Grace Bible Church of Bend

What we believe will eventually affect how we live. In this passage from 1 Corinthians 15, Paul moves from the theological to the practical, giving three examples that demonstrate the Corinthians’ belief in the resurrection. The practice of baptism, a willingness to suffer for the gospel, and the good fruit in their lives were evidence of their beliefs. Do our lives reflect what we believe about t...

Christianity is centered on the fact of the resurrection of Christ. In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, we look at the significance of the resurrection and what it means for the believer. Christ’s resurrection guarantees our future resurrection, the forgiveness of our sin, the restoration of creation, and the eternal worship of God. Are we living our lives in light of these incredible trut...

In this special Sunday morning service where we commission our GBC Redmond church plant, we focus on the pastor’s calling, taken from Acts 20:17-38. Pastors and elders must remember the call to lead, to shepherd, to serve, to preach and teach, to suffer and sacrifice, and to pray. As followers of Christ, we can make application from these reminders in our own lives, and we can commit ourselves to...

In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 15, we look at the implications of Christ’s resurrection, as well as how we can have assurance in what we believe. As we compare our cultural beliefs to biblical truth, we must be aware of the differences and consider the ramifications and logical outcomes. Are we believing what the culture around us has to say, or are we basing what we believe on the Word of God?...

In this sermon from the book of 1 Peter, guest speaker Sam Raju focuses on how we can grow as believers even in a troubled world. As we take time to meditate upon God, we will remember that his great mercy has given us a living hope, that suffering is temporary, and that trials serve a purpose. We must look at the present through the lens of eternity, growing in purity and in our knowledge of who...

In this passage from 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds believers of the gospel in which they have believed. God has placed many people around us who need to hear his gospel. As believers, we are called to pass along the gospel message that we received. Are we faithfully sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who so desperately need to hear it? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church o...

In this sermon from guest pastor Eddie Williams, we look at five principles from 2 Timothy 2 for overcoming the noise and anxiety of the world. In this passage, we see that we should grow up and follow God, get out of the controversy business, stop making arguments and start making a difference, remember that patience leads to repentance, and stand and be used by God. Ultimately, the antidote for...

In this passage from 1 Corinthians 14, Paul continues to instruct believers regarding the use of spiritual gifts, as well as the importance of order in the church. To reflect the heart of God, gifts must be used for the edification of others, and they must be used in an orderly way by believers who display proper submission and humility. Order is necessary for edification, in the church and in our...

In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 14, we continue to look at the purpose of spiritual gifts, as well as our need to rest in the gospel rather than trying to prove ourselves. We learn to rest in the gospel by first understanding the gospel, and then by relying on God’s Word and valuing others. When we gather together, are we focused on proving our importance and our spirituality, or on building up...

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul further admonishes the church to pursue the greater gifts, such as prophecy. This greater gift edifies the church, teaches God’s truth clearly, and engages the mind and the heart. Our spiritual gifts are not for us or about experience, but are for building up the body of Christ. With love as the foundation, may we use our gifts to encourage and serve one another. From our...

In this passage from 1 Corinthians 13, Paul continues to show the primacy and superiority of love over all other spiritual gifts. We are reminded that although the other gifts will pass away, love is eternal. Love is the greatest gift, the greatest virtue, and should be sought above all other things. Is love what we are pursuing? Is it our greatest desire? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Ch...

In this well-known passage from 1 Corinthians 13, Paul paints a picture of what true, biblical love looks like. He reminds the Corinthians that without love, their display of spirituality is nothing, and even causes them to be offensive to others. True, agape love is a determined act of the will to generously serve another, regardless of the worth of the recipient. Do we display this type of love?...

In this sermon from Judges 6-8, we see how God used Gideon to deliver Israel from its enemies, and apply principles from these chapters to our lives as believers. No battle can be won until we have a right perspective of who our God is. Disobedience has consequences, but the Lord is full of grace and faithful to help us when we turn to him. Are there areas of compromise and defeat in our lives? Ha...

In this sermon from Philippians 3, we are encouraged to keep pressing toward the prize in our walk with Christ. To stay on course, we are reminded to passionately pursue knowing Christ, to run in his resurrection power, to see suffering as a means of growing in him, and to become like Christ in his death as we seek not our will, but the Father’s. As we look at our own lives, where are our desires?...

In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 12, we look at the importance of finding our place within the church. To understand our place, we must embrace God’s design, submit to his sovereignty, and trust his decisions. God designed the body of Christ to have many members with different, but equally important, functions. He has uniquely gifted each of us, graciously preparing work for us to do. Have we sou...

In these verses from 1 Corinthians 12, Paul continues to clarify the use and purpose of spiritual gifts. All gifts are sovereignly given by God for the purpose of building his church. Rather than pursuing experience and seeking after gifts that they have not been given, believers should desire to use their gifts in humble service to the Lord and to his church. From our Sunday service at Grace Bibl...

In this passage from 1 Corinthians 12, Paul gives clarity concerning spiritual gifts. Paul warns believers to evaluate gifts not based on feelings or experience, but based on God’s Word. He reminds us that the triune God is the source of all gifts, and that they are given not for our glory, but for the glory of God and the edification of his church. As believers, God has uniquely gifted each of us...

In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 11, we look at Paul’s warnings and instructions to the church regarding the Lord’s Supper. Communion is a reminder of what Christ has done and the grace that we have received. Before participating, we should examine ourselves, ensuring that we are in a right relationship with God and with others. As we evaluate our lives, is the gospel that we preach through our b...

In this passage from 1 Corinthians 11, Paul focuses on gender distinctions in Christian worship. Although equally loved and important in God’s sight, men and women were designed by God to have different roles and different functions. Gender distinctions are part of the created order, and when properly understood and carried out, these distinctions bring glory and honor to God. From our Sunday serv...

In this sermon from the book of 1 Corinthians, we look at how to use our freedom in Christ in areas not explicitly mentioned in Scripture. As we consider these matters, we should ask ourselves three questions: does this build up others, does this glorify God, and does this reflect the gospel to others? Ultimately, it is not freedom that should guide our decisions, but the love and good of others,...

This passage from 1 Corinthians 10, Paul warns believers to flee from idolatry. Idolatry can be anything that grips our hearts, pulling us away from God. Our idols can be almost imperceptible, and yet very dangerous to us spiritually. As we search our hearts and our lives for those things that would come between us and our Lord, may we flee from idolatry, choosing instead to worship and follow Chr...

In this sermon from Numbers 21, we see how God’s provision of the bronze serpent illustrates the seriousness of sin, as well as our helplessness and total dependence on God. Like the Israelites, we are often faithless and unthankful, twisting God’s good gifts. When adversity comes, our default is to grumble and complain. Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent to live, we must loo...

In this passage from 1 Corinthians 10, Paul connects the spiritual experience of Israel with that of the Church. Like Israel, we can forget our blessings and God’s grace, and be guilty of sinning against the Lord. Paul warns us to guard our hearts against sin and selfish desire, as we abide in Christ and rely on the Spirit. Will we take sin seriously and learn from those who went before us? From o...

In this last passage from 1 Corinthians 9, Paul exhorts believers to run in such a way that they may win. To finish well, we must have the right goal, self-control, a proper perspective, a right focus, and discipline. As we practice these things through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live lives that are faithful and obedient to Christ. Are you willing to do what it takes to live for the Lord...

In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, we look at Paul’s example of living intentionally for the sake of the gospel. Most of us live full lives and have busy schedules. If we’re not careful, we can easily lose sight of our mission to share the gospel with unbelievers. Missional living requires focus, a sense of urgency, and sacrifice. Are we clear about what our gospel ministry is? Do we have...