Videos from Grace Church, Modesto.  

We're a fellowship in Modesto, California, that takes the Bible seriously, aiming to teach all its truths accurately, without alteration or compromise, and to live our lives accordingly.

Grace Church

As we begin to study the teaching of Jonathan Edwards on the marks of grace, we review the life and times of this remarkable servant of God and are encouraged and excited to reflect on all that was accomplished by God through his ministry. 
We are urged to pray that we ourselves may live in times of equal blessing through the work of God's spirit in our midst. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As we begin to study the teaching of Jonathan Edwards on the marks of grace, we review the life and times of this remarkable servant of God and are encouraged and excited to reflect on all that was accomplished by God through his ministry. 
We are urged to pray that we ourselves may live in times of equal blessing through the work of God's spirit in our midst.

www.gcmodesto.org

080720pm - The Life of Jonathan Edwards - Philippians 3:7-11

Festus is anxious to be able to send an account of the charges against Paul when Paul is sent to Rome to appear before Caesar. A hearing is therefore arranged in the presence of King Agrippa to establish these charges. Paul uses this, however, as an opportunity to testify about Christ and to appeal to Agrippa to put his faith in Him. 
 
From this passage, we see first the Providence of God in arranging this opportunity for Paul and second we begin to examine the witness that Paul bore on this occasion. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org 
 
The principles we draw from this account are applied to our lives.

Festus is anxious to be able to send an account of the charges against Paul when Paul is sent to Rome to appear before Caesar. A hearing is therefore arranged in the presence of King Agrippa to establish these charges. Paul uses this, however, as an opportunity to testify about Christ and to appeal to Agrippa to put his faith in Him.

From this passage, we see first the Providence of God in arranging this opportunity for Paul and second we begin to examine the witness that Paul bore on this occasion.

www.gcmodesto.org

The principles we draw from this account are applied to our lives.

080720am - Paul Before Agrippa - Acts 25:23-26:6

We conclude our review of the teaching of Thomas Shepard on the marks of grace by considering the last difference he mentions between the unbeliever and the believer. The unbeliever has his heart and mind fixed firmly on this world and the things of this world, whereas the believer has his heart and mind fixed above all other things on heaven, where God is. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

We conclude our review of the teaching of Thomas Shepard on the marks of grace by considering the last difference he mentions between the unbeliever and the believer.  The unbeliever has his heart and mind fixed firmly on this world and the things of this world, whereas the believer has his heart and mind fixed above all other things on heaven, where God is.

www.gcmodesto.org

080713pm - From the World to Glory - Psalm 17:13-15

When King Agrippa arrives, Festus introduces him to Paul's case, possibly hoping for some insight, as Agrippa is Jewish. Festus does not understand the case or why the Jews hate Paul so much. We see: 
 
* The arrival of Agrippa 
* How Festus describes the case to Agrippa and demonstrates his current understanding of the Gospel 
 
To those who have no understanding of the Gospel, it may seem to be a myth or a fairy-tale. However, as their understanding grows, the conviction of the truth in their hearts though the Spirit can produce several different results, e.g. anger as seen in the case of the Jews or ridicule as seen in other cases. We must not be discouraged by this, and should never be ashamed to present the Gospel as the Truth it is. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

When King Agrippa arrives, Festus introduces him to Paul's case, possibly hoping for some insight, as Agrippa is Jewish. Festus does not understand the case or why the Jews hate Paul so much. We see:

* The arrival of Agrippa
* How Festus describes the case to Agrippa and demonstrates his current understanding of the Gospel

To those who have no understanding of the Gospel, it may seem to be a myth or a fairy-tale. However, as their understanding grows, the conviction of the truth in their hearts though the Spirit can produce several different results, e.g. anger as seen in the case of the Jews or ridicule as seen in other cases. We must not be discouraged by this, and should never be ashamed to present the Gospel as the Truth it is.

www.gcmodesto.org

080713am - What Ignorant Men Think of the Gospel - Acts 25:13-22

Paul calls the Ephesian elders to him on his journey to Jerusalem. After encouraging them to be faithful in their service, he warns them that spiritual warfare is all around them and exhorts them to be prepared for battle. 
We are challenged to always be on our guard and be ready to fight in the spiritual warfare that is waging around us. 
If we are aware of the warfare and do nothing to prepare for it, we are foolish and will succumb to the fiery arrows of the enemy! 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Paul calls the Ephesian elders to him on his journey to Jerusalem. After encouraging them to be faithful in their service, he warns them that spiritual warfare is all around them and exhorts them to be prepared for battle. 
We are challenged to always be on our guard and be ready to fight in the spiritual warfare that is waging around us. 
If we are aware of the warfare and do nothing to prepare for it, we are foolish and will succumb to the fiery arrows of the enemy!

www.gcmodesto.org

080420am - Be On Your Guard - Acts 20:28-31

We consider another aspect of John Flavel's teaching on the Marks of Grace. This time, we reflect on the fact that our response in times of severe suffering can reveal the condition of our hearts before the Lord. These severe trials are broken into five main subgroups as follows: 
 
* Trials that endanger the things that are dearest to us in this world 
* Trials to which it appears there may be no end 
* Trials in which we seem to be alone, having no one to help us 
* Trials that come from those nearest to us 
* Times when a multiplicity of temptations and trials come upon us and the sum of the whole constitutes a severe trial to our souls. 
 
 
Those who strive to remain faithful by God's grace through these trials can have assurance that they are true believers. Those who do not remain faithful or whose motives are self-serving in such trials are revealed to be hypocrites. We are encouraged to review how we have reacted in trials and to prepare ourselves for the trials that may very possibly come upon us, so we may prove faithful to the Lord and come out of the Refiner's fire as pure gold. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

We consider another aspect of John Flavel's teaching on the Marks of Grace. This time, we reflect on the fact that our response in times of severe suffering can reveal the condition of our hearts before the Lord.  These severe trials are broken into five main subgroups as follows:

* Trials that endanger the things that are dearest to us in this world
* Trials to which it appears there may be no end
* Trials in which we seem to be alone, having no one to help us
* Trials that come from those nearest to us
* Times when a multiplicity of temptations and trials come upon us and the sum of the whole constitutes a severe trial to our souls.


Those who strive to remain faithful by God's grace through these trials can have assurance that they are true believers. Those who do not remain faithful or whose motives are self-serving in such trials are revealed to be hypocrites.  We are encouraged to review how we have reacted in trials and to prepare ourselves for the trials that may very possibl

080406pm - The Trial of Suffering - Hebrews 10:32-34

As Paul makes his way to Jerusalem to be there in time for Pentecost, he breaks his journey in Miletus and calls for the Ephesian Elders to meet him there. From this account of his meeting with them, we see: 
 
* An example of faithful and sincere service 
* Self Sacrifice - Paul's willingness to do whatever is necessary to follow Jesus 
* Paul's willingness to preach whole counsel of God 
 
 
We are challenged to imitate Paul as he also followed Jesus. This will not make us popular with the World, but will be a faithful discharging of the responsibility committed to us by our Lord. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As Paul makes his way to Jerusalem to be there in time for Pentecost, he breaks his journey in Miletus and calls for the Ephesian Elders to meet him there. From this account of his meeting with them, we see:

* An example of faithful and sincere service
* Self Sacrifice - Paul's willingness to do whatever is necessary to follow Jesus
* Paul's willingness to preach whole counsel of God


We are challenged to imitate Paul as he also followed Jesus. This will not make us popular with the World, but will be a faithful discharging of the responsibility committed to us by our Lord.

www.gcmodesto.org

080406am - The Whole Counsel of God - Acts 20:13-27

This evening we study how our attitude to Christian duty (i.e. our obedience to the Law of God) can provide an indication of the condition of our souls. We consider: 
 
 
* First, the motives behind our obedience. 
* And second, our faithfulness in obedience. 
 
Again, we are urged to examine our hearts carefully in the light of these things, as this is an area in which is is essential that we are correct in our understanding. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

This evening we study how our attitude to Christian duty (i.e. our obedience to the Law of God) can provide an indication of the condition of our souls.  We consider:


* First, the motives behind our obedience.
* And second, our faithfulness in obedience.

Again, we are urged to examine our hearts carefully in the light of these things, as this is an area in which is is essential that we are correct in our understanding.

www.gcmodesto.org

080330pm - The Trial of Christian Duty - 1 John 2:4-5

This morning, the Lord gives us several more encouragements from the book of Acts: Even though we face opposition in the Christian life, even though there are battles to fight, there are blessings as well: 
 
* The Gospel had made inroads at Troas: there Paul was able to meet with believers and worship with them. 
* The day on which they met - the Lord's Day - reminded them that though things might be hard now, there was rest ahead from all their many labors. 
* The Lord's Supper they celebrated reminded them that the death of Christ - as well as His resurrection, pictured by the Lord's Day - would ultimately provide victory over their greatest enemy: death. 
* Paul's preaching brought these truths home to their hearts. 
* And the miracle the Lord did at Troas reminded them that the Gospel they believed, the hope they had, was real: one day they would be in heaven. 
* We see something here of the worship of the early church and the things the Lord intended these blessings to remind us of. 
 
We are urged to take these encouragements home and apply them in our own situations. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

This morning, the Lord gives us several more encouragements from the book of Acts: Even though we face opposition in the Christian life, even though there are battles to fight, there are blessings as well:

* The Gospel had made inroads at Troas: there Paul was able to meet with believers and worship with them.
* The day on which they met - the Lord's Day - reminded them that though things might be hard now, there was rest ahead from all their many labors.
* The Lord's Supper they celebrated reminded them that the death of Christ - as well as His resurrection, pictured by the Lord's Day - would ultimately provide victory over their greatest enemy: death.
* Paul's preaching brought these truths home to their hearts.
* And the miracle the Lord did at Troas reminded them that the Gospel they believed, the hope they had, was real: one day they would be in heaven.
* We see something here of the worship of the early church and the things the Lord intended these blessings to remind us of.

We

080330am - Miracle at Troas - Acts 20:5-12

As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ at this time of the year, we consider a prophetic description of this event that was originally given in Psalm 118:22 and was then used by Peter in a sermon during the early days of the church. We see three things about Jesus from this passage: 
 
* First, He is the Stone that was rejected by the builders: He was condemned by the leaders of Israel and put to death on the cross. In God's purposes, it was for the sins of His people that the sinless Savior died, enduring the hell they deserved. 
* Second, He is also the One who became the chief cornerstone: God raised Him from the dead and made Him the foundation of the church - showing that His sacrifice was accepted as full payment for the sins of His people. 
* Finally, in doing this, He has become the only way of salvation: 'And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.' (Acts 4:12). 
 
We are all urged to turn from our sins and know this Savior, and the new life that is in Him alone, for ourselves. Those who do this will never be disappointed! 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ at this time of the year, we consider a prophetic description of this event that was originally given in Psalm 118:22 and was then used by Peter in a sermon during the early days of the church.  We see three things about Jesus from this passage:

* First, He is the Stone that was rejected by the builders:  He was condemned by the leaders of Israel and put to death on the cross.  In God's purposes, it was for the sins of His people that the sinless Savior died, enduring the hell they deserved.
* Second, He is also the One who became the chief cornerstone:  God raised Him from the dead and made Him the foundation of the church - showing that His sacrifice was accepted as full payment for the sins of His people.  
* Finally, in doing this, He has become the only way of salvation:  'And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.' (Acts 4:12).  
 
We are all ur

080323am - The Stone the Builders Rejected - Acts 4:11-12

John Flavel, a puritan minister, found that self-examination was an invaluable aspect of his Christian life. His ministry was considerably more effective because he had learned in God's presence and in the light of His Word to know his own heart. In this message, we review his life and ministry and see some striking examples where his self-examination helped him minister to others. We will go on to see more of Flavel's teaching on the marks of grace, but in the meantime, we are challenged by his example to practice self-examination ourselves. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

John Flavel, a puritan minister, found that self-examination was an invaluable aspect of his Christian life.  His ministry was considerably more effective because he had learned in God's presence and in the light of His Word to know his own heart.  In this message, we review his life and ministry and see some striking examples where his self-examination helped him minister to others.  We will go on to see more of Flavel's teaching on the marks of grace, but in the meantime, we are challenged by his example to practice self-examination ourselves.

www.gcmodesto.org

080224pm - The Need for Self-Examination - Revelation 3:17-18

Luke draws our attention to the character of Apollos and gives us, in effect, a short biography of his life in these few verses. 
 
As we work through this passage, we see the many advantages that Apollos had, whether through natural or spiritual gifts or through the circumstances of his life. We see how he pressed all of these into service zealously for the Kingdom of Christ. Over all, we see the great advantage of being well-grounded in the Scriptures. 
 
We are all urged and encouraged to identify our own gifts and graces and to develop them also so they may be used in service of our wonderful Savior. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Luke draws our attention to the character of Apollos and gives us, in effect, a short biography of his life in these few verses.

As we work through this passage, we see the many advantages that Apollos had, whether through natural or spiritual gifts or through the circumstances of his life.  We see how he pressed all of these into service zealously for the Kingdom of Christ.  Over all, we see the great advantage of being well-grounded in the Scriptures.

We are all urged and encouraged to identify our own gifts and graces and to develop them also so they may be used in service of our wonderful Savior.

www.gcmodesto.org

080210am - Mighty in the Scriptures - Acts 18:24-28

Paul works with Aquila and Priscilla to establish the Church at Corinth. 
 
In this passage, we have an exhortation and an encouragement. 
 
We are exhorted and challenged by the concern Paul had that he fully proclaim the Gospel and so be free of any responsibility for those who reject Christ, or never hear of Him, and so perish. We need to take seriously the charge to us to preach the Gospel to every creature. 
 
We are encouraged by the fact that, although Paul is fearful for his life, Jesus reassures Him by promising His own presence to be with Paul, Paul's safety from harm and the success of the ministry in which Paul was engaging at Corinth. Likewise, we have a promise of Christ's presence with us, the knowledge that our souls are safe and confidence that the Gospel is the power of God to save all who believe. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Paul works with Aquila and Priscilla to establish the Church at Corinth. 

In this passage, we have an exhortation and an encouragement.

We are exhorted and challenged by the concern Paul had that he fully proclaim the Gospel and so be free of any responsibility for those who reject Christ, or never hear of Him, and so perish.  We need to take seriously the charge to us to preach the Gospel to every creature.

We are encouraged by the fact that, although Paul is fearful for his life, Jesus reassures Him by promising His own presence to be with Paul, Paul's safety from harm and the success of the ministry in which Paul was engaging at Corinth.  Likewise, we have a promise of Christ's presence with us, the knowledge that our souls are safe and confidence that the Gospel is the power of God to save all who believe.

www.gcmodesto.org

080120am - The Church Established at Corinth - Acts 18:5-11

We consider the current fires in Southern California and God's reason for allowing them to happen. We see: 
 
* There is a Day of Judgment 
* We see glimpses of the Day of Judgment today 
* Our knowledge of future judgment helps us understand the things we see in this life. 
 
In His judgment on the sin of the world, God uses natural evils to further his glory while still showing mercy to many. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

We consider the current fires in Southern California and God's reason for allowing them to happen. We see:

* There is a Day of Judgment
* We see glimpses of the Day of Judgment today
* Our knowledge of future judgment helps us understand the things we see in this life.

In His judgment on the sin of the world, God uses natural evils to further his glory while still showing mercy to many.

www.gcmodesto.org

071028am - God's Fiery Judgment - Psalm 21:9

After realizing their error in imprisoning Paul and Silas unjustly, and that they were Roman citizens who should not have been treated the way they were, the chief magistrates decide to release them. From their sudden change of heart, we can see that 
 
* God overrules the actions of evil men and works them out for good 
* Sins of men will always be used to further God's cause 
* God uses the mercy he shows us to encourage others 
 
These principles are applied to us to encourage us as we seek to live for God today. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

After realizing their error in imprisoning Paul and Silas unjustly, and that they were Roman citizens who should not have been treated the way they were, the chief magistrates decide to release them. From their sudden change of heart, we can see that 
 
*  God overrules the actions of evil men and works them out for good
*  Sins of men will always be used to further God's cause
*  God uses the mercy he shows us to encourage others

These principles are applied to us to encourage us as we seek to live for God today.

www.gcmodesto.org

071021am - Paul and Silas are Released - Acts 16:35-40

We observe how God works circumstances to advance His kingdom by regarding the case of the Philippian jailer. The examples set by Paul and Silas show us that: 
 
* We can rejoice in the worst of times 
* God will work with us in the worst of times 
* We can see fruit the gospel is going to bear 
 
 
Satan will try to stop God's plan but he will never succeed. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

We observe how God works circumstances to advance His kingdom by regarding the case of the Philippian jailer. The examples set by Paul and Silas show us that:

* We can rejoice in the worst of times
* God will work with us in the worst of times
* We can see fruit the gospel is going to bear


Satan will try to stop God's plan but he will never succeed.

www.gcmodesto.org

071014am - The Philippian Jailer - Acts 16:25-34

After responding to the call to Macedonia, Paul and Silas are harassed by a fortune-telling, demon-possessed slave woman. Her owners become angry with Paul when he casts out her demon, because she was making money for them. They drag Paul and Silas to the authorities who throw them into jail. From Paul and Silas' experience, we can see that: 
 
 
* Satan will do anything he can to to stop us from advancing Christ's cause 
* If personal attacks don't stop us, he will mobilize his followers to attack us. 
 
Paul and Silas are not demoralized by the experience; neither should we be distressed by Satan's attacks, for God is in control. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

After responding to the call to Macedonia, Paul and Silas are harassed by a  fortune-telling, demon-possessed slave woman. Her owners become angry with Paul when he casts out her demon, because she was making money for them. They drag Paul and Silas to the authorities who throw them into jail. From Paul and Silas' experience, we can see that:

 
* Satan will do anything he can to to stop us from advancing Christ's cause
* If personal attacks don't stop us, he will mobilize his followers to attack us.

Paul and Silas are not demoralized by the experience; neither should we be distressed by Satan's attacks, for God is in control.

www.gcmodesto.org

071007am - Spiritual Warfare in Philippi - Acts 16:16:24

James adds a new argument based on Old Testament prophecy to the debate over whether the Gentiles needed the Ceremonial Law. We see: 
 
* James's argument from Amos for why the Ceremonial Law was unnecessary for the Gentiles' salvation 
* Considerations James offers for the Gentiles to follow, not for their salvation but to prevent them from offending or stumbling the Jews. 
 
Thankfully, we do not need to follow the Ceremonial Law for our salvation, but we should always be careful not to let our liberty in Christ be a stumbling block for either other Christians or unbelievers. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

James adds a new argument based on Old Testament prophecy to the debate over whether the Gentiles needed the Ceremonial Law. We see:

* James's argument from Amos for why the Ceremonial Law was unnecessary for the Gentiles' salvation
* Considerations James offers for the Gentiles to follow, not for their salvation but to prevent them from offending or stumbling the Jews.

Thankfully, we do not need to follow the Ceremonial Law for our salvation, but we should always be careful not to let our liberty in Christ be a stumbling block for either other Christians or unbelievers.

www.gcmodesto.org

070805am - The Fallen Tabernacle Rebuilt - Acts 15:13-21

Some men come down to Antioch from Jerusalem and begin to teach the believers that they must be circumcised in addition to believing on Jesus in order to be saved. We consider: 
 
 
 
* The nature of this heresy and the circumstances in which it arose 
* How this teaching was dealt with in the early church 
 
 
 
We are cautioned to reject every temptation to add works to the grace of Christ as a formula for salvation. Nevertheless, we understand that there must be works in the life of every believer - not in order to earn salvation, but as evidence that the person is already saved. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Some men come down to Antioch from Jerusalem and begin to teach the believers that they must be circumcised in addition to believing on Jesus in order to be saved.  We consider:



* The nature of this heresy and the circumstances in which it arose
* How this teaching was dealt with in the early church



We are cautioned to reject every temptation to add works to the grace of Christ as a formula for salvation.  Nevertheless, we understand that there must be works in the life of every believer - not in order to earn salvation, but as evidence that the person is already saved.

www.gcmodesto.org

070722am - Is Faith Enough? - Acts 15:1-6

Nehemiah's burden for his people in Jerusalem and the way he reacts to news of their disgrace are an example for how we should react today when we hear of the afflictions and difficulties that God's children have in various parts of the world. We are urged to step forward and play our part in the spiritual conflict against those who seek to demolish the church of God. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Nehemiah's burden for his people in Jerusalem and the way he reacts to news of their disgrace are an example for how we should react today when we hear of the afflictions and difficulties that God's children have in various parts of the world.  We are urged to step forward and play our part in the spiritual conflict against those who seek to demolish the church of God.

www.gcmodesto.org

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