Grace Bible Church of Bend

In this sermon from Acts 17, we look at Paul’s example of biblical evangelism. Sharing the gospel is not about a method or formula, but about knowing and loving people, focusing on the person and on the truth. Biblical evangelism is not just something we do, but should be something we are and that we display as a living testimony. Like the Apostle Paul, may we be faithful witnesses of the gospel o...

As followers of Jesus, we are called to go out into the world to share the truth of the gospel. In this sermon from Acts 17, we see that there are three common responses that we can expect to encounter when we share our faith, and look at how we can be prepared for them. We are reminded that we show the love of Jesus through our lives, and share the love of Jesus through our words. From our Sunday...

The gospel brings salvation and life transformation to those who believe. In this sermon from Acts 16, we look at seven ways that true gospel transformation is evidenced in the lives of believers. We see that the gospel has the power to save even the most hard-hearted among us, and will never leave us unchanged. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

As followers of Christ, we should expect opposition to the gospel. In this sermon from Acts 16, we see the spiritual and cultural opposition faced by Paul and his companions, and look at the ways that we can expect to encounter similar antagonism. Although we live in a world that is often hostile to the gospel, we can trust in Christ, resting in the knowledge that our all-powerful Savior will alwa...

God’s hand is always at work in our lives. In this sermon from Acts 16, we see God working in the lives of Paul and his companions, as well as Lydia and the other people that they were sent to share the gospel with. Although we may not always see where God is leading us or understand his plan, we can trust that our sovereign God is working for our good and his glory. From our Sunday service at Gra...

In this sermon from Acts 16, we look at nine characteristics of a good missionary. As believers, we are all called to be missionaries and to make disciples. Are we living in obedience to this call to share our faith with those around us? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

In this last passage from Acts 15, a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas causes them to part ways. Relationships are messy, and there will always be conflict because we live in a broken world. Thankfully, God is bigger, and he can bring about good in even the most difficult of situations. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

In Acts chapter 15, we see a helpful and godly example of dealing with conflict in the church. When difficult issues arise, we should approach them with wisdom, grace, humility, and love. This can diffuse the situation, bringing resolution to the issue and restoring peace to the church. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

In this sermon from Genesis 11, we look at the rebellion of the people constructing the Tower of Babel, as well as the theme of exile which can be found throughout the Bible. As believers, we are essentially exiles in this world who must decide how to relate to the modern-day Babylon in which we live. Christ has called us not to escape, attack, or assimilate, but to follow him and to be his witnes...

In these parables from Luke 15, we see God’s heart for the lost. Unlike many of the Pharisees and religious leaders of his day, Jesus showed kindness and mercy to sinners. Though he called them to repentance, he received them and treated them with love. As we look at our own lives, do we have a heart for the lost? In our treatment of nonbelievers, are we more like Christ, or more like the Pharisee...

In this sermon from John 1:14-18, we look at God’s amazing gift of grace. It takes God’s grace to see his truth, to see his glory, and to understand his grace. Through Jesus Christ, God’s grace is revealed, and he is accessible, approachable, and knowable. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

In this final sermon from our Advent series, we look at the Old Testament promise of salvation through a Messiah to come. Isaiah 53, written 700 years before his birth, clearly foretells the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the promise of salvation which can only be found in him. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

Where can we find true hope? In this sermon from our Advent series, we look at our need for hope, the place of hope, the results of hope, and most importantly, the Person of hope, the Lord Jesus Christ. True hope and salvation can only be found in him. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

What does it mean to be blessed? Most of us tend to think of blessings in terms of financial prosperity, fame, or career success. In these passages from the book of Genesis, we see that Abraham’s promised blessing from God was much bigger than any of these things, and that it required faith, sacrifice, and obedience. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise would come much later in the birth of Je...

Why is there so much injustice in the world, and how can this problem be made right? In this first sermon from our Advent series, we look at God’s promise of justice. Looking back to the book of Genesis and the very beginning, we see that the problem of injustice began with the corruption of God’s design as man fell and sin entered into the world. Mankind cannot fix the problem. The only answer to...

How do we respond when our faith is tested by trials? In this passage from Acts 14, we see that a persevering faith comes through following the faithful example of others, from encouragement that strengthens our souls, through experiencing seasons of suffering, by entrusting all things to Christ, and through exalting the Lord as we gather together with other believers. Even in the most severe tria...

While God calls us to persevere through trials, he also promises to be our strength. In Acts 14:1-20, Paul and Barnabas faced extreme persecution and even stoning, yet they continued to preach the gospel. Like these men of God before us, we must not become complacent in times of blessing nor give up when facing trials, remembering that God promises to be with us to the very end. From our Sunday se...

As believers, we’re called to be faithful to share the good news with those around us. In Acts 13:42-52, we see that people responded to the gospel in one of four common ways: with a desire to know more, with opposition, with faith, or with outright persecution. Regardless of the response we receive, we can, like the disciples, be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit, and be marked by boldness, fai...

In Paul’s sermon found in Acts 13, he explains the good news and proclaims to both Jews and Gentiles that Jesus was the promised Messiah. He clearly lays out the elements of the gospel, inviting his hearers to believe and find forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, and warning that rejection of the good news brings condemnation. Have you heard the good news? Have you repented of your sins and...

In this sermon from Acts 13, we look at God’s care for his people. God’s care is shown in his sovereign election, protection, and patience. It is shown in his provision, preparation, and promises. God’s love and care for his people is demonstrated over and over again throughout the pages of Scripture, and continues in the lives of believers today. As we remember these truths, may we trust and find...

What does it look like to be a mission-minded church? In this sermon from Acts 13:1-12, we see that a mission-minded church is motivated by worship, sacrifices and sends, shares the truth where they go, suffers attack, and sees lives transformed. Do we see these characteristics and a heart for God’s mission in our church, and in our own lives? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

All of us have gone through difficult trials and circumstances that test us, that hurt, and make us wonder why. How should we respond? In this sermon from Acts 12:1-25, we look at God’s sovereign hand in our suffering, as well as in our victories. Whatever blessings we receive and whatever trials we face are part of God’s good and sovereign plan, and we should trust him and praise him for both. Fr...

In this passage from Acts chapter eleven, we see in the church at Antioch five marks of a vibrant, healthy church. A vibrant church has a heart for evangelism, is a place where lives are being transformed and disciples are being made, is marked by generosity, and is led by godly leaders. May the Lord continue to raise up and sustain such churches in Bend and throughout the world! From our Sunday s...

In this passage from the book of Acts, we see God’s transforming grace in the life of Peter, and in the bringing together of Jews and Gentiles into one body of Christ. The transforming grace of God prepares us to follow his will, changes our hearts, and unites all believers into one family. Have you seen this transforming grace at work in your own heart? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Chur...

In this passage from Acts chapter nine, Peter demonstrates what the heart of a disciple looks like. A disciple goes where the Lord leads, has compassion for the hurting and disenfranchised, proclaims the name of Christ, depends on the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance, and sees people through the eyes of Jesus. As followers of Jesus Christ, are we displaying the heart of disciple? From our Sunday s...