Podcasts about second service

"Loving God, Loving People!"

LIGHT OF THE WORLD John 8.1-12 Gordon Dabbs, PhD Through the Gospel, Christ shows us who we are: full, free, unfettered. Jesus came to help us recover what was lost. To restore us to who we truly are—God's beloved children. In John 8, Jesus makes this staggering declaration: “I am the light of the world.” John 8: Jesus teaches early one morning in the temple courts. Pharisees burst in, dragging a woman with them. John 8.3-4 (NLT) They put her in front of the crowd. “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery.” John 8.5 (NLT) “The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” John 8.6 (NLT) They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. What did He write? John never tells us. John 8.7 (NLT) . . . As they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” Eventually, everyone leaves. John 8.10-11 (ESV) Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” [leave up] Jesus doesn't say, “Change—and then I'll accept you.” He says, “You're accepted—now let me change you.” Titus 2.11-12 (ESV) . . . The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. . . The Pharisees dragged her into the light to destroy her. Jesus stands with her in the light to restore her. Vs 12 - Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.” The promise: John 8.12 (ESV) “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” What's our response to this story? • Drop the Stones • Step Out of the Shadows • Follow the Light Daily Jesus doesn't just illuminate sin. He illuminates the way forward to life. “I am the light of the world.” Anyone willing to follow walks in the light.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Everyone is looking for something: Meaning. Direction. Security. Life. Jesus didn't just point the way—He said, “I am the way.” In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven bold “I Am” statements that tell us exactly who He is and why it matters. Each one speaks to a real human need and offers hope that still holds up in real life. In the "I Am" series, Dr. Gordon Dabbs helps us explore these powerful words of Jesus and discover what it means to trust Him—not just with our beliefs, but with our everyday lives.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

The Christmas story is more than a tale of a baby in a manger — it's the unfolding of God's incredible love for humanity and His plan to restore the world. In this special series from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we'll reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love revealed in the birth of Jesus. Join us as we celebrate the true reason for Christmas and the life-changing message of God's greatest gift to the world.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

The Christmas story is more than a tale of a baby in a manger — it's the unfolding of God's incredible love for humanity and His plan to restore the world. In this special series from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we'll reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love revealed in the birth of Jesus. Join us as we celebrate the true reason for Christmas and the life-changing message of God's greatest gift to the world.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY 1 Thessalonians 4.13-5.11 Gordon Dabbs, PhD Our real and final destination is life everlasting with Jesus Christ—it's a new heaven and new earth. 1 Thessalonians 4.13 (ESV) We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. Our goodbyes in Christ are more like “See you later.” We grieve with hope. Why? 1 Thessalonians 4.14 (ESV) For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Paul gives us this amazing preview of Christ's return. 1 Thessalonians 4.16-18 (ESV) For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. Thessalonians had a big question people still ask today. . . “When? When exactly is Jesus coming back?” 1 Thessalonians 5.1-3 (ESV) Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. We can't predict the exact moment Jesus returns. But we can be ready—because we belong to Him. And whenever that day comes, it will be the best day of our lives. Now, in this in-between time, how are we supposed to live? 1 Thessalonians 5.4-11 (ESV) But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Today, if Paul were writing this letter, I think he might add something about screens. 1 Thessalonians 5.11 (ESV) Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Paul says we should take with us on the journey. . . 1. Hope. 2. Encouragement. 3. Stay awake. 4. Don't fret over the arrival time 5. Connect to your church family. 6. Practice Consistent, Ordinary Obedience. And every mile, every tear, every step, every struggle will be worth it.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

READY AND WAITING Luke 12.35–38 Dr. Gordon Dabbs Sometimes, the best things in life are meant to surprise us. What we do know is enough: When He comes, the sky itself will open. The King will appear. And every eye will see Him. The thousand-year reign of Jesus: three major camps: • Premillennialism • Postmillennialism • Amillennialism What is the Rapture? The idea comes from a couple of verses in Luke 17: Luke 17.30-31, 34-35 (NLT) Yes, it will be ‘business as usual' right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day a person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return home. . . That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour together at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. Over the arc of Christian history, believers have agreed on one big truth: Whatever the timeline, Jesus is coming back. Rapture? No rapture? Pre? Post? A-Millennialism? Look, there's no need to argue and divide over these questions because if you know Christ, you're on the right side of His story — no matter what your chart looks like. “We can be certain Jesus will return, but the order of events and happenings are less firm. I trust Jesus to work out all the details.” ~ Mary Wiley When it comes to Scripture, here's a good rule: Hold tightly to what's clear. Hold loosely to what's not. What IS clear from Scripture about the return of Jesus: 4 things... 1. It Will Be Personal Acts 1.11 (ESV) Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. 2. It Will Be Sudden 3. It Will Be High Visibility 4. It Will Be Glorious Mark 8.38 (ESV) . . . The Son of Man . . . comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Until then, we are ready and waiting. Luke 12.35–38 (NLT) Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! Waiting — because faith means trusting the Chef, the Conductor, the Pilot, and the Planner. We don't know every detail of the recipe. But we know the One preparing the feast. And that's enough.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

The promise of Jesus' return has been a source of hope and anticipation for believers throughout history. But what does the Bible actually say about his second coming, and how should we live in light of this promise? In the "Coming Soon" message series by Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we'll explore Scripture's teachings on Christ's return, examining what it means for our lives today and our hope for the future. We'll tackle questions about signs of His coming, the urgency of sharing the gospel, and how to live with a heart prepared and focused on His Kingdom. Join us as we grow in faith, eager for the day when Jesus will come again to make all things new.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

The promise of Jesus' return has been a source of hope and anticipation for believers throughout history. But what does the Bible actually say about his second coming, and how should we live in light of this promise? In the "Coming Soon" message series by Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we'll explore Scripture's teachings on Christ's return, examining what it means for our lives today and our hope for the future. We'll tackle questions about signs of His coming, the urgency of sharing the gospel, and how to live with a heart prepared and focused on His Kingdom. Join us as we grow in faith, eager for the day when Jesus will come again to make all things new.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

A HEART LIKE HIS Jonah 4 Gordon Dabbs, PhD When we last saw Jonah, he had just delivered the MOST successful sermon in history. Revival breaks out across the entire city. The twist: instead of throwing a celebration, the preacher is throwing a fit. Jonah 4.1 (ESV) But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. Why was Jonah furious? NOT because his message flopped… but because it worked. Jonah 4.2-3 (NLT) So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn't I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I'd rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.” The one time in Scripture someone gets mad at God for being too nice. Jonah 4.6 (NLT) And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah's head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant. Next morning: plant is dead, shade is gone, sun is back. Jonah is back to being furious: “I'm so angry I wish I were dead" (v8). Jonah 4.10-11 (NLT) Then the Lord said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?” We never find out how Jonah responds. God ends the conversation. We're left realizing the question isn't just for Jonah. It's for us. 3 Take-Homes. . . 1. Sometimes God lets our “plants” die to teach us what really matters. Comfort fades. Compassion endures. 2. Grace always feels unfair—at least until you remember you're one of its recipients. 3. We can't love God deeply without learning to love who He loves. “We show compassion to our neighbors not because they deserve it, and not because it's technically possible they might deserve it. We show compassion because Christ had compassion on us when we did not deserve it.” ~ Alan Noble Jonah's book is not flattering. But it helps us see ourselves… and that's the beginning of transformation.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

Second service of our Q&A in October 2025

SALVATION COMES FROM THE LORD Jonah 2.1-10 Jonah 2.1-10 (NLT) Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me! You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. Then I said, ‘O Lord, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.' I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.” Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach. Jonah's story is our story. We've all run from God. Romans 3.23 (ESV)For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. James 3.2 (ESV)For we all stumble in many ways. We head toward something we think will fulfill us… • More money (the wealth-ship) • A relationship (the relation-ship) • Escapism: substances, entertainment, social media, or the next thrill (the cruise-ship of distraction) There are a lot of things God does — but He does not give up on us. And He does not pretend that our sin doesn't matter. He confronts, He disciplines, and he does it all with redemption in mind. Jonah realizes his only option is God. He can't swim out. He can't bargain his way out. He prays: “Salvation belongs to the Lord.” (v. 9) KEY TRUTHS: 1. Reject the self-salvation project. “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” V.8 2. Trust that God can save. “Salvation comes from the Lord.” V.9 3. Trust that God has already made provision. “You brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God.” V.6 Acts 4.11-12 (NLT) Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘"The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone." There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4.12 (NLT)There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Maybe you feel overwhelmed today. The storm in your life is just too much. That's the Gospel. Storms are real. But Christ is stronger. Jonah's prayer didn't get him out of the fish instantly. But it aligned his heart with God. Sometimes God changes our circumstances. Sometimes He changes us in the middle of our circumstances. Either way… He saves.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

IN THE STORM Jonah 1.4-16 Last week, we discussed the WHY: Jonah bolted because God was sending him to Nineveh, known for their evil and cruelty. Jonah buys a ticket for Tarshish. The writer of Jonah loves the word “down.” • Jonah went down to Joppa (v1,3) • He went down to the ship (v3) • He went down into the inner part of the ship (v5) • There, he laid down (v5) • And he went down into the sea, into the belly of a fish. Isn't that how it works? Small steps until you realize you're completely underwater. Jonah 1.4–6 (ESV) The Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.” C. S. Lewis: “Pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Hebrews 12.6-7 (NLT) says, “The Lord disciplines those He loves.” When storms hit, we may grumble, “Why me?” For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? God hasn't given up on us. He loves us enough to shake us awake. Verse 5 says, “Each cried out to his god.” That's what people do in storms: they run to their gods. But false gods can't calm real storms. What do storms do? • Storms reveal our gods. Who do you turn to first when life falls apart? That's your god. • Storms remind us of God's sovereignty. Storms show us we're not in control. • Storms redirect us. • Storms bring unexpected conversions. Jonah wasn't aiming to evangelize sailors, but his storm became their salvation. Jonah: “Worst Missionary of All Time” • He didn't want to go. • He hated those to whom he was being sent. • He literally begged people to kill him so he wouldn't have to preach. Why worship God even in our storms: • God loves us enough to send storms. Storms are not punishment but rescue missions. • Knowledge without obedience is useless. Jonah knew the right God but lived the wrong way. • Our storms may lead others to salvation. Your struggle might become someone else's testimony. • The storm is not the end. Jonah went down, but grace was waiting even in the deep. Jonah's storm led sailors to worship and eventually led Jonah to repentance. What might God be up to in your storm?Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

Hebrews 4:1-13Big Idea: Are you resting in Christ today?

Ever tried running from something God asked you to do? You're not alone. Jonah did more than drag his feet—he bought a one-way ticket in the opposite direction. Yet, through storms, sailors, and even a giant fish, Jonah discovered what we all need to know: you can't outrun God's love. This five-part series from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., dives into one of the Bible's most surprising stories—a prophet who said “no,” a city no one thought could change, and a God whose mercy refuses to quit. Along the way, we'll wrestle with tough questions: Who are the “Ninevites” in our lives? How do we respond when God calls us to love the unlovable? And what does Jonah's messy, unfinished story reveal about our own? Join us as we explore Jonah's story of rebellion and redemption—and discover the relentless mercy of a God who never stops pursuing His people.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"

"Loving God, Loving People!"