The Church Series
The Authority of the Church: Church Discipline
February 13, 2022 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • Matthew 18:15–20
In this final sermon from our church series, Pastor Phil focuses on the issue of church discipline. Church discipline involves intensive discipleship and loving correction. It should be motivated by love and obedience to the Lord, should follow Christ’s instructions from Matthew 18, and should always have the goal of repentance and restoration to the redeemed community. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Authority of the Church: Communion
February 6, 2022 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this sermon from our church series, Pastor Phil looks at the authority of the church in communion. The Lord has given communion as an ongoing way for the church to affirm his followers. It is a visual proclamation of the gospel and the unity of the body of Christ, is an ongoing sign of the New Covenant, and is an anticipation of the return of Christ and his kingdom. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Authority of the Church: Baptism
January 30, 2022 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • Matthew 28:18–20
In this sermon, Pastor Phil looks at the authority of the church in regard to baptism. Baptism declares that we belong to Christ, that we have been cleansed from sin, that we have escaped the judgment of God, and that we are part of God’s church. It is the church’s role not only to baptize, but to provide discipleship and to take responsibility for these believers. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Responsibilities of Members
January 23, 2022 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this final sermon on the leadership of the church, we look at the responsibilities of church members. The church has the responsibility to proclaim the gospel, and the authority to determine who is part of the church and who leads it. Jesus delegated his authority to churches rather than individuals, and he holds these churches accountable as one. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Responsibilities of Deacons
January 16, 2022 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Timothy 3:8–13
In this sermon, Pastor Phil turns our attention to the role of deacons, the second official church office mentioned in Scripture. Deacons are faithful believers who love and desire to serve the Lord and his people. They are marked by a heart of service, godly character, and by a faith that is demonstrated in their daily lives. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Qualifications of an Elder
January 9, 2022 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9
In this second sermon on the leadership of the church, Pastor Calvin looks at two main passages of Scripture to help us understand the biblical qualifications of elders. An elder must desire the role, have exemplary character that is above reproach, have the ability to teach God’s Word, and be an experienced believer that has been proven in his faith, family, and community. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Responsibilities of an Elder
January 2, 2022 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 5:1–2
In this sermon on the leadership of the church, Pastor Phil explains the scriptural responsibilities of church elders, also referred to as pastors or overseers in the Bible. Church elders may have many responsibilities, but the most important are to feed, protect, lead, and care for the people of God. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Mission of the Church: Equip the Saints
November 28, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
God has called the church to equip the saints for the work of ministry. In this sermon, Pastor Phil Kooistra explains what the term “edification” means, where this calling can be found in Scripture, as well as how believers can help edify one another. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Mission of the Church: Make Disciples
November 21, 2021 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth • Matthew 28:18–20
One of the most important missions that Christ has given his church is to make disciples. In this sermon from Matthew 28:18-20, we see that we make disciples by going where he sends us, by baptizing new believers, and by teaching them to observe all that he has commanded us. Biblical discipleship must be centered on the gospel and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Mission of the Church: Glorify God
November 14, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • Romans 12:1–2
One of the primary purposes and missions of the church is to glorify God. In this sermon from Romans 12:1-2, we look at Paul’s reasons to glorify God, his request to glorify God, and the results in glorifying God. As individuals and as a church, may we bring glory to him through proclaiming the wondrous works of Jesus Christ, as we live transformed lives that reflect the glory of our Lord and Savior.
A Model of God's Design for His Church
November 7, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • Acts 2:41–47
In this sermon from Acts 2:41-47, we look at a model of God’s design for his church. A biblical church should be devoted to God’s Word, filled with his love, committed to the gospel, and dependent through prayer. The church should long to worship, be moved to generosity, committed to gathering, and making an impact on a world that is in desperate need of Jesus Christ. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Promise of the Church Fulfilled
October 31, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • Acts
In this overview of the church seen through the book of Acts, we look at the power, purpose, design, and characteristics of the church. The church must be led by the Spirit, devoted to the Word and proclamation of the gospel, marked by humility, generosity, and unity, and committed to fellowship, worship, and prayer. By God’s grace, may we be such a church! From our Sunday services at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Promise of the Church
October 24, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • Matthew 16:13–20
In this sermon we look at the promise of the church from Matthew 16:13-20, including the church’s proclamation, its power, as well as God’s plan for the church. The church is to be a faithful witness as it proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ. God does the work of saving, maturing and transforming his people, and he is faithful to build his church. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Church as a Temple
October 17, 2021 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth
In this sermon from our series on the church, we look at the church as a temple. In 1 Peter 2, we see that the church is built on the living temple, Jesus Christ, is filled with temple ministry to God and others, and is the visible temple today. The church is to be gospel proclaiming and God glorifying, living out the faith with grace and mercy before a watching world. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Church as a Body
October 10, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this sermon we look at Paul’s use of the human body as one of his primary metaphors for the church, giving us a beautiful picture of the church’s unity with Christ and with one another. As the body of Christ, we look to him as the source of all life and authority for the church. The body should be diverse and united in Christ, where we care for and serve one another with the gifts God has given us. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.