Grace Bible Church of Bend

In this passage from Acts chapter four, we see that God uses persecution to spread the gospel and grow the church. While persecution is difficult and should be expected, we must also remember that it will not stop the gospel, will bring great opportunity, will show our need for community, and will drive us to pray. Sometimes persecution is what we need to grow our faith and lead us into a deeper r...

In Acts chapter three, Peter sets an example of how to show the love of Christ and proclaim the message of Jesus. When we help to meet the needs of those around us, we show them the love of God that they may worship him. But even more important than having their physical needs met, is their need to hear the truth of the gospel. Are we looking for ways to show the love of Christ to others? Are we f...

In this passage from Acts chapter two, we see a picture of what the Lord’s church looks like. The early church was devoted to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. They had a sense of awe and reverence, with hearts of generosity and selflessness. They gathered together regularly with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all t...

In this sermon from guest speaker Alexander Strauch, we look at the goodness, the beauty, the sacredness, and the life-giving power of unity. Our message is life forevermore in the gospel, and behind that message is strong Christian community, which verifies the message and gives us confidence in our witness. May we strive to live and serve together in the goodness and power of unity! From our Sun...

In this final passage from Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, we see the answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” This is the most important question for each of us to ask and get right. Peter shows us what our response should be to this question, and helps us to be faithful witnesses as we share the gospel with others. Have you responded to the gospel message? Are you faithfully sharing th...

In this sermon from guest speaker Patrick Schreiner, we are reminded that the resurrection of Christ is absolutely essential to the Christian gospel. Jesus not only died for our sins, but was resurrected and exalted to the right hand of the Father, giving the believer the hope and promise of eternal life. True life can only be found in the One who conquered death. Have you placed your faith in him...

From this passage in Acts chapter two, we look at Peter’s sermon to the thousands gathered for Pentecost, and see four marks of a faithful church in the last days. A faithful church is a faithful witness that proclaims God’s truth. A faithful church depends upon the Spirit to transform and save people. A faithful church warns of the judgment of God, and shares the good news of salvation in Jesus....

In this passage from Acts chapter two, the promised Holy Spirit comes to the waiting disciples at Pentecost. The coming of the Spirit was God’s plan fulfilled, his presence assured, and his purpose revealed, as the disciples were sent out to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth. This mission continues with all believers to this day, accomplished only through the power of the Holy Spirit worki...

In this passage from Acts chapter one, we see a biblical model of how to select godly leaders in the church. The church belongs to Jesus Christ, and he has tasked the membership with choosing leaders who are called, qualified men of character. Ultimately, selecting godly leaders requires listening to and obeying God’s Word, diligently seeking the Lord in prayer, and total dependence on him. From o...

In this first sermon from our series on the book of Acts, we look at how Christ prepared the church for her mission. Before his ascension, Jesus gave the church her instruction, her testimony, the Holy Spirit, her mission, and hope for the future. As the church of God, are we faithfully carrying out our mission? What are we doing with all that God has given us? From our Sunday service at Grace Bib...

In this sermon from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we look at how to start the new year off right. Being in God’s Word is of the greatest value in this life, and is the most important way to train ourselves in godliness. The Bible tells us that all Scripture is God-breathed, and has been given to us for our instruction and knowledge, for protection, for correction, and for our growth and maturity. As this new...

In this sermon from Philippians 1, guest speaker T.J. Smith looks at what God wants for us in 2019. This and every year, God wants us to make Christ our singular desire and supreme joy, to love his people more, and to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. As we prepare our hearts and lives at the beginning of a new year, what practical steps do we need to take to grow in each of these areas? Are...

In this Christmas sermon from Matthew chapter one, we look at the shocking genealogy of Jesus Christ, which includes foreigners, strangers, and terribly sinful people. We see in the family tree of Jesus a long list of sinners—people that God sent his Son to save. This list demonstrates God’s heart for broken people, and that Jesus came to forgive us, transform us, and bring us home. From our Sunda...

In this final sermon from the book of Ruth, we see that Ruth’s life is an example of simple faith and steadfast love. Like Ruth, we get to play a small part in God’s grand story of redemption. This life is not about us, but about glorifying God as we trust him even in times of difficulty and suffering, living our lives in faithful obedience to him. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of...

In this passage from Ruth chapter four, Boaz meets with the elders of the city, making known and legally establishing his intention to be Ruth's kinsman redeemer. In a similar but much greater way, our rescuing Redeemer is always active, ever willing, and fully able to help and restore us. Our great God is faithful to rescue, redeem, and bless those who trust in him. From our Sunday service at Gra...

In Ruth chapter three, Naomi initiates a plan that she hopes will encourage Boaz to marry Ruth and become their redeemer. Though humanly speaking the plan would seem ill-advised and risky, it demonstrates that our great Redeemer can use even our poor decisions to bring about his will and good plans for us. We can have peace and rest in the goodness and sovereignty of God, having assurance that tha...

In this passage from Ruth chapter two, Ruth returns to her mother-in-law Naomi, showing her all that she had gleaned and reporting to her the kindness and favor shown to her by Boaz. In this story, we see the power of grace in the lives of people who have done nothing to earn it or deserve it. Just as Boaz was an agent of grace in the lives of Ruth & Naomi, we have the opportunity to serve and ble...

The book of Ruth reflects the love and grace of God toward his people. In this passage from chapter two, Ruth has gone to glean in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy landowner of the family of Elimelech. Boaz is a man of godly character, who treats the foreigner Ruth with incredible grace and kindness. This story reminds us that God rewards faithfulness and answers prayer, and is a beautiful picture of...

In this passage from the book of Ruth, Naomi and Ruth arrive back in Naomi's hometown of Bethlehem. Naomi believes that God is against her and has dealt bitterly with her, not yet seeing how his sovereign plan of grace will unfold. Suffering and pain can unsettle our faith and cloud our vision of God’s favor and good plan for our lives. When faced with hard or painful circumstances, may we trust i...

In this passage from the book of Ruth, Naomi returns to the land of Judah and to God. Her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, is determined to go with her despite the hardships and potential persecution she might find there. Ruth’s love for Naomi was committed and self-sacrificing. Like Ruth, and even more so like Christ, we are called to love God and to love one another with a committed, sacrificial l...

The book of Ruth shows us God’s covenantal love and faithfulness in redeeming his people. In this first section of chapter one, it is a very dark time in Israel’s history and in the life of Naomi. Naomi is living in a godless foreign land, and has lost her husband and her two sons. As the book of Ruth unfolds, we will see that there is hope even in the midst of the darkest days. God has a plan, an...

Everything we do should be done in love. In this final passage from the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds believers of this truth, giving examples of what biblical love looks like. Biblical love warns and challenges, honors the Lord’s servants, serves others, humbly submits, values relationships, shows honor, values people more than things, and shares the truth. As we examine our own lives, are...

A resurrection life is not only a future hope, but should also be a present reality. For our faith to be believable, our behavior must be credible. In this passage from 1 Corinthians 16, we look at four credible marks of resurrection life: generous giving, integrity and character, sacrificial service, and a willing submission to the Lord. Are we living credible, authentic resurrection lives right...

In this passage from 1 Corinthians 15, Paul describes the believer’s ultimate victory over death through Jesus Christ. We are transformed by God and made ready for eternity when we put our faith in the finished work of Christ. The Lord will return—are you ready? Have you placed your faith and trust in him? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

How are the dead raised, and with what kind of body do they come? In this passage from 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses these questions, helping the Corinthian believers in their struggle with the idea of a bodily resurrection. Ultimately, the dead are raised by the power of the sovereign God. As believers, we know that true life is not found in this world but in the life that is yet to come. Do o...