September 5, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 3:14–18
What should our lives be focused on in light of the imminent return of Christ? In this final sermon from our series in 2 Peter, we are reminded to focus on holiness, on living missionally, on guarding our hearts and minds, and on growing in truth and grace, that we may live our lives for the glory of God. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Right Response to Christ's Return
August 22, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 3:11–13
What would change in your life if you knew that Christ was going to return this week? In this sermon from 2 Peter 3:11-13, we look at Peter’s description of the sort of people we ought to be in light of Christ’s return—people whose lives are marked by holiness, godliness, and hope. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Are You Ready for the Return of Christ?
August 15, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 3:8–10
In 2 Peter 3:8-10, Peter writes to believers to strengthen them, to remind them of the truth of Jesus’ return, and to call them to live in light of that truth. As we await the return of our Lord, we are encouraged to trust in God’s timing, trust in his reasons, and to live in such a way that we are ready for his return. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Stirring Up Truth
August 8, 2021 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth • 2 Peter 3:1–7
In 2 Peter 3:1-7, Peter warns of scoffers who will come, denying the return of Christ. He reminds the church that the prophets, apostles, and Jesus himself taught that he would come again. Peter points out the insincerity and sinful lifestyles of these scoffers, reminds us of scriptural history, and assures us of the certainty of Christ’s return. When the Lord comes back, will we be ready? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Warning Against Destructive Doctrine
August 1, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 2:17–22
In 2 Peter 2:17-22, Peter continues to warn the church about false teachers, focusing on their destructive doctrine which is empty, enslaving, and eternally destructive. To avoid being led astray we must study and know God’s Word, comparing all teaching to the truth of Scripture, which is full and life-giving, leads to freedom, and offers the hope of eternal life. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Path to Destruction
July 25, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 2:10–16
In this sermon from 2 Peter 2:10b-16, we look at the dangers of pride, sensuality, and greed, and the need to guard our hearts from these sins. False teachers are often characterized by one or more of these transgressions, but sincere believers can be tempted in these areas as well. By God’s grace, may we root out even the smallest seeds of these sins, looking to Christ as our example. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Our Righteous Judge
July 18, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 2:4–10
God’s judgment of false teachers is not asleep! In this sermon from 2 Peter 2:4-10a, we look at three examples of God’s justice from the Old Testament: on fallen angels, on the ancient world, and on Sodom and Gomorrah. Peter makes it clear that God’s righteous judgment of the ungodly will come, while also reassuring believers that God knows how to preserve them. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Look Out for False Teachers
July 4, 2021 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth • 2 Peter 2:1–3
In this passage from 1 Peter, we are warned of the reality of false teachers in the church. False teachers may look good on the surface, but come in secretly with twisted, deceptive teachings. They are often greedy and lacking moral restraint, wanting a Savior but not to walk according to his commands. Though it often seems that they suffer no consequences, God’s Word tells us that their ultimate condemnation is assured. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Our Source of Truth
June 27, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 1:19–21
In this sermon from 1 Peter 1:19-21, we look at the nature of Scripture and the necessary response to Scripture. Scripture is trustworthy, verifiable, and more dependable than even our own experiences. Though written down by men, it is the very words of God. Therefore, our response as believers should be devotion to God’s Word, which will help us to grow in our knowledge and love for Jesus Christ. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Eyewitnesses to His Majesty
June 20, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 1:16–18
How might your life look different if you knew that Christ would return this week, this month, or this year? Christ will be coming again, and in this sermon from 2 Peter 1:16-18, we are reminded of this truth and why we can trust in it. Our faith in Christ’s return is not based on myth or fiction, but on real historical evidence and eyewitness testimony. When Christ returns, will you be ready? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Reminder to Grow in Christ
June 13, 2021 • Connor Scott • 2 Peter 1:12–15
We grow in Christ because he has given us all that we need for life and godliness. In this sermon from 2 Peter 1:12-15, we look at three reasons to remember the gospel and all that Christ has done for us: remembering reminds us who we are, wakes us up to the truth, and empowers us to be faithful witnesses for our Lord Jesus Christ. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Confirm Your Calling
June 6, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 1:8–11
In this sermon from 2 Peter 1:8-11, we look at the purpose for our continued spiritual growth. Spiritual growth and maturity give us assurance for today, as we see Christ at work in our lives, and assurance for eternity, as our spiritual fruit confirms our calling and that we are walking with Christ. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Call to Christian Maturity
May 30, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 1:5–7
As believers in Christ, we should be growing continually in spiritual maturity. In this sermon from 2 Peter 1:5-7, we look at the right affections, the right attitude and the right actions to grow in Christian maturity. Maturity does not just happen, but takes the power of the Holy Spirit and grace-filled effort on the part of the believer. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
You Have All You Need
May 23, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 2 Peter 1:3–4
Through Christ, we have been given everything pertaining to life and godliness. In this sermon from 2 Peter 1:3-4, we look at three things we must understand about what we have been given: we’ve been given everything by God’s power, we’ve been given everything through the Son, and we’ve been given everything for our sanctification. With these truths in mind, may we live lives that glorify the Lord Jesus Christ! From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Knowledge to Grow & Live By
May 16, 2021 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth • 2 Peter 1:1–2
In this sermon from 2 Peter 1:1-2, we look at how knowing the God of our salvation changes our identity, reveals our need for a Savior, changes our service, and gives us confidence that our faith is secure. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.