James - Faith in Action - Part 1

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on October 26th 2025, by Navaz. For the audio & video, please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

Finding Joy in Trials: A Reflection on James Chapter 1

Introduction

The Book of James is one of the earliest writings in the New Testament—possibly penned around 48–50 AD by James, the half-brother of Jesus. Though he initially doubted Jesus, James became a pillar of the early church after the resurrection and was ultimately martyred for his faith.

James writes not to a single church but to “the twelve tribes scattered abroad,” offering timeless wisdom on how faith becomes visible through our actions. His words echo both the Sermon on the Mount and the Book of Proverbs, calling believers to live out their faith in everyday life.

Among its many themes—wisdom, obedience, humility, prayer, and endurance—James opens with one of the hardest lessons for any believer: finding joy in trials.

“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
— James 1:2–3

Understanding Suffering

Suffering is not an accident. It’s not meaningless. As followers of Christ, our trials serve a divine purpose—to refine, not to destroy us.

Suffering stretches us beyond comfort, revealing what we truly believe. As commentator David Guzik notes, “Faith is tested through trials, not produced by them.”

Suffering can take many forms—physical, emotional, or spiritual—and every person’s pain looks different. But God uses each circumstance to mature us in faith and character.

How the World Sees Suffering

Different worldviews interpret suffering in ways that often distort God’s truth:

• Docetic: Denies pain altogether—“It’s just an illusion.”
• Stoic: Suppresses emotion—“Be strong, don’t feel.”
• Hedonist: Escapes through pleasure—“Avoid pain at all costs.”
• Cynic: Despairs—“Life is random and meaningless.”
• Moralist: Treats life as a transaction—“Good deeds should earn blessings.”

Even within the church, we sometimes adopt these distorted perspectives—moralism, legalism, or prosperity teaching—all of which put performance above grace. But God’s favor cannot be earned; it is freely given through Christ.

A Biblical View of Suffering

Scripture reveals suffering as redemptive. It doesn’t come from God’s cruelty but from living in a fallen world. The story of redemption begins in Genesis 3 and culminates at the Cross—where Jesus, the suffering servant, bore our pain and turned the enemy’s weapon into the very means of victory.

“He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows.” — Isaiah 53

The Bible is honest about human pain. The Psalms, Job, and Lamentations express raw, real emotion. Jesus Himself wept. Grief is not disbelief—it’s evidence of love and longing for God’s restoration.

Why Do Christians Suffer?

The Bible provides several frameworks for understanding suffering:

1. Retributive: Consequences of sin (seen in the Old Testament). Yet Jesus clarifies in John 9:1–3 that not all suffering is due to personal sin—it can also serve to reveal God’s glory.
2. Remedial: Loving correction (Hebrews 12). God disciplines us not out of wrath, but love—to heal and refine.
3. Expiatory: Substitutionary suffering. Jesus bore the ultimate punishment for sin in our place (Isaiah 53; 1 John 2:2).
4. Eschatological: Present pain points to future glory (Romans 8:18). Suffering doesn’t have the final word—resurrection does.

Sometimes, the only answer to our pain is not an explanation but the presence of God Himself—just as Job discovered.

The Necessity of Suffering

We live in the tension of the “now and not yet.” Sin’s effects still linger, but Christ’s victory is sure.

Suffering tests our faith (James 1:2), builds compassion (2 Cor. 1:3–5), humbles us (2 Cor. 12), and confirms our identity as children of God (Heb. 12).

As Tim Keller wrote, “Christ did not suffer so that we would never suffer, but so that when we suffer, we could be like Him.”

Suffering refines us like fire refines gold. It exposes idols and deepens our dependence on grace. As Sinclair Ferguson said, “In glory, we will be recognizable only in that we will see each other inside out—what Christ was working out in our lives.”

The Christian Response

God is sovereign, loving, and never out of control. He does not delight in our pain, but He allows it to shape us for eternity.

The question is not “Why is this happening?” but “Will I remain in love with Jesus through it all?”

The Christian journey is not all gloom—it is marked by both joy and sorrow, both cross and crown. True wisdom is learning to see trials through God’s eyes.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” — James 1:5

Those who persevere will receive “the crown of life” promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).

So take heart—your trial is not wasted. God is completing His good work in you (Philippians 1:6).

Suffering may be part of the story, but it’s never the whole story. Grace, joy, and eternal glory await those who endure.

“Suffering is a bridge to glory.” — R.C. Sproul

 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 has 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.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Maturing on the Move: From Shallow Faith to Deep Roots

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on October 12th 2025 by Lasya. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

Maturing on the Move: From Shallow Faith to Deep Roots

A Journalist goes to this famous hospital and asks - are there any big men who were born here? And the nurse answers, no sir, only babies are born here.

We all come into the kingdom born again as babies, regardless of age. And just as in the natural, we go through the stages of growth -

1. Infants: 1 Peter 2:2 “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation”

2. Children: Eph 4:14 “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and from by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes”

3. Young men and women 1 John 2: 14 “I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”

4. Mature manhood / womanhood - Hebrews 5:13 “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Maturity is the ability to prioritize values over impulses.” Stephen Covey. 

Just as in the natural, no stage is bad and everyone’s journey is different. But the will of God for us is that we are moving towards maturity. If we want to say like Paul did, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.(2 Tim 4:7), we need a mature faith. 

What does it mean to mature? It is not a measure of age/ success/ position/ stature… Eph 4:13 “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Maturity means to look like Jesus. 

How do we do that? 

Hebrews 12: 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1. Perspective - “since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” The Big picture! We are not alone. God, in eternity past, created us to look like him - made us in his image. But the fall separates us when we are out of relationship with God, we have a distorted image of who we are to become. And since then he has been choosing for himself, who can display God to the world. These are the carriers of God’s presence and by faith they have inherited these promises of God from one generation to the next. You and I are Abraham’s promised children, Jacob’s holy nation, Moses’ redeemed people.

The word witnesses here does not mean spectators in a race; it comes from the root word martyrs and it means those who have borne testimony with their blood. So we see their lives of faith and their testimony as an encouragement for our race. illustration: Copernicus discovering that the sun is the center of the galaxy. We are not the superstars that they've come to cheer for. They have passed on something of great value, that they paid with their lives of faith, and we receive and run with it in humility.

Application: Study the scriptures, study their walk of faith. 

Its great to have all these online resources, but what we need is not more guides, we need fathers and mothers. Find faithful fathers and mothers in your own life whose walk you can emulate. Phil 3: 17 “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us”. Do you have anyone in your life that walks according to the example of scripture that you can emulate. Can you give yourself to be mentored by them? For those of us who are older, can we look out for someone to pass on our faith to? 

2. Preparation: Any athlete prepares before running the race. The preparation for us is let us also lay aside / throw off: 

1. Every weight/ encumbrance: They are simply things you and I are not meant to carry. They are doctrines, patterns of thinking and belief systems that we are not meant to carry. This was Jesus’ problem with the Pharisees. They placed a yoke on people which is more than what the law required. Weights I’ve had to throw off - perfectionism, acceptance based on performance, my past sinful self. These are dead weights that get heavy the longer you carry them. Trekking with rocks in the backpack. But Jesus promises that His yoke is easy, his burden is light. How do we identify what is a weight in our life? The word of God, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Application: What are some weights in your life? What is in your backpack that needs to be thrown out. (get with the Holy Spirit and ask to identify and replace them with the truth that sets us free)

2. and sin which clings so closely - Some sins have a short rope - addiction to drugs, alcohol, pornography. Get it out now or you won't be able to run. Some sins have a long, long rope… means it’ll let us run for a while before it trips us up - pride, arrogance, a grumbling heart. Some sins are generational - they are long enough to bind generations of people, and unless you deal with them through spiritual deliverance, you will simply pass them on to the next gen. Sins are chains, because they enslave us to the enemy. Grace helps us say no to sin. How do we throw off sin? We pray and fast and replace it with healthy practices. Application: What sins is the Holy Spirit bringing up in your heart. Don't push it aside, deal with it.  

3. Participation: Let’s run the race marked out for us! If we stopped with preparation, Christianity is no different from a spiritual self-help group. 

1. Run…difference between the athlete and the audience. It means obeying God and doing the good works that have been set aside for us. When Jesus called his disciples, he did not gather them to set up a study circle and teach about the kingdom of God… he taught on the go. Illustration: internship vs. classroom teaching. If you are a follower, an intern, an apprentice of Jesus, you are to move with him from day 1. Has Jesus retired? No he is alive and active - he is saving, healing, delivering, setting free… What are we doing? Are you too young to run? Look at the disciples - teenagers who were sent out to heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead. Be strong and courageous! Are you too old? Reignite your first love… do the things you did at first. 

2. the race marked out for you: there is a path of obedience for you and I to walk today. There is a space for you to show up as your authentic self and use your specific set of gifts God has given you. Running someone else’s race leads to unhealthy competition. Application: Do you know what your race is? What is your race to run today? 

4. Perseverance: not only do we need to enter the race, but endure it. Passion alone will burn us out. We run with endurance - we need endurance because there are trials. James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”  We are handed trials as per our capacity. When we go directly for the big weights, 2 things can happen - we get injured or we develop a bad posture. What is the posture of your heart when you go through hard things? Maturity is not measured by position but by fruit. Gal 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” When you bear fruit in this season, you are ready for the next. Have we proven ourselves trustworthy? Can we obey god where we are? Step up in the things we’ve already been entrusted with. It is not grabbing for a rank or position. Promotion comes from God… But our job is to endure, build strength, stability, get grounded in the word, bear fruit in and out of season… it is laying your life down… what if your promotion comes and its not a step up but down? What if leadership is not speaking in front of 100s of people but washing 100s of feet. Can you endure it? 

5. Perfection: Looking to Jesus!!!! the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. That is where we want to be looking. There is only one perfect lamb of God who serves as an example for us all. God’s biggest move was from heaven to earth, glory to dirt, the almighty to a baby, crowns to a cross. The way to stay the course, to run the race and to finish well, is to look to Jesus. What we behold we become. 2 Cor 3:18 “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 

We are living in the time of renewal of all things and God is moving in us and through us. He put these treasures in jars of clay because the surpassing worth belongs to him… but there is one more move left… when Jesus will come back… not as gentle and mild, but in glory, he will come back for a mature bride, so we need to make ourselves\ ready with courage in our hearts and oil in our lamps.

 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 has 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.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Honouring Father and Mother

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on September 21st 2025 by David Fernandes. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

Honouring Father and Mother: A Pathway to Wholeness

One of the greatest treasures in God’s Kingdom is relationships. Friendships that endure over decades, families that stand together through trials, and communities that worship in Spirit and in truth remind us that God values love expressed over time. Yet, broken relationships also bring some of life’s deepest pain.

Among all the relationships we navigate, Scripture places a profound emphasis on one foundational command: “Honor your father and your mother.” (Exodus 20:12) This is not merely advice—it is a principle that carries with it a promise of blessing and longevity.

Why Honor Matters So Deeply

In Malachi 4:5–6, God warns that unless the hearts of parents turn to their children and the hearts of children to their parents, the land itself risks being cursed. That’s how central family is to the health of society. Nations aren’t transformed by policies alone, but by the strength of their families.

This truth became very real to me years ago when I faced a personal health crisis. Amid this, God used a teaching on blessings and curses to reveal something hidden in my own heart—a failure to fully honour my parents. Though I had what many would call “good parents,” the Holy Spirit gently uncovered moments where I had fallen short. In weeping repentance, I realized the weight of this command.

The Blessing of Reconciliation

Through Jesus Christ, reconciliation is possible—not only with God but also within families. 2 Corinthians 5:19 reminds us that He gave us the ministry of reconciliation. That means no matter how broken things may feel—whether from generational sin, strained relationships, or past dishonour—healing is available at the cross.

Some of us carry wounds from parents who were absent, harsh, or deeply flawed. Others may feel guilt over dishonouring them in word or deed. Yet, God calls us not to deny their shortcomings, but to choose honour. Honor is not blind approval—it is an act of obedience and humility before God.

What Does Honouring Look Like?

Honouring our parents can take many forms:

• Listening and respecting their counsel.
• Serving and providing for them in practical ways.
• Covering their weaknesses rather than exposing them.
• Expressing gratitude for the life and care they gave us.

Conversely, dishonour may show up as deceit, disobedience, rebellion, or even simply taking them for granted. Scripture places dishonour in the same category as serious sins like murder and adultery (Luke 18:20), underscoring its gravity.

When Parents Fail

What about parents who abused, abandoned, or misled us? Here lies one of the hardest truths: God still asks us to honour them. That doesn’t mean condoning sin or enabling harm but rather choosing forgiveness and entrusting judgment to Him. By doing so, we release ourselves from bitterness and open the door to God’s blessing.

Steps Toward Healing

If the Holy Spirit is stirring your heart, here are some practical steps:

1. Repent before God for any specific ways you may have dishonoured your parents.
2. Seek forgiveness—first from the Lord, then, where possible, from your parents.
3. Forgive your parents for their failings, recognizing their humanity and brokenness.
4. Take practical steps to restore the relationship, including with in-laws.

The promise of Ephesians 6:1–3 stands true today: “Honor your father and mother… so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Walking in Freedom

Honouring father and mother is not just about them—it’s about us stepping into God’s design for wholeness. I have personally witnessed physical healing, emotional restoration, and even unexpected blessings flow from aligning with this principle.

Today, you have an opportunity to do business with God. Whether your parents are alive or have passed on, you can choose to forgive, repent, and honour them in your heart. In doing so, you unlock a floodgate of blessing that brings freedom, peace, and joy.

Let’s live as children of the cross, not captives of our past. Let us honour our parents, and in doing so, honour our heavenly Father.

 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 has 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.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Why Join a Church?

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on  Sept 14th  2025 by Colin. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

Why Join a Church?

In our times, many Christians wrestle with the idea of church membership. Some prefer to float between different congregations, saying they belong to the “universal church.” Others treat online services as their church—just them, their device, and their pyjamas. But what does the Bible say? Is church membership really necessary?

Jesus declared in Matthew 16, “I will build my church.” The church is not an optional extra in the Christian life—it is at the very heart of God’s plan. From the earliest days in Acts 2, new believers were not only baptized but were “added to their number.” Belonging to Christ meant belonging to His people.

Colin highlighted five biblical foundations for local church membership:

1. Accountability in Community (Matthew 18:15–17)

Jesus envisioned real, local communities where conflict could be addressed. Church discipline only makes sense if you know who belongs. Membership is a covenant saying, “I want to walk in holiness, and I give you permission to correct me when I stray.”

2. Pursuing Holiness Together (1 Corinthians 5)

Paul rebuked the Corinthians for tolerating open sin. The church was called to lovingly but firmly remove unrepentant members. Membership means accountability—not to condemn, but to restore and protect the witness of Christ’s body.

3. Following and Supporting Leaders (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13)

Believers are called to submit to the leaders God places over them, while leaders are responsible to shepherd and care for those in their flock. Membership creates this mutual trust: leaders know who they are accountable for, and believers know whom to follow.

4. Bought with a Price (Acts 20:28)

Unlike exclusive clubs with steep fees, church membership has no earthly cost. Yet it came at the highest price—the blood of Jesus. To belong to a local church is to honor His sacrifice and live out the reality that we are part of His purchased people.

5. Every Member Has a Role (1 Corinthians 12)

Paul compared the church to a body—many parts, one whole. Just as a hand or heart has no value apart from the body, so no Christian thrives in isolation. Membership is about more than being counted; it’s about being connected, discovering your God-given gifts, and serving the world through the body of Christ.

The Heart of Membership

Church membership isn’t about having your name on a list. It’s about belonging, accountability, and mission. It’s about saying:

• I want to be known.

• I want to be shepherded.

• I want to use my gifts to build up the body.

There are no “lone ranger” Christians in God’s design. Each of us has a part to play. Membership is not optional—it’s the biblical way of living out our faith in Christ together.

  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 has 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.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Overcoming the World, the Flesh and the Devil

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on  Sept 7th  2025 by Colin. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

Overcoming the  World, the Flesh and the Devil through Giving, Prayer and Fasting.

The Berean Example

Acts 17:11 tells us about the Bereans, who eagerly received the Word and examined the Scriptures daily. They were hungry yet discerning. Colin reminds us that every believer is called to live this way: to receive teaching with openness but to test everything against the Word of God.

Don’t just attend church—bring your Bible, take notes, study at home. God transforms us when we engage His Word with humility and expectation.

More Than Blessings: The Call to Be Soldiers

Colin compared the Christian life to joining the Indian Army. Many join for the benefits—pensions, medical care, privileges—but the true purpose of the army is to train soldiers for battle.

In the same way, Christians often focus on the benefits of faith—peace, joy, and answered prayer—while forgetting that we are enlisted as soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3–4). The Christian life is not about comfort; it’s about commitment, obedience, and pleasing our Commander.

The Reality of Spiritual Battle

From Genesis to Revelation, Satan has resisted God’s people.  But here is the good news: Satan is already defeated.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against people, but against spiritual forces of darkness. We are not fighting for victory—we are fighting from victory, secured in Christ.

Our Spiritual Weapons

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:3 5 that our weapons are not worldly, but spiritual—powerful to demolish strongholds. Colin highlighted three weapons Jesus Himself taught in Matthew 6: giving, prayer, and fasting.

1. Giving: Breaking the Grip of Mammon

The world says, “Chase money, chase wealth, chase pleasure.” But every time we give, we declare that money does not rule us.

• Tithing (10%) is not giving—it is returning what already belongs to God (Leviticus 27:30).
• Giving begins where tithing ends: voluntary, cheerful, generous, and sacrificial.

Generosity reflects God’s heart—“For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16). Whether blessing a friend with a meal, supporting the poor, or giving extravagantly, generosity is spiritual warfare. It pushes back against greed and reveals the Father’s love.

2. Prayer: Aligning with God’s Heart

Jesus taught us to pray in secret, not for show. Prayer is not about big words or repetition but intimacy with the Father (Matthew 6:5–8).

Throughout Scripture, prayer is central—Moses, Elijah, Hannah, Daniel, and Jesus Himself. Prayer protects us from temptation, aligns our desires with God’s will, and brings breakthrough.

Colin shared the story of “Praying Hyde,” whose relentless intercession led thousands to Christ. A praying church is a powerful church.

3. Fasting: Weakening the Flesh, Strengthening the Spirit

Fasting removes the flesh from the driver’s seat and puts the Spirit in control. Jesus assumed His followers would fast (Matthew 6:16–18).

From Nineveh to wicked King Ahab, Scripture shows that fasting moves the heart of God. It brings clarity, humility, and breakthrough. Fasting makes us sensitive to God’s voice and strengthens us for the battles we face.

 Final Call

The Christian life is not passive. It is a call to be alert, disciplined, and faithful soldiers of Christ. Our weapons are giving, prayer, and fasting—they are powerful to bring transformation in our lives, our churches, and our nation.

The blessings are real, but the battle is the reason we’ve been called.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I approach Scripture with eagerness and discernment, like the Bereans?
2. Where is money trying to control my heart, and how can generosity break its grip?
3. Is my prayer life marked by intimacy with God or just requests for blessings?
4. Am I willing to practice fasting as a discipline that aligns me with God’s Spirit?

Spiritual warfare is real, but so is our victory in Christ. Let’s be a people who give generously, pray fervently, and fast faithfully—for the glory of God and the advance of His kingdom.

  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 has 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.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.