Grace Church of the Bay Area
440 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsSermons
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Episodes
Factions, Schisms, and Division, Part 2 - Audio
February 10, 2020 06:55 - 48 minutes - 66 MBOur concern for the Church, the Body of Christ, must outweigh our desire to gossip about people in the church, or even to protect our own reputation by wanting to stay anonymous. Gossip won’t solve the problem. Instead, what will ultimately end division in the church is the centrality of the Cross. Don’t worry about your own reputation. Take the focus off your self and put it on Christ. Listen along to learn more, as Pastor Roger brings us today’s sermon.
Factions, Schisms, and Division, Part 1 - Audio
February 03, 2020 06:38 - 46 minutes - 63.5 MBDivision within the church is dangerous. It’s like having a body with an injured limb, it won’t function properly. In the same way, when there’s disunity or disagreement, the church is not one. It is broken. Instead, we must be unified internally and externally. We must do away with divisions and put the church back together the way it was meant to be, complete, as one whole functioning body. Listen along to learn more as Pastor Roger brings us today’s sermon.
The Truth Behind the Blessing, Part 2 - Audio
January 27, 2020 06:21 - 50 minutes - 68.7 MBAlready, not yet. Our salvation is secure in Christ, but it is not yet fulfilled. Therefore, we should not wait around idly, but live in light of His coming. We are not to just stand on the foundation of the grace of God as those who are enriched with speech and knowledge, rather we are to stand on our tiptoes like a child looking out of the window, eagerly anticipating the return of the King. Listen along as Pastor Roger brings us today’s sermon.
The Truth Behind the Blessing, Part 1 - Audio
January 20, 2020 07:56 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MBBlessing and grace are interconnected. As true blessing is an act of grace. And when we focus on grace, we can truly be thankful, despite our circumstances. And why can we be thankful? Because we have everything we need. Listen along to learn more about what that means, as Pastor Roger teaches eight realities of the grace bestowed upon believers.
Position vs. Practice - Audio
January 13, 2020 06:21 - 46 minutes - 64.1 MBAs Christians, we understand that we did not earn our salvation, nor do we deserve it. Salvation is entirely a gift from God, through the sacrifice of Christ. Positionally, we belong to God, but our practice does not always reflect that. And yet, one of the best motivations for us to avoid sin is to remember our position in Christ. Listen along to learn more, as Pastor Roger teaches five classifications of the true church.
An Authoritative Greeting - Audio
January 06, 2020 07:41 - 48 minutes - 66.4 MBIntroductions are in order! As we begin a new year, Pastor Roger also begins a new book of the Bible, as we are introduced to Paul, an apostle. Listen along as we take a closer look at the life of Paul and what it takes to be an apostle. That we would follow in the footsteps of people like Paul. And although we are not apostles, we have the same Holy Spirit as he did. And we too are Christians.
The Genealogical Surety of the Savior - Audio
December 23, 2019 06:46 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MBFor many, Christmas is the highlight of the season. And today, Pastor Roger brings out its significance by focusing on the Person of Christ. Taking a look at His genealogy, but also His life on earth. Yes, we celebrate the birth of a baby, a human being. But this baby was also 100% God. He was the fulfilment of generations of promises. The wait is over. Listen along to learn more.
The Christ of Christmas - Audio
December 16, 2019 09:18 - 45 minutes - 62.3 MBWith Christmas fast approaching, it is important for us to be reminded of its true meaning. And it all starts with the Person of Christ. Today, Pastor Alton goes over Jesus’ origin story. But he also teaches us about His mission, and the significance of His life. Listen along to learn more as Pastor Alton teaches us four truths about Christ.
You've Been Lit - Audio
December 09, 2019 06:28 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MBWhen Jesus said that we are lights of the world, He was telling us who we. Being a light of the world is not about becoming something else, but about being who you already are in Christ. This is who you are. This is the mission of the Church. And stars shine the brightest in the darkness. Listen along to learn more, as Pastor Alton brings us today’s sermon.
In Conclusion - Audio
December 02, 2019 06:51 - 41 minutes - 57 MBIn today’s sermon, Pastor Roger completes his series on 1 Peter. Explaining, through Peter’s conclusion, that he is encouraging the recipients of the letter, and reminding them of all that has been written. Telling them that they have the peace that comes only to those who know Jesus Christ. This is a prayer, from an apostle. They are Peter’s closing thoughts, and we should be reminded and encouraged by them. Listen along to learn more.
Productive Persecution - Audio
November 25, 2019 07:02 - 50 minutes - 68.7 MBGod often uses trials, difficulties, and suffering in our lives to grow us in spiritual maturity. But it is important to understand that it is not the trials themselves that perfect us, but the One who is sovereign over those trials. It is not the temptations that strengthen us, but the One who provides the way of escape from those temptations. Listen along to learn more as Pastor Roger teaches five roles necessary for productive trials.
Don't Get Carried Away: A Plan for Temptation - Audio
November 18, 2019 06:19 - 52 minutes - 72.2 MBMany of us understand that being tempted to sin is not sin, giving in to the temptation is. That being said, temptation is dangerous. One reason being, the temptation to sin is often not all that obvious: subtle is the temptation, but great is the consequence. Listen along to learn more as Pastor Roger teaches four keys to remember to avoid temptation.
Humble Acceptance - Audio
November 11, 2019 06:31 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MBAs a child of God, you have two options: humble yourself, or be humbled by God. Many of us understand the importance of humility, and yet our desire for control makes it difficult to be humble. And we end up becoming anxious. Today, Pastor Roger explains the importance of humility, and that when you’re anxious in the things of life, it’s really an expression of pride. Listen along to learn more.
The Light of the City - Audio
November 03, 2019 22:50 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MBThe enemy pride is God, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Christ, our Lord and Savior, Himself was humble (Phlippians 2:3-8). Listen as Pastor Roger teaches the how we as believers must live with heart attitudes of humility.
"Tend My Sheep," Part 2 - Audio
October 28, 2019 05:41 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MBToday, Pastor Roger concludes his series on four qualities of a biblical elder. This time, focusing on describing the right motivation for a godly elder. And setting an example of being a faithful Christian. But what can we do to encourage the elders in our church? Listen along to learn more.
"Tend My Sheep," Part 1 - Audio
October 21, 2019 04:39 - 55 minutes - 76.3 MBNot everyone aspires to be an elder in the church, nor is everyone qualified to be an elder. But that doesn’t mean this sermon is not for you. We should understand today’s passage because this is God’s Word. But also, because we need to understand what a biblical elder looks like. And today, Pastor Roger sets our expectation, according to the spiritual qualifications God requires. Listen along to learn more.
Suffering with Joy, Part 3 - Audio
October 14, 2019 05:29 - 49 minutes - 68 MBWhen it comes to God’s judgement, there is no middle ground. Someone is either a child of God, in which case he receives God’s discipline. Or an enemy of God, in which case he will be condemned for his sin. And when persecution does come, we must always look up. Listen along to learn more about what that means, as Pastor Roger brings us today’s sermon.
Suffering with Joy, Part 2 - Audio
October 07, 2019 05:38 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MBWe have learned that suffering will come to us as Christians. And that trials are allowed in our lives to refine us. Now looking to today’s sermon, Pastor Roger explains that when suffering does come, we should find comfort in knowing that we have the Holy Spirt resting on us. Giving us comfort in the midst of persecution. But are you really suffering for the right reasons? Are you really suffering for Christ? Listen along to learn more. (Due to technical difficulties, a portion of today’s se...
Q&A - Audio
September 29, 2019 23:02 - 51 minutes - 70.2 MBIn this edition of Fifth Sunday Q&A, Pastor Roger answers questions from the GCBA congregation on the topics of alcohol, smoking, the disqualification of pastors and elders, tithing, singleness in ministry, and spiritual gifts.
Suffering with Joy, Part 1 - Audio
September 23, 2019 01:48 - 56 minutes - 77.8 MBBiblically, happiness is based on your ever changing circumstances. Joy is based on our never changing God. How does this look like in the midst of persecution? Listen to Pastor Roger as he preaches on the first of seven components of persecution to remember to maintain your joy.
Four Faithful Friends - Audio
September 15, 2019 09:07 - 45 minutes - 62.3 MBHaving faithful friends starts with being a faithful friend. Listen to Pastor Jon Szeto as he teaches on Biblical friendship in the final session of the 2019 GCBA retreat series Marks of Maturity.
A Forgiving Heart - Audio
September 14, 2019 21:22 - 53 minutes - 73 MBDo you struggle with forgiving others? How do you know you have truly forgiven someone who has sinned against you? Join Pastor Jon Szeto in Session 3 of the Marks of Maturity series.
A Humble Dependence Upon God - Audio
September 14, 2019 09:00 - 57 minutes - 79.6 MBDo you think you’re good enough for God? Listen as Pastor Jon teaches on the perils of self-righteousness, the prescriptions to this sin, and the blessings we experience in our relationship with God and as a church family when we repent.
A Deep Faith in God - Audio
September 14, 2019 00:25 - 45 minutes - 62 MBWhat is spiritual maturity? Is it the number of theological books you have read or the number of church events that you regularly attend? Are you a mature Christian? Join us at Grace Church of the Bay Area’s annual church retreat as Pastor Jon Szeto teaches the first of four sessions on the marks of a mature believer - a deep faith in God.
The Tenderness and Talents of The Christian Church, Part 2 - Audio
September 09, 2019 04:25 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MBListen to Pastor Roger's sermon on biblical service in the body of Christ.
The Tenderness and Talents of the Christian Church, Part 1 - Audio
September 01, 2019 09:11 - 49 minutes - 11.4 MBLearn the first 4 of 5 present-day priorities of every Christian in light of difficulty and persecution.
The Spoils of Victory, Part 2 - Audio
August 25, 2019 14:21 - 52 minutes - 11.9 MBResponding to Christ's victory through suffering (Part 2 of 2).
The Spoils of Victory, Part 1 - Audio
August 19, 2019 03:56 - 55 minutes - 12.7 MBSince Christ has suffered and claimed victory over sin, we as followers of Christ should have the same mindset of being willing to suffer for His Name’s sake, since we have already partaken of that victory from sin. Listen along to learn more, as Pastor Roger teaches us six responses to Christ’s victory through suffering. And encourages us to redeem the time.
Certainty of a Joy-Filled Life - Audio
August 12, 2019 06:36 - 1 hour - 15.1 MBWhen life is moving smoothly, joy comes easy to us. However, during the time that Paul wrote his letter to the saints at Philippi, circumstantially, he had very little reason to rejoice. And yet, he affirmed that, “I will rejoice”. Because, despite his unknown future, he knew the outcome, that he would be vindicated. Listen along to learn more, as Pastor Daisuke Okada teaches us four reasons we can have a joy filled life.
The Victory of the Suffering Savior, Part 2 - Audio
August 05, 2019 05:50 - 49 minutes - 11.3 MBJust like we see in God’s salvation of Noah in the ark, even though He was patient for 120 years, only eight people were saved from His wrath. We too live in a time where so few are saved. A salvation not based on external washing, but an internal salvation, a pledge to Christ, that, apart from His resurrection, there would be no true victory over sin and death. Listen along to learn more as Pastor Roger brings us today’s sermon.
The Victory of the Suffering Savior, Part 1 - Audio
July 29, 2019 04:31 - 52 minutes - 12.1 MBWhat makes us different from the world is what’s inside, our heart attitude. We pursue Christ from our hearts. And we understand that in our pursuit of Christ, suffering is inevitable. However, our encouragement is found in knowing that since Christ was victorious in His suffering for righteousness, we will be too, because of Christ. And what His suffering, and victory entailed, is found in verse 18, and the focus of Pastor Roger’s sermon today.
The Secret to Suffering Well, Part 2 - Audio
July 22, 2019 04:28 - 48 minutes - 11.1 MBYou have two basic options, do right or do wrong. And with both options you have the same potential consequence – to suffer. To suffer for righteousness, or to suffer because of sin. In today’s sermon, Pastor Roger concludes his series on suffering well. Explaining that suffering is all under the power and sovereign plan of God. That we would suffer for the sake of righteousness. And respond well, without the fear of man, but boldly praising God.
The Secret to Suffering Well, Part 1 - Audio
July 15, 2019 04:30 - 47 minutes - 10.9 MBWhen it comes to suffering as a Christian, it is not a matter of if, but when. Suffering is part of being a Christian. So how are you going to respond? In today’s sermon, Pastor Roger begins his series on suffering well. He points out that our measure of what is “good” must not be defined by the world, but rather as defined in Scripture. He also explains that as our confidence in God increases, our fear of man decreases. That we must trust in the Lord. Listen along to learn more.
Your Best Life Now, Part 2 - Audio
July 08, 2019 04:10 - 51 minutes - 11.8 MBYour mouth is reflective of your heart. What you say is who you are, regardless of your circumstances. Today, Pastor Roger concludes his series teaching four truths to embrace to maximize your life on earth. He now focuses on our speech, the attitude of our hearts, and our motivation for godliness. That we are to be peacemakers. He also reminds us that true joy is only found in the Lord. And that we need to be satisfied and content in God.
Q&A - Audio
July 01, 2019 04:52 - 54 minutes - 12.5 MBToday is a fifth Sunday in the month, and as such, Pastor Roger answers some of the pressing questions from the GCBA congregation. He answers questions like, why Christians say “Amen” to end their prayers, and what amen actually means. He also discusses the proper view a Christian should have regarding mental health. Along with a biblical view of In vitro (IVF) and if it is an acceptable option for Christians. As well as, the spiritual condition of those who have not reached the stage of acco...
Your Best Life Now, Part 1 - Audio
June 24, 2019 05:43 - 52 minutes - 12 MBMany of us are probably familiar with the statement, your best life now. Which seems nice at a surface level, but when we examine the Scriptures, we see that that is not true. Our best life will be in heaven with our Lord, and in the absence of sin. And instead, while we are here on earth, we are to maximize the time that we have been given. How do you do that? Listen along as Pastor Roger teaches four truths to embrace to maximize your life on earth.
Wholly Matrimony, Part 2 - Audio
June 17, 2019 04:25 - 56 minutes - 12.9 MBWhen men and women do not fulfill their role in the home, there is a ripple effect that impacts our society. Last week, Pastor Roger focused on the woman’s role in marriage, and in today’s sermon, he focuses on the man. Teaching us that the husband must lead his wife in a way that fits God’s design. And that a relationship will only grow when you fulfill your role biblically. Listen along to learn more.
Wholly Matrimony, Part 1 - Audio
June 10, 2019 00:33 - 49 minutes - 11.3 MBWhen it comes to submission, God is supreme. We must be faithful, and we must be holy, because that is what He has called us to. And when it comes to wives submitting to their husbands, that fact remains true. But both husbands and wives have a role to play. In today's sermon, Pastor Roger focuses on the wife’s role in marriage, as he teaches four God-honoring components of the Christian wife’s role in marriage.
Submitting 9 to 5, Part 2 - Audio
June 02, 2019 07:01 - 51 minutes - 11.8 MBWhen it comes to submitting to our employer, it is important for us to have an example of what biblical submission looks like for us to follow. And so, in today’s sermon, Pastor Roger explains his final point, looking at Jesus Christ as our perfect example. Which is the most important and significant point for us to understand. He also looks at the suffering of Christ and the purpose for it. Listen along to learn more.
Submitting 9 to 5 - Audio
May 26, 2019 21:16 - 46 minutes - 10.7 MBWe have learned about submitting to civil authority. Now, moving along with the Apostle Peter, we shift our focus to submitting to our employer. Does submitting to our employer differ from submitting to our government? And to what extent are we to submit to them? One thing we must always remember, is that our motivation is for God’s glory. And that we are to serve our employer as if we were serving Christ. Listen along to learn more as Pastor Roger brings us todays sermon.
Pledge Allegiance, Part 2 - Audio
May 20, 2019 00:23 - 46 minutes - 10.6 MBLast week we learned that we must submit to civil authority. We may not approve of their methods, or participate in their activities, but we must submit to the rule of law to the degree that we do not violate God’s Law. Today, Pastor Roger concludes his series by explaining that we are now free in Christ. We have taken up His family name. But we must not use our freedom as an opportunity to do evil. We are free to honor and glorify God, but not to sin. Listen along to learn more.
Pledge Allegiance, Part 1 - Audio
May 13, 2019 05:05 - 42 minutes - 9.83 MBWhen it comes to submission as a Christian, God is our ultimate authority (Ro. 13:1-2). What He tells us in His Word, that is what we submit to in obedience. But what about our government or our political leaders? Do we need to submit to them, even if their morality is not inline with Scripture? Or if we don’t agree with them? Listen along to find out more, as Pastor Roger teaches three benefits of Christian submission to civil authority.
Influential Godliness - Audio
May 06, 2019 04:31 - 47 minutes - 11 MBIn our passage for today, Pastor Roger reminds us to get our priorities right. Always remembering that our first and primary focus is to the Lord. That we are to remember that we are aliens in the world. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we are just passing through. And yes, we do follow the culture, but we do not adopt its morality. We must abstain from fleshly lusts and pursue excellence. Now learn three principles of godliness and testimony during your stay on earth.
The New Priesthood, Part 3: The People (cont.) - Audio
April 28, 2019 08:01 - 39 minutes - 9.01 MBToday, Pastor Roger concludes his series on the New Priesthood. He focuses on the importance of proclaiming the excellencies of God. And the reality that proclaiming the excellencies of God is synonymous with being a Christian. This is why we were called. Now listen along as he teaches three practical aspects of the new priesthood.
The Resurrection - Audio
April 22, 2019 05:26 - 49 minutes - 11.3 MBThe Gospel message would not be complete without the resurrection. Without the resurrection, everything that Jesus did would all be for nothing (1Cor. 15:12-19). Today, Pastor Roger takes a look at Matthews account of Jesus’ resurrection and its significance for us, as believers. And to non-believers, you have a big decision to make. Big in the sense of importance, not in difficulty. The decision to follow Christ is a no-brainer.
The New Priesthood, Part 3: The People - Audio
April 15, 2019 04:47 - 47 minutes - 10.9 MBToday, Pastor Roger looks at three practical aspects of the new priesthood. And as he unpacks these amazing truths regarding our calling as believers. When we look at these four titles, this should drive us to worship and humility rather than self-righteousness and pride. Why? Because Jesus did it all. These are titles that we did not earn, nor deserve. Listen along to learn more.
The New Priesthood, Part 2: The Foundation - Audio
April 08, 2019 06:11 - 46 minutes - 10.7 MBToday, Pastor Roger continues his series on The New Priesthood. Not only did Jesus Christ accomplish the plan of God for Salvation, but He became the stone, which is the foundation of the Church. The Cornerstone. Listen now to learn exactly what that means, as he teaches two prophetic truths that serve as the foundation for the new priesthood.
The New Priesthood, Part 1: The Fundamentals - Audio
March 25, 2019 05:48 - 49 minutes - 11.4 MBAs Christians, we are part of the priesthood of God! And as believers, on this side of the Cross, we function like the priests of the Old Testament, but better. Better, not because of something we have done, but entirely because of Christ. He is the focus. Listen now as Pastor Roger teaches us six fundamentals of the new priesthood.
The Secret to Church Growth, Part 2 - Audio
March 18, 2019 05:05 - 41 minutes - 9.44 MBAll a newborn baby cares about is milk. Milk is their natural diet. And they will get upset and cry if they don’t get it. Nothing else matters. Is that how you feel about God’s Word? Do you long for God’s Word out of a love for Him and a desire to grow in holiness? Listen along to learn more as Pastor Roger teaches the remaining two steps to greater spiritual growth.
The Secret to Church Growth, Part 1 - Audio
March 11, 2019 06:09 - 46 minutes - 10.7 MBWhen you hear about church growth, your initial thought may likely refer to growth in number of church attenders over time. But today, Pastor Roger shows us that the church is not a business, but an organism. And church growth should not be determined by numbers, but in terms of spiritual maturity. Listen along to learn more as he begins his series on the three steps to greater spiritual growth.