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A Touch of Faith

These passages record two intertwined miracles-both demonstrating the profound impact of simple, resolute faith. Jesus, after crossing the lake, is immediately approached by Jairus, a synagogue leader desperate for the healing of his dying daughter. Amidst the pressing crowd, another desperate figure emerges-a woman afflicted for twelve years with a condition that not only drained her body but also her societal worth and spiritual life, as her bleeding rendered her unclean by Old Testament Law. This backdrop sets a stark contrast between the crowd’s curiosity and the woman’s profound need for deliverance, illustrating how physical proximity to Jesus doesn’t equate to spiritual closeness unless coupled with faith.

The woman’s approach to Jesus signifies more than just physical healing; it symbolizes a breaking free from societal constraints and personal despair. Her condition, causing continuous bleeding, relate to us since life in this world is one of continuous hardships that drain one’s spirit without relief. Living on the margins of society, she represents those among us caught in the painful cycle of isolation and suffering due to various life’s burdens-be it chronic illness, mental health struggles, or societal rejection. Her belief that merely touching Jesus’ garment would restore her health highlights a profound faith and understanding of Jesus’ divine nature, which she pursued despite the overwhelming obstacles presented by the dense crowd and her physical weakness.

This miraculous healing juxtaposed with the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ ministry-offering hope and renewal to all, regardless of their societal status or the nature of their affliction. Both miracles are connected not just by their proximity in the scripture but by their shared theme of faith overcoming despair. The woman’s healing interrupts Jesus’ journey to Jairus’ house, yet both stories beautifully illustrate that Jesus’ power to heal and revitalize is boundless, transcending all human barriers and reaching those who feel unworthy or forgotten.

This message encourage us to reflect on our lives, recognizing areas where we might be ‘bleeding’ and in need of the touch of faith and the spark of life from Jesus Christ. It challenges us to reach out in faith, believing in His power to transform even the most desperate situations.

Gratia Fall Retreat Concludes with God’s Grace

On Sunday October 6, Gratia Church concluded its Fall Retreat which lasted three days in Concord, CA. The final day of the retreat was full of grace as members had Bible Studies, Sunday Service, Communion, praise, fellowship, and testimony. As Bible Studies focused on the Sermon on the Mount, members testified feeling as if they were in the Kingdom of Heaven during the retreat.

The retreat also featured a communion service, where recently baptized members of the Church were able to participate in for the first time. There was also plenty of praise and fellowship throughout the day as members enjoyed time together. The retreat ended with almost every single retreat attendee giving testimony this time. Testimonies focused on the grace received during the Sermon on the Mount messages, the Worship and Prayer night, and also just fellowship with one another reigniting passion for the walk of faith. One common theme throughout the testimonies was eagerness to continue living like we are in the Kingdom of Heaven during our time here on earth.

Through the grace received during this retreat, please pray members will hold onto the blessing through continued study of the Bible, walking with Jesus, and participating in the life of faith with brothers and sisters at church.

Gratia Graceful Evangelism Testifying God’s Love

Gratia Church is witnessing God’s grace through ongoing evangelism efforts. On September 25, Gratia ministers and members participated in campus evangelism, experiencing a powerful move of the Holy Spirit. They met many students and invited them to Bible studies and services. The group was strengthened and encouraged by each other’s company, and the evangelism time became a moment of spiritual revival. Sharing God’s love has become a joy for everyone. We pray that this evangelism effort brings more people to Jesus Christ.

Gratia Fall Picnic Full of Grace and Fellowship

On Saturday September 7, San Francisco Gratia Church held its Fall Picnic at Golden Gate Park. The event drew many members to have graceful fellowship together. Member enjoyed fellowship meal, as well as games and sports. Many members testified that it was a good time to come closer as a church and be strengthened, enjoying the outdoors and God’s creation.

Gratia Members Enjoy Fellowship in Mountains

Gratia members went hiking together to Mt. Tamalpais. It was a graceful hike where members could enjoy fellowship and see the beauty of God’s creation.

Since many of the students went home for the summer, it was especially good time for the working members of Gratia to have fellowship. Members shared a lot about their faith and life in God, with many testifying the grace of God being together with Gratia members.

I Will Pour Out My Spirit on All People

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved

On This Rock I Will Build My Church

Near the town of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples a pivotal question: “Who do people say that I am?” This wasn’t just casual curiosity; it was a critical moment that set the stage for a significant revelation. When Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” it marked a turning point. For the first time, Jesus spoke of building His church, emphasizing that it would be founded on the truth of Peter’s confession about His divine identity.

This conversation is crucial for us today as it challenges us to consider our own beliefs. Who do we say Jesus is? In society, it’s often acceptable to view Jesus as a moral teacher or a historical figure-a perspective that doesn’t disrupt the status quo. However, recognizing Him as the Messiah, the Son of the living God, involves a deeper, more personal acknowledgment of His role in our lives. This acknowledgment shapes not just personal faith but also the essence and direction of the church itself.

Reflecting on this, we see the church as more than a building or a gathering; it is a community founded on the rock-solid belief in Jesus as Christ and his saving grace in our lives. This foundation is what keeps the church steady against challenges. In our lives and communities, affirming the grace of Jesus Christ and role invites us to build everything on this solid ground. This belief influences how we interact within our communities, uphold our values, and face the complexities of life with faith and conviction.

Holiness

God calls us holy people of God and makes us holy. God has the power to sanctify or make holy those who believe in Him. Jesus came not to condemn but to save from sin. We need to remember the story of the adulterous woman who was brought to Jesus; Jesus said that he doesn’t condemn but to go and leave the life of sin. This message emphasizes the compassionate and redemptive aspect of Jesus’ message and at the same time how our life should reflect the grace that we have received. It’s more important for believers to align themselves with the character of God rather than simply following rules or being outwardly “right”.

We are encouraged to introspect and consider whether their actions, attitudes, and behaviors align with the example set by Jesus Christ. It is important to live a life that mirrors the teachings and character of Jesus. We have attained holiness through the sacrificial death of Jesus and we should live a holy life that involves experiencing and embodying God’s grace and love, which empowers believers to live free from the influence of sin.

Gratia Church Final Worship & Prayer of School Year

On Friday May 3, Gratia Church held its final worship & prayer night of the semester, a graceful time full of praise and prayer. It was led by Brother Larry and Sister Ruth, with Sister Ruth delivering the message from 1 Kings 17 on Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath. Sister Ruth encouraged members to be empty and laid bare before God and that He fills us up in our lives and in our prayers.

Following the worship and prayer night, several members of Gratia Church performed their talents, singing praise songs. Also, members spent time after church to have fellowship with one another. Brother Larry testified how the Worship & Prayer night started as an simple prayer and idea at the beginning of the year, and has now developed into a graceful evangelistic event full of grace and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Walks on Water

Water means a lot of things to us; it can mean the unknown situation that is out of our control, causing us to be anxious. We may face many ongoing crises that come to us as dark nights, complete pitch darkness where we cannot see anything before us. At this moment, Jesus is coming to us, and He is above the storms. He is in control.

Taking the step forward, trying to change is much better and easier than being stuck in our situation. We don’t need to make a perfect move, and there is no such thing as a perfect step, but as we take a step, God will guide our steps and walk with us.

Gratia Community Church

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