Archived Sermons - 2005

You can listen to our recent sermons here online without leaving the comfort of your home!  By listening to these selected sermons you can often catch up on what you may have missed and get an idea of how we try to combine strong biblical teaching with helpful, real-life application.

If you experience technical difficulty or are unsure on how to listen to the archived sermons, please email the webmaster.  You can download Real Player for free to listen to the streaming messages.  Sermons are in the popular MP3 format, playable in almost every media player. Recent messages are encoded at 16 kbps. You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free for selected sermon notes.

(c) 2005 Gold Canyon Community Church.  All rights reserved.  Please contact us if you are interesting in distributing beyond what is available here online.

December 18, 2005: Israel's Christmas Carols - Silent Night
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 3.8 MB]

"Peace on earth, goodwill to men..." was the angels' words to lowly shepherds, announcing the birth of the promised Savior. But is peace on earth nothing more than fanciful, fairy tale wishful thinking? Peace - on this earth? Pastor Dave shares that true peace does not depend on earthly circumstances, but instead resides in a Person.

December 11, 2005: Israel's Christmas Carols - Joy to the World
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 3.4 MB]

"Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King." What inspires and provokes joy? Tune in.

December 4, 2005: Israel's Christmas Carols - O Come, O Come Emmanuel
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 6.6 MB]

Pastor Dave begins a Christmas series on "Israel's Christmas Carols" by focusing on the theme of hope in the advent season. What is hope? How can we hope in a world that seems, especially during the holidays, to be pretty bleak for so many? What is the source of our hope as believers? Tune in to hear the full story.

November 27, 2005: Heaven Series: Until Then (Rev. 22:6-13)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 3.8 MB]

Concluding message for series on heaven focuses on how we should live in light of the fact that heaven is our inspiration.

November 20, 2005: Heaven Series: Paradise Described (Rev. 21-22:6)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 3.2 MB]

Into the 3rd week of a series on heaven, Pastor Dave examines what the book of Revelation can tell us about the dimensions of heaven.

October 30, 2005: Keep Going - We're Not Home Yet
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 3.7 MB]

There are 3 cities in the life of every believer - the city behind us, the city of our present, and the city to which we're looking forward. In Hebrews 11 we are reminded that Moses, believing God's promises, looked ahead to a future city. Pastor Dave, concluding his series on Enduring, reminds us that we are "not home yet" and that heaven is not primarily our destination but our motivation.

October 23, 2005: Keep Going - By Seeing the Glory of God
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 3.2 MB]

Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt into the wilderness, toward the Promised Land that God had promised. Arriving at Sinai, Moses went to the mountain to meet with God. Meanwhile the Israelites were complaining, and worse, worshipping a golden calf under Aaron's watch. Seeing all of their rebellion, God told Moses that although He would permit Israel to enter the Land, that He could not go with them, for fear His wrath would destroy them. Moses responded by saying that if God didn't go with them, they'd rather stay in the wilderness and die rather than be without God in the Promised Land. For Moses, it was all about "seeing the Glory of God".

October 16, 2005: Keep Going - The Activity of Jesus
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 4.2 MB]

What does it take to endure, to keep going, to persevere against all odds? The truth of the Bible is that without Jesus sustaining, enabling and equipping us, we'd have no hope to keep going. As a Caedmon's Call song said a few years ago, Jesus gives us "hope to carry on..." When we know that Jesus is constantly carrying us, we can rest assure that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.

October 2, 2005: Secondary Gain - Vision Sunday
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 4.4 MB]

Did you ever notice that a majority of the Paul's letters are written to "communities" of faith, whether it be in Galatia, Ephesus, Colossae, or the house churches in Rome? Jesus and the apostles assumed that those devoted to the "kingdom of God" - living out the faith - would naturally fellowship with other believers. In other words, the concept of a "lone ranger" Christian (secluded, hermitic) was foreign to the earliest believers because they knew that true growth and LIFE is meant to be experienced "in community". Discover how Scripture illustrates over and over the importance of having "garden friends" - those you can invest in as and who will support you as you walk with the Lord.

September 25, 2005: The Road to Healing (2 Chronicles 7:14)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 3.8 MB]

Repentance. Turning away from sin, turning towards God. Tune in to the discover that the Road to Healing begins with Repentance.

September 18, 2005: Operation World: Part 3 (Acts 14)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 4.2 MB]

Concluding the Missions Series Pastor Dave challenges each of us to see ourselves as missionaries, right where we are. Three truths are central to the life of the missionary that pleases God: 1) the degree of faithfulness, 2) the willingness to endure persecution, and 3) ability to glory in the battle scars. Having experienced the full spectrum of suffering (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23ff), Paul understood that living the Christian life is not easy - but it is glorious. Tune in for this series finale.

September 11, 2005: Operation World: Part 2 (Acts 13:16-41)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 3.6 MB]

Continuing in Acts and in a series on missions Pastor Dave underscores God's sovereignty and control over the entire sweep of history. From the first to last page of Scripture God IS the HERO of the story as He seeks to restore relationship between Himself and the pinnacle of His creation - the human race. Paul's retelling of God's control over Israel should bring us great comfort and confidence that our God sees and knows all things, and is forever bringing history into conformity with His Will and for His Glory.

September 4, 2005: Operation World: Part 1 (Acts 13:1-13)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 2.3 MB]

He created the world, and all that is in it - the birds, the mountains, the sunsets - all of it. But only us - human beings - did He create in His own image, after His own likeness (Gen. 1). And for that reason we bear significance and possess intrinsic value to Him. But because of sin, the image of God has been marred, and in need of restoration. Jesus Christ purchased our freedom and paid the debt of our sins to bring us to the life of abundance with His Father. If you have that life, you also have an intrinsic desire to share it with others. God wants you to, calls you to, empowers you to - tune in to see how God is rescuing a broken, sinful world through followers devoted to walking with Him.

August 28, 2005: Grace's Withdrawal Slip - Prayer Conclusion (Eph. 3:13-21)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 3 MB]

Pastor Dave concludes his series on Prayer by examining Paul's powerful and passionate prayer in Ephesians 3. As we look at this great example of biblical prayer, three components, or steps, come in to focus: 1) Acknowledging God, 2) Asking God, and 3) Appreciating God. As we learn to pray continually in the Spirit we discover that we are strengthened by the Spirit's power, can begin to comprehend Christ's love and are filled with God's fullness. What is God's desire when we pray? That the whole earth would be filled with the "knowledge of his glory" (Hab. 2:14). God is glorified when we pray to Him as our Father in heaven!

August 21, 2005: Dear God...I Need More of You (Exodus 33)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 3.7 MB]

God has designed us to be warriors - prayer warriors - who actively engage God with our whole hearts! Pastor Dave highlights four qualities of a prayer warrior exemplified by Moses: 1) Consistently Praying, 2) Confiding Personally, 3) Communicating Passionately, and 4) Always Contagious. God wants your whole heart to pursue Him, to have the attitude of Moses, who longed to see God face to face, and of the Apostle Paul, who considered everything a loss compared to knowing God. Be inspired to pray to God as a friend talks to a friend!

August 14 , 2005: The Invitation to the Thirsty (Isaiah 55)
[Stream/Download mp3 - PART ONE approximately 2.8 MB] [PART TWO approximately 0.7 MB]

Are you feeling weak, down-and-out, tired and out of sorts? Then you are in a good place...for God to give you hope and LIFE. Jesus said "come" to his disciples, and God calls all who are thirsty and weak to come to Him for living water that will never run dry. In Isaiah 55 the Lord is promising those who have been exiled that they will once again be re-established and bear fruit as they abide in Him. For us today we are invited to receive the daily bread - strength, wisdom, power - that can sustain us and bring us the abundant life (John 10:10).

July 24, 2005: God Lifts the Lowly
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 4.6 MB]

Pastor Dave continues in a series on "God is Still God" by having us look at how Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement," was used by God to encourage Paul and the early church.

July 17, 2005: God Still Loves the Lost
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 6.5 MB]

Pastor Dave reminds us that God loves all those made in His image (Genesis 1) and wants to use his followers to show his love in tangible ways. Sometimes, however, we find ourselves getting in the way of demonstrating God's love because we believe others need to look, worship or even vote like us. Pastor Dave helps us dispel these blocks to God's love as he examines Peter's decision to visit a Gentile home in Acts 10.

July 10, 2005: God Still Heals the Hurting
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 4.7 MB]

Pastor Dave begins a new series on "God is Still God" by looking at how God heals the hurting through edifiers - His beloved children. Note that this message was originally interspersed with the song "Healed" by Nichole Nordeman - there is a 30-second pause to reflect this interlude.

July 3, 2005: True Freedom
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 7.4 MB]

Tune in as guest speaker Matt Swartz challenges us to see what true freedom is and what true freedom costs.

June 26, 2005: The WAY to Transformation
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 6.8 MB]

As his life was coming to an end, the Apostle Paul could look back and honestly say that all things he thought were once valuable - his knowledge, lineage, prestige - were garbage compared to knowing Jesus. Paul's way of walking with God was unique to his personality and background, but firmly rooted in living the Christian life authentically. Pastor Dave challenges us all to find our individual ways so that God can transform us "day by day".

June 19, 2005: Father's Day: Living as Abba's Child
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 5.9 MB]

Are you adopted? If you have received Christ as Lord and Savior, embracing the LIFE he offers, then you are indeed adopted. But what does your adoption mean for you as a believer? Here on Father's Day Pastor Dave details what the apostle John meant when he wrote that we who receive Christ are now "children of God" (1 John 3:2) and fleshes out the full benefits we enjoy as his sons and daughters.

June 12, 2005: Paul's Process: Blueprint to Brokenness
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 7.8 MB]

Saul met Jesus on the Damascus Road, but that was only the beginning of his adventure in pursuing his identity, secured by his Lord. In order to discover what God intended for him to be, Paul first needed to be broken of his pride and receive encouragement from those he had formerly persecuted. Find out how God broke Paul and how he intends to break each and every one of us so he can masterfully put us back together as "new creations" with hearts alive for Him.

June 5, 2005: Paul's Process: First - Getting Saved
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 8.4 MB]

As we walk through the book of Acts and the unfolding of the gospel, Pastor Dave introduces us to the character of Saul, a zealous Jew bent on stamping out what he believes to be the blasphemous Christian sect. Saul looks on approvingly when Stephen is stoned in Acts 7, and it's not until Jesus meets him on the Damascus Road that we see a change in Paul's direction. This is the first in a series of messages entitled "Paul's Process."

May 29, 2005: The Unstoppable Gospel
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 10.5 MB]

What has had the power to change our world? What has made men willing to become martyrs, to forsake worldly pleasures for a risky mission? What is so simple yet inexhaustible in its depth? The gospel. The message of Jesus, crucified, risen and alive today, making relationship with God possible through the satisfying of God's holy judgment on our sins. See how Acts 8 describes the power of the gospel that extended beyond Jerusalem unto the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

May 22, 2005: Imitating Jesus
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 11.2 MB]

Continuing on a series titled "The Church Takes Shape," Pastor Dave highlights the incredible faith of a deacon named Stephen and how he gained life in losing it. Stephen kept his vision pure, his prayers passionate and his message a message of peace. Tune in to a powerful message on dying to self in order to truly discover the identity we possess in Christ.

May 15, 2005: Growing Pains
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 10.6 MB]

As the early church grew and added hundreds to their fellowship daily they encountered "growing pains." These growing pains included internal conflict - the unmet needs of certain widows, the disobedience of Ananais and Sapphira - as well as external conflict - Jews who sought to stamp out the early Christians. During these exciting early days of ministry Pastor Dave encourages us to see how we can implement truths from the first century into our 21st-century church life.

May 8, 2005: The Church Gains Strength
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 12.8 MB]

What would be your reaction if you were wrongfully imprisoned on false, trumped-up charges? Righteous indignation, or, a sense of feeling abandoned by God? The early apostles Peter and John found themselves in such a predicament when they were brought before the Jerusalem religious authorities and interrogated as to their faith and intentions in Acts 5:17-42. Peter and John's response to their situation serves as a shining model of how we can gain strength through suffering and persecution. What kind of joy counts it a blessing to suffer for the gospel? Tune in to discover.

May 1, 2005: A Universal Principle
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 11.1 MB]

April 24, 2005: The Problem with Religion
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 11.2 MB]

Most of us have heard of the Tower of Babel, but what does it say about us as human beings and about God? Pastor Dave has us visit Genesis 11 to see how we often try to reach God or find significance through our own efforts. But the truth is that nothing in life will bring us salvation, significance or security apart from a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The great sadness is that so many of us pursue these three things apart from God and end up at a dead end.


April 17, 2005: The Wrath of God
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 10.7 MB]

The subject of God's wrath is not a popular one to preach on, and it's not a concept most of us are comfortable with - and for good reason, as God's righteous anger naturally strikes fear in us! But in order for God to be just, he must deal with the sin and corruption in this world, including the sins that all human beings are guilty of committing. If he were not to judge these sins He would be less than righteous, for God is holy. But in His great grace, God offered his Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty due us by dying on a cross - and thus opening the door to salvation and the abundant life. The truth is all have fallen short of God's glorious standards and deserve death, but God preserves His righteousness by offering His Son - and a personal relationship with Him.

April 10, 2005: The Touch of God on Unclean Lips
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 14.8 MB]

Former interim pastor Bob Thompson speaks on "Why Words Matter - and How They Make a Difference."

April 3, 2005: Amazing Grace
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 6.5 MB]

Beginning a new series on Salvation, Pastor Dave reminds us of God's amazing grace and how lost we are without it. This sermon will help you understand where you stand with God, whether you have or have not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior.

March 27, 2005: The God of Second Chances
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 13 MB]

Who was it that arrived first at the tomb? The women! Particularly, Mary Magdalene, a woman with a closet full of skeletons, and someone who probably caused embarrassment for the disciples. And why did Jesus specifically mention Peter when he told the women to go tell his disciples that he was alive? Because God is a God of second chances, and He offers life to those who are willing to humble themselves and receive it.

March 20, 2005: The Trouble with Marriage - Marriage Series
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 9.2 MB] - AUDIO QUALITY IS NOT VERY GOOD - SORRY!

Pastor Dave Abbatacola concludes his series on "God's Blueprint for Bliss" by having us look at why Paul says "those who marry will face many troubles in this life" (1 Cor. 7:28). Although God intends to glorify Himself through a loving, healthy marriage and its purposes, marital problems are inevitable in a broken world where Christians divorce at just as high if not higher rate than non-Christians. Dave has us look at the wisdom of Solomon and explains the meaning of the "foxes" that can enter into the marital relationship and wreak havoc if not captured (Song of Solomon 2:15). Understanding God's design for marriage (man and woman, for the whole life - not holy headlock but abundant life) we must fight for purity by worshipping, praying and serving together as husbands and wives. An important word in a day and age when the sanctity of marriage is constantly trivialized.

March 13, 2005: The Role of the Husband - Marriage Series
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 9.2 MB] - AUDIO QUALITY IS NOT VERY GOOD - SORRY!

In the 3rd week of "God's Blueprint for Bliss" Pastor Dave has us look at how Paul instructs Christian husbands to "lead by loving." As husbands we have the tremendous responsibility, blessing and adventure of loving our wives as Christ loves the church - his bride. Tune in as Dave takes us through the Scriptures to reveal how God has uniquely called husbands to be leaders who love.

March 6, 2005: The Role of the Wife - Marriage Series
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 10 MB]

Continuing in "God's Blueprint for Bliss," Pastor Dave has us focus on the role of the wife in the marriage relationship. Examining Ephesians 5 we discover the importance of submission for the godly wife - submitting to husbands but also to God as they reveal God's design for marital bliss. Without glossing over the difficulties of ungodly husbands, Pastor Dave teaches us that a "woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Proverbs 31).

February 27, 2005: What Every Marriage Must Have - Marriage Series
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 10 MB]

Kicking off a marriage series entitled "God's Blueprint for Bliss," Pastor Dave communicates what "Every Marriage Must Have." Based on God's Word Dave gives us some timely principles on what marriages should like and emphasizes the three mutually interdependent components of intimacy, passion and commitment. You won't want to miss the "special" musical interludes that help us better see what happens when one of those 3 components is missing.

For those who are interested, we will be making the entire series (4 messages) available on CD for Easter Sunday and beyond. Please email Dave Minich to reserve your set today - suggested donation of $10.

February 20, 2005: The Church on Fire - Conclusion
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 6.49 MB]
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 867 kB ]

As pastor Dave concludes a "Church on Fire" series from Acts, he attempts to answer the question, "What is a Healthy Church?" Affirmation, Consecration and Transformation are the three functions that we see at work in the earliest Christian churches - and if we are looking to be healthy today, these three must continue to transpire. The body of Christ - the visible church - must be characterized by helping, holiness and healing. Join us as we conclude this snapshot of the early church in the book of Acts.

February 6, 2005: The Church on Fire - How to Make a Difference (Acts 3)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 7.4 MB]

It's clear that the early church experienced incredible transformation and growth as the gospel of Jesus Christ was fanned like a flame in Jerusalem and beyond. How do we as the 21st century heirs to Christ's church make a difference that will transform our communities and expand the kingdom of God on earth? Pastor Dave encourages us to extend the compassion and exalt the name of Christ, while remembering that God controls all things. As we are individually transformed by the good news we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His grace-givers and partner with God in the work He is already doing in Gold Canyon.

January 23, 2005: The Church on Fire - The Arrival of the Gift (Acts 2)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 8.5 MB]

Waiting 40 days in expectation, the early Christians experienced the overwhelming arrival of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The gift of the Spirit touched each person and transformed them, powerfully and publicly. That same Spirit enters the person who accepts Christ as Lord and Savior, and that same empowerment is promised to those who remain "filled" by the Spirit. Tune is as Pastor Dave shares the exciting story and principles from the dawn of the early church.

January 16, 2005: The Church on Fire - Waiting is the Hardest Part (Acts 1)
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 7.7 MB]

A living, breathing organism - is that how you think the church should be? Alive, passionate, dynamic, life-changing and dangerous? Would this describe your experience of church? The church Luke portrays in Acts 2 is a church that fits this description, but somehow we've lost the sense of how awesome it can be when we gather together as people of all ages, colors and means under the name of Christ. Tune in as Pastor Dave begins a new six-part series on the Church in Acts and what God is teaching us through their example. Part 1 deals with the process of waiting and what God teaches us in times of waiting.

January 9, 2005: Vision Sunday
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 1.2 MB]
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 5.7 MB]
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 143 kB]

Here all about the vision of Gold Canyon Community Church for 2005 and beyond! Listen as Pastor Dave introduces, shares and concludes the message on vision, and shares from our Vision Booklet handed to the congregation. If you would like a copy of our updated Vision Booklet, please contact the church office at (480) 288-5600 or email us at gccchurch@qwest.net.

January 2, 2005: Giving
[Stream/Download mp3 - approximately 6.9 MB]

Uh-oh, it's that dirty "g" word - Giving! Here we go again, the church asking for my money! Although a lot of people are alarmed when churches discuss finances and giving/tithing, the truth is, Jesus talks more about money than just about anything else in the Gospels. So if he thought it important to teach, we ought to as well. The bottom line is - God doesn't need our money - He owns it all! - but we need the blessing we receive when we give in obedience to Him!

Pastor Dave's 2004 Sermons

(c) 2005 Gold Canyon Community Church.  All rights reserved.  Please contact us if you are interesting in distributing beyond what is available here online.