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Gratia Sunday Service: The 7000 Who Have Not Bowed Down to Baal

On November 12, 2023, Gratia Church held a graceful Sunday service, full of God’s word, praise, worship, and fellowship. The sermon delivered by Pastor Walker Tzeng, was on 1 Kings 19:1-21 entitled “The 7000 who have not bowed down to Baal”.

In the sermon, Pastor Walker spoke about the tumultuous time for the nation of Israel, divided and led astray by depraved secular kings and rampant idolatry. Amidst this time, Elijah stood as a beacon of prophetic truth. His solitary struggle against the wicked Queen Jezebel, who championed the worship of Baal, highlights a profound spiritual crisis. Elijah, chased into the wilderness, epitomizes the isolation and despair that can afflict even the most righteous. His experience underscores the reality that spiritual crises are not just physical but deeply emotional and psychological. It’s a stark reminder of the loneliness that can come from standing for truth and righteousness in a world that seems indifferent or even hostile.

Elijah’s moment of utter desolation under the broom bush, or Rodem Tree, becomes a pivotal point of divine intervention. The angelic provision of sustenance symbolizes more than mere physical nourishment; it represents a spiritual rejuvenation. This episode teaches that in moments of deepest despair, God’s presence is profoundly transformative. It’s a reminder that in our own journeys, when we walk righteously yet fall into despair, it is the grace of God that sustains and renews us. The journey to Mount Horeb, echoing Moses’ own pilgrimage, signifies a return to the foundations of faith, a reminder that God’s grace is often most apparent in our most desperate moments.

The story of Elijah culminates in the revelation at Mount Horeb, where God’s voice emerges not in grand displays of power but in a gentle whisper. This teaches the importance of cultivating a quiet and receptive heart, attuned to the subtle yet profound ways in which God communicates. The message extends further, revealing that Elijah is not alone in his faithfulness; there are 7000 others who have not bowed to Baal. This discovery highlights the existence of a faithful remnant, a group that remains steadfast amidst widespread idolatry and moral decay. The calling of Elisha, from plowing fields to prophetic ministry, exemplifies God’s power to transform and use the seemingly ordinary for extraordinary purposes.

Today’s message is one of hope and challenge, inviting us to be part of the transformative work of God in a world that desperately needs change, not by the power of the masses, but through the faithful few.

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Gratia Fall Retreat Full of Passion and Grace

Gratia Church held for the Fall Retreat from October 6-8, with special guests from Idaho Church. Members arrived on Friday night on October 6, with Brother Larry from Gratia preaching the opening service. He opened by speaking about God, which the Bible teaches us is love. He spoke from Luke 15 and the parable of the prodigal son to share this love. Brother Larry was full of passion and spoke with a fiery heart for his first ever retreat sermon.

Retreat attendees also enjoyed time of fellowship, praise, and playing game with one another. The evening also brought a talent show where many members showed their talents with songs, skits, and piano playing. Finally, Saturday ended with a prayer meeting full of grace, passion, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

Please pray for the Fall Retreat as it continues to its last day on Sunday. May members receive grace, a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and come to know God’s Kingdom deeply.

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Young Members Grow Through Teaching Bible & Evangelism

The young members of Gratia are growing through teaching the Bible and evangelism. On September 7, Pastor Julia and Dany held campus evangelism at USF and made six contacts who are interested in Bible study, with one of them joining its afternoon Bible study. Dany was very happy to see that many of them responded very well today and felt the work of the Holy Spirit.

In the afternoon, brother Larry led the Bible study with 3 students and he felt that he was the one receiving more grace and strength through the teaching. He was very thankful that God sent these students who are ready to receive the Word of God. We pray that the Gratia mission continues to improve and brings revival to save many souls through these young leaders.

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Gratia Sunday Service: The Parable of the Sower

On August 27, 2023, Gratia Church held a graceful Sunday service, full of God’s word, praise, worship, and fellowship. The sermon delivered by Pastor Walker Tzeng, was on Matthew 13:1-9 entitled “The Parable of the Sower”.

In the sermon, Pastor Peter spoke about the Parable of the Sower, which serves as a deeply spiritual guide on how to listen to the Word of God. More than mere knowledge that can become stale over time, the Word should be viewed as a deep well of living water, where one can always find fresher insights by going deeper.

The parable starts with seeds that were scattered and fell outside the soil, perhaps onto a path. Jesus explains in verses 18-19 that the seeds represent the Word and the field symbolizes the heart. When we find the Word foreign or irrelevant, it’s because it’s not entering our hearts but landing somewhere else in our minds. This often happens when we go to church for the first time; the Bible may seem like a collection of myths or mere moral lessons. The key to overcoming this is opening our hearts and accepting with the heart of faith.

The parable then talks about seeds falling on rocky soil, where the roots couldn’t take hold, resulting in weak plants that get scorched. Jesus clarifies that this represents those who listen to the Word with initial joy but without forming strong roots, leading to a fleeting faith. The Word might seem exhilarating at first, but if we don’t allow it to take root in our lives, we are setting ourselves up for failure when difficulties arise. The solution to this issue is right in the parable itself, it is addressing the “rocks” in our hearts. Sometimes it’s a difficult upbringing, experiences of bullying, or emotional wounds that form these rocks. We need to address these issues, speak about them, and allow God’s Word to heal us. It’s not just about preaching but also about listening and sharing, creating a deep-rooted relationship with God and each other.

Next, there are the seeds that took root but were choked by thorns before they could bear fruit. Jesus interprets these thorns as the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth that consume us. Many of us, including myself, have lost sleep over such worries. But as Matthew 6:25 advises, worrying doesn’t help solve our problems. It’s a deceit that draws us away from what is meaningful. The key to overcoming this is faith in Christ and a focus on seeking righteousness and God’s Kingdom.

Finally, the parable ends on a faithful note, describing seeds that fall on good soil and yield an abundant harvest. This serves as a reminder that the Word of God has the power to transform our lives and guide us toward something much more meaningful and eternal. It challenges our worldly measures of success—money, fame, power—and urges us to seek a deeper, more eternal sense of value in God’s Kingdom. In this way, the Word of God is not just a set of teachings but a transformative force that brings vibrancy and movement into our lives.

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Gratia Sunday Service: I Have Seen the Lord

On April 23, 2023, Gratia Church held a graceful Sunday service, full of God’s word, praise, worship, and fellowship. The sermon delivered by Pastor Peter Tzeng, was on John 20:1-18 entitled “I have seen the Lord”.

In the sermon, Pastor Walker spoke about Mary, one of the women recorded visiting Jesus’ tomb after His crucifixion. Interestingly, each Gospel records a different number of women at the tomb, with John focusing on Mary alone, emphasizing her great love for Jesus. Mary goes to the sealed tomb with a longing heart filled with sadness, but even in death, her love for the Lord remains strong. When she discovers the stone has been rolled away, she informs Peter and John, both of whom also loved Jesus deeply. John’s account emphasizes the love these individuals had for Jesus, and how that love compelled them to honor one another. The Bible captures real people with strengths and weaknesses, and it is through their love that they bear witness to the empty tomb, a testament to Jesus’ victory over death.

Despite their love, Mary and the disciples did not initially understand the meaning of the empty tomb. Love brings them to the tomb, allowing them to overcome the power of death, but something is still missing. In their faith, they have love for God and for their fellow believers, but they need to go further and witness the resurrected Jesus Christ. It is through understanding the Scriptures and meditating on the meaning of the cross that believers can move beyond the tomb and embrace the fullness of resurrection.

Mary encounters the resurrected Jesus but fails to recognize Him at first, as her sorrow prevents her from seeing the truth. As she converses with Jesus, her tears are wiped away, allowing her to recognize her Lord and exclaim “Rabonni!” This moment symbolizes the true meaning of Easter – not just the crucifixion, but the resurrection that follows. Jesus’ resurrection transcends the limits of earthly understanding, as it involves the transformation of the perishable into the imperishable. This resurrection is not only a future promise but a present reality, as believers can become witnesses to the resurrected Lord through the proclamation of the Word and the sacraments. 

As Mary testifies, “I have seen the Lord!”, let us also strive to be witnesses to the resurrected Jesus Christ, embracing the transformative power of the cross and resurrection in our lives.

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Gratia concludes Easter Retreat with Full Grace

On Easter Sunday April 9, Gratia concluded their Easter Retreat with a full day of service, bible study, testimony, and fellowship. Easter Service was led by Pastor Walker, who spoke about the resurrection of the Jesus. Comparing the recording in Matthew with Paul’s explanation on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor Walker exhorted retreat attendees to live with faith and the power of resurrection in their lives. Easter Service also featured a communion celebration.

The last Bible Study in the afternoon was led by Pastor Esther, who spoke about the road to Emmaus and helped retreat attendees burn with passion for the Word to see the resurrected Lord. After a full day of retreat, members shared fellowship meal, activities, and prayer. Easter Retreat was a graceful time, please pray for all retreat attendees to hold onto the grace that they received. 

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Guest Pastor Speaks at Wednesday Service

At Wednesday night’s service, the guest speaker pastor Larry delivered an inspiring message to the congregation. His sermon was based on Exodus 17, Jehosaphat, and Daniel’s three friends in the fire.

The speaker focused on the concept of spiritual battle and how it affects our daily lives. He encouraged the audience to put on the armor of God and fight the spiritual battle with faith and determination. Throughout the message, the pastor emphasized the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of adversity. He used the biblical accounts of Jehosaphat, Daniel’s three friends in the fire, and Moses’ victory over the Amalekites to illustrate how God empowers His people to overcome even the toughest challenges. The message was well-received by the congregation, who were inspired and uplifted by the pastor’s words.

Following the service, the congregation participated in a time of breaking bread, where they shared food and fellowship with one another. The service was a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of community, especially during difficult times. The pastor’s message left a lasting impact on the congregation, and many left feeling encouraged and motivated to continue the spiritual battle.

They had warm and delicious fellowship and it was a great time of sharing each other’s faith and they were encouraged greatly by each other’s work for God’s Kingdom. 

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Gratia First Sunday Service and New Year Celebration

On January 1, 2023, Gratia Church held a graceful Sunday service, full of God’s word, praise, worship, and fellowship. The sermon delivered by Pastor Walker Tzeng was on Ephesians 4:20-24 entitled “Put on the new self”.

In the sermon, Pastor Walker encouraged church members to start the new year with Jesus Christ in their hearts. First, its about remember our first heart when we came to faith in Jesus Christ and never losing that passionate faith. Next, its about putting off our old self which has been corrupted by deceitful desires of sin in this world, covering up the beautiful image of God we were created in. Then, its about accepting by faith Jesus Christ in our hearts, the perfect one who lived holy and righteous. Finally, its about putting on our new self, not by ourselves, but the power God who transforms us to be Christ-like and in His glory.

After the service, church members went to Pastor Walker and Pastor Julia’s house to celebrate New Years by making dumplings together. It was a joyful time to share in God’s grace and start the New Year giving the first back to God.

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Gratia Concludes Christmas Retreat with Overflowing Grace

Gratia concluded its three-day joint retreat near Lake Tahoe, California. Like the previous day, it was a full day of Bible Studies and fellowship, and also included an overflowing grace-filled Sunday Service with baptism and communion.

The Sunday worship service was delivered by Pastor Walker explaining the historic and universal meaning of the Word, or logos, becoming flesh in Jesus Christ. The Sunday service also featured the baptism and had a communion ceremony, where attendees took the bread and wine together in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ and his continual sustaining of our lives of faith.

The evening concluded with a final prayer meeting filled with grace and the Holy Spirit. God led many retreat attendees to pray for ministers, just as many ministers had prayed for students in previous prayer meetings. Many members had the prayer topic of holding onto the grace they received during the retreat.

Through three days of the Christmas retreat, God filled all attendees to be filled with grace and united them in the love of Jesus Christ. Please pray that God may carry all retreat attendees to fulfill His glory and Kingdom.

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