Romans 12:1–5 calls believers to live transformed lives shaped by the gospel. This sermon looks at how God’s mercy motivates worship, renews our minds, and produces humility. As a new year begins, may we consider how God is calling us to true transformation, offering our whole selves to God and living sacrificially for his glory and the good of the church. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Song of the Redeemed
December 28, 2025 • Neal Hackbarth • Psalm 103
Psalm 103 is a hymn for every season, anchoring us in God’s goodness when life feels fragile. In suffering and joy, David reminds us to bless the Lord with our whole soul, remembering His mercy, pardon, healing, and steadfast love. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Why Christ's Death Is So Important
March 31, 2024 • Phil Kooistra • 2 Corinthians 5:14–15
What is so important about the death of Christ? In this Easter sermon from 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Pastor Phil looks at the motivation, the purpose, and the impact of the death of Jesus Christ. It was motivated by a love beyond comprehension, accomplished our salvation through Christ being our substitute, and through the work of the Spirit, it has the power to transform our lives. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Hope Found in Jesus
April 20, 2025 • Phil Kooistra • John 14:1–6
In life’s most difficult moments, Jesus offers unshakable hope. Whether grieving, suffering, or searching for peace, John 14 reminds us that Christ has made a way to the Father and promises to bring us home. On Resurrection Sunday and always, be encouraged—death is defeated, and eternal life is available to all who trust in Him. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Transformed Souls That Trust the Lord
April 6, 2025 • Guest • Psalm 131
What is the antidote for a busy heart? How do we quiet ourselves? In this sermon from Psalm 131, Dr. Greg Gifford helps us see where we may have too high a view of ourselves, thinking only we can accomplish a particular task, and taking on things that are not meant for us to do. Like the psalmist, may we quiet and calm our souls, look to the Lord, and put our hope in him. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Importance of Unity
January 5, 2025 • Phil Kooistra • Ephesians 4:1–6
Unity in the church is both a calling and a reflection of God's nature. In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul urges believers to walk in humility, gentleness, patience, and love, guarding the unity created by the Spirit. This unity requires intentional effort, selflessness, and a commitment to forgiveness and peace, serving as a powerful witness to a watching world. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Living as God's Chosen
December 29, 2024 • Austin Farley • Colossians 3:12–14
In this sermon from Colossians 3:12-14, Austin Farley reflects on the call to “live as God’s chosen.” As God’s beloved people, we are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, binding everything together in love. This transformative way of living reflects Christ’s character and brings unity to his body, the church. May we embrace our identity in him, allowing his love to shape our hearts and relationships for His glory! From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Gift of Repentance
October 13, 2024 • Guest
Repentance is a gift that leads to life and is a beautiful demonstration of the gospel. In this sermon, guest speaker Dr. Vince Vitale looks at the need for ongoing repentance in our lives and the incredible blessings it brings. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Hurry Up and Wait
May 5, 2024 • Guest • Isaiah 40:27–31
In this sermon from Isaiah 40:27-31, guest speaker Todd Miles looks at Israel’s complaint, who God is, what he does, and what his people should do in response. We are reminded to go to God for help, to pray with expectation, and in our waiting to obey, hope, trust, and seek after the Lord. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Evidence of Genuine Love
December 31, 2023 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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.
