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.

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Having evangelized Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas continue to Pisidian Antioch, though John Mark returns to Jerusalem. We see that perseverance is needed to advance God's Kingdom 
 
John Mark abandons the work, losing time and opportunity he would otherwise have had to serve God. While this can serve as encouragement to us when we also fail, we must not use this as an excuse for our failure but must try our hardest. 
 
Paul and Barnabas have the courage to walk straight into the Synagogue at Antioch, not knowing how they would be received. Paul adapts the message of the Gospel for his Jewish audience, building his sermon upon the promises and prophecies that they had received from God, and showing then how these prophecies related to Jesus and proved that he was the promised Messiah. From this we learn that the Gospel message should be adapted to its particular audience, building on the things they already know. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Having evangelized Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas continue to Pisidian Antioch, though John Mark returns to Jerusalem. We see that perseverance is needed to advance God's Kingdom

John Mark abandons the work, losing time and opportunity he would otherwise have had to serve God. While this can serve as encouragement to us when we also fail, we must not use this as an excuse for our failure but must try our hardest.

Paul and Barnabas have the courage to walk straight into the Synagogue at Antioch, not knowing how they would be received. Paul adapts the message of the Gospel for his Jewish audience, building his sermon upon the promises and prophecies that they had received from God, and showing then how these prophecies related to Jesus and proved that he was the promised Messiah. From this we learn that the Gospel message should be adapted to its particular audience, building on the things they already know.

www.gcmodesto.org

070701am - The Gospel Is Preached at Pisidian Antioch - Acts 13:14-41

Herod continues his persecution of Christians. He also meets with men from Tyre and Sidon, and sins by receiving their blasphemous flattery. The king is judged for his pride in accepting the praise of men and is, as part of that judgment, slain by God for his many wrongdoings. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Herod continues his persecution of Christians. He also meets with men from Tyre and Sidon, and sins by receiving their blasphemous flattery. The king is judged for his pride in accepting the praise of men and is, as part of that judgment, slain by God for his many wrongdoings.

www.gcmodesto.org

070617am - Herod Is Judged - Acts 12:20-25

The gospel continues to be spread among the Gentiles after the scattering of Christians at the death of Stephen. The church at Antioch is given warning by prophecy of a coming famine that will cover the known world. This warning allows the church at Antioch to prepare not only themselves for the famine, but to send aid to their brethren in Judea, demonstrating their salvation by their compassion. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

The gospel continues to be spread among the Gentiles after the scattering of Christians at the death of Stephen. The church at Antioch is given warning by prophecy of a coming famine that will cover the known world. This warning allows the church at Antioch to prepare not only themselves for the famine, but to send aid to their brethren in Judea, demonstrating their salvation by their compassion.

www.gcmodesto.org

070610am - The Contribution For The Brethren - Acts 11:27-30

Peter continues to minister to the Gentiles. The name 'Christian' is first given to the followers of Christ at Antioch after he and Barnabas build and strengthen the church there. At first it was a term of derision, but now it is a high calling and we are challenged to live up to it. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Peter continues to minister to the Gentiles. The name 'Christian' is first given to the followers of Christ at Antioch after he and Barnabas build and strengthen the church there. At first it was a term of derision, but now it is a high calling and we are challenged to live up to it.

www.gcmodesto.org

070603pm - They Were First Called Christians at Antioch - Acts 11:19-26

As Philip began to preach to the Samaritans, he was entering a kingdom that was controlled by Satan. To deceive the Samaritans, the Devil had empowered a man named Simon to perform magic so that the people would follow him rather than God. Simon may not have realized the source of his magic, but claimed to be someone great and received the praise of the people. Philip boldly began to teach the Word and demonstrate true miracles from God which showed the people who the true God was, and many were converted and baptized. Even Simon believed, at least superficially. So by the power of Christ, Satan's grip on the region was broken and the Gospel went forth. 
 
We draw parallels to our own day from this account, seeing the spiritual warfare that we are engaged in and that we have weapons to the demolishing of Satan's strongholds. We are encouraged to be as bold as Philip in proclaiming the Truth, and to seek God in prayer for the fruit of saved souls. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As Philip began to preach to the Samaritans, he was entering a kingdom that was controlled by Satan. To deceive the Samaritans, the Devil had empowered a man named Simon to perform magic so that the people would follow him rather than God. Simon may not have realized the source of his magic, but claimed to be someone great and received the praise of the people.  Philip boldly began to teach the Word and demonstrate true miracles from God which showed the people who the true God was, and many were converted and baptized. Even Simon believed, at least superficially. So by the power of Christ, Satan's grip on the region was broken and the Gospel went forth.

We draw parallels to our own day from this account, seeing the spiritual warfare that we are engaged in and that we have weapons to the demolishing of Satan's strongholds.  We are encouraged to be as bold as Philip in proclaiming the Truth, and to seek God in prayer for the fruit of saved souls.

www.gcmodesto.org

070422am - Simon, The Magician - Acts 8:9-13

Stephen's faith and commitment to Christ in the face of his persecution stand as a witness. 
 
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Stephen's faith and commitment to Christ in the face of his persecution stand as a witness.

www.gcmodesto.org

070408pm - Stephen's Martyrdom - Acts 7:51-60

Continuing his defense, Stephen demonstrates how the Jewish Council was behaving toward Jesus just like their forefathers had behaved toward Moses (who had told them to expect Jesus), by rejecting him at his first appearance and then again when he returned to deliver his people from their bondage. 
 
Believers are encouraged to seek God for the spirit of Stephen, fearlessly declaring the Gospel before men. Unbelievers are assured that there is only one way of salvation and that is in the One of whom Moses spoke - the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Continuing his defense, Stephen demonstrates how the Jewish Council was behaving toward Jesus just like their forefathers had behaved toward Moses (who had told them to expect Jesus), by rejecting him at his first appearance and then again when he returned to deliver his people from their bondage.

Believers are encouraged to seek God for the spirit of Stephen, fearlessly declaring the Gospel before men.  Unbelievers are assured that there is only one way of salvation and that is in the One of whom Moses spoke - the Lord Jesus Christ.

www.gcmodesto.org

070401am - Stephen's Defense, Part 4 - Acts 7:30-36

As the Jewish Council planned to have the Apostles put to death, a lone voice spoke out against this plot. Though not a Christian, Gamaliel saw that if the actions of the Apostles were not from God, they would ultimately fail, but if they were from God, then nothing the Jews could do would stop them. We examine: 
 
 
* The Council's reaction to Peter's defense. 
* Gamaliel's advice to the Council. 
* The Council's response to Gamaliel. 
* How the Apostles responded to the final decision of the Council. 
 
 
 
We take encouragement from God's providential protection of His children under persecution and we are challenged by the Apostles' rejoicing in being counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As the Jewish Council planned to have the Apostles put to death, a lone voice spoke out against this plot. Though not a Christian, Gamaliel saw that if the actions of the Apostles were not from God, they would ultimately fail, but if they were from God, then nothing the Jews could do would stop them. We examine:


* The Council's reaction to Peter's defense.
* Gamaliel's advice to the Council.
* The Council's response to Gamaliel.
* How the Apostles responded to the final decision of the Council.



We take encouragement from God's providential protection of His children under persecution and we are challenged by the Apostles' rejoicing in being counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.

www.gcmodesto.org

070304pm - Gamaliel's Counsel - Acts 5:33-42

Having been empowered by the Spirit at Pentecost, the disciples now set out to preach the Gospel in obedience to Christ's command. With this purpose in mind, they went to the temple at the afternoon time of prayer. There they found a lame beggar and were enabled in Christ's name to restore strength to his legs so he could walk and leap. This miracle gained the attention of the crowds for a sermon Peter would preach. We see: 
 
 
* The confidence and boldness of Peter and John that they could perform this miracle by faith in Christ, even in the heart of what was enemy territory. 
* The correct and faithful response of the formerly lame man - thanking and praising God not only for the strength in his legs but also and above all for his new-found salvation. 
* The amazement of the people at this miracle - a preparation for the message they would now hear. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Having been empowered by the Spirit at Pentecost, the disciples now set out to preach the Gospel in obedience to Christ's command. With this purpose in mind, they went to the temple at the afternoon time of prayer. There they found a lame beggar and were enabled in Christ's name to restore strength to his legs so he could walk and leap. This miracle gained the attention of the crowds for a sermon Peter would preach. We see:


* The confidence and boldness of Peter and John that they could perform this miracle by faith in Christ, even in the heart of what was enemy territory.
* The correct and faithful response of the formerly lame man - thanking and praising God not only for the strength in his legs but also and above all for his new-found salvation.
* The amazement of the people at this miracle - a preparation for the message they would now hear.

www.gcmodesto.org

070204am - In the Name of Jesus, Walk! - Acts 3:1-11

Having witnessed the ascension of Christ, we study the reaction of the disciples. We see: 
 
* Their immediate obedience in returning to Jerusalem to wait for what had been promised. 
* What they did in Jerusalem while they waited - devoting themselves to prayer. 
 
We also consider some of the interesting points of detail that Luke, the beloved physician, inserts into this account. 
 
We are all challenged to take up the persistent, united prayer we have modeled for us in this passage as we seek to serve the Lord in His church. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Having witnessed the ascension of Christ, we study the reaction of the disciples.  We see:

* Their immediate obedience in returning to Jerusalem to wait for what had been promised.
* What they did in Jerusalem while they waited - devoting themselves to prayer.

We also consider some of the interesting points of detail that Luke, the beloved physician, inserts into this account.

We are all challenged to take up the persistent, united prayer we have modeled for us in this passage as we seek to serve the Lord in His church.

www.gcmodesto.org

070114am - The Upper Room - Acts 1:12-14

From Isaiah, we learn that we are to proclaim the arrival of the Messiah. We see examples of how the disciples did just this when they first met Christ, and we see both how the faithful are meant to respond to the Messiah's arrival and what the Messiah did when He came. From some of the most comforting words in Scripture, we see our Savior caring tenderly as a Shepherd for the young and the burdened in His flock and our hearts are warmed as we realize that He cares for us in just this way when the spiritual warfare we are in and the cares of living in this world overwhelm us. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

From Isaiah, we learn that we are to proclaim the arrival of the Messiah. We see examples of how the disciples did just this when they first met Christ, and we see both how the faithful are meant to respond to the Messiah's arrival and what the Messiah did when He came.  From some of the most comforting words in Scripture, we see our Savior caring tenderly as a Shepherd for the young and the burdened in His flock and our hearts are warmed as we realize that He cares for us in just this way when the spiritual warfare we are in and the cares of living in this world overwhelm us.

www.gcmodesto.org

061224pm - Here is Your God - Isaiah 40:9-11

As Christmas nears, we examine the preparations that God made for the coming of his Son. From this passage, we look at the following five points: 
 
* Who was the Messiah who was to come? 
* Who was the messenger who would prepare the way for him? 
* What did the messenger tell them to do to get ready for Messiah's coming? 
* Who was it that would see Messiah's glory and receive the benefits of His work? 
* Why should we receive the Lord Jesus as our Savior? 
 
 
We are all urged to come to Christ this Christmas time - believers, because we continue to have need of Him every day - unbelievers, because they are in great danger and should waste no time in seeking Him for salvation. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As Christmas nears, we examine the preparations that God made for the coming of his Son. From this passage, we look at the following five points:

* Who was the Messiah who was to come?
* Who was the messenger who would prepare the way for him?
* What did the messenger tell them to do to get ready for Messiah's coming?
* Who was it that would see Messiah's glory and receive the benefits of His work?
* Why should we receive the Lord Jesus as our Savior?


We are all urged to come to Christ this Christmas time - believers, because we continue to have need of Him every day - unbelievers, because they are in great danger and should waste no time in seeking Him for salvation.

www.gcmodesto.org

061224am - The Glory of the Lord will be Revealed - Isaiah 40:3-8

In this royal Psalm, David asks his people to pray for him and directs them in the areas where he most desires their prayers. Understanding David's relationship to his people, we apply this Psalm to ourselves in the following areas: 
 
* The prayers we should be offering for our secular leaders. 
* The prayers we should be offering for our church leaders. 
* The prayers we should be offering for one another. 
 
Finally, given that David is a type of Christ, we see how this Psalm applies to Him and we realize that as our Savior and our Great High Priest, His finished work is the solid basis for our confidence that God will hear and answer our prayers in all of these areas. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

In this royal Psalm, David asks his people to pray for him and directs them in the areas where he most desires their prayers. Understanding David's relationship to his people, we apply this Psalm to ourselves in the following areas:

* The prayers we should be offering for our secular leaders.
* The prayers we should be offering for our church leaders.
* The prayers we should be offering for one another.

Finally, given that David is a type of Christ, we see how this Psalm applies to Him and we realize that as our Savior and our Great High Priest, His finished work is the solid basis for our confidence that God will hear and answer our prayers in all of these areas.

www.gcmodesto.org

061203am - Desiring God's Blessings - Psalm 20:1-5

In a final exhortation to the Galatians, Paul draws attention to the marks he bears in his body following the many persecutions he had borne in the name of Christ. He puts these forward as conclusive evidence of the truth of his Gospel compared with that of the Judaizers who bore no such scars. Jesus had indicated that since the world had hated Him, it would hate His disciples also. Paul's scars were therefore a vindication of his discipleship, in contrast to that of the Judaizers. We are challenged to consider whether we are ready to suffer disgrace for the sake of the Name of Christ. It is only through God's Grace that any believer is enabled to bear up under persecution. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

In a final exhortation to the Galatians, Paul draws attention to the marks he bears in his body following the many persecutions he had borne in the name of Christ. He puts these forward as conclusive evidence of the truth of his Gospel compared with that of the Judaizers who bore no such scars. Jesus had indicated that since the world had hated Him, it would hate His disciples also. Paul's scars were therefore a vindication of his discipleship, in contrast to that of the Judaizers. We are challenged to consider whether we are ready to suffer disgrace for the sake of the Name of Christ. It is only through God's Grace that any believer is enabled to bear up under persecution.

www.gcmodesto.org

061126pm - The Scars of Christ - Galatians 6:17-18

Nearing the end of his letter to the Galatians, Paul warns them (and us) that our actions in this world will be repaid to us both in this life and after death, for better or for worse. Therefore we should be careful how we live - as unbelievers because there are degrees of punishment in Hell, and as believers because there are degrees of reward in Heaven. If we sow to the flesh, we will reap the fruits of the flesh - further sin in our lives with its attendant consequences for both believers and unbelievers. However, if as believers we sow to the Spirit, we will develop the fruit of the Spirit, and these will be rewarded in this world and ultimately in Heaven. We are all encouraged to see that, whatever our condition spiritually, it is in our best interest to sow to the Spirit and not to the flesh. We are given some practical instruction on how we may do this. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Nearing the end of his letter to the Galatians, Paul warns them (and us) that our actions in this world will be repaid to us both in this life and after death, for better or for worse. Therefore we should be careful how we live - as unbelievers because there are degrees of punishment in Hell, and as believers because there are degrees of reward in Heaven. If we sow to the flesh, we will reap the fruits of the flesh - further sin in our lives with its attendant consequences for both believers and unbelievers. However, if as believers we sow to the Spirit, we will develop the fruit of the Spirit, and these will be rewarded in this world and ultimately in Heaven. We are all encouraged to see that, whatever our condition spiritually, it is in our best interest to sow to the Spirit and not to the flesh. We are given some practical instruction on how we may do this.

www.gcmodesto.org

061119am - We Will Reap What We Sow - Galatians 6:7-8

Paul has just told us that we need to try to restore one who has fallen into sin in a spirit of gentleness. He now shows us that pride can render us useless for this service in the church. We see: 
 
 
* How pride and self-deception work against the gentleness of spirit that we need. 
* What is the solution to our pride: to examine ourselves in the light of God's Word and see ourselves as God sees us. 
 
We are encouraged to this self-examination and to the humility that it engenders so that we may bear one another's burdens. We are again pointed to Christ as our great Example in this regard. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Paul has just told us that we need to try to restore one who has fallen into sin in a spirit of gentleness. He now shows us that pride can render us useless for this service in the church. We see:


* How pride and self-deception work against the gentleness of spirit that we need. 
* What is the solution to our pride: to examine ourselves in the light of God's Word and see ourselves as God sees us. 

We are encouraged to this self-examination and to the humility that it engenders so that we may bear one another's burdens. We are again pointed to Christ as our great Example in this regard.

www.gcmodesto.org

061112pm - Examine Yourself - Galatians 6:2-5

The reason for many of our trials in this life is sin, so when we are faced with a trial, we should examine ourselves to see if we are in sin. Instead of praying just for deliverance from this trial or saying 'Why me?' we need to instead pray for forgiveness from sin and repent. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

The reason for many of our trials in this life is sin, so when we are faced with a trial, we should examine ourselves to see if we are in sin. Instead of praying just for deliverance from this trial or saying 'Why me?' we need to instead pray for forgiveness from sin and repent.

www.gcmodesto.org

111211pm - Pray And Seek My Face - 2 Chronicles 7:10-16

If you are walking with the Lord from the heart, the Lord loved you before you ever trusted in Him, before you were born, before the world was made, even from all eternity. He has always loved you and He always will. 
 
We consider three things: 
*First, the Biblical evidence for God's eternal love. 
*Second, why it must be true that if God loves you now, He has always loved you, and 
*Third, the benefit that this blessing will give you in the future. 
 
Do you know that the Lord loves you this evening? If not, then trust in His Son, start walking with Him, and you will. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

If you are walking with the Lord from the heart, the Lord loved you before you ever trusted in Him, before you were born, before the world was made, even from all eternity. He has always loved you and He always will.

We consider three things:
*First, the Biblical evidence for God's eternal love.
*Second, why it must be true that if God loves you now, He has always loved you, and 
*Third, the benefit that this blessing will give you in the future.

Do you know that the Lord loves you this evening?  If not, then trust in His Son, start walking with Him, and you will.

www.gcmodesto.org

111204pm - Loved With an Everlasting Love - Jeremiah 31:3

Jesus teaches us something very important about His family in this passage. He helps us to see that He has many brothers and sisters and mothers, and shows us who they are. 
 
From this teaching, we look at two things: 
 
First, if you are a true believer you will do God's will. That means you will turn from your sins, trust in Jesus and seek to obey Him in all your life. 
Second, if you do God's will, you are a member of His family and that is a very great privilege. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Jesus teaches us something very important about His family in this passage. He helps us to see that He has many brothers and sisters and mothers, and shows us who they are.

From this teaching, we look at two things:

First, if you are a true believer you will do God's will. That means you will turn from your sins, trust in Jesus and seek to obey Him in all your life.
Second, if you do God's will, you are a member of His family and that is a very great privilege.

www.gcmodesto.org

111127am - Are You in the Lord's Family? - Mark 3:20-21;31-35

We consider the unpardonable sin. It is a very serious subject and one that we need to understand, whether we are believers or not 
 
We see three things: 
* What the unpardonable sin is. 
* Why the Lord will not forgive this sin. 
* How you can know whether or not you have committed it. 
 
We see that believers in Christ have not committed this sin and that the Lord will not allow them to. In contrast, unbelievers are in danger of sinning in this way. If they continue to refuse the Lord's overtures to come to His Son, they may one day push Him too far and may commit this sin. If they resist Him to the end of their lives, they will in any case end their days in eternal punishment. They are urged to turn from their sins and come to Jesus Christ now in faith. He will never turn them away if they come in repentance and faith. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

We consider the unpardonable sin. It is a very serious subject and one that we need to understand, whether we are believers or ...

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