A GRACE STORY : PERSECUTOR TO PREACHER | Colin D Cruz

This message was preached by  Colin D cruz at Word of Grace Church  Pune, on the 22nd of June 2014 . You can listen/download to the audio by clicking here

There are 2 religions in the world. First one says, do and the second one says, done! Which one do you follow? 

Why did God save you? Why you and not someone else?Is it because you are better, smarter, etc? When these thoughts come, shoot it down.

We are here because He had mercy and unconditional love. But when we look at God’s word, we see that He chooses all kinds of people to demonstrate His grace.

Q. What does the grace of God really mean?

This story is of a man who was part of a murderous gang who actually murdered someone. Last week, we saw Stephen’s life and how these people killed him.

We begin today, the story from Acts 7:58 “Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.” This frenzied mob killed Stephen who forgave them for what they did.This is the power of the Christian gospel. We can pray- do not hold anything against these people.

The early Christians were martyred by being fed to the lions, burnt at the stakes, and all kinds of gruesome acts of torture and murder. But the Roman Emperor realized that nothing was changing them.

Acts 8:1- the church was scattered. Only the Apostles were left in Jerusalem. We see the hand of God even in the persecution. They went out to Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

Acts 9:1- Saul was breathing murderous threats and was arresting the Christians. He was against the Christians. He seemed like a hopeless case. There are a lot of people like that. But God is in control. Saul was on the way to Damascus when he encountered Jesus in a bright light saying, “Why are you persecuting me?” When you touch the body of Christ, you touch the creator. That’s our security and assurance- that we belong to Christ’s body.

Acts 9:7- Saul was struck by blindness- an amazing super natural intervention by God. And for 3 days he was on a forced fast. And then he went to Damascus where an ordinary disciple named Ananias heard from God to go to Straight Street and to place his hands on Saul, pray for him and restore his sight. His response was that he is an anti-Christian person- are you serious? But He obeyed God and went and placed

God said that this man is my chosen instrument- for taking His word to the gentiles, their kings and before the people of Israel-  Acts 9:15- 16. 

The moment Ananias prayed over him, and something like scales fell off his eyes. At this point, Saul did not eat or drink anything for 3 days. What would you do in that situation? But Saul got up and was first baptized. Then he ate and regained his strength.

And what did he do next? Acts 9: 20- “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God”. People who heard him were astonished that someone who persecuted Christians is now preaching the gospel that Jesus is the Christ.

       

No matter how big is our sin, no matter how much we’ve done, Jesus’ blood is more powerful. He can forgive us and make us new people. That’s the power of His blood. The response of John Newton to God’s grace- the song Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. Even when we sin grievously, God is able to save and change.

God is much bigger than your sin and has the power to cleanse every sin. Either we pay for our sins in hell forever, or we accept Jesus’ sacrifice as payment for our sin. 

There are 2 religions in the world. First one says, do and the second one says, done! All religions in the world come under the first one. 

Jesus’ followers follow the second one. This says, you can’t do anything and all your works are filthy, dirty rags, it is contaminated with sin and a Holy God can’t accept it. But Jesus is God who loved us so much that he came to the earth and lived a sinless life and died on the cross and rose again from the dead! It is finished on the cross and what he wants us to do is to look at him and believe. When we do this, an encounter with God happens that brings about transformation.

Saul became from a persecutor to preacher of the Christian faith. God’s grace is Big! So what did Saul do after being saved?

1.   The first thing mentioned about Saul after being saved is that he was praying. Once we believe in Jesus, we are no longer in a religion but a relationship and relationships thrive on communication. Prayer is our communication.

2.   The second this is that he was filled with the Holy Spirit. We need more of the Spirit in our lives.

3.   He was baptized! Baptism in water is a sign that you are truly saved where you declare to the powers and principalities, to your family, and everyone else that you follow Jesus.

4.   He wasn’t a lone ranger- He spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. He attached himself to a family of believers. It’s so important that we belong to a local expression of the body of Christ. He joined the other believers with humility.

5.   The next thing was that he started preaching. He did not take his salvation for granted. His focus was on advancing the kingdom. In 1 Timothy 1:15 Paul writing to Timothy says this- “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst.” Paul acknowledged that he is a sinner. He was one of the main apostles. But Paul’s life was an example for us.   

 

God has saved us for a purpose. All around us, people don’t know right from wrong and follow all kinds of teaching. We are not superior to anyone else. We’ve been chosen because God had mercy on us. So the gospel needs to be preached. Once we die or they do, it’s too late. As we look at this portrait of grace in Paul’s life. It’s His grace working in us. We are not comparing or competing with one another. His grace is demonstrated in our lives. There is a needy world out there, so it is my prayer that each one of us becomes a pro claimer of the Gospel.  

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.

     Please check google maps for directions!

The real man - a message on Father's Day | Colin D 'Cruz

This message was preached by  Colin D cruz at Word of Grace Church  Pune, on the 15th of June 2014 . You can listen/download to the audio by clicking here

Today is father’s day. Last week ended where the church began, in the book of Acts 2:42-44. This new band of believers dedicated themselves to 4 things and God’s favor was upon them.

Acts 6 the gospel is spreading rapidly but its not rosy.

Lots of people means lots of troubles as well. The disciples are increasing. Food was a cause of fights. They now choose 7 men to sort this out. What were the criteria? They needed to be full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit. What they did was not glamorous but godly and the result was that the Word of God spread rapidly.

Let’s look at Stephen’s life and see what we can learn from him. What does a real man look like? Today we see advertisements that tell you what you should think a real man should look at : based on what he wears, drives, smokes , drunks etc. Ed Cole says that you are “Male by birth but man by choice”

So Stephen served at tables and preached at the synagogue. These people could not contend with him so they slandered him. He is arrested and he speaks – recapping the history of the Jews. But the priests were so insecure that they accused him of blaspheming.

He was taken to be stoned to death and he did not react but forgave them. He died but went to spend eternity with Jesus.

What can we learn?

1 He was full of faith in the Word and in Jesus. Acts 6:5 where did his faith come from? From, the Word of God. How do we know this? Acts 6:9-10 Stephen knew the word and preached it. In chapter 7 he preaches this long message. He knew his scriptures. He was full of signs and wonders,. Verser8 He did miraculous signs and wonders. To be full of faith you must be full of the Word. Are you faithful with your quiet time? He believed in Jesus and he proclaimed this to the people.

2. He was a man full of the Holy Spirit. His preaching was anointed. We talk about it till today. Acts 1:8. The power is for us to be his witness. A sign that you are filled with the Holy Spirit is that you cannot stop talking about Jesus.

Acts 6:15 His entire appearance changed. His face was look like that of an angel. Another person like this was Moses. God was validating what Stephen was saying.

2 Cor 2:3-18 when we focus on glorifying God we are transformed. AS we spend time in His presence courage you to worship and spend time with God.

3.He was a man full of wisdom. Acts 6:3, He refuted all arguments (6:10) . The Holy Spirit will give us wisdom – for our work, different situations to share wisdom. Stephen’s wisdom was used to administrate food to the widows. James 3:17 wisdom that comes from above is pure, peaceful, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good frit, impartial and sincere”

4. Stephen was full of God’s grace and power. What does that mean? He chose waiting on tables. When you are full of the grace of God serving in any capacity is an honor and a privilege.

5. Stephen not only served but he also sacrificed his very life. He was willing to sacrifice his life rather than compromise.

Fathers should sacrifice for their wife and children.

2 Cor8:7 “… see that you excel in the grace of giving” we may not have to lay down our lives but we are called to serve.

He was forgiving (v59) “Lord do not hold this sin against them” When we receive grace we are able to forgive and extend understanding.

6. Full of God’s power Acts 6:8. The power comes as we step out in faith.

He was a man of prayer – even in his dying moments he uttered a prayer. A godly man will be a man 0f prayer

What was the effect of Stephen’s prayer? The bible does not record how many to came to faith because of Stephen. His ministry was short. The effect of a man’s ministry is not dependent on the length on days but on the impact on people’s lives.

However there was someone who was a part of his martyrdom i.e. Saul, the Apostle Paul

Now Jerusalem is saturated with the gospel. But it was Stephen’s death that was the trigger to the church being scattered to Judea, Samaria and the beyond.

Do we want to be like Stephen? This is applicable to men and women alike.

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.

     Please check google maps for directions!

Birth by wind and fire | Colin D cruz

This message was preached by  Colin D cruz at Word of Grace Church  Pune, on the 8th of June 2014 . You can listen/download to the audio by clicking here

Its good to know where are heading as a company of people. We often use the word Church very loosely. Church is a company of people and not a building.

Acts chapter 1&2

In Acts 1 Jesus appears to his disciples. He wore the Victors crown. Verse3 – He appeared to them for 40 days. Jesus gave the one command to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit.

Verse14 There were 120 people who gathered together for prayer.

Chapter 2:1-2 suddenly a violent wind blew and tongues of fire fell upon 120 people and the church was birthed.

Verse14. Then Peter stand up and explains what is happening from the book of Joel.

So what do we learn from here? This is the blueprint of the early church.

1. As a church we are called to be a people of the Spirit. On that day 3000 were saved!!! Ephesians 5 encourages us to be filled with the gifts of the Holy spirit. Jesus said apart from me you can do nothing. Jesus was filled and was led by the Spirit he healed the people.

Without God’s Spirit we can’t do anything. We need more and more of his spirit.

As the spirit was poured out great things happen- miraculous signs and wonders took place.

2. We need to be a people of the WORD. Peter stood up and quoted Joel. Acts 2:42-  devoted to the Apostles teaching. We need to feed on the word of God. It is crucial to our Spiritual growth.

1Peter 1:23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

We are born again through the Word of God and we live by the Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Do you have a regular quiet time? Do you have a reading plan? We need to meet Jesus on a regular basis. We take other opportunities to feed ourselves. We have arranged Solid Food, IDT etc for you. The Sunday preaching of half an hour a week is not enough to nourish your spirit. You have a responsibility to feed yourself.

So we need to be people of the word and the Spirit.

3. Prayer – The early church were a prayerful people. We have so much going on, on social apps but no time for prayer.

Acts4:31- while they were praying they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke boldly. Is prayer a priority in our lives?

4. Fellowship – They were a people of fellowship, partnership and relationship. Christianity is a religion of relationship with god and with one another. We become brothers and sisters. It is a supernatural bond.

Verse 46 tells us that they devoted themselves – they met every day!!! They ate, prayed, and broke bread. Take every opportunity to grow in fellowship. Let’s grow in hospitality and opening up our homes. We share life together. It’s also partnering together in the purposes of God. At the end of the day we want to see the kingdom advance. So it’s not a focus on ourselves but to see how we can do what God has called us to do.  Each one of us has a role to play. God has given us gifts, the Word of God, one another and the Holy Spirit.

V44. They shared. They helped each other. As you meet and eat you will realize that people have needs and God will use you to care and share.

So let’s be full of the spirit and the Word, committed to fellowship and one another. As we do this you will grow and the church will grow.

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.

     Please check google maps for directions!

Has your wine run out | Colin D Cruz

This message was preached by  Colin D cruz at Word of Grace Church  Pune, on the 1st of June 2014 . You can listen/download to the audio by clicking here

One of the worst nightmare one could have is that food runs out at a wedding. It happened to a friend of mine because all his friends, even the ones not invited decided they wanted to be a part of the celebrations!!











Well have a  similar story that happened 2000+ years ago and is recorded in John chapter 2 - the famous wedding feast of Cana.  Weddings are a happy day in most cultures- the bridal couple have their day in the sun!Celebrations are always elaborate and last a few days in rural settings. Now here is a wedding and what makes it different from other weddings is this - they have run out of wine! Jesus and his disciples are at the wedding too.Jesus has just embarked upon his ministry. Maybe he was related to the bridal couple which is why Mary might have been involved in the supervision of the catering and the guests. That is how she probably knew about this embarrassing situation, that the wine had run out.
this family faced a crises.

Are we facing a crises of some sort in our life? Has our wine run out? We all have different situation were our wine could have run out. Maybe is a health issue, finance, a work situation, relationships issues, infertility etc.

So Mary comes to Jesus with this problem and Jesus' response and form of address is very strange. He was not being disrespectful but he was establishing a change in their relationship. His ministry had just begun.

So what should we do when our wine runs out?
We try and do things on our own. The best advice is to "do what he tells you to do"

Matt 6:33-37.  This is the key and its a powerful verse. When we seek God's kingdom first everything falls in place.
What does this mean? Put God first, get rightly related with God and the church.
Breakthrough comes when we faithfully seek God's kingdom.

So the wine has run out! Jesus tell them to fills the jars that are used for ceremonial washing. The servants could have rejected the instructions. Sometimes Jesus asks you do illogical things.
We all have situations where the wine has run out. We should just obey God. We might not see  results immediately.Elijah prayed several times for rain. The question is will we believe God and continue to obey him in the waiting.
This is the first miracle that Jesus did and here he demonstrates that he is the Lord of all creation.

Its an opportunity for Jesus to reveal His glory. The ceremonial jars were a part of the Old Covenant. Jesus was saying , I'm done with the Old covenant. Now His blood cleanses us and gives us new life.

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log ontowww.wordofgracechurch.org.

    English Language Service Sundays at 10am. Please check google maps for directions!