Prestoncrest Church of Christ

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

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

DEEPER is a series designed for all ages to grow in God’s word! This cover-to-cover study of the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, is a weekly opportunity for the entire family to be encouraged, challenged, and edified.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

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

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

DEEPER is a series designed for all ages to grow in God’s word! This cover-to-cover study of the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, is a weekly opportunity for the entire family to be encouraged, challenged, and edified.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

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

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

DEEPER is a series designed for all ages to grow in God’s word! This cover-to-cover study of the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, is a weekly opportunity for the entire family to be encouraged, challenged, and edified.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Two men walk into the temple to pray—one a religious superstar, the other a despised tax collector. Only one leaves right with God. In this message, Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., unpacks Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, showing us why grace always flows downhill—toward the humble, the broken, and the desperate. If you’ve ever felt unqualified, underqualified, or too much of a mess for God, this sermon is for you. Because the good news of the Gospel is not about what you’ve achieved—it’s about the mercy you receive. 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 message series from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we’ll explore some of Jesus’ most powerful parables—stories that reveal surprising grace, upside-down values, and radical invitations to live differently. From forgiveness and faith to humility and stewardship, each parable offers a lens to see life the way God sees it. Join us as we dive into these timeless teachings—stories that comfort, confront, and ultimately call us to walk closer with Christ.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WHEN GRACE DOESN’T ADD UP Matthew 20.1-16 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, but at the end… everyone got the same wage. Matthew 20.13-16 (ESV) But he replied to one of them, "Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?" So the last will be first, and the first last. Grace is not “paycheck theology.” Grace is a gift. Literally, that’s what the Greek word “Charis” means... free gift. You want God to operate based on the paycheck theology? Consider this: Romans 6.23 (ESV) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Grace says, “You’re not saved because of how long you’ve been here, or how much you’ve done. You’re saved because of what Jesus did on the cross.” Ephesians 2.8-9 (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. The biggest trust fund in the world is a piggy bank compared to what we have in Jesus. But, too much grace will make believers lazy, right? That’s NOT how it works. "Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone.” ~ Dallas Williard 1 Corinthians 15.10 (ESV) By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 4 TAKEAWAYS: 1. Grace is not a paycheck. It’s a gift. 2. Comparison is a thief of joy. Count your blessings... not your grievances. 3. Grace levels the playing field. All stand shoulder to shoulder at the foot of the Cross. 4. God’s “unfairness” is our hope. If He gave us what we deserved, we’d be sunk.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

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 message series from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we’ll explore some of Jesus’ most powerful parables—stories that reveal surprising grace, upside-down values, and radical invitations to live differently. From forgiveness and faith to humility and stewardship, each parable offers a lens to see life the way God sees it. Join us as we dive into these timeless teachings—stories that comfort, confront, and ultimately call us to walk closer with Christ.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

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 message series from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we’ll explore some of Jesus’ most powerful parables—stories that reveal surprising grace, upside-down values, and radical invitations to live differently. From forgiveness and faith to humility and stewardship, each parable offers a lens to see life the way God sees it. Join us as we dive into these timeless teachings—stories that comfort, confront, and ultimately call us to walk closer with Christ.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

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 message series from Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., we’ll explore some of Jesus’ most powerful parables—stories that reveal surprising grace, upside-down values, and radical invitations to live differently. From forgiveness and faith to humility and stewardship, each parable offers a lens to see life the way God sees it. Join us as we dive into these timeless teachings—stories that comfort, confront, and ultimately call us to walk closer with Christ.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Suffering is one of the hardest things we face—and one of the biggest barriers to faith. In this honest, hope-filled message, Preaching Minister Gordon Dabbs, Ph.D., explores how Scripture frames pain, what to say (and not say) to the hurting, and how God shows up in our darkest moments. With humor, compassion, and real-life stories, this sermon offers more than answers—it offers presence, perspective, and the promise that in Christ, our pain is never wasted.Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

NAME, IMAGE, & LIKENESS John 4.3-42 Dr Gordon Dabbs Jesus doesn’t stretch us because He enjoys watching us squirm. He challenges us because He wants to transform us into the people we were always meant to be. That’s the deal. N.I.L. • Name: God announces… Numbers 6.27 (ESV) “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” • Image: We are… Predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. Romans 8.29 (ESV) • Likeness: We are called Christians, literally, “little Christs.” Acts 11.26 Here’s the thing. Until a person accepts that they are broken and there is NOTHING they can do to fix themselves, they won’t hear this as good news. But once I understand I’m created by God to bear the image of His Son, the lifelong adventure begins. Romans 8.28-29 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. I pray that this message series has helped you see what the Lord is doing through the discomfort… how He is shaping and molding you. John 3.16 (ESV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 4.3-7 (ESV) He left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” John 4.9 (ESV) “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) She sighs… “Oh well, I guess we’ll have to wait on the Messiah to come some day and clear all of this up.” John 4.26 (ESV) “I who speak to you am he.” John4.39 (ESV) Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony. There are few things that stretch me… that pull me out of my comfort zone… like the love of Jesus. He loves the immigrant… and the ICE agent… the MAGA hat guy and the vegan barista with the composting toilet. He loves the influencers and the invisible. Highland Park… and Hamilton Park. Hebrews 1.3 (ESV) He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. What do you think? Can you say yes to the N.I.L. deal and refuse to love like he loves? John answers that bluntly. 1 John 4.7-8 (ESV) Whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God…Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise