May 2, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 5:8–14
In this final passage of 1 Peter, suffering believers are offered hope in Jesus Christ. They are warned to be alert, as they have an enemy who seeks to destroy them, but also given great assurance that this enemy has been defeated. They are reminded of the gospel, that they are not alone, and that they are to walk in love and peace, knowing that Christ himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish them. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Call to Walk Humbly
April 25, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 5:5–7
As followers of Christ, we are called to humility. In this sermon from 1 Peter 5:5-7, we see that this involves serving and listening to one another, believing the best about each other, and praying for one another. It means trusting that the Lord is sovereign and knows what is best, following the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Suffering Shepherds and Sheep
April 18, 2021 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth • 1 Peter 5:1–4
In this sermon from 1 Peter 5:1-4, both Christ’s shepherds and his sheep are reminded not to give up in the midst of trials and suffering. Shepherds are admonished to feed and care for the sheep, to serve them out of love, and to lead by example. In the end, all of God’s servants can look forward to the return of Jesus, the Great Shepherd, and the eternal rewards that he will bestow upon his children. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Blessing of Suffering for Christ
April 11, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 4:12–19
Although it may seem like an oxymoron, the Scriptures teach us that it is actually a blessing to suffer for Christ. In this sermon from 1 Peter 4:12-19, we’re reminded that we can rejoice because we are sharing in Christ’s sufferings and his victory, because God’s Spirit rests upon us, and because it is evidence that we truly are God’s children. We can rest in the knowledge that our suffering is not random, and that God is sovereign even in this. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Living in Light of the End
March 21, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 4:7–11
How are we to live with eternity in mind? In 1 Peter 4:7-11, we are encouraged to be sober-minded, to love one another earnestly, to show hospitality, and to serve one another with the gifts that we have been given. As we practice these things, we are preparing for Christ’s return and living in a way that brings glory to him. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Encouragement in Our Suffering for Obedience
March 14, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 4:1–6
In this sermon from 1 Peter 4:1-6, we look at our motivation in suffering, the call to suffering, and the reason for suffering. Suffering is part of living in a broken world, but beyond that, believers can expect to experience suffering for living in obedience to Jesus Christ. In our suffering, we must maintain an eternal perspective, looking to Christ as our hope, example, and strength. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Prepared for Suffering with Encouragement
March 7, 2021 • Pastor Neal Hackbarth • 1 Peter 3:18–22
When faced with suffering, we can look at the triumphant Christ for encouragement. In this sermon from 1 Peter 3:18-22, we are given five things to remember when facing suffering, looking at the examples of Jesus and of Noah. Christ defeated sin and death, and in him, our suffering will ultimately end in triumph. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Preparing for Suffering
February 28, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 3:13–17
How can we glorify God in the midst of our suffering? In this sermon from 1 Peter 3:13-17, we look at the right perspective, posture, and promise to hold in suffering. As believers, we have a message of hope for a hopeless world. The more we are called to suffer the greater our witness and testimony can be, as we look to Jesus, demonstrating that our hope is found only in him. From our Sunday Service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Being a Powerful Witness to the World
February 21, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 3:8–12
How can we be a powerful witness to a watching world? In this sermon from 1 Peter 3:8-12, we look at how this is accomplished through our love for one another, our response when wronged, our pursuit of peace, and our hope, which is not found in the things of this world but in Jesus Christ, our righteous King. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
An Honorable Husband in the Eyes of God
February 14, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 3:7
What does it look like to be an honorable husband in the eyes of God? In this sermon from 1 Peter 3:7, we see that an honorable husband is faithful, attentive, and is a servant. With Christ as his example, he is to use his strength to love and serve his family and others, remembering that to be this type of husband is only possible by the grace and power of God. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
A Beautiful Wife in the Eyes of God
February 7, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 3:1–6
What does a beautiful wife look like in the eyes of God? In this sermon from 1 Peter 3:1-6, we see that a beautiful wife focuses on her spiritual growth and her inner beauty. She encourages and willing submits to her husband’s leadership by acknowledging, following, helping, and respecting her husband’s role as spiritual leader, remembering that in doing so, she is ultimately submitting to Christ. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
The Christian Calling to Unjust Suffering
January 31, 2021 • Andrew Sullivan • 1 Peter 2:18–25
Unjust suffering is to be expected in the Christian life. In this sermon from 1 Peter 2:18-25, we look at Christ as our example, our provider, and our companion in suffering. We see that there are two possible reactions to injustice: we can try to vindicate ourselves, revealing that we aren’t trusting God, or like Jesus, we can entrust ourselves to God and his justice, resting in his sovereignty and bringing glory to him. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Living As God's People in a Hostile World
January 24, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 2:11–12
What should be the Christian’s response to an increasingly hostile culture? In this sermon from 1 Peter 2:11-12, we are reminded that our response can be summed up in the words, “be holy.” We are called to live a beautiful life in Christ that is shown through our conduct and deeds. As people see the hope, joy, love and grace displayed in our lives, may they glorify our great God in heaven! From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Understanding Your True Identity, Part 2
January 17, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 2:9–10
In this sermon from 1 Peter 2:9-10, we look at the church’s identity, purpose, and motivation. Peter tells us that we have been chosen by God to live holy lives that reflect his glory, and to share the gospel with others in response to his great love for us. May we continue to grow in holiness and love as we reflect Christ to a world that desperately needs him. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Understanding Your True Identity, Part 1
January 10, 2021 • Pastor Phil Kooistra • 1 Peter 2:4–8
In this sermon from 1 Peter 2:4-8, we look at who Christ is, who we are in Christ, and who we are outside of Christ in order to understand our true identity. The resurrected Christ is the eternal God, the source of life, and the foundational cornerstone upon which all is built. We are either in Christ or outside of Christ. As we examine our own lives, what are we trusting in, resting in, and putting our hope in? From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
