Father's Day

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on June 15th 2025 by Colin D Cruz. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

Father’s Day

In a world where the definition of family is rapidly shifting, we must pause and ask: Where does the idea of fatherhood come from? Is it simply a social invention, or does it have a deeper, divine origin?

The Bible makes it clear: fatherhood is God’s idea. In Ephesians 3:14–15, Paul writes, “I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” The concept of fatherhood is not a cultural construct—it is rooted in God's very nature, modeled in the relationship between the Father and the Son in the Trinity.

Honour: A Forgotten Command

Among the Ten Commandments, nestled between prohibitions against murder and theft, is the call to honour your father and mother. (Exodus 20:12) This is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may go well with you.” Yet in our modern, egalitarian world, honour has become a forgotten virtue—especially towards parents and elders.

Jesus Himself, though fully God, submitted to His earthly parents (Luke 2:51). In doing so, He set the standard for us: to honour is to respect, to appreciate, and to love.

In Indian culture, we used to show this by addressing elders as “Uncle” or “Auntie.” Today, even toddlers are taught to use first names. While respect may look different across cultures, Scripture calls us to maintain a spirit of honour—especially within the home and the church.

Obeying vs. Honouring

One of the key distinctions that often gets blurred—especially in Eastern cultures—is the difference between obeying and honouring. Children are called to obey while they are under their parents’ care. But as they grow into adults, the call shifts from obedience to honour. Adult children still show respect and appreciation, but must make decisions under the guidance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

Parents, too, must know when to release. Enforcing obedience in adult decisions—like marriage or career—can lead to heartache when misapplied.

The Biblical Role of Fathers

Four biblical responsibilities every father carries:

1. To Provide

(1 Timothy 5:8) A father who fails to provide for his household “has denied the faith.” Provision is more than finances—it’s about safety, stability, and presence.

2. To Train

(Ephesians 6:4) Fathers are called to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. Sunday school can’t replace the father’s role. Children need the Word modeled and taught at home.

3. To Lead by Example

(1 Corinthians 11:1) Children imitate what they see. If we want godly children, we must be godly ourselves. Our lives speak louder than our words.

4. To Affirm

Drawing from Genesis 27 and the insights of Dr. Gary Smalley, fathers are encouraged to affirm their children through:

• Meaningful touch (a hug, a hand on the shoulder),
• Words of blessing and encouragement,
• Assurance of value, and
• Speaking a vision for their future.

Why This Matters

In a U.S. prison, hundreds of inmates requested cards on Mother’s Day. On Father’s Day, hardly anyone came. We’re living in a world where fatherlessness is rising—both through absence and abdication.

India, too, is catching up with this trend. Now more than ever, we need to reclaim what it means to be a godly father.

A Call to Action

• Children: Obey and honour your parents. It’s the pathway to blessing.
• Adults: Continue to honour your father and mother—even if they are not perfect.
• Fathers: Rise to your calling. Provide, train, lead by example, and affirm.

Let’s rebuild what society is tearing down. Let’s honour our Heavenly Father by reflecting His heart in our families.

In a world where voices compete for our time and attention, one truth remains timeless: fatherhood is a divine calling that reflects the heart of our Heavenly Father.

Four essential expressions of godly fatherhood: to provide, train, model, and bless.

1. A Father Provides

True provision goes beyond the basics. It’s about sacrificial love. Colin shared how his father worked long hours—even holding two jobs—not for luxury, but to gift his children something meaningful: a piano. That piano became the starting point for a musical legacy that shaped careers and destinies.

What you provide today can shape the trajectory of your child’s tomorrow.

2. A Father Trains

Raising children isn’t just about feeding and clothing them. It’s about discipling them.

Moments of prayer, reading Scripture, and life-giving conversations aren’t accidental—they’re intentional. Take time to ask questions, listen to their stories (even the wild, imaginative ones), and speak truth into their young hearts.

If we don’t train our children, someone else will.

3. A Father Models

Children learn more by what we do than by what we say. They are always watching. When they see us pray, serve, and love others, they absorb that rhythm and reflect it in their own lives.

Live in such a way that your children will want to imitate your walk with God.

4. A Father Blesses

Words have power. Our children crave affirmation, encouragement, and a hopeful vision. Even simple phrases like “I’m proud of you,” or “God has great plans for you,” carry the weight of heaven when spoken by a father.

Combine this with hugs, physical affection, and consistent encouragement—and you’ll raise children who walk confidently into their destiny.

Seasons Come and Go

Fatherhood, like life, comes in stages. Infancy, childhood, teenage years, adulthood—each stage has its joys and challenges. Colin reminds us to cherish every one.

“They’ll be with you for 21 years… then they go off into the world. Make the most of this time.”

A Prayer for Fathers

The message ends with a moving prayer—thanking God for the privilege of parenting, confessing our weakness, and receiving His grace to reflect His heart as fathers.

Final Thoughts

Fatherhood is not about perfection. It’s about faithfulness. It’s about mirroring the Father who provides, trains, models, and blesses us daily.

Let’s rise to this calling. Let’s raise a generation that knows what a godly father looks like—not just by title, but by touch, time, and truth.

Happy Father’s Day. May your life reflect the love of the 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. 

The Day of Pentecost

   This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on June 8th 2025 by Colin D Cruz. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here.

The Day of Pentecost

In the last few weeks, we've been looking at God's significant works. Two weeks ago, we looked at Jesus' ascension after spending 40 days with his disciples. In heaven, he was given back his glory after his ascension. Before his ascension, Jesus told his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit. This happened on the day of Pentecost. 

Acts 1:4-5 NIV - [4] On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. [5] For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

This scripture is repeated in the Bible 6 times. It is very important.

Matthew 3:11 NIV - [11] “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

Mark 1:8 NIV - [8] I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 3:16 NIV - [16] John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

We see it 4 times in gospel lessons and twice in the book of Acts.

Baptism means immersion. Baptism of Holy Spirit is immersion in Holy Spirit. 

After the ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem, and they were praying and waiting on God. 

How long were they supposed to wait for the Holy Spirit? They didn't know. But they continue to wait because Jesus had promised them. 

We have a lesson to learn here. We all have promises from God. We must continue to wait for them to be fulfilled. 

Acts 2:1-4 NIV - [1] When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Here we see that on the day of Pentecost, the disciples were all together in one place.  Suddenly there was a sound like a violent wind and all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit which looked like tongues of fire. 

Acts 2:5-7 NIV - [5] Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. [6] When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. [7] Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 

The other Jews were amazed when they heard the disciples speak in their own native languages. 

The great happenings of the Day of Pentecost:

What does Pentecost mean? It means 50th. 

God has been unveiling his plans to the world in line with the ancient Jewish feast. 

Jesus' sacrifice was on the Passover feast this symbolising the true Lamb of God. 

Three days later he rose to life on the Feast of the first fruits. The Jews bring the first crop which is Barley as it can be harvested faster than wheat and then give it to God. 

1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV - [20] But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 

Jesus is the first fruits of many more fruits. These other fruits are those who put their faith in Jesus. This is our hope - Just as how Jesus was risen to life, we will also be risen to life. What we have with Jesus in heaven will go on forever. Our time on earth is like a tiny dot when compared to Eternity. 

The next feast is the Feast of Shavuot in which 2 loaves of leavened bread is made. This was the day of Pentecost.

On the day of Pentecost, all were together. Let us be like them - all of us together for Sunday meetings, weekly prayer meetings and other meetings. 

Acts 2:2 NIV - [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 

The first thing we notice is an audible sound like a violent wind. 

Acts 2:3 NIV - [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.  

The second was sight-like tongues of fire. It was a supernatural phenomenon.

In the Old Testament, God's spirit and presence are usually in the form of wind and fire. 

Acts 2:4 NIV - [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

The third was speech - the disciples spoke in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 

The key thing after the infilling of the Spirit is that the disciples were transformed. 

Acts 2:14 NIV - [14] Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.

Peter, who denied Jesus 3 times, stood up boldly and addressed the Jews after he was filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Significance of the day of Pentecost:

1.        Reversal of what happened at the Tower of Babel

Genesis 11:1 NIV - Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.  

Genesis 11:4-7 NIV - [4] Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” [5] But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. [6] The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. [7] Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” 

This was in the Old Testament. But on the day of Pentecost, languages were given to people, and they began to speak. This is to scatter them to different places to spread the gospel. 

Revelation 7:9-10 NIV - [9] After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. [10] And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 

In the end, we're going to see people from every nation, tribe with different languages would worship God in unity.

2. The giving of the Holy Spirit is contrasted with the giving of the law

 

Exodus 32:8 NIV - [8] They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’ 

The Day Moses was given the law, the Israelites made a golden calf and worshipped it. 

Exodus 32:10-11 NIV - [10] Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” [11] But Moses sought the favour of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?  

God was very angry with them and wanted to destroy them. But Moses pleaded with God. 

Exodus 32:14 NIV - [14] Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. 

Exodus 32:27-28 NIV - [27] Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.’ ” [28] The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died.  

Moses commanded the ones who were on his side to go and kill all the others, which led to the death of 3000 people. 

On the day of Pentecost, this was reversed. 

Acts 2:37, 41 NIV - [37] When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 

[41] Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 

After Peter preached boldly, 3000 people accepted the message and were baptized.

3.        Jesus is glorified and seated next to the Father

John 7:39 NIV - [39] By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time, the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. 

Spirit being poured out meant Jesus was glorified. Jesus is preparing a place for you and me. One day, He will take us there, and that is our hope. 

4.        Baptized in the Holy Spirit

This doctrine caused considerable confusion among Christians. There is work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, but to do the works God has called us to do, we need to be baptised in the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 4:31 NIV - [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The infilling of the Holy Spirit is an ongoing thing. We all need more and more of the Holy Spirit.

Let us come and receive.

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. 

 

This message was preached at Word Of Grace please click here. Church on  June 1st 2025 by Navaz D. For the audio & video, please click here.  For the worship, please click here.

WHO AM I PART 2

INTRODUCTION

We are all uniquely shaped, with different personalities and temperaments. We are also gifted differently by His manifold grace. Last week, we explored our identity and how God has shaped us for a greater purpose beyond ourselves. God’s design for us is to be a part of a much bigger and grander design. So, no matter what we do in life, it all fits into an eternal purpose. Our job is to discover what part we play in God’s master plan.

Some things to keep in mind:

For a Christ follower, there is no secular and sacred divide: everything we do has a purpose.  Also, God has shaped each one of us uniquely, and we need to celebrate our differences: the introverts, the extroverts, the planners, the spontaneous, the thinkers, the feelers, the intuitive, the rationalists. God made us all!!

Last week, we examined how, throughout life, we adopt false narratives of ourselves. We examined how the world’s worldviews and belief systems can infiltrate our Christian thought and mask themselves in Christian language. We examined how we all have broken identities, and our alienation from God the Father has created an orphaned planet.

We all carry a father wound that needs healing. Please listen to last Sunday's message if you were not here last week.

Today, we will explore this Orphan heart further and how it affects our beliefs, thoughts, and actions. How can we identify it, and how can we replace it?

Jesus knows how broken we are, so He came to bind up the brokenhearted and free the captives. When He begins His work of shalom in our lives, which brings wholeness, He expects us to go and do the same and be the healing for the nations (Is 61). Again, you see the grand design in the play.

In the story of the prodigal son, we tend to focus on the younger son who went away. But that is not the point of the story. Who was in Jesus's audience? The scribes and Pharisees, who saw themselves as the good guys. Did you know that both sons operated out of an orphan spirit? The younger was overtly rebellious, independent, and self-willed. He felt his father was holding out on him and did not want to live within the rules of the house. He found it stifling. He did not love his father for who he was but for what he could get from him

The older son also functioned from an orphan spirit. He seemed obedient and dutiful, but he had no intimacy with the father, or else he would have known that everything the father had was his to enjoy. Instead, he chose to work amongst and live like a slave who did not have access to the Father’s wealth. He, too, only wanted his father’s wealth.

He tried to earn favour from duty. The religious spirit is like this. Jesus made this point to the Pharisees, but I think it's true for us today, too. We can keep the Sabbath, tithe, pray, and follow the rules, but have no relationship with the Father. Everyone should live like us and follow the rules to be blessed.

And when the father shows amazing grace to the vagabond, we get scandalised. We want everyone to go through the grind like we did.

The orphan heart can make a great Christian worker but not a great Christian brother. This heart does not understand grace and mercy. They feel the younger brother should be punished. He is offended by grace.

For some of us this orphan heart is further compounded by bad experiences in childhood – abusive home, alcoholic parents, divorce, early death of a father, physical and or sexual abuse by people who should have protected you.

We all display several of these and need to learn to replace these patterns.
Look at the list below. It is not exhaustive but indicative.

 

ORPHAN HEART	A SON
The orphan heart operates out of insecurity and jealousy. Cane & Abel	The spirit of sonship functions out of love and acceptance.
The orphan's heart is jealous of the success of his brothers and cannot celebrate it. Joseph	The mature son is committed to the success of his brothers.
The orphan heart serves God to earn the Father’s love. The Older son	The mature son serves God out of divine acceptance and favor.
The orphan heart has deep trust issues and doubts the goodness of God. Abraham	The mature son walks in the joy and presence of the Lord and lives in security & surrender to God.
The need for success drives the orphan heart and to stand out.   Spiritual orphans do not feel accepted and feel the need to prove themselves. This may result in: ·         Seeking to hide their limitations & faults – King Saul ·         Perceiving the strengths of others as competition. Saul ·         Secretly taking satisfaction in the weaknesses of others. ·         Needing and seeking attention.	The Spirit leads the mature son into his calling and mission. Our Father’s invitation is to a place of unconditional acceptance and rest in our unique, God-given identity. (1 Cor 12:18) Sons and daughters embrace both their strengths and weaknesses—comfortable both with who they are and Whose they are. Does not rejoice in the downfall of a brother or sister.
The orphan heart has anger and fits of rage.	The spirit of sonship rests in the Father’s ability to control and guide the future.
The orphan heart is always in competition with others. Performance-Orientation The spiritual orphan feels rejected, therefore believing that he or she must compensate by working hard or performing well for recognition. This may result in: ·         A constant drive to perform well ·         Judging the weaknesses or performance of other team members or leaders ·         Having feelings of mistrust towards others—feeling they are going to be ‘punished’ at any time	The spirit of sonship is always blessing others. It wants another to succeed and is not threatened by another’s success.
The orphan spirit lacks self-esteem. Fear and Insecurity The spiritual orphan is unsure of his or her place in the family. Orphans also feel uncovered and unprotected—therefore their instinct is to protect themselves and their position. This may result in: ·         A constant need for reassurance by leaders. ·         Lack of confidence in their spiritual gifts and any ministry position they have been given. ·         The need to prove themselves. ·         Being protective and territorial about their ministry areas	The spirit of sonship walks in the love and acceptance of Father God. Our Father’s invitation is to a place of security in His love, care and constant oversight. (Matt 10:29-31) Sons and daughters have nothing to fear. They are already secure in their Father’s love and place in the family. They can trust Father’s faithfulness even when changes or trials occur in church life. our Father’s invitation is to experience the fullness of His undeserved grace and favour. (Eph 1:6) Sons and daughters generously extend grace to others’ failure to measure up to actual or perceived standards. This is because they know the fullness of the Father’s grace towards them.
The orphan heart receives its primary identity through material possessions, physical appearance and activities.	The spirit of sonship is grounded in sonship and the Father’s affirmation.
Those with an orphan heart walk around with a spirit of rejection. Hence, they are hypersensitive and have an unconscious assumption that people are against them.	A Son knows he is accepted and loved by the Father.
Numbs pain with pleasure, i.e drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, etc.	Takes his pain to God and allows the Holy Spirit to heal them from within.
Distrusts authority and finds it hard to submit.	Rebellious and self-willed.
Feels the victim and lives a powerless life	They are powerful and live above circumstances
Use control to mask their fears.	Is aware of their heart and trusts God in trials.
Has boundary issues.	Can have clear boundaries with people
Self-reliant, they feel they need to do everything on their own. Afraid to show any vulnerability	Not afraid to be vulnerable and trust others
Feels entitled, therefore grabs and looks out for number one.	Knows God as a provider, therefore can live in peace and surrender.
Struggles with forgiveness and generosity	Can forgive and give freely.
Is always a victim and feels victimised.	Is secure and able to see things for what they are.

 

So, all this has been bad news or a reality check.  What do we now? How can we replace this Spirit that besets all of us? What can we do to walk free and walk into our full identity as sons of God?

When we have intimacy with the father, we get identity. From identity, we get our inheritance, and with our inheritance, we make an impact on this Earth.
 But we have often put the cart before the horse. Many have put the Great Commission before the Great Commandment. When we know that we are loved and love God in return, we can love our neighbour not just as ourselves but as Christ. When we love as Christ, we will burn with passion for His Bride and for the lost.

Therefore, we need to learn to abide in Jesus, to remain in him, and to develop an intimacy with the Father like Jesus did. Satan and the Sanhedrin could not shake him. They tried to threaten and bully him, but he was confident in who he was because he knew whom he belonged to. He could confidently say, "The Father and I are one. I only do what I see the Father doing." He loved us with Father’s love.

John 15:9  “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love”

 This moment can be a new watershed in your life. I’m not calling it season. Seasons are there for a time until the next one comes along. This is a watershed, a turning point that is going to alter your life forever if you want it. It is going to be life-transforming. You are going to activate that DNA that was put in you when you became a Christian.

There is no shortcut to intimacy. Some people want the fruit of intimacy or the benefits of intimacy, investing in it. There is no shortcut to abiding, sticking close, and learning to trust Father God.

Which son are you? Jesus in His parable did not give us the option of a third son. He is the third perfect son who knew He was loved by the Father and sought to do His will, not from wanting anything from the Father's hand, not for seeking his approval, but out of deep love and intimacy.

Let us bring our broken sonship to God so that He can heal us, restore us, and use us to bring healing to many.

We will look at replacing those false beliefs by renewing the mind next time.

 

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.