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New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
New Covenant OPC
695 episodes
11 hours ago
Sermons from New Covenant OPC in South San Francisco from Pastor Michael Grasso. For more information visit newcovenantopc.com.
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Christianity
Religion & Spirituality
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All content for New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast is the property of New Covenant OPC and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Sermons from New Covenant OPC in South San Francisco from Pastor Michael Grasso. For more information visit newcovenantopc.com.
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Christianity
Religion & Spirituality
Episodes (20/695)
New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 Injustice and Sprawling Bureaucracy (October 26, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"What does the Bible teach about the role and limits of civil government? In this sermon, we explore Solomon’s wisdom in Ecclesiastes 5:8–9 and discover a principle often forgotten in our time: biblical government is limited government.


Solomon observes that sprawling bureaucracies and unchecked ambition lead inevitably to oppression of the poor and corruption in justice. Scripture consistently warns against this—from Deuteronomy 17 to 1 Samuel 8, from Romans 13 to the wisdom literature. A government that forgets God becomes a god unto itself, and when that happens, tyranny follows.


But the Bible does not endorse anarchy either. Rather, it teaches that righteous rulers are a blessing from God—those who fear Him, uphold justice, and understand that their authority is derived and limited. True prosperity comes not through ever-expanding power, but through godly restraint.


In this message, we consider:


Why ambition for power and wealth so easily corrupts rulers


How the Bible defines limited government


The dangers of socialism, secularism, and bureaucratic sprawl


The difference between separation of church and state and separation of God from government


Why every authority—civil and ecclesiastical—must remain under God’s Word


Ultimately, Scripture teaches that all earthly governments point us to the perfect King, Jesus Christ, whose rule is righteous, eternal, and free from corruption.


📖 Text: Ecclesiastes 5:8–9

🎙️ Sermon Title: Biblical Government Is Limited Government

✝️ Theme: When government forgets its limits, the poor are oppressed—but when rulers submit to God, justice and prosperity flourish.


#BiblicalGovernment #LimitedGovernment #ChristianWorldview #ReformedTheology #Ecclesiastes #Sermon #FaithAndPolitics #GodAndGovernment #Romans13 #BiblicalJustice #ReformedChurch #ChristianTeaching"

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1 week ago
32 minutes 11 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Galatians 2:11-14 Conflict Between Apostles (October 26, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"The church has always faced weakness—even in the days of the Apostles. In Galatians 2, we see Peter fall into fear of man, leading even Barnabas and others into hypocrisy. But Paul, for the sake of the gospel, publicly rebuked Peter to defend the truth of justification by faith.


This passage reminds us that no leader is above correction, that the sins of leaders affect entire churches, and that sometimes the defense of the gospel requires hard words and difficult confrontations. True spiritual health is not the absence of conflict, but the willingness to address sin, seek reconciliation, and prize the truth of Christ above all else.


In this sermon, we’ll see why Paul’s boldness matters for us today—and why we, too, must be willing to do anything for the defense of the gospel.


#Galatians #DefenseOfTheGospel #JustificationByFaith #PaulAndPeter #FearOfMan #ReformedTheology #GospelTruth #FaithAlone #ChurchLife #BiblicalPreaching"

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1 week ago
17 minutes 58 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 God Is in Heaven (October 19, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"How should we approach God in worship? Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 reminds us that God is in heaven and we are on earth. This passage confronts us with the transcendent greatness of God and calls us to humility, reverence, and fear as we come before Him.


In this sermon, we’ll see why our posture in worship matters so deeply—especially in our speech before God. Scripture teaches that careless words, broken vows, or presumptuous worship dishonor the Lord of glory. Instead, we are called to draw near with humility, to listen before we speak, and to let our words be few.


📖 Key themes in this sermon:


The transcendent majesty of God in Scripture


Why our attitude and speech in worship are so significant


The danger of presumptuous worship and empty words


The seriousness of vows made to God


What it truly means to “fear God” in worship


Worship is not casual—it is meeting with the living God. Join us as we consider what it means to worship Him with reverence and awe.


#Ecclesiastes #WorshipGod #FearOfGod #BibleTeaching #GodIsInHeaven #Reverence #ChristianFaith #ScriptureStudy #HumilityInWorship #GodsGlory"

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2 weeks ago
33 minutes 59 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Galatians 2:1-10 That the Truth Might Remain For You (October 19, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"The gospel Paul preached was not from man—it was revealed directly by God. In Galatians 2, Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem, showing that the message he proclaimed among the Gentiles was confirmed by the Apostles themselves.


The central issue was circumcision. False teachers insisted that Gentiles must submit to the law of Moses in order to be saved. But Paul refused to yield for even an hour—so that the truth of the gospel might remain for the churches. Even Titus, a Greek believer, was not compelled to be circumcised. This was no small matter of preference—it was the very heart of the gospel at stake: salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.


In this sermon, we’ll see:


Why Paul went to Jerusalem “by revelation”


How Titus became a living example of gospel freedom


Why Paul refused to compromise on circumcision


How the Apostles gave him the right hand of fellowship


Paul defended the gospel at every turn—and we are called to do the same. When truth is at stake, compromise is not love. True love fights for the gospel so that it may remain for the people of God.


#Galatians #DefenseOfTheGospel #FaithAlone #JustificationByFaith #FreedomInChrist #PaulTheApostle #ReformedTheology #GospelTruth #BiblicalPreaching #ChristianFaith"

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2 weeks ago
37 minutes 59 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 Vanity in Leadership (October 12, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"Leadership is essential in every sphere of life—families, churches, and nations rise or fall depending on those who guide them. Scripture shows us the importance of godly leadership, yet Solomon reminds us of a sobering truth: leadership, even kingship, is vanity when pursued apart from God.


In this sermon, we consider:


The corrupting influence of power (vv. 13–14)


How even good leaders are quickly forgotten (vv. 15–16)


Why pursuing leadership for the praise of man is empty


How true significance in leadership comes only by fearing God and serving in humility


Christ Himself gave us the perfect example: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Leadership rooted in self-exaltation always ends in vanity. Leadership rooted in Christ glorifies God and bears eternal fruit.


✝️ May God raise up leaders in His church who serve not for the praise of man, but for the glory of Christ.


#Ecclesiastes #Sermon #ChristianLeadership #BibleTeaching #VanityOfVanities #FearGod #PreachingTheWord #GospelTruth #HumilityInChrist"

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3 weeks ago
35 minutes 26 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Galatians 1:11-24 The Gospel Revealed by Christ (October 12, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"The Apostle Paul makes a staggering claim in Galatians 1:11–12: “The gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.”


In this sermon, we consider the uniqueness of Paul’s call and the divine authority of his message. Paul was not merely persuaded by other apostles, nor did he invent a gospel of his own. He received it directly from the risen Christ. This truth is vital for us today, because it means that the New Testament—together with the Old—is nothing less than the very Word of God.


📖 Main Themes:


Why Paul’s radical conversion proves the gospel’s divine origin


How Paul’s call echoes the prophets of the Old Testament


Why the Bible is absolutely unique as the Word of God


The danger of rejecting the apostolic message


The glory and weight of having God’s Word in our hands


✨ Whether you are a Christian seeking to deepen your confidence in Scripture, or someone curious about the authority of the Bible, this passage reminds us of the glory and seriousness of God’s Word.


📌 Key Text: Galatians 1:11–24


If this message encourages you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more Christ-centered preaching.


#Galatians #Sermon #BibleTeaching #Paul #Gospel #WordOfGod #ChristianFaith #Scripture #Preaching #jesuschrist"

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3 weeks ago
38 minutes 40 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Ecclesiastes 4:4-12 Labor and Loneliness (October 5, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"Sermon on Ecclesiastes 4:4–12 | “It Is Not Good for Man to Be Alone”


Work, success, and relationships—Solomon shows us how all of these can become meaningless when pursued apart from God. Success often stirs up envy in others. Laziness leads to ruin. Lonely labor leaves us empty. But the wisdom of God reminds us: “It is not good for man to be alone.”


In this sermon, we consider:


The vanity of labor driven by envy (vv. 4–6)


The emptiness of work without relationships (vv. 7–8)


The blessing of companionship in a world marked by sin (vv. 9–12)


How Christian fellowship provides the way forward


God has made us for community. From marriage to friendship to the communion of the saints, Scripture reminds us that two are better than one, and that a threefold cord is not quickly broken. As believers, we are called not to isolation but to fellowship, not to envy but to love, and not to empty striving but to shared joy in Christ.


✝️ May God grant us grace to labor together faithfully, rejoicing in the fellowship He has given us in Christ.


#Ecclesiastes #ChristianFellowship #Sermon #BibleTeaching #Gospel #CommunityInChrist #FaithAndWork"

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1 month ago
36 minutes 10 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Galatians 1:6-10 Cursed Are All Who Preach Another Gospel (October 5, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"In Galatians 1:6–10, the Apostle Paul issues one of the most serious warnings in all of Scripture: “If anyone preaches another gospel… let him be accursed.” This passage reminds us that not every teaching is equally important—unity is not worth it if the gospel itself is compromised.


In this sermon, we look at Paul’s amazement that the Galatians had already begun to turn from the true gospel, and his solemn curse on those who distort the good news of Christ. What is at stake? The central doctrine of justification by faith alone.


We’ll consider:


Why even apostolic churches (in Paul’s day!) could go astray.


Why justification by faith is the non-negotiable center of the gospel.


Why we must reject any teaching—whether from men, angels, or even whole churches—that adds to or alters the message of salvation by grace in Christ alone.


Why true servants of Christ must please God rather than man, even when the truth offends.


Paul’s sharpness here is not unloving—it is life-saving. The gospel is clear, it is given in the writings of the Apostles, and it must be received as God has delivered it. To alter it is to turn from Christ Himself.


📖 Text: Galatians 1:6–10

✝️ Theme: You must receive the gospel given in the New Testament.


#Galatians #AnotherGospel #JustificationByFaith #BibleSermon #ExpositoryPreaching #GospelTruth #FaithAlone #ChristAlone #reformedtheology"

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1 month ago
38 minutes 37 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 Injustice and Meaninglessness (September 28, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"One of the most common arguments raised against the existence of God is the problem of suffering: “If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow injustice?” But when we turn to Scripture—especially Ecclesiastes 4:1–3—we see that this argument actually backfires.


Without God, suffering and oppression can only lead to despair. If life is nothing more than “under the sun,” then Solomon’s conclusion is inescapable: the dead are better off than the living, and it would be better never to have been born. This is the hopelessness of atheism.


But the Bible gives us another perspective: God is the righteous Judge who will bring every deed into account (Eccl. 3:16–17). His judgment is not only terrifying to the wicked—it is also a comfort to the oppressed. And through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers are promised final vindication and everlasting life.


📖 In this sermon, we’ll see:


Why atheism cannot explain or resolve injustice


How Solomon uses suffering to expose the futility of life without God


Why God’s judgment is both fearful and comforting


How the resurrection of Christ gives ultimate meaning and hope in a world filled with suffering


The choice is clear: either deny God and embrace despair, or fear God, trust in Christ, and find hope that suffering will not have the last word.


🙏 May this message encourage you to look beyond life “under the sun” and to long for the day when Christ returns, injustice is judged, and every tear is wiped away.


👉 If this sermon helps you think biblically about suffering, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to encourage others.


#Ecclesiastes #Suffering #ProblemOfEvil #ChristianSermon #HopeInChrist"

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1 month ago
34 minutes 17 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Galatians 1:1-5 Defending the Gospel (September 28, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"In this opening message from our series on Galatians, we see that Paul’s greeting is much more than a formality—it is a preview of the gospel itself. Paul emphasizes that his apostleship comes not from man, but from Jesus Christ who rose from the dead. And the heart of his message is this: “Christ gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of God our Father, to whom be glory forever and ever.”


The letter to the Galatians is one of the clearest, strongest defenses of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here Paul proclaims the doctrine of justification by faith alone and insists that there can be no compromise. To lose this truth is to lose Christ himself.


In this sermon we consider:


Why Paul defends his apostleship so strongly


How the greeting previews the entire letter


The inseparable connection between Christ’s death and justification by faith


Why the gospel is not from man but from God himself


Galatians was central to the Protestant Reformation, and its message is no less urgent today as many seek to redefine or distort the gospel. Our hope and salvation rest in Christ alone, who gave himself for our sins and delivers us from this present evil age.


✝️ May God strengthen His church to hold fast to the gospel once for all delivered to the saints.


#Galatians #JustificationByFaith #Reformation #Sermon #BibleTeaching #Gospel #ChristianFaith"

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1 month ago
36 minutes 51 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Ecclesiastes 3:16-22 Two Ways of Thinking (September 21, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"In Ecclesiastes 3:16–22, Solomon lays out two radically different ways of thinking about life: one that denies God and sinks into meaninglessness, and one that recognizes God and finds true purpose. In a world full of injustice, your perspective on God will determine whether life is empty or eternally significant. Discover how rejecting God reduces humanity to mere beasts—and why only faith in Christ restores our true dignity and hope.


#Ecclesiastes #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #Sermon #GospelTruth #WisdomLiterature #GodsJudgment #FaithInChrist #MeaningOfLife #ChristianLiving"

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1 month ago
32 minutes 1 second

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Genesis 33:1-20 God, the God of Israel (September 21, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"Salvation is not earned—it is all of grace. In this sermon, we look at how Christ redefines greatness in His Kingdom and how the story of Jacob meeting Esau displays the astonishing reversal of God’s grace.


Jesus taught that the first shall be last, and the last shall be first. True greatness is not found in ruling over others but in serving, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.


Jacob’s life is a vivid illustration of this truth. Once a deceiver striving to grasp blessings by his own strength, Jacob is humbled, transformed, and brought to the end of himself. In his reconciliation with Esau, he bows, serves, and gives rather than takes—and in doing so, he finally shows the marks of grace. At last, Jacob confesses God as his God and worships Him: “El Elohe Israel—God, the God of Israel.”


📖 Main Texts: Genesis 33:1–20

📌 Theme: Salvation is of grace. True greatness is found in humble service.


#GraceAlone #JacobAndEsau #SalvationByGrace #GospelTruth #BiblicalSermon #ChristianTeaching #ReformedTheology #Genesis33 #ChristOurRansom #BiblePreaching #KingdomOfGod #FaithInChrist #SermonOnGrace #ExpositoryPreaching"

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1 month ago
31 minutes 56 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 Doing Good in This Life ( 14, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"Solomon teaches that when God is ignored, people do whatever seems right in their own eyes, leading to evil and meaninglessness. But when we recognize God’s sovereignty, our work and daily lives gain eternal significance. Everything has its proper time, and God has placed eternity in our hearts. By trusting Him and walking in His ways, we can rejoice, do good, and find true purpose in Christ. This message explores man’s work in time, God’s eternal work, and how all our labor connects to His divine plan.


Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 3:9–15


Hashtags:

#ChristianSermon #GodsSovereignty #Ecclesiastes #MeaningfulWork #DoGood #FaithAndWork #EternalPerspective #BiblicalTeaching"

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1 month ago
36 minutes 22 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Genesis 32:22-32 Wrestling with God (September 14, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"Genesis 32:22–32 | Wrestling with God — When Trials Lead Us to Prayer and Transformation


In this sermon, we dive into the climactic moment in Jacob’s life—the mysterious all-night wrestling match with God that marks his true conversion. After years of deceit and exile, Jacob faces his past and God’s grace in a powerful encounter that changes his name and identity forever.


We explore:


The significance of wrestling with God in prayer during life’s greatest trials


The identity of the “man” Jacob wrestled with — a prefiguration of Christ and the Angel of the LORD


The meaning behind Jacob’s new name, Israel, and what it teaches us about spiritual transformation


How this ancient story resonates with every believer’s struggle, surrender, and ultimate blessing in Christ


This narrative reminds us that true conversion comes not through human striving, but through persistent wrestling with God until we receive His blessing. Like Jacob, we are called to hold on to God in prayer, trusting in His grace to make us new creations.


If this message encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe for more Bible teachings and encouragement!


#Genesis32 #WrestlingWithGod #JacobAndGod #BibleSermon #ChristianTransformation #AngelOfTheLord #PreIncarnationChrist #SpiritualWrestling #PrayerAndFaith #ChristianLife #NewCreation #FaithJourney #GodsGrace #SermonSeries #BibleTeaching"

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1 month ago
34 minutes 54 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 A Time for Everything (September 7, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"In this sermon, we explore Ecclesiastes 3 and Solomon’s profound declaration: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”


We unpack how life finds true meaning only in light of God’s sovereignty. While life apart from God is vanity, recognizing His providential care gives purpose to every event—from birth to death, weeping to laughter, and even love and hate.


This message challenges us to:


Submit to God’s will in every season of life.


Recognize the moral duties embedded in God’s timing.


Conform our lives to Christ, the perfect example of obedience to God’s appointed plan.


Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Main Points:


God’s sovereignty over all things


The moral duties of His timing


Living in submission to God’s providence


#Ecclesiastes #Sermon #GodsSovereignty #ChristianLiving #Faith #BibleTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #Wisdom #ChristianSermon #GodsProvidence #Ecclesiastes3"

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1 month ago
30 minutes 23 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Genesis 32:1-21 Unworthy of the Blessings Received by Grace (September 7, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"Sermon Outline: Genesis 32:1-21 — Unworthy of the Blessings Received by Grace


Prop: God often brings us to our end to soften our hearts to the gospel.


Introduction:


Jacob’s story is a powerful conversion narrative revealing God’s sovereign grace.


Before doing good or bad, God’s election stands: “the older will serve the younger.”


Jacob seems unworthy through all his deception, raising the key question: When will Jacob truly worship God?


Jacob’s exile and return mirror Israel’s exile and restoration in Christ, the true “Way, Truth, and Life.”


Jacob’s Predicament:


Jacob flees Laban after deceit and conflict, then faces imminent threat from Esau, who still wants to kill him.


Jacob is vulnerable, trapped between fear and no escape—his back is against the wall.


Change of Disposition:


In deep distress, Jacob begins spiritual transformation, humbling himself before both Esau and God.


“Propitiation” means to turn away wrath — Jacob seeks to appease both his brother and God.


Like gold refined by fire, Jacob’s heart becomes malleable in God’s hands.


Jacob’s Plan to Propitiate Esau (vv. 3-8, 13-21):


First gift attempt confirms fear; Esau approaches with 400 men.


Jacob divides his camp, prepares gifts to appease Esau.


Though Esau should serve Jacob (older serving younger), Jacob humbles himself and submits.


True exaltation in God’s eyes comes through humility and service, not worldly status.


Jacob’s Plan to Propitiate God (vv. 1-2; 9-12):


Jacob sees angels, prays humbly to God, acknowledges unworthiness of God’s mercy.


After a life of striving and deception, Jacob rests fully on God’s grace and promises.


His petition is for deliverance from Esau, trusting only God’s power.


Conclusion — God’s Grace in the Gospel:


Salvation is sovereignly given and requires humility, the opposite of natural human pride.


God often brings us to our end so we might see our need for mercy.


We are all “unworthy of even the least blessing” and cannot propitiate God ourselves.


Christ’s humble obedience and sacrificial death is our true propitiation and hope.


Those who humble themselves and trust Christ are saved.


Hashtags:

#Genesis32 #GodsGrace #JacobStory #SovereignGrace #GospelHumility #ChristianHumility #Propitiation #ExaltedThroughHumility #FaithJourney #BibleSermon #ScriptureReflection #Messiah #ChristOurHope #SalvationByGrace #WrestlingWithGod #ExileAndReturn #TrustGod #SermonOutline #GospelTruth #ChristianTeaching"

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2 months ago
38 minutes 57 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 The Vanity of Toil (August 31, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

In this sermon, we explore Solomon’s sobering reflections on the vanity of all human labor apart from Christ. Life is full of weariness and frustration, and no matter how hard we work or what we build, death ultimately claims it all. Solomon shows how toil under the sun is filled with sorrow because what we labor for will be left to others—often to those who may squander it. Yet, amidst this seeming futility, there is hope and meaning found in fearing God and receiving His gifts with thanksgiving.


Key Themes:


The weariness and vanity of labor in a fallen world


How death renders all toil fleeting and often fruitless


The curse of working hard only to leave the fruits to another


The difference faith in God makes for meaning in life and work


Encouragement to find joy in God’s provision and to live for His eternal kingdom


Reflection Quote:

“I hate life, yet I am afraid to die.” — Voltaire (echoing Solomon’s honest struggle)


What you’ll learn:


Why all labor is ultimately “vanity” without God


How fearing God and keeping His commandments unlocks true meaning


The biblical perspective on work, rest, and eternal hope


How the wicked’s toil benefits the righteous in the life to come


Join us as we wrestle with life’s biggest questions and discover lasting hope in Christ.


#Ecclesiastes #BibleTeaching #ChristianSermon #BibleStudy #ExpositoryPreaching #VanityOfToil #MeaningOfLife"

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2 months ago
37 minutes 55 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Genesis 31:1-55 Jacob Flees Laban (August 31, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

In this sermon, we explore the gripping narrative of Jacob’s return from exile and God’s merciful preservation of His undeserving elect. Despite Jacob’s ongoing deceit and struggle, God’s faithfulness remains steadfast, protecting and guiding him back to the promised land.


Key themes include:


The tension of Jacob still not fully owning God as his own, even after God’s promise (Genesis 31:42, 53)


God’s providential removal of Laban’s household as a refuge, pushing Jacob toward grace and dependence on Him


The ongoing pattern of deceit between Jacob and Laban, showing human weakness contrasted with divine mercy


God’s intervention protecting Jacob from harm despite his unworthiness


Rachel’s theft of Laban’s idols as a subtle mockery of false gods and a reminder that salvation belongs to the one true God


The covenant between Jacob and Laban marking a turning point—Jacob is caught between enemies but under God’s care


Application: How God often humbles us through trials to reveal our need for His grace, just as He did with Jacob


This passage reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient for undeserving sinners and that He will go to any lengths to save His elect, even while they are still far from Him. May we, like Jacob, come to see the wonder of God’s mercy in our own lives.


“It was good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.” — Psalm 119:71"

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2 months ago
37 minutes 46 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 The Vanity of Wisdom and Folly (August 24, 2025 PM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"""How the wise dies just like the fool!”


In this sobering passage, Solomon considers whether wisdom—so highly prized by the world—can provide lasting meaning in life. He concedes that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. Yet both the wise and the foolish face the same end: death. Both are forgotten in time. So what lasting advantage is there to even the best-ordered life lived “under the sun”?


This message explores Solomon’s reflections on the futility of human wisdom when divorced from the fear of the Lord. Drawing connections with Genesis 3 and the effects of the Fall, we see that all human striving—whether in pleasure or prudence—is subject to the curse of vanity.


But there is a wisdom that transcends this world: the wisdom that begins with the fear of God and finds its fulfillment in Christ. He is the Wisdom of God, the One who gives eternal life to all who trust in Him.


Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 2:12–17

Theme: Worldly wisdom cannot escape the vanity of death.

Key Verse: “What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” (Ecclesiastes 2:15)


🔔 Subscribe for more sermons that bring God’s Word to bear on the brokenness of life under the sun and point to the hope that is found in Christ alone.


#Ecclesiastes #Wisdom #Vanity #FearOfTheLord #GospelHope #ExpositoryPreaching"

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2 months ago
31 minutes 47 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Genesis 30:25-43 God's Surprising Blessing (August 24, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"How is it that God often blesses us even through means that are unwise, sinful, or seemingly foolish? In this message, we explore Jacob’s strange and morally murky path to prosperity while serving Laban. This passage shows us that God works through sinful means to accomplish His holy ends.


Jacob’s peculiar breeding practices, Laban’s deception, and the ongoing competition between the two men create a chaotic backdrop—but behind it all stands the sovereign grace of God. Jacob's wealth does not come from his own wisdom or skill. In fact, his methods are laughable by any standard. And yet, God blesses him anyway—not because of Jacob, but in spite of him.


In this sermon, we consider:

🔹 Jacob’s flawed plan and Laban’s manipulative countermeasures

🔹 Why Jacob’s actions appear foolish—even to ancient interpreters

🔹 How God used this absurdity to magnify His providence and grace

🔹 The danger of trying to earn divine favor through human effort

🔹 How this story points us to salvation by grace alone in Christ


The foolishness of Jacob's actions becomes the perfect stage for the glory of God's grace. Likewise, the gospel reminds us that we cannot earn our salvation through cleverness or effort—it must be received as an unearned gift."

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2 months ago
35 minutes 19 seconds

New Covenant OPC Sermon Podcast
Sermons from New Covenant OPC in South San Francisco from Pastor Michael Grasso. For more information visit newcovenantopc.com.