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

After Paul is apprehended by the Roman guard, he is given a chance to speak to the mob that had just tried to kill him. In his speech, Paul shares: 
 
 
* His life before Christ. 
* His conversion. 
* His call. 
* His life after conversion. 
 
We are challenged to be bold and courageous in our witness for Christ, relating our testimony to those who hear us, in order to be faithful and effective in spreading the Good News of the Gospel. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

After Paul is apprehended by the Roman guard, he is given a chance to speak to the mob that had just tried to kill him.  In his speech, Paul shares: 


* His life before Christ.
* His conversion.
* His call.
* His life after conversion.

We are challenged to be bold and courageous in our witness for Christ, relating our testimony to those who hear us, in order to be faithful and effective in spreading the Good News of the Gospel.

www.gcmodesto.org

080601am - Paul's Testimony - Acts 22:1-21

We begin to analyze Jonathan Edward's views on the Marks of Grace with a consideration of the subject of sanctifying grace. We see how many theologians in the last 2 centuries, while providing helpful insights on the effects of this grace in the lives of believers, have been less forthcoming as to the precise nature of this grace. We will go on to see that Edwards was very clear and helpful on this topic. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

We begin to analyze Jonathan Edward's views on the Marks of Grace with a consideration of the subject of sanctifying grace. We see how many theologians in the last 2 centuries, while providing helpful insights on the effects of this grace in the lives of believers, have been less forthcoming as to the precise nature of this grace. We will go on to see that Edwards was very clear and helpful on this topic.

www.gcmodesto.org

080727pm - What is Sanctifying Grace? - Ezekiel 36:26-27

As Paul continues his testimony before Agrippa, he points out the irony that the Jews are seeking his death because he has embraced the One who is the Hope of Israel. From this passage, we see: 
 
* What the hope of Israel is as it was promised to them in the Old Testament Scriptures 
* How the Lord fulfilled these promises through the Lord Jesus Christ 
 
Jesus is offered to us as still the only hope for salvation from sin. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As Paul continues his testimony before Agrippa, he points out the irony that the Jews are seeking his death because he has embraced the One who is the Hope of Israel. From this passage, we see:

* What the hope of Israel is as it was promised to them in the Old Testament Scriptures
* How the Lord fulfilled these promises through the Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus is offered to us as still the only hope for salvation from sin.

www.gcmodesto.org

080727am - Israel's Hope - Acts 26:6-8

The next difference between believers and unbelievers that Thomas Shepard draws our attention to is that unbelievers find all their pleasure in themselves and in seeking their own gain. Believers, on the other hand, find all their pleasure in seeking God and His glory. 
 
We review Shepard's teaching on this subject to help us examine our own hearts in this matter, to determine once again whether we are truly believers or not. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

The next difference between believers and unbelievers that Thomas Shepard draws our attention to is that unbelievers find all their pleasure in themselves and in seeking their own gain.  Believers, on the other hand, find all their pleasure in seeking God and His glory.

We review Shepard's teaching on this subject to help us examine our own hearts in this matter, to determine once again whether we are truly believers or not.

www.gcmodesto.org

080706pm - From Self-seeking to God-seeking - Matthew 10:34-39

We meditate on this wonderful passage, and particularly on Christ, Who for the believer is the fountain of all good and all grace in this world, and who guarantees our eternal security by His almighty power. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

We meditate on this wonderful passage, and particularly on Christ, Who for the believer is the fountain of all good and all grace in this world, and who guarantees our eternal security by His almighty power.

www.gcmodesto.org

080525pm - The Headwaters of Grace - John 7:34-39

After Paul stays in Jerusalem and is completing the days of purification in keeping with his vows, he is recognized by some Jews from Asia. They riot around him and try to kill him. A Centurian carries Paul back to the barracks, where Paul is allowed to speak to the crowd. From this account, we see: 
 
* As we live as Christians, we must expect that the world will persecute us 
* Though this is true, our Lord is in control of all things, will work them for the glory of His name and the good of His church and as He does so, He will care for us. 
 
We are challenged to live holy and godly lives as the children of God, shining the light of the Gospel even in the dark places of this world. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

After Paul stays in Jerusalem and is completing the days of purification in keeping with his vows, he is recognized by some Jews from Asia. They riot around him and try to kill him. A Centurian carries Paul back to the barracks, where Paul is allowed to speak to the crowd. From this account, we see:

* As we live as Christians, we must expect that the world will persecute us
* Though this is true, our Lord is in control of all things, will work them for the glory of His name and the good of His church and as He does so, He will care for us.

We are challenged to live holy and godly lives as the children of God, shining the light of the Gospel even in the dark places of this world.

www.gcmodesto.org

080518am - All Who Live Godly Will Be Persecuted - Acts 21:27-40

As Paul leaves the Ephesian Elders, he exhibits a spirit of selfless service that is a mark of his own Christlikeness. From his actions, we see that: 
 
* Only the work of Spirit through the Gospel can make us willing to serve in this way. 
* Such selfless service shows the sincerity of our profession of faith and confirms the truth of the Gospel. 
* Those who serve in this way are truly blessed in their service, underlining the truth of Jesus' words, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' 
 
We are challenged to follow Paul's example, becoming like Christ, Who did not come to serve but to be served, and to give His life as a ransom for many. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As Paul leaves the Ephesian Elders, he exhibits a spirit of selfless service that is a mark of his own Christlikeness. From his actions, we see that:

* Only the work of Spirit through the Gospel can make us willing to serve in this way.
* Such selfless service shows the sincerity of our profession of faith and confirms the truth of the Gospel.
* Those who serve in this way are truly blessed in their service, underlining the truth of Jesus' words, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

We are challenged to follow Paul's example, becoming like Christ, Who did not come to serve but to be served, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

www.gcmodesto.org

080427am - It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive - Acts 20:32-38

We continue to examine John Flavel's thoughts on the Marks of Grace by considering the lukewarm Laodiceans. Through Flavel's teachings on the subject, we see: 
 
 
* It is possible to believe that we are healthy when we really are spiritually dead 
* Grace is very precious because it is the only cure for this spiritual sickness 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

We continue to examine John Flavel's thoughts on the Marks of Grace by considering the lukewarm Laodiceans. Through Flavel's teachings on the subject, we see:


* It is possible to believe that we are healthy when we really are spiritually dead
* Grace is very precious because it is the only cure for this spiritual sickness

www.gcmodesto.org

080309pm - Christ's Counsel to the Church - Revelation 3:17-18

Through John Flavel's example, we learn several key points about Self-Examination: 
 
* It is difficult 
* It is necessary 
* How to carry it out 
If we spend time in serious self-examination, we can improve our walk with God and be assured as to whether we possess true marks of Grace in our lives. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Through John Flavel's example, we learn several key points about Self-Examination:

* It is difficult
* It is necessary
* How to carry it out
If we spend time in serious self-examination, we can improve our walk with God and be assured as to whether we possess true marks of Grace in our lives.

www.gcmodesto.org

080302pm - How to Examine Your Heart - Revelation 3:17-18

This evening, continuing to consider Solomon Stoddard's understanding of those marks that belong to a true believer only, we learn how to recognize true conversion despite the sins which continue to plague the believer. We see: 
 
 
 
* We should not conclude we are unconverted because we sin. 
* However, if we practice any sin, we can know we are unconverted. 
 
 
 
As we delve deeply into this subject, we see how deceitful the human heart is, and we understand how critical it is that we learn to distinguish true conversion from counterfeit. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

This evening, continuing to consider Solomon Stoddard's understanding of those marks that belong to a true believer only, we learn how to recognize true conversion despite the sins which continue to plague the believer.  We see:



* We should not conclude we are unconverted because we sin.
* However, if we practice any sin, we can know we are unconverted.



As we delve deeply into this subject, we see how deceitful the human heart is, and we understand how critical it is that we learn to distinguish true conversion from counterfeit.

www.gcmodesto.org

080203pm - Whoever Practices Sin Is the Slave of Sin - John 8:34

If we want to be successful at something and stand out from the crowd, we must be completely and wholeheartedly devoted to that cause. The same is true when it comes to the Christian life - we need a single heart for Christ. 
 
We consider two points: 
* First, the importance of a single heart. 
* Second, how we can cultivate a single heart. 
 
So many things that depend on having a single heart: 
*The safety of our eternal souls. 
*Our growth in grace. 
*Our vulnerability to our enemies. 
*Our victory over them. 
*The effectiveness of our prayers. 
*The effectiveness of our service. 
*How useful we will be to the saints. 
*How useful in reaching the lost. 
*How much we will do for the Lord. 
 
We must run the race that we may win, fixing our eyes whole heartedly on Jesus. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

If we want to be successful at something and stand out from the crowd, we must be completely and wholeheartedly devoted to that cause.  The same is true when it comes to the Christian life - we need a single heart for Christ.

We consider two points:  
* First, the importance of a single heart.  
* Second, how we can cultivate a single heart.  

So many things that depend on having a single heart:  
*The safety of our eternal souls.  
*Our growth in grace.  
*Our vulnerability to our enemies.  
*Our victory over them.  
*The effectiveness of our prayers.  
*The effectiveness of our service.  
*How useful we will be to the saints.  
*How useful in reaching the lost.  
*How much we will do for the Lord.  

We must run the race that we may win, fixing our eyes whole heartedly on Jesus.

www.gcmodesto.org

110522pm - A Single Heart - Philippians 3:13-16

As we approach the time of year when we remember Jesus' birth, we consider 3 points regarding Him and His name: 
 
* The meaning of the name, 'Jesus' 
* Why He is called by that name 
* How He accomplished the mission implicit in His name through His life/death/resurrection 
 
 
We are first warned of our condition as sinners and the eternal peril in which that places our souls, and then we are shown Jesus, the Savior, and urged to trust Him for salvation and to love Him with all our hearts. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As we approach the time of year when we remember Jesus' birth, we consider 3 points regarding Him and His name:

* The meaning of the name, 'Jesus'
* Why He is called by that name
* How He accomplished the mission implicit in His name through His life/death/resurrection


We are first warned of our condition as sinners and the eternal peril in which that places our souls, and then we are shown Jesus, the Savior, and urged to trust Him for salvation and to love Him with all our hearts.

www.gcmodesto.org

071223am - You Shall Call His Name Jesus - Matthew 1:21

Following God's leading to Macedonia, the missionaries come to Philippi and preach to a group of women gathered for prayer on the Sabbath. Lydia is saved, she and her household baptized and she constrains the messengers to stay at her house. We apply this passage to our circumstances in 3 ways: 
 
 
 
* We should not despise the day of small beginnings; the Lord may do great things from a seemingly unimportant start. 
* We should trust that the Lord will do His work and sovereignly bring His people to Himself. 
* We should expect to see fruit in the lives of those the Lord transforms in this way. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Following God's leading to Macedonia, the missionaries come to Philippi and preach to a group of women gathered for prayer on the Sabbath.  Lydia is saved, she and her household baptized and she constrains the messengers to stay at her house.  We apply this passage to our circumstances in 3 ways:



* We should not despise the day of small beginnings; the Lord may do great things from a seemingly unimportant start.
* We should trust that the Lord will do His work and sovereignly bring His people to Himself.
* We should expect to see fruit in the lives of those the Lord transforms in this way.

www.gcmodesto.org

070930am - The Conversion of Lydia - Acts 16:11-15

Paul continues his second missionary journey, and, finding Timothy at Lystra and Derbe, wants to take him along. He has Timothy circumcised, not as a prerequisite for salvation, but because in his uncircumcised state, having a Jewish mother and Greek father, Timothy might have offended the Jews to the point where they wouldn't listen to the Gospel. From this account, we see that: 
 
* We must constantly strive for maturity - comparing John Mark, whom Paul left behind, and Timothy, whom he wanted in the work. 
* While the Lord is sovereign in matters of salvation, what we do and say may have an effect - the Lord brings people to Himself through our ministry. 
* We must proclaim the correct doctrine - false doctrine must be strongly fought against. 
 
These things challenge our behavior as Christians, and are applied accordingly. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Paul continues his second missionary journey, and, finding Timothy at Lystra and Derbe, wants to take him along. He has Timothy circumcised, not as a prerequisite for salvation, but because in his uncircumcised state, having a Jewish mother and Greek father, Timothy might have offended the Jews to the point where they wouldn't listen to the Gospel. From this account, we see that:

* We must constantly strive for maturity - comparing John Mark, whom Paul left behind, and Timothy, whom he wanted in the work.
* While the Lord is sovereign in matters of salvation, what we do and say may have an effect - the Lord brings people to Himself through our ministry.
* We must proclaim the correct doctrine  - false doctrine must be strongly fought against.

These things challenge our behavior as Christians, and are applied accordingly.

www.gcmodesto.org

070916am - Timothy The Disciple - Acts 16:1-5

As Moses renewed the Covenant with the Israelites, they had to be reminded of the need for circumcision of the heart. The generation of Israelites that survived the wilderness had had neither the physical nor this spiritual sign. This evening we examine: 
 
* The need for circumcision of the heart 
* What the circumcision of heart is 
* This change of heart is something that God alone can give 
 
We must search in our hearts to see if this circumcision is present. Trust in earthly signs will not save us, only this act of God. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As Moses renewed the Covenant with the Israelites, they had to be reminded of the need for circumcision of the heart. The generation of Israelites that survived the wilderness had had neither the physical nor this spiritual sign. This evening we examine:

* The need for circumcision of the heart
* What the circumcision of heart is
* This change of heart is something that God alone can give

We must search in our hearts to see if this circumcision is present. Trust in earthly signs will not save us, only this act of God.

www.gcmodesto.org

070805pm - The Circumcision of the Heart - Deuteronomy 30:1-10

As Cornelius's servants approach, Peter is in prayer on the roof at around midday. The Lord sends him a vision in order to show him he must not be bigoted against the Gentiles to whom he is about to be sent to preach. We see: 
 
* The vision that was given to Peter as he prayed. We note in passing that both Cornelius and Peter were given direction from the Lord as they prayed. The importance of prayer for the believer is underlined. 
* The reception Peter gave to the servants of Cornelius. We are reminded that we should receive those who are truly brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter what they may have done before coming to the Lord. If He has cleansed them, we are not to regard them as 'unclean'. 
 
We rejoice once again to see the Lord including Gentiles in His church, breaking down the middle wall of hostility and making one new man of the two (Jews and Gentiles). 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

As Cornelius's servants approach, Peter is in prayer on the roof at around midday. The Lord sends him a vision in order to show him he must not be bigoted against the Gentiles to whom he is about to be sent to preach.  We see:

* The vision that was given to Peter as he prayed.  We note in passing that both Cornelius and Peter were given direction from the Lord as they prayed.  The importance of prayer for the believer is underlined.
* The reception Peter gave to the servants of Cornelius.  We are reminded that we should receive those who are truly brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter what they may have done before coming to the Lord.  If He has cleansed them, we are not to regard them as 'unclean'.

We rejoice once again to see the Lord including Gentiles in His church, breaking down the middle wall of hostility and making one new man of the two (Jews and Gentiles).

www.gcmodesto.org

070520pm - Peter's Vision - Acts 10:9-23

Peter performs two miracles of note which are recorded for us here: the healing of Aeneas's 8-year paralysis in Lydda and the raising of the faithful disciple Tabitha from the dead at Joppa. By these amazing signs, many in both towns were converted. 
 
We see not only the powerful testimony that these miracles supplied to the truth of the Gospel message, but we also pause to consider the life of Tabitha as an example to us as Christians to be rich in good deeds, done out of love created within us by the Holy Spirit of God. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

Peter performs two miracles of note which are recorded for us here: the healing of Aeneas's 8-year paralysis in Lydda and the raising of the faithful disciple Tabitha from the dead at Joppa. By these amazing signs, many in both towns were converted. 

We see not only the powerful testimony that these miracles supplied to the truth of the Gospel message, but we also pause to consider the life of Tabitha as an example to us as Christians to be rich in good deeds, done out of love created within us by the Holy Spirit of God.

www.gcmodesto.org

070513pm - Many Believed in the Lord - Acts 9:32-43

The Apostles are sent from Jerusalem once they hear how God is blessing the labors of Philip. Through their ministry, Simon's hypocrisy is revealed. 
 
We see: 
 
* Why the giving of the Spirit was delayed until the arrival of Peter and John. 
* How the arrival of the Apostles was used to show Simon that he was not saved. 
 
 
 
We are all encouraged to seek God for the Holy Spirit in our lives, to make us more useful in His service. We are also cautioned to make sure that our calling and election is sure. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

The Apostles are sent from Jerusalem once they hear how God is blessing the labors of Philip.  Through their ministry, Simon's hypocrisy is revealed.

We see:

* Why the giving of the Spirit was delayed until the arrival of Peter and John.
* How the arrival of the Apostles was used to show Simon that he was not saved.



We are all encouraged to seek God for the Holy Spirit in our lives, to make us more useful in His service.  We are also cautioned to make sure that our calling and election is sure.

www.gcmodesto.org

070422pm - The Samaritans Receive the Spirit - Acts 8:14-24

How may we be made holy enough for heaven? Understanding that the Psalm speaks of the entry of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, we see that this foreshadows the entry of Christ into heaven on our behalf. We answer the following questions: 
 
* Who is the King of glory? 
* What has this King done so that others may enter heaven? 
* How can we know that He has done these things for us in particular? 
 
We are urged firstly to make sure that Jesus has entered heaven and opened the way for us, and then to ensure that we are growing in holiness and preparing ourselves for heaven as much as we can while we are here on earth. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

How may we be made holy enough for heaven?  Understanding that the Psalm speaks of the entry of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, we see that this foreshadows the entry of Christ into heaven on our behalf.  We answer the following questions:

* Who is the King of glory?
* What has this King done so that others may enter heaven?
* How can we know that He has done these things for us in particular?

We are urged firstly to make sure that Jesus has entered heaven and opened the way for us, and then to ensure that we are growing in holiness and preparing ourselves for heaven as much as we can while we are here on earth.

www.gcmodesto.org

061217pm - Who Is The King Of Glory? - Psalm 24:7-10

King David asks the question: 'Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?' What is meant by this is 'who, on earth, is fit to go to Heaven?' We examine two key points: 
 
* The Lord has made the World as a place for ''all men'' to live in. 
* God has made Heaven ''only'' for those who are Holy. 
 
We are reminded that only one Man has clean enough hands and a pure enough heart to enter Heaven; Jesus Christ. He alone can open the door and provide an entry for us, since none of us is qualified by our own holiness. We are also encouraged to seek after holiness here and now, as a demonstration of our salvation and the fact that we will have perfect holiness forever in heaven because of the work of Christ. 
 
www.gcmodesto.org

King David asks the question: 'Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?' What is meant by this is 'who, on earth, is fit to go to Heaven?' We examine two key points:

* The Lord has made the World as a place for ''all men'' to live in.
* God has made Heaven ''only'' for those who are Holy.

We are reminded that only one Man has clean enough hands and a pure enough heart to enter Heaven; Jesus Christ.  He alone can open the door and provide an entry for us, since none of us is qualified by our own holiness.  We are also encouraged to seek after holiness here and now, as a demonstration of our salvation and the fact that we will have perfect holiness forever in heaven because of the work of Christ.

www.gcmodesto.org

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