Casting off- again| Mark Jones

This message was preached by   Mark Jones at Word of Grace Church  Pune, on the 20th of July, 2014. You can listen/download to the audioby clicking here

God wants to give us a miraculous catch in waters we have already fished in. we do not put confidence in the outcome but in God. We need to look at his face and not his hands.

Luke 5- Jesus was preaching in the temple and read that famous passage from Is 61. Jesus was challenging their views on the prophets.

Beginning something is very difficult. Getting momentum is hard whether it’s a book, job, diet, etc.

Jesus was moving through the land and see people being healed. Jesus knew he was not a one man band and gathered people who will establish local churches across the land.

Jesus knew what he was doing and we see that in Luke 5. He did not come to build the community out of the old one. He was challenging their view of the prophets. This upset people. Just as they rejected the prophets, they were rejecting him. There was no place for old wineskins. What was coming was far greater than what was before. The kingdom of God is advancing and like a fermented wine.

This is a new dynamic time and God is doing a growing fermentation. Don’t look back to the older days. Don’t look back but look forward to what God is fermenting here. I’m not saying the past is not important. Isaiah built memorials for God’s faithfulness. That is not old wineskin but celebrating the future. It’s time to become flexible.

Luke 6: rock and sand. Hear the word of the Lord. A new wineskin is established in the word of the Lord. There is a historic document that must be established. We don’t throw that out. Always establish on the word and not on culture. Don’t try and be culturally relevant and lose out on the word. Don’t build on traditions or sentiment- get caught up with things that are not important. The word of God stands for all times.

Jesus came to some very discouraged fishermen. That was his focus and not the crowds. Jesus knew what he was about.

Jesus went out on the boat with Peter. He wanted time with Peter. God knows each one of us. Jesus wanted Peter to experience something great because he was going to do something great with him.

God also breaks into our ordinary life- into his boat- school, college, work, etc. That’s where God breaks in. God has gifts to be used in the world place.

This was a prime moment for a miracle- when we have done everything and want to give up. What happens when you run out of steam? It’s at that point God says, “I have got you where I want you.”

This is the time God moves in and breaks in. it’s better when we are weak, we get there quicker. When Jesus asks Peter to put back out to sea. These men were alert for opportunity. Be ready in season and out of season. They took their nets with them. They were ready. Are you ready? Are you off somewhere else because you are tired of waiting? Let God know where you are. Despondency can lead you to retreat.

Peter was already marked out. Wonder what conversation Jesus and Peter had.

The call of God does not come in with a C.V. The call of God is defined by how you live your life.

The catch!

Jesus sends them back to the same place. The strategy is right. Let your nets down again. Do it. The breakthrough will come. Will you keep fishing in the place God has called you? Jackie Pullings did not have fruit for 5 years and now 100s are getting saved.

God wants to partner with this church for miracles. You will see great fruit. It’s time. Put your nets down again. Notice Peter encountered God like Isaiah.

The sovereign power of God convinces people. We should ask for an outpouring of His spirit. We need to spend more time praying that strategizing.

Then the commission came- I will make you fishers of men. Later 3000 get saved. God is calling us to partner with him for a day of power. Miracles to authenticate the preaching 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.

Salt and Light | George Chow

This message was preached by  George Chow at Word of Grace Church  Pune, on the 13th of July, 2014. You can listen/download to the audioby clicking here

Have you been in a situation where the light suddenly went out? Have you been in a restaurant where there is not enough salt?

Jesus said some wonderful things about salt and light.

Matt 5:13- 16

Salt- Sodium Chloride- NaCl

Salt is one of the most abundant minerals. It’s one of the most stable compound- dependable, trustworthy. Salt was a mode of money ‘you are salt’- you are valuable, precious, amazing.

Q. What can salt do? There are 14000 uses of salt. Preservative, medicinal, seasoning… we are useful.

We prevent decay and protect. That’s how we should be. Medicinal- it has healing power. We are to be healers of people. Jesus wants us to be in and among the people- we make life interesting. It enhances life, doesn’t change life. We bring out the natural flavour of people.

In Col 4:5- 6 it says “seasoned with salt”. What does that mean? It tastes good and satisfying.

·       It’s a cleansing agent- just like Jesus changes us.

·       Change agent- we are the accelerant for people to know Jesus.

·       Pest control- weeds, ants, etc.

·       Peace keeper- sprinkle salt on grease fire. Salt helps reduce conflict because it melts the walls and brings reconciliation. Mark 9:50 says “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

2 Kings 2:19- 21 Elisha uses salt to clean the springs.

Q. What is light? Radiant energy, visible, fast…

What is it used for?

Reveals dirt; health- vitamin D, lasers, gives hope- lighthouse, speaks truth.

C.S. Lewis quote- “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

The harsh reality is that we are in a bad condition- India has 1 billion unsaved. So how can we be salt and light in this country?  

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.

Is Jesus in your storm | Austin Kudalkar

This message was preached by  Austin Kudalkar at Word of Grace Church  Pune, on the 6th of July, 2014. You can listen/download to the audio by clicking here

Have you ever faced a desperate situation? If Jesus had not intervened your life would have been miserable. 







My father was critically ill last year. We went through rough times. We struggled financially. People from the church stood with s God calmed the storm and rescued my dad from death.

Even the disciples went through struggle and danger. In Mark 4:1- Jesus had taught them many parables. In the evening they went to the other side of the lake.

As they were sailing he fell off to sleep. He must have been very tired.

Without warning, a furious storm came and nearly sunk the boat. The disciples panicked- they were anxious and they were calling out to Jesus. He awoke and calmed the storm. The disciples asked him, “Don’t you care?” Jesus calmed the storm with one word and the storms subsided.

Jesus asked the disciples why they had no faith. The disciples could not figure him out that the wind and waves obey him.

The disciples had witnessed many miracles:

Mark 1:25- the demon possessed man was delivered; 1:30-34: Simon’s mother in law was healed; 1:40- man with leprosy was healed; 2:5- the paralytic; 3:5- shriveled hand healed. The disciples saw the impossible happen.

Q. What can we learn about the Lord Jesus?

He has supreme authority. Hebrews 1: 3 says that “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” He is the creator and sustainer of all things. Col 1: 16- “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

Q. What do we learn from the disciples?

They were fearful, had negative thought. They doubted Jesus inspite of seeing the miracles.

1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”Philippians 4:6 says do not be anxious about anything. So if you are anxious, you run, cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.

God is concerned for his disciples- his people. He rescues them from the storm. God rescued Daniel and his 3 friends. God shuts the lion’s mouth. What about David and Goliath? God protects and rescues us. He knows our weakness.

Q. So what does God want from us?

He wants us to be still, to trust in Him and not doubt Him. He assures us in Hebrews 13: 5:6- “never will I leave you, never will I forsake you”. What will man do to you?

Remember the miracles he has done in the past in your lives and in that of your friends.

Q. How do we apply this?

·       Believe He is the creator

·       Trust Him in all situations

·       You may be facing challenges with finances, job, barrenness, life-partner, etc. do not fear. Be faithful, trust in him and God will come through for you.

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!

  

Fire or Ice ? | Colin DCruz

This message was preached by  Colin D cruz at Word of Grace Church  Pune, on the 29th of June 2014 . You can listen/download to the audio by clicking here

The monsoons have been delayed and people are beginning to panic. If the rains get delayed further, what do you think will happen? What if it is delayed for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months , 1 year?

In Israel they had no rain for 3.5 years. The King went around looking for water. It was desperate. We’ll look at an Old Testament Story. (Rom15:4) They were written for a purpose. What happened in 900BC was written so that we will be encouraged and have hope.

1Kings 17

Elijah is introduced out of the blue. Elijah prophecies that there will be no rain till he says o. Ahab realized that as the rain didn’t come after 2 years and he is very upset.

The background to this story is this – During the rule of King David there was peace in the land. Then King Solomon came on the throne and things were still ok. It’s after Solomon that the kingdom split into Israel and Judah. They were on the decline. Ahab was king of the north (1Kings 16:31). He worshipped Baal. He married Jezebel who brought all her idols along with her and the whole nation is affected. The Bible records him as the most evil man that ever lived.

1Kings 18:2

Obadiah and Ahab are looking for water. Elijah is hiding by a brook (the irony) and was being fed by ravens. When the brook dries up God send him to this widows house that has nothing but a little flour and oil. An amazing miracle happens- the jar of oil and flour never runs out till the rain comes.

Elijah now wants to meet Ahab (18:16).

Verse 18 Elijah speaks up to the King who worshipped Baal and Ashtoreth – the Gods of immorality, of lightening, thunder and rain!!!

Elijah challenges Ahab and Jezebel 400 prophets of Baal. Be careful whom you marry. Ahab brings the 400 prophets to Mt Carmel and the people come too.

V21 the people are expectant. Elijah rebukes the people for wavering in their faith but they said nothing! Israel’s started off well but now they were indifferent to Elijah’s rebuke.

You can’t have your legs in tow boats. It will destroy you.

V25 So the sacrifice is prepared and they called on the name of Baal the whole day. They danced in frenzy. Elijah taunts them. Evening came and nothing happened.

Elijah showed the people that these idols could do nothing.

 V32  In the evening Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord. /he put 12 stones on them. He reminded them who they are. They forgot their identity and destiny. God called them Israel i.e. Prince with God.

Then he digs a trench around the altar big enough to hold 15 liters of water. He puts water on the wooed and sacrifices. They did this 3 times and the trench was full (imagine doing that in a time of severe drought!) Elijah is making sure that when the fire comes it has to be a super natural event.

V36 Elijah prayer “ God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel” ( not Jacob). He was in tune with God – he was doing God’s bidding. And fire fell from heaven and it burnt the wood, offering, trench and stones.

V39 the people whose hearts were luke-warm we now warmed again. The prophets of Baal were killed. This is a true story. No matter how technologically advanced we are we still need God to send the rain. He is almighty.

God was showing his people you need to depend on me. God will do what he wants to do to get his people in line ( Heb 12:7)He loves his people.

Elijah placed a challenge before the people i.e God or Baal.

Joshua placed the same challenge. God is sovereign over our lives. We can become luke-warm. God hates it. Rev 3:17

We need to check ourselves – are we on fire like ?Elijah or have we gone cold as ice like Israel who were distracted with other things and  think that all is well because we have  material prosperity?

That is dangerous. Are we passionate about the kingdom? Let the Holy Spirit examine our hearts. We can miss out on what God has for us.

James 5:17-18 tells us that Elijah was a man just like us. Our prayers can be powerful and effective. If we pray God can do amazing things.

Our hope is in God. We need to test our hearts and there is power in prayer. As we do this we will see the power of God poured out on our nation.

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!