Jesus did not come merely to make rude people polite. He came to make dead people alive. The One who forgives can teach us a new tongue. Pause. Pray. Proceed.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Theme: Our Year of Divine Honour and DignityEsther 8: 15&16, Esther 10:3, John 12:26

 On this episode of My Life Now, Chris Buscher speaks with chef, leadership architect, and author Douglas Wasdyke about Heard: Last Call for “Second Service.”After 45 years in professional kitchens, Douglas was forced to stop working after losing the use of his left arm. The sudden change challenged an identity built around long hours, physical skill, pressure, and the demands of the kitchen.In this conversation, Douglas explains how that experience led him to rethink leadership, discipline, purpose, and what it means to begin again.We discuss ideas from the book including the “Doctrine of the Scar,” the “86 List,” mise en place for life, taking ownership of your station, and the concept of “Second Service.”This is a conversation for anyone who has burned out, broken down, been forced to change direction, or is trying to figure out what comes next.Get the book today on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2N6GD9NConnect with the author at scarredpalettemedia.net

Theme: Our Year of Divine Honour and DignityEsther 8: 15&16, Esther 10:3, John 12:26

Pastor JD is profoundly privileged to have his pastor of 43-years, Ken Ortize, fill in for him in what will be a “must watch” teaching from the Word of God.Social MediaApple App Store: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appGoogle Play: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appAmazon Appstore: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appRoku Channel Store: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appProphecy Website: http://jdfarag.orgChurch Website: http://www.calvarychapelkaneohe.com/X: https://x.com/JDFaragFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDFarag/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JDFarag/

NO FAVORITES Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 2.1-13 James 2.1 (ESV) My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. Favoritism sees people according to what they can potentially give us. Grace sees people according to the value God has already given them. Galatians 3.27 (NLT) And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. James 2.5 (ESV) Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom? The person you barely notice is someone God deeply treasures. We must never confuse visibility with value. James 2.8 (ESV) If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. James 2.12-13 (ESV) So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty . . . Mercy triumphs over judgment. People who forget how much mercy they have received become stingy with mercy. The gospel does not merely save us. It retrains our eyes. Who do I naturally notice . . . and who have I trained myself not to see?Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Theme: Our Year of Divine Honour and DignityEsther 8: 15&16, Esther 10:3, John 12:26

DO THE WORD Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 1.19-27 James 1.22 (ESV) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. God's Word has not completed its work when we hear it, study it, underline it, or agree with it. The Word completes its work as we live it. James 1.19 (ESV) Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. . . James 1.21 (ESV) Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Alignment precedes assignment. Sometimes we ask God for new instructions while ignoring the instructions he's already given. Alignment precedes assignment. James 1.22 (ESV) . . . be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1.25 (ESV) . . . the law of liberty. . . James 1.26 (ESV) If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. James 1.27 (NLT) Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. "Visit grandma. Bring shared meals to my elderly neighbors. Walk across the street to meet my neighbors and invite them over for a meal. Call my wife more often from work and tell her how thankful and grateful I am for our life together. Wash the dishes. Go for more walks and bike rides. Remember my grandchildren's birthdays . . . Pay closer attention to my inattentive students. Fast. Pray. Tithe." - Mercer Schuchardt “Because of what God has shown me, this week I will __________.”Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ!!

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ!!

Theme: Our Year of Divine Honour and DignityEsther 8: 15&16, Esther 10:3, John 12:26

Theme: Our Year of Divine Honour and DignityEsther 8: 15&16, Esther 10:3, John 12:26

Theme: Our Year of Divine Honour and DignityEsther 8: 15&16, Esther 10:3, John 12:26

A message from Pastor Daniel Villarreal recorded on August 23, 2026 during our Second Service at 11:00am.

THE TEMPTATION TRAP Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 1.12-18 Trials are the hard things that happen to us. Temptations are the bad things that look good to us. James 1.12 (NLT) God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. There is no testimony without the test. We cannot avoid temptation. But we can learn to recognize the trap before we crawl inside. James 1.13-15 (ESV) Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Pre-sin is fought with pre-decisions. Temptation gets stronger in the dark and weaker when we drag it into the light. A pre-decision is a gift your strong self presents your weak self. Hebrews 4:15 (ESV) [Jesus] in every respect has been tempted as we are. Lust of the flesh. Lust of the eyes The pride of life James 1.16-18 (NLT) So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. Remember who God is and remember who you are.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

      Aug. 16, 2026  John 14:10-11

WHEN LIFE GETS REAL Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 1.1-12 James is Christianity IRL. James 1.1 (ESV) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. James 1.2 (ESV) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds James 1.2 (ESV) Count it all joy . . . for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Let the pressure produce something good. James 1.4 (ESV) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. God can use the pressure you didn't choose to grow a maturity you couldn't get any other way. Ask God for wisdom, not just relief. James 1.5 (ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God . . . James 1.6 (ESV) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting . . . Keep your perspective on what really lasts. James 1.9-10 (ESV) Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation. . . Hang in there. Your reward is coming. James 1.12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life. . .Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Introduction: Daniel 12:2 - And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. John 5:29 - ...those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. Romans 10:9 - because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 3 Evidences of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-8): The CHURCH . (1 Cor 15:1-2) SCRIPTURE . (1 Cor 15:3-4) Isaiah 53:10 - Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Psalm 16:10 (Acts 2) - For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. EYEWITNESSES . (1 Cor 15:5-8) 3 Evidences You Have Received God's Grace (1 Corinthians 15:9-11): You don't think you're WORTHY . (1 Cor 15:9) You DEFINE yourself by grace. (1 Cor 15:10a) You are motivated to WORK by grace. (1 Cor 15:10b-11) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Unified and Purified: We Live in Grace Jeff Miller Download Audio Transcript 00:041 Corinthians chapter 15. My wife Erin was talking to a good friend of hers, Sharon. And Sharon told her this story that I've been thinking about all week. She said she took a bunch of youth to this youth conference. And they asked everybody to stand up. We're not going to do this here today. But she asked everybody to stand up.00:34I asked everybody to stand up and asked who had been saved for a year. And did they know at least one Bible verse? And if not, sit down. Right? And then who'd been saved for two years? You know two Bible verses. If not, you can sit down. And it went up. Who's been saved five years? Do you know five Bible verses? If not, sit down. And by the time the exercise was done, nobody was standing.01:04And I keep thinking about that. It's not a matter of learning Bible verses to be like ready for Bible bowl or just in case you're on Jeopardy and New Testament is one of the categories. That's not the purpose of learning the Word of God. What is the purpose of learning the Word of God?01:35What you really believe shapes how you live. That's just a reality. You live according to what you really believe is true. We just finished a section of 1 Corinthians with Q&A. And I think it's where this Bible knowledge intersects with the biggest question.02:04we really discover the biblical ignorance of a lot of people in church. And the biggest question is, what happens after we die? You know, thinking about all of those matters, you know, our death and rapture and return of Jesus and resurrection and heaven and hell, and what about all of that? Look, I've been doing this a long time, and I've been part, of so many funerals.02:40And it's always astounding to me, at a funeral, even people that say they've been following Christ for many, many years, it's astounding to me some of the crazy unbiblical things people say.02:56For example, I've heard this many times at a funeral.03:00They're like, well, you know what? God just needed another angel. And I'm like, there is so much wrong with that statement. First of all, God needs nothing, right? Second of all, we don't turn into angels when we die. Where did you get that concept? It's biblical ignorance. That's not really the place. That's not really the place to correct people, right? You don't want a shot block there. I guess that would help to have Miles there with me, I guess, at a funeral.03:30next time that happens.03:32Like, God needs another angel.03:33Miles would just be like, you don't turn into an angel when you die.03:38If you know, you know.03:43Another crazy thing I've heard people say is, well, you know, grandma's just watching over me.03:52You know, little Joey was supposed to have a t-ball game and they were calling for tornadoes and thunderstorms and hail and blizzards and all that.03:59And it didn't.04:00We had perfect weather. Thank you, Grandma. Grandma was watching over me. Well, your Grandma might have been wonderful, but she's not God. Okay? But that's one of the crazy things people believe is our departed loved ones are orchestrating things. You know, another crazy thing, and this might be the craziest, is regarding what happens when we die afterwards, all of these matters. Some people say, well, nobody really knows.04:30That could be the craziest thing because God wrote it all down for us. And when I talk about our Bible ignorance, I hope you don't take that as a guilt trip as much as over the next few weeks we are looking at a chapter in the Bible that answers so many of the questions that so many Christians get wrong.05:00I encourage you to tune in and take notes and look very closely at what God has said. So with that said, let's just bow our heads for a second. I'm going to ask that you would please pray for me to be faithful, to clearly and accurately communicate the word of God. And I will pray for you to have your heart open to receive what it is that God said. All right. Let's just take a moment and pray.05:30before you today with Thanksgiving. I thank you for your word that clears up all of these questions that we wouldn't have answers to otherwise. I thank you for the noise of the children in this room right now. It's a sign of life. And I thank you for parents that want to come and worship you and hear your word and will bring their kids. I thank you for that. Father, I just pray that you eliminate any distractions in our hearts and minds so that we can laser focus on what it is you've said in your word today.06:00This is the most important message there is. And what a tragedy it would be to leave here and have missed it. What it is you've said here in this absolutely awe-inspiring portion of your word. God, we thank you. And we pray in Jesus' name. And all of God's people said, okay, some of God's people said it. The rest weren't ready.06:30We'll try again next week. Come back to Second Service. You can try then too. Okay, so what happens when we die? Well, among many other things the Bible teaches, the Bible is crystal clear on this. You will resurrect from the dead. You will. Everybody, not just believers actually, Everybody rises from the dead. The Bible says unbelievers get an eternal body that's suited for hell and judgment. And believers in Jesus Christ get an eternal body that they will use in glory in heaven forever. Right? Daniel chapter 12 verse 2. Old Testament talks about this. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake. Some to everlasting life. And some to shame and everlasting contempt. Jesus taught this, John chapter 5. Those who have done good to the resurrection of life and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. There are two resurrections, one for believers, one for non-believers, an eternal body that will live forever somewhere. And 1 Corinthians chapter 15 is all about resurrection.08:00The first stretch is, appropriately, about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And then the back nine of 1 Corinthians 15 is about our resurrection. Look at chapter 15, verse 1. Paul says, Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand.08:31You see, we just spent a lot of time, 1 Corinthians 11, 12, 13, 14, they had all these corporate worship problems. And Paul's like, okay guys, we cleared up some of the details, but the most important thing is getting back to the basics of the gospel itself. And he's talking about resurrection in this chapter. As we said, it is not resurrection.09:00Resurrection is not a part of what we believe. Resurrection is the heart of the gospel. It is the core. It is the very, it's essential to being a Christian. It is absolutely a necessary doctrine that we got to embrace. Look at what Romans chapter 10 says. Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that what? God raised him from the dead. You will be saved. Do you see how a belief in resurrection is directly tied to your salvation? It's non-negotiable. But of course, there's always skeptics, right? You can study the ancient Greeks. Many of the Greeks who lived in Corinth, they didn't believe in a bodily resurrection at all.10:04And even Christians today, they're just not entirely sure what happens.10:14You know, I know there's, okay, so we die, but we're with Jesus, but there is a, okay, so resurrection happens somewhere, but somewhere there's a rapture, and then like Armageddon, and...10:29Well, all of this is clearly taught in 1 Corinthians 15. So he starts with a foundation, Jesus Christ rose from the dead. That's the most important thing we have to embrace, right? So on your outline, three evidences of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The first evidence is the church. The first evidence that Jesus rose from the dead, And just in case you're skeptical, you're like, I'm not really sure I believe that Jesus actually rose from the dead. Okay. Well, here's the first evidence of church. Look at chapter 15 again. Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel that I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.11:28The church, he's talking to brothers and sisters here, believers. Notice he says, this message, you received it, you hold fast to it, and you stand in it. Notice here that a real Christian, a real follower of Christ is someone who not only receives the gospel, but also stands in the gospel. Meaning this, a real Christian, a real Born Again, Disciple of Jesus is someone who builds their very life on the gospel. They stand in it. That's so important, church. I think it's a plague in the American church that when we say, what is faith? Faith is just agreeing to a doctrinal statement, right? Faith is just, yeah, yeah, okay, all right, I'm on board with that. Yep, yep, sure, yeah. I don't disagree with any of that. I don't argue with any of that. And they think that's where faith ends.12:26But faith isn't just some intellectual agreement. Faith is, I build my life on this. I lead my family according to what God said. I serve in the church because of what God said. I raise my kids because of what God said. I handle money and stuff because of what God said. Every aspect of my life is built on the truth of God's word. That's what biblical faith is.12:56So Paul says the first proof that we have of the resurrection is that Jesus Christ is alive and he's transforming people in the church. So I am going to ask you to raise your hand if you're sitting here today and you can honestly say the resurrection of Jesus Christ, The Gospel of Jesus Christ transformed me and changed the way that I live. Raise your hand if that's true of you. Okay, so skeptics in the room, look around. You want evidence of the resurrection? Here it is. Here are people that say Jesus Christ is alive and he's changing me. There's your first proof. Right? Oh, there's more. Number two. Scripture. This is the second proof he lists, but it's actually biblically the Most Important. Look at verses 3 and 4. He says, For I delivered to you as of first importance, which I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.14:26Okay, stop there. Do you see that phrase? In accordance with the Scriptures. Paul says, here's our second proof that Jesus rose. Because the Scriptures say that He would. You're like, what Scriptures? Well, keep in mind, when He wrote this, the New Testament was being written. This is one of the earliest books, actually. So when He was referring to the Scriptures, He was talking about what we call the Old Testament. The Jewish Scriptures. The Law and the Proverbs.14:54So what is it in the Old Testament that specifically talks about resurrection? Well, there's a few, but here's a couple of them for sure. Isaiah 53, talking about the Messiah. It says, yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him. He has put him to grief when his soul makes an offering for guilt. Stop there. That's the crucifixion, right? On the cross, God the Father was crushing Jesus.15:24pouring his wrath on Jesus because Jesus was an offering for guilt. That's the crucifixion. Next is the resurrection, right? He shall see his offspring. The only way that's going to happen is if he raises from the dead, right? He shall prolong his days. How's that happen? Resurrection, the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Another big scripture in the Old Testament talking about resurrection is Psalm 1610. This is big because chapter 2, when Peter was preaching at Pentecost, this was the scripture that he was preaching from. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, that's the grave, or let your Holy One see corruption. The promises the Messiah, literally here, will not rot. God, you're not going to leave your Messiah to rot in the grave. That's resurrection, right? So God, in His Word, promised the Messiah would die.16:24and resurrect long before it actually happened. That's why Paul here says in verse 3, this is first importance. This is first importance. And look, we can quibble about doctrine. I really don't want to, but people do. But here's some things that there's no arguing this. These are non-negotiable truths. The most important things you must believe, he lists them right here, that Jesus died, was buried, and was raised. You're like, wait, wait, wait. Why do I have to believe that Jesus was buried? Like, that seems like a weird thing that I have to believe. Well, the point is, he was actually dead. Because there's some people that think that he looked dead. He was beat with an inch of his life, but he didn't actually die. No, believing he's buried is saying, I believe that Jesus literally in the flesh was dead. And that he rose.17:24from the dead.17:27But look at the phrase again, verse 3, right there in the middle.17:32Christ died, look at this phrase.17:36For our sins.17:41Excuse me.17:42For our sins.17:44Why did Christ die?17:46For our sins.17:50Jesus did not die to make you healthy and wealthy like some prosperity preachers teach.17:54Jesus did not die as a victim of circumstances. As I've heard people say, oh, they got poor Jesus. Jesus didn't even just simply die as a martyr that stood up for a cause. And no, no, no, no, no. It's so much deeper than that. Jesus died for our sins. What does that mean? That means we are by birth and by nature rebellious towards God and His ways. Every one of us. We stand guilty and condemned before a holy God and we have no excuse. We have no means to make it up to God by good works. So Jesus, on the cross, gave His life. Why? For your sins. He experienced the wrath of God for your sins so you wouldn't have to.18:53So the guilt of your sin would be taken away. And Jesus was raised. To defeat death. How do we know? How do we know Jesus died? How do we know he was buried? How do we know he was raised? How do we know what all of that means? And what Paul says here, it's in accordance with the scriptures. This is the promise of God. All right, so the first witness, we got people right here that say Jesus Christ transformed you.19:23His resurrection changes the way you live. And then we have the proof of God's word, but there's other proof too, right? Look at verses 5 through 8. These are eyewitnesses. He says, and that He appeared to Cephas, that's Peter, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.19:55He's like, you can fact check me on that if you want.19:59Because a bunch of these people are still alive.20:02He says, then He appeared to James.20:05That's Jesus' half-brother.20:09Mary and Joseph had children after Jesus.20:12Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit, but the Bible says Mary and Joseph had other kids.20:16They're listed by name.20:19James was one of them, early leader in the church.20:21All right?20:22Then he appeared to James. Then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. So this isn't an exhaustive list, okay? There's more people we see even in Scripture that saw the resurrected Christ, but Paul gives us, this is more than enough, right? We've got Peter, the disciples, more than 500. We've got James, Jesus' half-brother, all the apostles.20:51Paul says, then to me.20:57And that's pretty significant. Why?20:59Because some would say, well, you know all these people that say Jesus rose from the dead, they were all big fans of Jesus, and they all loved Jesus, and they all wanted to follow Jesus, and they were all so sad when he died, so they made it up.21:12They so badly wanted Jesus to be the Messiah that they just made it up.21:17They made up the resurrection.21:19Well, there's a big problem with that theory. And the big problem with that theory is Paul. Paul wasn't a believer. He didn't even want to believe to the point that he was persecuting the church. He had zero motivation to make it up. So did Jesus resurrect? Well, Paul says, we have way too many people affirming it.21:49to ever deny it. You know, almost as amazing as the resurrection is the means by which eternal life is granted. Look at verse 9. Paul says, Christ appeared to him in verse 8. He says, For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. Paul's like, I'm so unworthy of anything from God because I persecuted the church.22:49Insert your favorite sin or the sin that defined you into this and say something like, you know, I'm unworthy of God because I've lived my life by lust. Or I'm unworthy of God because I've lived my life just full of bitterness and hatred and unforgiveness. That's just the person I was.23:19of God. Anything from God. You could say, I'm unworthy because I've just been a liar. I just lie.23:34My whole life has been about deceiving people.23:38Maybe somebody else would say, I'm unworthy of God because you know my whole life, it's just all been about me.23:46I just live a self-centered life. Whatever makes me happy, that's all I I care about. And I never cared about anyone else or anything else. And that's who I was. And God should have given me his wrath. But instead, he gave me his grace. Look at verse 10.24:18Verse 10, he says, but by the grace of God, I am what I am. Let's talk about grace. You could go to a theology book and what is grace? Grace is unmerited favor. You don't deserve it. God has chosen to give you His blessing, but we've done not a thing to deserve anything from God. That's grace. The best definition I've ever heard of grace is this. Grace is God giving to you what He requires from you. You know what God requires from you? Perfection, holiness, righteousness. That's what God requires from you. You don't got it. I don't got it.25:18Grace is God giving to us the very thing that he requires from us. That's my favorite definition. And some of you know my favorite illustration of grace. When I try to think of what's the difference between like some of these biblical terms, this little story, I think of this often. It helps me. But just imagine you have a teenage son. Some of you do. Some of you did. Some of you will.25:48Teenage son. He's 16 and he goes to this party. But there's another teenage boy there. He just hates your son. No reason. Just hates him. And this other boy was waiting for your son to show up and he just kills him. Cold-blooded. Just kills your son. You see, if you track that boy down that killed your son, you track him down You kill him. That's called vengeance. But if you cooperate with the police and help find this kid who murdered your son and you get him arrested and through the legal system, that's called justice. But if this kid is in the legal system, you show up to court and somehow, somehow you convince the court.26:48to not punish the boy who murdered your son. Just let him go free. Don't punish him. That's called mercy. But if you go to the court and you convince them, not only don't punish the boy who murdered my son, not only let him free, but I want to raise him as my own son and love him and care for him.27:18I want to adopt him. That is grace. And I love that story because it's so accurate. We murdered God's son so that God could adopt us. He allowed, he ordained all of that to happen with Jesus Christ so that he could.27:50Adopt us. That's grace. But you know, we have a hard time with grace, don't we? We have a hard time because there's something in us that says, look, I have to do something to be right with God. I mean, I'm not buying for a second that I can be saved.28:18Just based on what God has done, and that I don't contribute some kind of work to it. But the Bible's clear, you can't earn it. You can't work for it. And you can't be good enough to get it. Because if you could, if there was some way that you could earn God's favor, then you have to explain why Jesus died on that cross.28:53It's grace. Like, well, is there something I have to do? Yeah, actually, there is one thing you have to do. It's the same thing you have to do with any gift that is being offered to you. You have to receive it.29:18The Bible says grace is a gift. So the question is, did you receive that gift? Did you receive that gift? Well, rest of your outline. Here's three evidences you've received God's grace. See, that's the real question. We can look.29:48at the word of God. And we can look at the testimony of others. But the question is, what about me? Have I actually received the grace of God? Or have I just been a church attender, a seat warmer, a pew sitter? Is that me? Or have I actually received God's grace? Well, the evidences to the resurrection that we just looked at, those were all, external, subjective, subjective, subjective, things, right? But when we're asking, have you received the grace of God? Have you received this gift? This is an internal thing. This is very subjective. Only you really can answer these questions. Have you received God's grace? Have you? Well, here's three evidences. The first one.30:50Letter A, you don't think you're worthy. Look at verse 9 again with me, please. He says, for I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. Unworthy. Listen, you have to recognize that you're unworthy.31:20We've talked about this before. We have people get upset with us here at the church. We have people leave the church because we just want the sermons to be a little more uplifting. We just want... Can't you make us feel good? Listen, you have to recognize that you're unworthy because if you think that you're worthy, if you think you're worthy of something from God, then it's not grace.31:48If you think you're worthy of something from God, you get this idea in your head that God owes you something. And he doesn't. You see, Paul, Paul, of all people, Paul could have said, I see why God picked me. I mean, come on. Do you know how much scripture I know? Do you know the connections I have? I got a triple A membership.32:17I can see why God picked me. I have so much to offer the Almighty. Is that what he said? No. He goes, I am so unworthy. And that's the point that people miss. I say, well, you know, I'm a good person and I do good things.32:47God should let me into heaven. The problem with that is, yeah, you might be a good person and you might do good things, but you're still guilty of sin. And you're like a criminal in court saying, yes, your honor, I know I'm guilty, but from now on, I'm going to try to do better. And no judge is going to let the guy walk out. Because despite this criminal's best intentions, or despite this criminal maybe having a track record, of doing some good things with his life in the past. The reality is, he's still guilty. And you have to take an honest assessment and humble yourself before God. Like, look, I'm not worthy of God's grace. I'm not. Here's a beautiful thing, though. God's grace, though it says nothing about me, it says everything about him.33:47But this is true of everyone who has actually received God's grace. They're like, I know I'm not worthy. I'm not. God has been so good to me. And he has done everything for me. And he has saved me. And he has provided for me. And I don't deserve a thing. That's true of people who have received God's grace. Letter B, you define yourself by grace.34:17Evidence that you receive God's grace because you define yourself by that grace. Verse 10 again. He says, but by the grace of God, I am what I am. And His grace toward me was not in vain. When you truly receive God's grace, you're defined by it. But you're like Paul, by God's grace, I am what I am.34:48I'm a child of God. How so? By His grace. I'm forgiven of all my sin. How can that be? God's grace. I am promised eternal life and glory. Like, how do you know? It's just God's grace. It's not me, it's Him. See, somebody could come along when you're like, you know, I'm, look, I'm, I'm a child of God. I am forgiven. And I am heaven bound. Somebody could come along and say, how can that be? You're trash. Like, yeah, I am trash. That's who I was. But you see, God's grace says, that's not what I am anymore. This is who I am now. Many years ago, we did a weekly Bible study.35:47in Butler County Prison. And occasionally there would be one little problem with that in that I grew up in Shakura. So occasionally at Butler County Prison, I would run into people that I went to high school with. Either working as a guard or wearing straight pajamas or whatever. But I would go in and they'd be like, hey, Jeff, what are you up to? And I'm like, well, you know, I came in here for Bible study. They're like, you're, They knew me from high school. I was not a good person. Okay? And they're like, so what are you doing now? And I'm like, I'm a pastor. And they're like, what? Like, you're a pastor. And they laugh. I have people like laughing in my face. Like, you're a pastor. Like, how can that be? They knew. They knew who I was. They knew some of the things that I did. They're like, how can that be that you're a pastor?36:47You know what my response is? It's by God's grace that I am what I am. How about you? Have you been known for doing things that you aren't very proud of? And somebody could rightly come along and get in your face and say, how could someone like you think you're going to serve God? How could someone like you think you're going to end up in heaven someday?37:19And you're like, it's God's grace.37:23It's not me.37:25It's God's grace.37:30See, this is a beautiful thing.37:33Church, grace redefines you.37:39Grace redefines you.37:40You're not living in the past.37:43You're not living in shame.37:48You're not oblivious. Okay, yeah, yeah. Okay, that's who I was. But that's not who God says I am now. God is constantly growing me and changing me and conforming me into the image of His Son. God says I am a child of His. That's who I am. Like, what gives you the right to say that? It's grace.38:16It's grace. My friend, something is going to define you. And it's either going to be your mistakes, or it's going to be God's grace. That though you didn't earn anything, you can humbly accept everything that He gives you.38:46It's grace. How do you know you got it? Well, you don't think you're worthy. You let grace define you. And the third thing we see in the text, letter C, you are motivated to work by grace. You are motivated to work by grace. Paul says his grace toward me was not in vain. Pick up from there. He says, On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach, and so you believed. I love that. Paul says, look, okay, God gave me this gift, and God didn't waste His gift on me because I put it to use.39:44I put God's gift to use, but it wasn't really me that put the gift to use. It was sort of his grace working in me and through me. And you're like, how does that all work? Even Paul didn't know, right? If Paul didn't figure it out, what makes you think I'm going to figure it out? He's like, I work, but it's God that's working. But like all the above?40:16And see, here's the point. You don't need to figure out how all that works. Just get to work. Serve God out of love and appreciation in His power, meaning just do what He's called and equipped you to do. Just do it with everything you got. The bottom line here is this. The evidence that you receive God's grace is when you're motivated and empowered to serve Him.40:43We don't serve God out of obligation. I was saved in 1995. I didn't get into ministry to be like, okay, God, you did me a solid. Now I'm going to do you a solid. That's not it at all. We don't serve out of obligation. We don't serve begrudgingly. Okay, fine. No one else will do it. I'll do it. And we certainly don't do it, right, Pastor Taylor?41:13We don't do a complaining. What you mean? God's recruited you for his team and you're going to bellyache about that? The one that received grace will not do that. I'm just thankful to be called on the team. Let's get to work. That's what grace says. Motivated and empowered to serve him. The person who received grace says God gave me his grace and that.41:43That is what puts the fire in my belly to do everything he's called me to do with everything that I've got. And then I discover that it's the same grace that motivated me to serve. That's the same grace that empowers me to serve. How do I know I've received God's grace? Because I'm motivated to work by grace. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 15:1-11What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Define “grace”. How would you explain grace to a child? To a non-believing coworker?What did Paul say was of “first importance” (1 Cor 15:3-4)? Why is this the primary thing?How does grace redefine you (1 Cor 15:10a)? Why do you think many Christians still struggle with their past?How exactly does grace motivate you to serve God (1 Cor 15:10)?BreakoutPray for one another.

THE COST OF UNITY Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 133.1-3 Psalm 133.1 (ESV) Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133.1-3 (ESV) Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. Unity is a sign that God is present among his people. Psalm 133.3 (NLT) Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. Ephesians 2.14 (ESV) He himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. . . In a divided world, the people of God are meant to be a preview of something better. Unity doesn't involve ten easy steps. It involves a Cross. Psalm 133.3 (ESV) For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. John 13.35 (NLT) Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

WHEN IT GETS PERSONAL Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 73 Psalm 73.2-3 (NLT) But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. The division out there is fueled by disorder in here. Psalm 73.1 (NLT) Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. Psalm 73.4-5 (NLT) They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don't have troubles like other people; they're not plagued with problems like everyone else. That short phrase in the NLT carries weight – “seem to.” Psalm 73.13 (NLT) Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? When my heart becomes disordered, my perspective becomes distorted. Psalm 73.17 (NKJV) Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. The sanctuary is a circuit-breaker. It interrupts the formation process of the world. Psalm 73.21-22 (NLT) Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Psalm 73.25 (NLT) Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. Psalm 73.28 (NLT) But as for me, how good it is to be near God! When we draw near to Him, our vision changesSubscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

WHAT HOLDS WHEN THE WORLD SHAKES Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 2 Psalm 2.1 (NLT) Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? Brett McCracken. On any given day we are left inflamed by whatever grievances the Internet has exposed us to, yet we are impotent to do much, if anything, about it. The endless conveyor belt of content puts more things on our radar in a day than people a century ago would encounter in a year – often about places we've never heard of and issues we didn't know were issues. Psalm 2.4 (NIV) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. What holds when the world shakes? Where do we stand when the storm hits? The storm reveals the shelter. Our attention is being discipled by outrage. What gets my attention gets access to my soul. What is shaping me? You can be a Christian in belief and still be discipled by outrage in practice. The answer is learning to care from a place of praise rather than panic. Psalm 2.11 (NLT) Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2.12 (NIV) Blessed are all who take refuge in him. The final word of the psalm is not rage. It is refuge.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

WHY THE WORLD IS ALWAYS ANGRY Gordon Dabbs, PhD Psalm 2 Psalm 2.1-2 (NLT) Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. WHY IS EVERYONE SO ANGRY? Psalm 2.3 (ESV) Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us. Psalm 2.3 (NLT) Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God. The world is angry because the world resists God's rightful rule. The world is angry because we are too easily ruled by fear. Psalm 2.4 (NIV) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Psalm 2.11 (NLT) Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING Gordon Dabbs, PhD Proverbs 10.9 Proverbs 10.9 (ESV) Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Character Is What Wisdom Looks Like Over Time Proverbs 22.1 (ESV) A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 10.9 (ESV) Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Your Work has a Spiritual Dimension Proverbs 6.6 (ESV) Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Colossians 3.17 (ESV) And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. . . Integrity Gives You Solid Ground to Stand On Proverbs 11.3 (ESV) The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Proverbs 11.1 (ESV) A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. The goal of Jesus is not image management. It's inner transformation.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

CIRCLE OF TRUST Gordon Dabbs, PhD Proverbs 13:20 Proverbs 13.20 (ESV) Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Wisdom is not merely information you collect. Wisdom is a life you learn in relationship with others. Nobody becomes wise alone. Proverbs 27.17 (NLT) As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Not every relationship you have deserves the same access to you. 1 Corinthians 15.33 (ESV) Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Love everyone always. Choose your closest companions carefully. Faithful friends tell the truth. Proverbs 27.6 (ESV) Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27.9 (NLT) The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Isolated people have a hard time seeing their own blind spots. Proverbs 17.17 (ESV) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. I don't want to just find the right people. . .I want to become the right person that those right people can trust. Proverbs 18.24 (ESV) A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Jesus receives us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us unchanged. The closer we walk with Jesus, the more we become the kind of people others can safely walk with.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WORK ON YOUR WORDS Gordon Dabbs, PhD Proverbs 18:21 Proverbs 18.21 (NLT) The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. WORDS CREATE WORLDS. WORDS ARE SMALL THINGS WITH MASSIVE CONSEQUENCES. Proverbs 12.18 (ESV) There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. WISDOM IS KNOWING WHEN TO SPEAK AND WHEN TO STOP. Proverbs 17.28 (ESV) Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. TONE MATTERS AS MUCH AS WORDS. Proverbs 15.1 (ESV) A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Ephesians 4.29 (NLT) Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. JESUS SHOWS US WHAT LIFE-GIVING WORDS LOOK LIKE. FIVE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU SPEAK (OR TEXT. . .OR POST): 1. Is it true? 2. Is it necessary? 3. Is it loving? 4. Is this the right time? 5. Am I saying it in the right spirit? Psalm 141.3 (ESV) Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

BEING MY OWN GPS Gordon Dabbs, PhD Proverbs 3.5-8 Proverbs 3.5-8 (NLT) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. WE OFTEN WANT GOD'S WILL ON OUR TERMS. We want God to show us the map while leaving us in control of the steering wheel. The goal is not merely knowing God's will. The goal is knowing God. The Christian life is not primarily about getting information from God. It is about becoming the kind of person who walks with God. TRUST IS MORE THAN BELIEF. John 4.24 (ESV) God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. Proverbs 14.12 (ESV) There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. GOD DIRECTS THOSE WILLING TO BE DIRECTED. Proverbs 3.6 (ESV) In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 16.1-3 (NLT) We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. James 4.13-15 (ESV) Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” HOW DO WISE PEOPLE MAKE DECISIONS? 1. Have I prayed about it? 2. What does Scripture say? 3. Have I sought wise counsel? 4. What are my motives? 5. Am I willing to obey whatever God reveals?Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

Life doesn't come with an instruction manual—but it does come with Proverbs. This summer series unpacks God's timeless wisdom for our relationships, decisions, work, and words. Join Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., as we learn how godly wisdom leads to peace, purpose, and integrity in a world full of confusion.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"