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Gratia Tuesday Online Bible Study Continues

Gratia Church held a graceful and meaningful Tuesday Bible study on March 24, welcoming both regular attendees and a newcomer to the gathering. The study was led by Pastor Julia, who shared a message from Romans 3, focusing on the righteousness of God and the significance of faith in Jesus Christ.

The atmosphere was warm and engaging, creating a space where participants could reflect deeply on the Scripture and its relevance to their daily lives. The presence of a newcomer added a special joy to the fellowship, as the group was able to extend hospitality and share the message of the gospel together.

Throughout the study, attendees listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and encouraged one another in their faith. It was a time not only of learning but also of building community and strengthening spiritual connections. The evening concluded with a sense of gratitude for God’s Word and anticipation for continued growth through future Bible studies.

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Sunday:The Power of God’s Love and Mercy

San Francisco Gratia Church held a graceful Sunday service on March 15. Pastor Walker delivered a message based on John 8 titled “The Power of God’s Love and Mercy.” Below is a summary of the message.

In John 8:1-11, the Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, hoping to trap Him between the demands of the Law and the message of grace He preached. According to the Law, the punishment for adultery was stoning, so they expected Jesus to either reject the Law or condemn the woman. Instead, Jesus responds with profound wisdom: “Let the one who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, the accusers leave. In this moment, Jesus resets the entire foundation of the conversation. The Law is not dismissed, but it is placed within a deeper reality-the truth that all people are sinners in need of grace. The Gospel reveals a wisdom far greater than the rigid judgments of the world, showing that while sin must be taken seriously, it must also be approached through the lens of God’s love and mercy.

When the crowd disappears, Jesus asks the woman, “Has no one condemned you?” and then says, “Neither do I condemn you.” This does not mean that her sin is ignored or excused, but that the punishment she deserved would ultimately be carried by Christ Himself on the cross. The Law exposes sin, but it cannot free us from it; only grace can do that. The cross reveals this mystery of the Gospel: sin is real and must be judged, yet God Himself takes that judgment upon Himself out of love for humanity. In this way, Jesus removes not only physical punishment but also the invisible stones of shame, humiliation, and self-condemnation that so often weigh down our hearts.

Finally, Jesus tells the woman, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” True faith is not built on fear or self-effort, but on receiving God’s unconditional love. Because we are no longer condemned, we are free to walk in a new life. Many people try to overcome sin through willpower alone, only to fall into cycles of guilt and self-punishment. But the Gospel teaches that transformation begins with grace. When we know that God already sees our sin and still loves us, our hearts open to a deeper relationship with Him. From that relationship flows the strength to leave sin behind and live in freedom. This story reminds us that the foundation of our faith is not our perfection, but the boundless mercy of Christ who calls us out of condemnation and into new life.

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Go Now and Leave Your Life of Sin

San Francisco Gratia Church held a graceful Sunday service on March 15. Pastor Walker delivered a message based on John 8 titled “The Power of God’s Love and Mercy.” Below is a summary of the message.

In John 8:1-11, the Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, hoping to trap Him between the demands of the Law and the message of grace He preached. According to the Law, the punishment for adultery was stoning, so they expected Jesus to either reject the Law or condemn the woman. Instead, Jesus responds with profound wisdom: “Let the one who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, the accusers leave. In this moment, Jesus resets the entire foundation of the conversation. The Law is not dismissed, but it is placed within a deeper reality-the truth that all people are sinners in need of grace. The Gospel reveals a wisdom far greater than the rigid judgments of the world, showing that while sin must be taken seriously, it must also be approached through the lens of God’s love and mercy.

When the crowd disappears, Jesus asks the woman, “Has no one condemned you?” and then says, “Neither do I condemn you.” This does not mean that her sin is ignored or excused, but that the punishment she deserved would ultimately be carried by Christ Himself on the cross. The Law exposes sin, but it cannot free us from it; only grace can do that. The cross reveals this mystery of the Gospel: sin is real and must be judged, yet God Himself takes that judgment upon Himself out of love for humanity. In this way, Jesus removes not only physical punishment but also the invisible stones of shame, humiliation, and self-condemnation that so often weigh down our hearts.

Finally, Jesus tells the woman, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” True faith is not built on fear or self-effort, but on receiving God’s unconditional love. Because we are no longer condemned, we are free to walk in a new life. Many people try to overcome sin through willpower alone, only to fall into cycles of guilt and self-punishment. But the Gospel teaches that transformation begins with grace. When we know that God already sees our sin and still loves us, our hearts open to a deeper relationship with Him. From that relationship flows the strength to leave sin behind and live in freedom. This story reminds us that the foundation of our faith is not our perfection, but the boundless mercy of Christ who calls us out of condemnation and into new life. .

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The Image of God

San Francisco Gratia Community Church held a graceful Sunday service on March 8. Pastor Tzeng delivered a message titled “God’s Creation” based on Genesis 1. He shared that this will be the beginning of a sermon series on the book of Genesis. Below is a summary of today’s message.

Genesis 1 begins with the powerful truth that God created the universe out of nothing, forming the world with intention and beauty. At the climax of creation, humanity is made in God’s own image, male and female. This means that the deepest part of who we are is not simply our physical body or our intellect, but the spiritual imprint of God placed within us. Ecclesiastes says that God has set eternity in the human heart, reminding us that our lives are connected to something far greater than the visible world. Because we bear God’s image, understanding who God is helps us understand who we are. Scripture tells us clearly that God is love, and this love was revealed most fully through Jesus Christ, who came to the world and gave His life on the cross. Therefore, the meaning of our lives flows from this truth: we were created to receive God’s love and to reflect that love outward in the way we live.

Genesis also teaches that humanity was created “very good,” yet in the fallen world this original goodness often feels hidden. Sin, anxiety, selfishness, and brokenness cloud the image of God within us, much like a hazy mirror that no longer reflects clearly. The apostle Paul describes this condition by saying we now see only dimly, as if through a blurred reflection. When we look around the world today-filled with loneliness, addiction, anger, and despair-it becomes clear that humanity is living far from its original purpose. We were not created to live in constant confusion or emptiness. Rather, God created us to live in love, to know Him, and to reflect His goodness in the world. The tragedy of sin is that it covers over this identity, causing us to forget who we truly are.

Yet the message of the Gospel is that the image of God within us can be rediscovered and restored. Just as Simba in *The Lion King* eventually realizes that his father’s image lives within him and returns to his true calling, we too rediscover our identity when we encounter God again. We cannot find this purpose on our own or through the world’s distractions; it is revealed through Jesus Christ, who is the perfect image of God. As we listen to God’s Word, receive His grace, and enter into a personal relationship with Christ, the image of God within us becomes clearer again. This rediscovery gives our lives direction and meaning-not a purpose centered only on ourselves, but a purpose connected to God’s greater work of restoring His Kingdom in the world.

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Gratia Church Joyful Fellowship with Youth Group

Gratia Church recently held a joyful and uplifting fellowship with its youth group, creating a meaningful time of connection, encouragement, and spiritual growth. The gathering brought together young members of the church in an atmosphere filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine fellowship.

During the event, the youth had the opportunity to spend time building relationships with one another through conversation, shared activities, and moments of reflection. It was not only a time of fun, but also a chance to strengthen their faith and be reminded of God’s presence in their daily lives.

The fellowship included a time of sharing and encouragement, where participants were able to express their thoughts and experiences. Through this, the group grew closer together, supporting one another and fostering a sense of unity within the church community.

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Gratia Church Continues in Personal Bible Studies and Outreach

Gratia Church continues faithfully in its mission through personal Bible studies and reaching out to new people in the neighborhood. With grateful hearts, we are thankful for the opportunities God gives us to share His Word one-on-one and build meaningful relationships within our community.

Through personal Bible studies, lives are being nurtured and faith is being strengthened. At the same time, our outreach efforts allow us to meet new neighbors, listen to their stories, and invite them into fellowship. Each conversation is a reminder that God is at work, drawing hearts to Himself.

Please pray that the mission of God will continue with grace and joy. May the Lord open doors, prepare hearts, and use Gratia Church as a faithful instrument for His glory.

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Jesus changes water into wine

San Francisco Gratia Church held a graceful Sunday service on February 15. Pastor Walker delivered a message titled “The Wedding Banquet at Cana” based on John 2. Below is a summary of the message.

In today’s passage, we see Jesus at a wedding in Cana where the wine runs out-a moment that feels small, yet carries deep meaning. A wedding banquet is meant to be joyful, with the bridegroom at the center, but when the wine is gone, the celebration falters. This reflects the reality of a life centered on the world: eventually, the joy runs dry. We pursue many “husbands”-success, pleasure, money, recognition-hoping they will satisfy our thirst, yet something remains unresolved within us. Jesus’ response to His mother, “Why involve me?” invites us to ask ourselves the same question: have we truly involved Him in the center of our lives? The Kingdom of God is like a wedding banquet, but Christ must be the true Bridegroom. When He is not at the center, our joy is temporary and fragile; when He is, everything changes from the inside out.

Before the miracle happens, Jesus commands the servants to fill six large stone jars with water-an ordinary, heavy, time-consuming task. This teaches us that transformation often begins with preparation. The jars, filled to the brim, represent the faithful, patient work of prayer, obedience, study of the Word, and steady growth in every area of life. Just as God created in six days before entering Sabbath rest, and just as history prepared for Christ’s coming, there is often a long season of filling before the qualitative change occurs. We cannot pray for miracles while neglecting the work of faith. To center our lives on Christ means actively preparing-strengthening our spiritual life, relationships, character, and stewardship-trusting that God uses these faithful acts as the soil for transformation.

When the water becomes wine, the master of the banquet declares that the best wine has been saved for last. Unlike the world’s diluted joy that fades over time, life in Christ grows deeper and richer. The Kingdom does not deteriorate; it matures. As we allow Jesus to be at the center and faithfully “fill the jars” of our lives with grace, what begins as ordinary water becomes something qualitatively new. This miracle reveals the pattern of the Gospel-through the cross and resurrection, Christ transforms what is empty into fullness and what is ordinary into glory. If we desire change in our lives, the answer is not chasing more worldly wine, but centering everything on Jesus. Then, by His grace, our lives will not fade but grow better and deeper, reflecting the joy of His Kingdom.

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Gratia Ministers Welcome New Year with Idaho Antioch Church Family

Gratia ministers and their families shared a meaningful New Year service with the Antioch Church family in Idaho on January 1, 2026. Pastor Walker delivered a message based on 1 Corinthians 13, focusing on faith, hope, and love. He encouraged the members to receive God’s grace through faith, hold fast to the hope of God’s Kingdom, and live each day in the love of God. Together, they welcomed the new year with joyful anticipation, trusting in what God will do in 2026.

Following the service, everyone enjoyed a warm time of fellowship with teens, children, and friends. The group participated in various activities, including ice skating, watching a movie, and playing basketball at the recreation center. The ministers also spent time sharing their life stories and New Year hopes with one another. We pray that God’s grace continues to overflow through this fellowship, that everyone is encouraged by one another’s presence, and that in the year ahead they may walk together toward God’s Kingdom..

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The Faith of Ruth

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.

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Gratia Members Celebrate Christmas Through Christmas Service

Gratia Church members joyfully celebrated Christmas at the Christmas service held on December 25. Pastor Walker delivered a message based on the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Romans, inviting the congregation to reflect on the meaning of the coming of Jesus Christ from a historical perspective. He emphasized how human history, once moving toward darkness, was transformed into light and eternal life through Christ.

Following the service, members shared a meaningful time of fellowship. The celebration continued with a lunch potluck at Pastor Tzeng’s home, where everyone enjoyed food, conversation, and joyful community. It was a time filled with warmth, love, and grace. We pray that this grace continues to be with each member as they seek to live out the life of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.