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On This Rock I Will Build My Church

by with No Comment Sermons
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.

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Holiness

by Sermons
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

by with No Comment News
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.

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Jesus Walks on Water

by with No Comment SermonsUncategorized
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 Worship & Prayer Night Features Talent Show

by with No Comment News
On Friday April 19, Gratia Church held a Worship & Prayer night led by Brother Larry and Sister Ruth. It was a graceful time to sing worship songs and pray together. Brother Larry also preached a short message from 2 Corinthians 2:15-17 about living our life as a fragrant offering before Christ. One newcomer came and testified that he received abundant grace and wishes to come to other church events.

The Worship & Prayer night also featured a talent show with various musical performances. It was a graceful evening to grow in fellowship, praise, and prayer together.

Gratia Campus Evangelism in God’s Grace

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Gratia Church hosted a graceful campus evangelism. Ministers and students are actively participated in the evangelism. In particular, Luke, in his first-ever evangelism attempt, boldly initiated outreach to students after observing others in action a couple of times. The evangelism became even more graceful and joyful as more members joined in. It was a great time testifying God’s grace and love to others and we pray that only His name can be praised. Amen!

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Gratia Easter Retreat Concludes: The Lord Has Risen!

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On Easter Sunday, Gratia members gathered for the final day of the retreat in the mountains of Santa Cruz with a focus on the resurrected Lord. Members received abundant grace through the retreat meditating on the cross and focusing on the resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The day started with Pastor Julia concluding John 19 with a Bible Study about the Lord’s work completely finishing on this earth, fully revealing God’s love and redemption for our sins. Pastor Walker delivered the Easter Sunday Service message on John 20 explaining the true love of Jesus where he rose again and becoming life for all of us who accept him by faith. The Sunday service also featured a communion. For the closing service, Pastor Walker finished with John 21 with the scene at the Sea of Tiberias, exhorting members to live the life of Christ with the Word, the Church, and evangelism as our focus.

The day also featured a small group Bible Study led by young leaders Dany, Larry, and Ruth who focused on Doubting Thomas. Also, Gratia members were able to have fellowship by walking in the mountains, having meals together, praise, and prayer. At the conclusion of the retreat, multiple Gratia members testified to the grace and peace they received during the retreat, as well as learning deeply the cross and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Please pray that Gratia members can hold onto the grace they received during the mountain retreat, and take back the grace into the city of San Francisco, being the light for God’s Kingdom in the city.

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Gratia Bible Teacher Training & Evangelism

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Gratia members experience the fullness of grace on March 22. Gratia members conducted campus evangelism at the state university and met several good people who want to join the Bible study. They are committed to continuing evangelism regardless of the season, without ceasing.

Following a graceful lunch, there were Bible teacher training session, reviewing Genesis 22. They deepened their understanding of faith, transcending mere rationale, coming to understand deeply that everything originates from God and belongs to God without any separation. May God’s blessings and grace fill the hearts of all ministers and members.

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Members Experience the Power of the Holy Spirit During the Prayer Meeting

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Gratia members gathered on Friday at 5 pm and had a time of prayer meeting. It was a time when the Holy Spirit worked in the hearts of every single member. They were encouraged and comforted through each other’s prayers. Members prayed for various topics, especially for the revival of the city of San Francisco and the nation. We prayed for God’s mercy and grace to overflow within us at all times.