Misc Sermons
Stand Alone and Seasonal Sermons
The Evidence of Genuine Love
December 31, 2023 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 John 4:17–21
In the book of 1 John, the apostle explains what genuine love, love that is “perfected,” should look like. In this New Year’s sermon from 1 John 4:17-21, Pastor Phil looks at two evidences of genuine love: a love that lacks fear and one that displays sacrificial love for others. This type of genuine love will only come about by the power of the Spirit as we faithfully abide in Jesus Christ. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Abigail the Peacemaker
October 29, 2023 • Guest • 1 Samuel 25
In this sermon, author, speaker and biblical counselor Jim Newheiser brings us a message from 1 Samuel 25, where we see Abigail serving as a peacemaker, rescuing her family from death and David from sin. We see in Abigail a model of how to confront someone about their sin, and in David we have an example of how to humbly accept correction and change course when needed. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
From Death to Life
April 9, 2023 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • Ephesians 2:1–7
In this Easter sermon, Pastor Phil looks at Ephesians 2:1-7, where we see that without Christ, we are spiritually dead, enslaved, and condemned. If we have placed our faith in Christ, because of his resurrection, we too have the hope and promise of being resurrected, and are made alive, victorious, and exalted through him. From our Easter Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Prayer Goals, Part 2
January 8, 2023 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • Romans 12:15–16, Jeremiah 29:7
In this second sermon on “Prayer Goals,” we look at Romans 12:15-16 and are asked to pray that God would cultivate in us a community of care—that we make time for one another, live in harmony and humility, and that we are so connected that we feel joy together and walk through each other’s sorrows. And from Jeremiah 29:7, we’re asked to pray that God would cultivate a love for our larger community, that we might invest in and seek the welfare of our city, praying to the Lord on its behalf. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Prayer Goals, Part 1
January 1, 2023 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Romans 14:19
What is God’s will for our lives this year? Scripture tells us that the “secret things” belong to God, but we don’t have to wonder about God’s revealed will taught clearly in his Word. In this sermon, Pastor Phil encourages us to pray that God would cultivate joy and peace in us and in our church—joy that comes from knowing Christ, abiding in Christ, and from giving thanks in all circumstances, and peace which only comes from the work of the Sprit in our lives and a deep, abiding relationship with the Lord. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Why the Righteous Suffer
October 9, 2022 • Guest • Psalm 44
In a world that we expect to make sense, why do the righteous suffer? In this sermon from Psalm 44, guest speaker Dr. Todd Miles looks at seven reasons for suffering. In the midst of our trials, we are encouraged to cry out to God, to recall his kindness, and to meditate on his goodness. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Trusting in the Providence of God
December 26, 2021 • Connor Scott
In this sermon, guest speaker Connor Scott helps us to see the providence of God at work in the lives of believers throughout history. God’s providence is perfectly planned, works in the lives of broken people, and fulfills God’s purposes. Although God’s plans for our lives may look entirely different than our own, are we willing to trust him? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Trust in the Lord
August 29, 2021 • 2 Chronicles 20:1–30
In this sermon from 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, professor of Old Testament Dr. Michael Grisanti looks at how faith, trust, and dependence on God are crucial in the life of every believer, encouraging us to pursue a life of daily dependence on the Lord in every circumstance of life. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Head, Heart, and Hands of a Missional Community
July 11, 2021 • Guest • Matthew 5:13–48
As believers, we are the people of God, meant to be a light in the world, shining forth the glorious gospel of God so that all can see and glorify him. From guest speaker Kirk Crager during our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Let Him Be Worshiped By All Peoples
May 9, 2021 • Justin Reimer
In this sermon from Justin Reimer, we see that worship is much more than music, but is instead the sum total of our Christian lives. When we recognize our desperate need, repent, believe, and begin to follow him, we become true worshipers of Jesus Christ. We are then ready to make him known throughout the earth, that all peoples may praise his name. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
From Death to Life
April 4, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
In this Easter sermon from John 11:1-44, we see in the raising of Lazarus the heart of the Lord in the midst of suffering. From this story, we can see that God is more focused on making us holy than on making us happy. We see that Jesus loves us, saves us, empathizes with us, and redeems us. He is the resurrection and the life, and the only one with the power over sin and death. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
A Tale of Two Entries
In this Palm Sunday sermon from guest speaker Todd Miles, we look at the worship of Jesus on earth from Luke 19, and the worship of Jesus in heaven from Revelation 4 & 5. On earth, Jesus was imperfectly praised, but in heaven he is praised perfectly for who he is and for his role as Creator. Like this heavenly worship, may we worship the Lord for who he is and all his attributes, in spirit and in truth! From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Investing in the Right Things
January 3, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
What are you going to do this year with what God has given you? How will you invest your time, talents, and treasures? In this sermon from 2 Timothy 3:14-17, we are encouraged to invest our lives in discipleship, which is a crucial part of the Christian life, and in God’s Word, which is the source of our salvation and sanctification. In this new year, may we focus on growing ourselves and others in godliness. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Jesus - A Savior Drawn to Our Weakness
December 27, 2020 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth
In this sermon from Hebrews 4, we are reminded that Jesus is a friend of sinners, and that he is compassionate and ready to help us in our time of need. He is our High Priest and Savior, who has great patience and sympathy for our weaknesses. Only in him can we find forgiveness, peace, and rest. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.