theCHURCH Sermons

theCHURCH
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Weekly Bible teaching from theCHURCH in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is making it easier for people to know Jesus. Each message is centered on Scripture, the gospel, and practical discipleship for everyday life. Learn more at thechurchbend.org.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Let Us Rise Up and Build | Nehemiah 2

    Nehemiah was far more than a man with a dream. Long before he ever arrived in Jerusalem, God had been preparing him for the assignment ahead. Years serving inside the Persian king’s court taught Nehemiah leadership, planning, administration, diplomacy, and how to navigate one of the most powerful governments in the ancient world. When the opportunity finally came to rebuild Jerusalem, Nehemiah knew what to ask for, what resources he needed, and how to move forward wisely. Then he arrived in Jerusalem and did something equally important: he didn’t rush. He quietly inspected the walls, assessed the damage, and waited until he understood the situation before revealing his plan. Then came the call: “Let us rise up and build.” And the people responded. Opposition followed almost immediately because Jerusalem becoming strong again threatened people who had benefited from its weakness. But Nehemiah refused to be intimidated. This chapter also reminds us that not everyone is called to be Nehemiah. Most of us are the people standing beside him—the people of God faithfully doing the work of God. Not everyone has to lead the pack. Not everyone needs a platform. But every Christian is called to participate. God may be using the ordinary places you serve today to prepare you for something you cannot yet see. So don’t grow weary. Keep serving.Keep learning.Keep building. And imagine what God can accomplish through His people when we rise up and build together. God Through Us — A Study Through Nehemiah

  2. 6d ago

    The Burden Before the Build — Nehemiah 1 | God Through Us

    Before Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days, he spent nearly four months praying, fasting, mourning, and allowing God to work in his own heart. Nehemiah 1 begins with a city still broken and exposed long after God’s people had returned from exile. When Nehemiah hears about Jerusalem’s condition, something awakens inside him. But before he acts, he prays. He acknowledges the greatness of God. He confesses the sins of Israel and includes himself. He remembers God’s promises. And finally, he asks God to open the door for him to act. This opening message in our God Through Us series explores a foundational truth from Nehemiah’s story: Before God does a great work through us, He must first do a great work in us. God’s restoration of His people was never merely about rebuilding a city or improving their circumstances. It was about restoring the honor of His name and revealing His glory to the nations. And that same purpose shapes our lives today. We are called to belong to God, to be transformed by Him, and to make Him known while there is still time. Four months of prayer. Fifty-two days of building. The visible work may happen quickly. The deeper work often begins long before anyone else can see it. Series: God Through UsMessage: His Glory — The Burden Before the BuildScripture: Nehemiah 1; Ezekiel 36:22–23; Isaiah 49:6; Matthew 5:14–16; Romans 8:18; 2 Peter 3:9; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18

  3. Aug 3

    Peter: Calling, Cost, and the Making of a Leader

    Peter was called in a moment, but he was formed over time. When Jesus first called Peter, he was painfully aware of his own sinfulness and afraid that he was unworthy to remain in Christ’s presence. Jesus did not deny Peter’s brokenness, but He corrected Peter’s conclusion. Instead of casting him away, Jesus called him forward. From that moment on, Peter began a long journey of discipleship. For three years, he followed Jesus daily. He learned through obedience, failure, correction, surrender, and sacrifice. At times, Peter showed remarkable faith. At other times, his confidence exceeded his competence. Yet Jesus continued preparing him for the calling ahead. By Acts 4, Peter had become a bold and mature leader who stood before the Sanhedrin and proclaimed that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone. The Holy Spirit was the power, but discipleship was the shape that power filled. In this message, Pastor Nick teaches that every great leader must first become a great follower. Calling may begin in a moment, but maturity is built through daily devotion, costly surrender, and a life spent following Jesus.

  4. Jul 27

    Trust the Provider When the Need Is Impossible

    What do you do when the need in front of you is far greater than anything you can provide? In John 6, Jesus asks Philip how they are going to feed thousands of people. Philip sees the numbers, calculates the cost, and concludes that it cannot be done. But Jesus already knows what He is going to do. The test was not whether Philip could solve the problem. It was whether he would trust the One standing beside him. In this message, Pastor Nick Griggs teaches from John 6:1–11, Matthew 6:25–34, Matthew 7:24–27, and Proverbs 3:5–7 about anxiety, provision, and what it means to trust God when life feels impossible. Anxiety often reveals where our trust is weak. We look at the need, the cost, and everything that could go wrong, while forgetting God’s Word, His presence, and His proven faithfulness. The need may be impossible for you, but it is not impossible for Him. Will you trust the Provider?

  5. Jul 23

    Jesus Did Not Come to Make Peace With Death

    When Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus, He entered a place filled with grief, disappointment, and questions. Martha and Mary both said: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus wept with them. But grief was not the only emotion present at that graveside. Death stood before Him—the intruder that entered the world through sin, the wage being collected, and the enemy Scripture says will one day be destroyed. The world tells us to accept death and make peace with it. Jesus came to wage war against it. When He called Lazarus out of the tomb, Jesus gave the world a preview of the greater victory He was about to accomplish through His own death and resurrection. The Judge stepped down from the bench, entered the place of the condemned, and took the sentence Himself. Justice demanded death.Jesus took the sentence.Justice was satisfied.Love accomplished our rescue. The enemy thought the cross would bury Jesus. Instead, the cross buried the enemy’s claim over everyone who belongs to Christ. Lazarus received a preview. We have received a promise. Every tomb is scheduled for demolition—including ours. One day, death will be no more. Mourning, crying, and pain will pass away, and God will wipe every tear from the eyes of His people. Until then, Jesus asks each of us the same question He asked Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life… Do you believe this?”

  6. Jul 13

    The Only One Who Could Condemn Chose Mercy

    The Bible speaks clearly about sin because God loves us enough to tell us the truth. The wages of sin are death. Sin separates us from God, destroys lives, and leads toward judgment. That truth is not cruel. It is like a doctor being honest about cancer so the patient can receive the cure. In this message, Pastor Nick teaches from John 8 and the account of the woman caught in adultery. The woman is guilty. Her sin is real. The crowd is ready to condemn her, but then she stands before the only One without sin—the only One who has the right to cast the first stone. And He chooses mercy. Jesus does not excuse her sin. He tells her, “Go, and from now on sin no more.” His mercy is not permission to remain unchanged. It is an invitation into repentance, freedom, and a new life. God is just. Judgment is real. But His heart toward sinners is patient, compassionate, and rich in mercy. You cannot earn that mercy through performance. It is a free gift found only in Jesus Christ. And once you understand the mercy God has shown you, the challenge is simple: give it away. Be slow to anger. Be rich in kindness. Show someone else the same mercy you are so grateful to have received. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

  7. Jul 6

    From Enemy to Family: Saul of Tarsus and the Mercy of Jesus

    Before Saul of Tarsus became Paul the apostle, he was one of the greatest threats the early church had ever faced. He was educated, zealous, respected, and dangerous. He approved of Stephen’s execution, ravaged the church, imprisoned believers, and tried to destroy the faith he would one day preach. Then Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. In this message, Pastor Nick walks through the conversion of Saul and shows how the mercy of Jesus turns outsiders into family. Saul’s life became a living example of Christ’s perfect patience — proof that no one is too far gone for the grace of God. This sermon is for the person who feels like their past disqualifies them from belonging in church. It is also for the longtime believer who needs to remember that the church is not a room for polished people, but a family formed by mercy. Christ came to save sinners.And He came to grow His family. Main Scriptures:Acts 9:1–22Galatians 1:23–241 Timothy 1:15–16 Church: theCHURCHWebsite: www.thechurchbend.org

  8. Jun 29

    Seen by Jesus: The Woman at the Well

    In this message from John 4, we look at Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. She came in the heat of the day, likely carrying shame and avoiding the eyes of others. But the last person she expected to meet was Jesus. He saw her completely, yet He did not reject her. Instead, He offered her living water, revealed Himself as the Messiah, and turned her story into a testimony that brought many others to Him. This sermon is a reminder that Jesus sees the one who wants to remain unseen — not to condemn, but to bring true life. And when we encounter Him, our testimony can become the very thing God uses to lead others to Christ. Scripture: John 4:1–42; Romans 10:13–14

  9. Jun 23

    Jesus Didn’t Lower the Bar

    Before we step into a summer of Jesus encounters, we need to understand why Jesus came. In this message, Pastor Nick teaches that Jesus did not come to soften the definition of sin. He came to expose the real problem: our hearts. While people often define goodness by outward behavior, Scripture shows us that true goodness is found in God alone. But this truth is not meant to crush us. It is meant to lead us to Christ. The same problem Jesus exposes is the very problem He came to fix. Through the cross, God’s mercy is made available to broken people, and through Jesus, dead things come back to life. This is the good news: we fall short, but God made a way.

  10. Jun 15

    Growing in Relationship With Jesus

    Last week, we looked at the first part of our mission statement at theCHURCH: Making it easier for people to know Jesus. In this episode, Pastor Nick teaches on the second part of that mission: To lead people in a growing relationship with Him. True discipleship is not spiritual cruise control. It is the life of following Jesus so closely that we begin to become like Him. A disciple is not simply someone who believes certain truths about Jesus, but someone who has resolved in their heart to follow Jesus, learn from Jesus, obey Jesus, and continue the work Jesus began. In this message, we look at what discipleship is, why it matters, and how God has always called His people out of bondage and into a new way of life — not only so they could be free, but so they could become a living testimony of His goodness to the world. Scripture References:Matthew 28:19–20Ephesians 6:12Exodus 19:6Isaiah 49:6Exodus 20:2Leviticus 18:3 Learn more about theCHURCH:https://www.thechurchbend.org

  11. Jun 11

    Making It Easier for People to Know Jesus

    Description: In this message from theCHURCH, Pastor Nick Griggs teaches on the mission of the church: making it easier for people to know Jesus and leading them into a growing relationship with Him. Looking at Romans 10, 2 Peter 3, 1 Corinthians 9, and Mark 16, this sermon reminds us that the gospel is the greatest news in the world, that God desires people to be saved, and that the church is called to go the extra mile so that more people may come to know Christ. This message also explains what we mean when we say “making it easier.” We do not soften Scripture or change the message. We choose clarity, love, and intentional methods that help people hear the truth, understand the why behind the what, and respond to Jesus. Learn more at thechurchbend.org.

  • 11 Episodes

About

Weekly Bible teaching from theCHURCH in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is making it easier for people to know Jesus. Each message is centered on Scripture, the gospel, and practical discipleship for everyday life. Learn more at thechurchbend.org.

Information

  • Creator
    theCHURCH
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © theCHURCH
  • Show Website
    theCHURCH Sermons