In this sermon, from the book of Luke, Jesus explains the kingdom of God and then calls us to be prepared for its coming. Jesus first addresses and corrects the Pharisees misunderstanding of his kingdom now, and then encourages and instructs his disciples about his kingdom that is yet to come. As we listen, we too are encouraged and exhorted to be prepared for Christ’s return.

In this passage from Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable demonstrating the self-serving attitude we often have while serving God – we have a sense of entitlement; a sense that “God owes me one.” Jesus exposes this heart attitude for the foolishness that it is by way of his satirical parable. Luke’s narrative drives the point home by following this parable with an account of Jesus’ miraculous healing of 10 lepers, only one of whom (a Samaritan!) turns back to express gratitude. The lesson for us is to examine our own hearts: do we feel that God owes us one, or do we bow in humble gratitude for all He has given us?

In this passage from the book of Luke, Jesus gives his disciples specific instructions in the areas of temptation, sin and forgiveness, and faith. These lessons serve to instruct us as well, and have bearing on our lives today. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

In this passage, Jesus draws out what God's perfect law exposes in our hearts: our desire to justify ourselves, our idolatry of money, of possessions, of the lust of the eyes and flesh, and our sinful, self-centered tendency to twist God's Word to fit our own preferences. But most importantly, God's perfect law exposes our desperate need for a Savior to fulfill God's righteous requirements - something we could never do, but that Jesus has accomplished on our behalf. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

In this sermon, from John 13:34-35, Jesus teaches about the defining mark of true disciples: that they love one another as Christ has loved them. He continues to show that by our love for one another, the world will not only hear the gospel but they will see how it has transformed our lives. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.

In this passage, Jesus tells a parable of a dishonest manager who cheats his master to secure his future when he gets laid off. Jesus uses this story to help us examine our own hearts and take a look at the way we view money. Is money an idol for us, or is it something we steward for the kingdom? Jesus ends with the pointed challenge that you cannot serve two masters; it is impossible to serve both God and money.

In this well known passage, which is often titled "The Parable of the Prodigal Son," Jesus tells the story of a loving father who gives extravagant (the literal meaning of "prodigal") forgiveness and grace to his wayward younger son. The loving father pleads with his self-righteous older son to show the same grace to his younger brother. Jesus uses this story not only to give us a picture of God's limitless love and forgiveness, but also to challenge our perspective on those who are lost. Will we be loving and gracious like the father, or self-righteous like the older brother?

In this sermon, from the book of Luke, Jesus asks us to soberly reflect on and count the cost of following him. Through his words and parables, we see Jesus’ desire for true, genuine disciples who love him more than any earthly relationship, desire, or treasure. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.