Grace Bible Church of Bend

In these final verses of 1 Corinthians chapter one, Paul exhorts believers to glory only in the Lord, keeping in mind that all that they have and all that they are is a gift of God. As Christians, we should find our meaning and value not in the things that the world esteems, but in being called by God and living lives in service to him. Ultimately, only what is done for Christ will last! From our...

In this passage from 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds believers that the gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God. As our world becomes more wicked, our message will sound more and more foolish to unbelievers, and we may be tempted to change it to make it more palatable. We must resist this temptation, holding fast to the message of the c...

In this passage from 1 Corinthians chapter one, Paul serves as an example of giving thanks to God in everything. Despite the difficult situation and need for correction in the Corinthian church, Paul sees the grace of God first and foremost. He thanks God for what he has done and continues to do in the lives of the Corinthian believers. In our own lives, do we remember to give thanks to God in eve...

In this introductory sermon to the book of 1 Corinthians, we look at verses 1-3 and Paul’s greeting to the church in Corinth. The Corinthian church had become corrupted by immorality and licentiousness. In the introduction to his letter, Paul reminds the Corinthians of who they are in Christ Jesus. As believers, they were sanctified, which is to be set apart for God’s use. They were also saints, o...

In this sermon from 1 Peter 1:3-5, we are reminded where our true hope lies. In this life, we will all face trials, difficult circumstances, and at times even tragedy or disaster. When we face these difficulties, we must fix our eyes on the cross, remembering that God’s mercy and salvation prove his great love for us. Our true hope lies not in the things of this world, but in the imperishable, ete...

In this sermon from Colossians 3:16, we look at singing in the life of the church. Singing together as a church body is an act of spiritual formation meant to renew our hearts in the gospel, and deepen our love for God. As we sing diverse, theologically rich songs about Christ, we instruct, admonish, and build one another up. When we sing wholeheartedly with thankful hearts responding to God’s gra...

In Romans 12:3-5, Paul admonishes believers not to think more highly of themselves than they ought to think, but to think with sober judgment. Humility starts with the gospel, remembering that we are not getting what we actually deserve, and that everything we have is a gift of grace. This humility allows the church to function properly, as each member uses his or her gifts to worship God and serv...

In this sermon from 1 Thessalonians 2:7-13, we focus on a parent’s concern, heart, conduct, and hope in gospel parenting. We are reminded that every parent is a missionary, and that we are called to share and live out the gospel before our children. As we gently lead our children to Christ through word and deed, we can have hope and assurance that the Lord loves them, and that we can safely leave...

In this sermon from Romans 12:1-2, we look at living in light of the gospel. In this passage, Paul urges believers to present their bodies a living and holy sacrifice, giving all of themselves to God as an act of worship. He warns against becoming conformed to this world, encouraging us instead to be transformed, becoming more like Jesus as we dwell on his Word and live in community with God’s peo...

In this final sermon from the book of Esther, we are encouraged to remember all that the Lord has done for us. Through the introduction of Purim, the Jews celebrated and remembered God’s deliverance from their enemies and the rest which followed. Christ promises to give us rest if we come to him, yet we often choose counterfeits that do not satisfy or provide true rest. The Lord is our faithful de...

In this sermon from Esther chapter eight, we are reminded not to be discouraged when it seems that evil is prevailing. Ultimately, God’s blessing will fall upon his children, and his wrath upon his enemies. In the time of Esther evil had been plotted against the Jews, but in the end, God brought about a complete reversal. Nothing is impossible with God! He can take what is intended for evil and tu...

In chapter seven of the book of Esther, the evil Haman is sentenced to death, the just penalty for his wickedness. Haman's death is a vivid reminder that God is just, and that in the end justice will always be served. As sinners, we all deserve Haman's end. None of us are righteous, but we are offered mercy and grace in Jesus Christ, who paid the debt we could not pay, satisfying the justice of a...

In this passage from Esther chapter six, the fate of God’s people begins to change. Through a series of seeming “coincidences,” God’s plan to protect his people begins to unfold. We are reminded once again that though his name is not mentioned in the book of Esther, God is at work and is always in control. In the lives of Haman and Mordecai, we see that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the...

In this sermon from Esther chapter five, we see the difference between acting in wisdom and faith versus acting in foolishness. Like Esther, disciples of Christ must pray, count the cost, and then act in obedience. We must trust that in whatever God calls us to do, he will be with us, extending to us the grace that we need. He has exactly where he wants us, and his plan and timing are perfect.

In this sermon from Esther chapter four, we see an example of how God calls imperfect people to carry out his perfect plan. Like Esther, believers are called to fear God rather than men, using their influence to touch the lives of those around them. God uses his faithful and obedient, yet imperfect children to carry out his will. How will you use your influence in the lives of the people around yo...

In this sermon from the book of Esther, we see that God has a plan, even in situations that are seemingly unjust. We live in a fallen world that is broken by sin. Throughout our lives, we will all face circumstances that seem unfair. We will encounter suffering and injustice. The story of Esther reminds us that God watches over every area of our lives. We can take comfort in knowing that he is alw...

In this passage from Esther chapter two, we see that God is at work even in the messy lives of his people. Although this world is broken by sin, and believers often have sinful pasts full of darkness, God can still use them for his glory. The story of Esther reminds us that no matter how dark things get, God’s grace and presence are still there. God protects his people and keeps his promises.

In this introductory sermon to the book of Esther, we are reminded that God is present and working even when it seems that he is not. The Jews were living in a foreign land, and in the book of Esther there is no mention of God’s name, the temple, or miracles. However, as the story unfolds we clearly see the providential hand of God. In the time of Esther as well as today, God is always there, sove...

In this sermon from guest speaker Mike Jones, we look at facing the challenges of life victoriously. Like Joshua, God calls us to be strong and courageous in the midst of difficult circumstances. When facing hardships, we're often tempted to run away, complain, or give up. Instead, we are called to walk in obedience to God and to persevere though trials by his sustaining grace and power. Are we em...

In this sermon from guest speaker Luke Corbin, we look at Paul’s example of powerful prayer from Ephesians chapter three. Paul humbly but boldly addresses his sovereign God, asking for the spiritual maturity of the Ephesian Christians. He ends his prayer with doxology, praising the Triune, Almighty God. Paul models the power of prayer which comes from the abundance of God’s grace already given to...

In this sermon from the book of Ruth, we look at what the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz have to teach us about faith, hope, and redemption. Much as he did with Naomi and Ruth, God uses trials and troubles in our lives to bring us to the end of ourselves and to draw us closer to him. Boaz was the kinsman redeemer who saved Naomi and Ruth from poverty and ruin. Christ, our great Redeemer, rescues u...

In this final passage from 1 Corinthians 15, Paul provides further explanation and detail regarding the resurrection. In comparing death and resurrection to the sowing of a seed, we are reminded that what comes up out of the ground is far more glorious than what went in. The resurrected bodies of believers will be sinless, perfected, and imperishable. Are we putting more time and energy into our e...

In this sermon from guest speaker Sam Raju, we look at the discipline of prayer. Just as prayer was an integral part of the life and ministry of Christ, so too should it be central to the life of every believer. Through prayer we lay down our burdens, pain, and fears at the feet of the Master, and receive his help and comfort. In prayer, the Spirit ministers to us and strengthens us for what lies...

In this passage from 1 Corinthians 15, Paul continues to argue for the truth and importance of the resurrection. He reminds the Corinthians that without the resurrection many of their actions, including the willingness to suffer for Christ, would be pointless. As believers, if our motivation is not the gospel and the hope of the resurrection, we are not likely to persevere through trials. Our live...

In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 15, we are reminded that the resurrection is crucial to our hope and faith. The resurrection of Christ is the promise of our future resurrection. It is the promise of the end of sin and death, and of the eternal reign of God. Is your hope and faith in the resurrected Christ? He is our hope, our savior, and our king!