The Nature of the Church
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.
The Church as a Family
October 3, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
Scripture uses powerful metaphors to describe the purpose of the church and the beautiful relationships within it. In this sermon, we look at the picture of the church as a family, which means that we share our stuff with one another, we share our hearts with each other, we continue on together, and the members of the family are known. Are you a part of a biblical church family? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Church Is Universal and Local
September 26, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
The church is the beloved bride of Christ, and is both universal and local. In this sermon we look at the difference between the universal and local church, as well as the specific responsibilities and authority given to the local church. God has designed the local church for our good, and it is meant to be a family that we are committed to and to whom we submit for our benefit and Christ’s witness. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Church Is Invisible and Visible
September 19, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
As we continue our series on the nature of the church, we look in this sermon at the difference between the invisible and the visible church. The invisible church is the church as the Lord sees it, and is made up of true believers who have placed their faith in Christ. The visible church is the church as people see it. It is entered into through a profession of faith which is then expressed through baptism, but only the Lord knows those who are truly his. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
God's Design for His Church
September 12, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra
What is the biblical definition of the word “church”? Is it a building…a place where people go to worship God on Sunday mornings? In this sermon on God's design for his church, we see that the church is God’s people, the assembly of the redeemed, who have been saved by his grace to proclaim his glory. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.