Grace Presbyterian Church

Beware of Flattering Lips

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 36:43

The sermon examines a pivotal encounter where Jesus deftly navigates a trap set by Pharisees and Herodians seeking to discredit him. Faced with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus responds with a profound statement, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," revealing their hypocrisy and silencing their attempt to ensnare him. The passage highlights the importance of discerning truth from deception, recognizing the dangers of flattery, and ultimately prioritizing allegiance to God above earthly authorities, emphasizing Jesus's unwavering commitment to truth and his ability to expose the wickedness of those who oppose him. -- Generated by VaultAI

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Being Sold to Christ

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 39:26

The sermon explores the parable of the vineyard owner and his rebellious tenants, drawing parallels to Israel's rejection of Jesus and the broader experience of Christians facing opposition. It emphasizes that those who reject God's chosen Messiah will face judgment, while faithful followers are called to endure hardship and bear reproach alongside Christ, ultimately seeking a heavenly city beyond the fleeting concerns of the world. The message underscores the importance of courage, faithfulness, and recognizing that true belonging lies not in worldly acceptance but in a steadfast commitment to God, even if it results in persecution and rejection. -- Generated by VaultAI

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Works Aligned with the Heart

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 47:41

The sermon explores the significance of obedience and the dangers of hypocrisy, contrasting the actions of two sons and the responses of tax collectors and harlots to John's ministry. It emphasizes that mental assent to God's commands is insufficient; true faith is demonstrated through action and a willingness to follow through, even when it involves personal cost. Drawing parallels to the unwavering commitment of Christ, the message underscores the importance of covenant-keeping, trustworthiness, and a life characterized by consistent obedience, ultimately rooted in God's grace and the assurance of His faithful promises -- Generated by VaultAI

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Obedience from a Willing Heart

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 47:36

The sermon examines the nature of obedience and the hypocrisy of those who profess faith but fail to act upon it, drawing from Matthew 21. It contrasts the actions of two sons, one who initially refuses his father's request but later relents, and another who verbally agrees but ultimately fails to follow through, illustrating that true obedience stems from a transformed heart rather than mere outward agreement. The message highlights the importance of genuine repentance and commitment, exemplified by tax collectors and harlots who responded to John's preaching, and cautions against mental assent without action, emphasizing that God desires a covenant-keeping people who consistently uphold their promises and reflect His character through their actions.

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The Immeasurable God

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 46:31

The sermon explores the immensity and incomprehensibility of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and eternal nature as revealed in Isaiah 40. It encourages listeners to move beyond superficial understanding and embrace the depth of God's grace and knowledge, highlighting the importance of Scripture as a source of true revelation. The preacher cautions against hubris in judging preaching styles and underscores the comfort and assurance found in knowing that God's thoughts toward believers are infinitely good, offering a path to deeper faith and a recognition of His unwavering love and purpose in all things.

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Pastor Stark preaches from Mark 9:14–29, where a father brings his afflicted son to Jesus after the disciples fail to help. The focus is on the father's honest, raw plea: "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief." Pastor Stark emphasizes that real faith isn't perfect, it's genuine. This father had doubts, but he still came to Jesus, and that was enough. The sermon encourages us to stop measuring our faith by its strength and instead ask whether it's real. Because even weak, struggling faith, if it's in Christ, is met with compassion and power.

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The Fulfillment of Elijah

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 50:47

fulfillment

Tuesday Bible Study | March 18

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 40:49

Grace Presbyterian Church in Redding California

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Tuesday Bible Study | March 11

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 48:09

In Pastor David Stark's Acts 6 Bible study, he explains how the early Jerusalem church handled conflict when Greek-speaking believers complained their widows were overlooked during food distribution. The apostles asked the church to pick seven trusted men to manage this work while they focused on prayer and teaching. The church chose seven men with Greek names, showing unity between Hebrew and Greek believers. This peaceful solution helped the church grow significantly. Pastor Stark also discussed Stephen, one of these deacons, whose powerful ministry led to false accusations and his arrest.

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Spiritually Deaf

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 46:51

Pastor Stark preaches on the story from Mark 7 where Jesus heals a man who couldn't hear or speak. He points out the unique, personal care Jesus took, pulling the man aside and healing him through physical touch rather than just words. Pastor Stark connects this act to a deeper spiritual reality, our own struggle to truly hear God's voice and use our speech wisely. He challenges us to examine our hearts and turn to Christ, who alone can open our spiritual ears and help us speak in ways that honor God and bless others

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Bible Study | March 4

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 40:28

In his teaching on Ecclesiastes, Jonathan Harris shows that this book isn't about depression but finding purpose in life's temporary nature. Solomon calls us to "cast your bread upon the waters" - taking meaningful action despite uncertain outcomes. Jonathan points out that even when our efforts don't succeed, God remembers work done with the right heart. The message is clear: rather than being paralyzed by life's unpredictability, we should "double down on doing good" while we still have time, finding joy in living purposefully before God.

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God's Compassion for His Creation

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 32:57

Alex Holt's exhortation on Psalm 8 reminded us of God's majesty and His care for us. Though He created the vast heavens, He is still mindful of us and showed His love through Christ's redemption. This should stir us to gratitude, awe, and a desire to proclaim His greatness: 'O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!

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A Loving Request

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 33:26

In his sermon on Matthew 15:21–28, Pastor David Stark explores the story of the Canaanite woman who refuses to give up when Jesus initially seems to ignore her plea for her daughter's healing. By humbly accepting her own unworthiness yet still clinging to God's mercy, she reveals what persistent faith looks like. Moved by her determination, Jesus praises her trust and heals her daughter. We're reminded that genuine faith endures even when we feel overlooked, relies completely on God's grace, and ultimately finds that the Lord answers in His own perfect way.

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