Thursday, July 9, 2026

Baby Dedication - A Commitment by the Parents

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 5th July 2026, by Colin. For the audio , please click here. For the worship, please click here.

Baby Dedication: More Than a Ceremony—A Parent's Commitment to Raise a Child for God

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him." — Psalm 127:3

A baby's dedication is one of the most joyful moments in the life of a Christian family. It is filled with smiles, photographs, and heartfelt prayers. But beyond the celebration lies a much deeper spiritual significance.

Recently, during the dedication of baby Zachariah, an important question was asked:

What exactly is baby dedication, and why do Christians practice it?

The answer takes us back to one unchanging foundation—the Word of God.

The Bible: Our Standard for Truth

How do we know Jesus was born in Bethlehem? How do we know His first miracle was turning water into wine? How do we know He was crucified between two criminals?

Not because we witnessed these events, but because God's Word records them.

Our beliefs should never be shaped by tradition, popular opinion, or human reasoning. They must always be measured against Scripture.

Even after His resurrection, Jesus did not simply reveal Himself immediately to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Instead, He explained the Scriptures, showing them that everything had happened according to God's Word.

The Bible remains the believer's ultimate authority.

Why Don't We Baptize Babies?

Many Christian traditions practice infant baptism, while others practice baby dedication. This naturally raises the question:

What does the Bible teach?

Scripture consistently presents a clear order:

Repent
Believe in Jesus Christ
Be baptized

Peter declared on the Day of Pentecost:

"Repent and be baptized..."

Likewise, Paul told the Philippian jailer:

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."

Repentance and faith require a personal decision.

A baby cannot yet understand sin, repent, or place personal faith in Christ. Therefore, baptism—which publicly identifies a believer with Christ—belongs after someone personally trusts Him.

Understanding Original Sin

Every human being is born with what Scripture calls a sinful nature.

We are not sinners because we commit sins.

Rather,

We commit sins because we are born sinners.

Parents quickly discover this reality. Children do not need lessons in selfishness, disobedience, or lying. Those tendencies arise naturally because humanity inherited a sinful nature through Adam.

Only faith in Jesus Christ can deal with that deepest problem.

What Is Baby Dedication?

Baby dedication is not a command in Scripture.

Rather, it is a meaningful and biblical practice that allows believing parents to publicly acknowledge that:

Their child is a gift from God.
God has entrusted that child to their care.
They desire to raise the child according to God's Word.
They seek God's blessing and guidance as parents.

In many ways, dedication is similar to having a wedding reception or celebrating birthdays. These practices are not commanded in Scripture, yet they are good and meaningful expressions of joy and gratitude.

Biblical Examples of Dedication

Although Scripture does not command baby dedication, it provides meaningful examples.

Hannah and Samuel

Unable to have children, Hannah prayed earnestly for a son.

When God answered her prayer, she fulfilled her promise by presenting Samuel before the Lord, acknowledging that he ultimately belonged to God.

Her dedication reflected gratitude and surrender.

Mary, Joseph, and Jesus

After Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph presented Him at the temple according to Jewish custom.

This was not baptism.

Years later, Jesus Himself chose to be baptized at around thirty years of age.

This distinction reminds us that dedication and baptism serve completely different purposes.

What Happens During a Dedication?

The child is not making promises.

The parents are.

They publicly commit themselves before God and the church to:

Raise their child according to Scripture.
Teach God's Word faithfully.
Pray consistently for their child.
Provide a loving Christian home.
Point their child toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The dedication is less about dedicating the child and more about dedicating the parents to God's calling.

The Biblical Responsibility of Parents

Parenting involves far more than providing food, education, or financial security.

God entrusts parents with the eternal responsibility of shaping a child's heart.

Scripture instructs parents to:

Teach God's Word Daily

Deuteronomy encourages parents to speak about God's commands:

at home,
while walking,
when lying down,
and when rising up.

Faith is meant to become part of everyday family life.

Lead by Example

Children learn far more from what parents do than from what they say.

A parent who teaches honesty while practicing dishonesty sends conflicting messages.

Authentic Christian living becomes one of the greatest lessons a child will ever receive.

Pray Constantly

Prayer should surround every stage of a child's life.

Parents can pray for:

protection,
wisdom,
spiritual growth,
friendships,
education,
future decisions,
and ultimately, salvation.

Talk Naturally About Jesus

Faith should never be limited to Sundays.

Simple conversations about God's goodness, answered prayers, and daily dependence on Christ help children see Christianity as a living relationship rather than merely a religion.

Model Repentance

Christian parents are not perfect.

When they fail, admitting mistakes and asking forgiveness teaches humility, grace, and genuine repentance.

Children benefit enormously from seeing authentic faith lived out.

Raise Children Within Christian Community

God never intended families to walk alone.

The church plays an important role in encouraging, teaching, praying for, and supporting children as they grow in faith.

Parents, grandparents, relatives, and the wider church family all share the privilege of pointing children toward Christ.

The Goal of Every Christian Parent

The ultimate purpose of parenting is not simply to raise successful adults.

It is to raise children who know, love, and follow Jesus Christ.

Parents cannot make that decision for their children.

Each child must eventually repent, believe the gospel, and personally place their faith in Christ.

But parents can faithfully prepare the way by teaching God's truth, living godly lives, and praying without ceasing.

Final Thoughts

A baby dedication is not about securing a child's salvation.

It is about recognizing God's gift, thanking Him for that blessing, and committing to raise the child according to His Word.

While baptism belongs to those who personally believe in Christ, dedication reminds parents of their sacred calling.

May every Christian home become a place where children learn not only about God—but come to know Him personally.

Because the greatest inheritance any parent can leave is not wealth or success, but a life firmly rooted in Jesus Christ.

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.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Ephesians - Part 3

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 28th June 2026, by Lasya. For the audio , please click here. For the worship, please click here.

In the opening chapter of Ephesians, Paul celebrates the incredible blessings believers have received in Christ—we have been chosen, predestined, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed with the Holy Spirit, all to the praise of God's glory. Having established these wonderful truths, Paul transitions into a heartfelt prayer.

Surprisingly, he isn't praying because the Ephesian believers are struggling. He is praying because they are thriving.

"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." (Ephesians 1:16)

His prayer reveals God's deepest desire for every believer. More than success, comfort, or even effective ministry, God wants us to know Him.

1. A Prayer to Know God Better

Paul prays that God would give believers "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better" (Ephesians 1:17).

This is the heartbeat of the Christian life.

Jesus echoed the same desire in His prayer:

"I have made you known to them... that the love you have for me may be in them." (John 17:26)

Likewise, Paul wrote in Philippians,

"I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3:8)

Christian maturity is not measured primarily by knowledge, achievements, or ministry accomplishments—it is measured by growing intimacy with Christ.

Wisdom and Revelation

Notice that Paul asks for both wisdom and revelation.

We can faithfully read the Scriptures, but true understanding comes as God opens our hearts. We can desire to obey Him, but we need His wisdom to know how.

Knowing God requires both diligent pursuit and divine illumination.

Peter encourages believers to "make every effort" to grow in faith and godliness (2 Peter 1:5–8), yet that effort must always be accompanied by dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Like any healthy friendship or marriage, intimacy grows through intentional time together. Our relationship with God is no different.

2. Eyes That See Beyond the Natural

Paul continues:

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:18)

Imagine someone born blind suddenly receiving sight. No description of colour could compare with actually seeing a sunrise, a rainbow, or the face of a loved one.

Spiritually, many people live with closed eyes.

God's Word can seem ordinary until the Holy Spirit opens our hearts.

Paul says enlightened hearts allow us to see three incredible realities.

The Hope of God's Calling

Our world often struggles with hopelessness. Many pursue temporary freedom while feeling uncertain about the future.

Yet God's calling is rooted in hope.

Even in exile, God declared through Jeremiah:

"For I know the plans I have for you... plans to give you hope and a future."

Romans 8 reminds us that our present suffering cannot compare with the glory awaiting God's children.

Biblical hope is not wishful thinking—it is confident expectation based on God's promises.

God's Treasured Inheritance

Paul speaks of "the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people."

Remarkably, this is not describing our inheritance.

It is describing God's inheritance.

We are His treasured possession.

Like the merchant who sold everything to obtain the pearl of great price, God delights in His people.

When we begin seeing fellow believers through God's eyes instead of our own, criticism gives way to compassion, and love replaces judgment.

Perhaps this is why the Ephesian church was later warned about losing its first love. Love for Christ naturally overflows into love for His people.

God's Incomparable Power

Paul's third focus prepares us for what comes next—God's immeasurable power at work in every believer.

This is not ordinary strength.

It is resurrection power.

3. The Power Above Every Power

Paul reminds us that the same power that raised Christ from the dead now works in us.

Jesus is seated:

Far above every ruler
Every authority
Every power
Every dominion
Every name that can ever be named

Nothing—whether earthly, spiritual, technological, or future—surpasses Christ's authority.

Then Paul makes an astonishing statement.

Everything is placed under Christ's feet.

The Church is His body.

This means the Church is not a powerless institution struggling to survive. It is the visible expression of Christ's reign on earth.

As Eugene Peterson paraphrases,

"The church is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church."

God intends His wisdom to be displayed through His people.

That should completely transform how we view the Church.

4. The Beautiful Path of Grace

At this point someone might object:

"That's true of Jesus—but what about me? I've failed too many times."

Paul answers by reminding us where every believer began.

Stage One: Dead in Sin

Before Christ, we were spiritually dead.

We followed the ways of the world and lived according to our own sinful desires.

Whether our sins looked rebellious or respectable, we were equally separated from God.

No one could rescue themselves.

Stage Two: But God...

Then come two of the most beautiful words in Scripture:

But God.

Because of His great love and rich mercy, God made us alive with Christ.

Not because we deserved it.

Not because we earned it.

Simply because He loved us.

The gospel does not merely make bad people good.

It makes dead people alive.

That is grace.

Stage Three: Raised With Christ

Grace doesn't stop at forgiveness.

God raises believers with Christ and seats them with Him in the heavenly realms.

Why?

So that throughout eternity His grace would be displayed through transformed lives.

We become living evidence of His kindness.

Salvation is entirely God's gift.

Our role is simply faith.

There is no room for boasting.

Stage Four: Created for Good Works

Finally, Paul writes:

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works..."

Notice the order.

Grace comes first.

Good works follow.

We do not work to earn God's acceptance.

We work because we have already received it.

Our obedience becomes the natural expression of our new identity in Christ.

Living It Out

Paul's prayer invites us to ask some important questions:

Am I praying that others would know God more deeply?
Am I intentionally pursuing a closer relationship with Christ?
Do I truly live with the hope of God's calling?
Can I see God's people as His treasured inheritance?
Do I believe Christ's power is greater than every challenge I face?
Am I living as someone transformed by grace?

The Christian life is not simply about knowing more information.

It is about having our eyes opened to see who God is, who we are in Christ, and the incredible grace that has changed everything.

May our prayer echo Paul's:

"Lord, open the eyes of our hearts, that we may know You better."

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Ephesians - Our Identity in Christ

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 21st June 2026, by Navaz. For the audio , please click here. For the worship, please click here.

THE GREATEST CALL UPON YOUR LIFE

The Gospel According to Ephesians 1:1–14

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To God’s holy people in Ephesus,^[^a^] the faithful in Christ Jesus:

²Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

SALUTATION

This letter, as we heard last Sunday, does not address any problems, unlike the letters to the Romans, Galatians, and Colossians. The overall theme of this letter is for everyone to grasp the big picture of who God is, what He has done, and what He requires of us as followers of Christ.

As we know, in the Greeco-Roman world, people began their letters by stating who was writing and to whom.

A FUNCTION, NOT A TITLE

You don't wear your calling — you live it.

We know that Paul is the author of this letter. Notice he does not say "Apostle Paul"-today, people use the words "Apostle," "Pastor," etc., as titles prefixed to their names, just like "Dr." These are not titles but functions. How many of us would go around with the titles Cleaner Paul, DLP Paul, Announcements Paul?

WRITTEN IN A CONFUSED CITY, FOR A CONFUSED WORLDV.2

Grace & peace, a common salutation Paul uses, combining the Jewish and Roman greetings.

This letter was written from prison in Rome around 60-62AD. We know that Paul stayed in Ephesus for 3 years. Towards the end of his stay, there was a revival, and a riot broke out, and Paul had to leave the city.

Ephesus was known for its worship of Diana (her Roman name) and Artemis (her Greek name). Men became eunuchs, dressed as women, and worshipped her. So, there was a lot of confusion amid the revival.

So we see Paul straddle the Greeco- Roman world, and the Jewish world. And then there is us as well!

While the Bible is not written TO us, it is written FOR us, which is what makes it relevant and eternal.

And Paul is writing this letter as a plumbline for understanding your identity and calling in Christ, your understanding of salvation and God’s big plan for the church on the earth, and, finally, how we ought to live in view of this great God and the great calling upon our lives.

WAKE UP TO WHO & WHOSE YOU ARE

ELEVEN TIMES HE SAYS "IN HIM"

Outside of Him, nothing. Inside of Him, everything.

ONE BREATH, ONE SENTENCE, ONE OVERFLOWING HEART

This is the good news of our salvation.

Blessed in the Heavenly Realms

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (v.3)

CHOSEN BEFORE TIME BEGAN

"For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight." (v.4a)

That God is our Father

He has blessed us, and that blessing has a geography if you like – it's in the heavenly realms. Heaven is where God’s Kingdom is. Heaven and earth met in Eden, then in the Temple and now in our hearts.

We have often settled for material blessings, with our physical needs met.

The blessings are IN CHRIST. We can be in Christ when we acknowledge the need for him. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt 5:33)

Where is Jesus right now? At the right hand of God, the Father, in the heavenly realms. If we are in Christ, then we too are seated in the heavenly realm – in the Kingdom, living the Kingdom way.

CHOSEN V4a

⁴For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight

He could have passed you by. He didn't. Before you were ever born, you were already chosen.

WHO CHOSE YOU?

Our Salvation Story starts in Christ & is sustained by Him and will continue in Him into eternity. Eternity began the day you were born. Here is something we need to stop and thank God for. Thank God, He chose you. (John 15:16 – you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit --- fruit that will last) By definition, He could have chosen not to choose you, but He did.

This means not all are chosen for salvation. This is not a point for us to argue, shake our fists at God, and say, "Why not them and them?" It is the arrogance of humans and our individualism that makes us feel we deserve an answer. What we deserve is punishment.

WHEN WERE WE CHOSEN?

Before the world was created. God operates outside of time, involves Himself in time, and is not limited by it.

WAKE UP TO WHY YOU ARE CHOSEN?

the glory of God

WHY WERE YOU CHOSEN?

This is the purpose for which we have been chosen—to glorify God.

Verser 4b We have chosen to be holy – set apart and blameless in His sight. We are blameless only because Jesus took our blame.

The church is the small working model of a new creation (N.T Wright). God chose us for a purpose. It is about restoring the mandate in Genesis 1:28.

FROM ORPHAN TO SON — FROM SON TO HEIR (TO BECOME – TO BELONG)

Before the cross, I was not His child. Now I cry, 'Abba, Father.'

VERSE 5- In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will—

Let us roll back a little.

At creation, God gave Adam & Eve charge of the earth. They were to title and steward it well. They were supposed to do this in collaboration with God. It was heaven on earth because His will, design for humanity and the world, was being worked out through His image bearers.

But we know that soon, sin entered the world and corrupted everything. Humanity lost its identity, which was deeply linked to its relationship with the father. They lost their purpose because they forgot their design. They were created to rulership and dominion. Their image-bearing qualities would help them do that. They also lost their relationship with God as their Father.

This brings me to the realisation that before Christ’s death on the cross, I was not a child of God! God is not everyone’s Father. Not everyone can call him Father

Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:11-12)

We are new creations – we have a new DNA. We are God’s workmanship or poem. Never been created before. We have a Divine Nature Activated in us the day we were born again.

GRACE THAT COSTS EVERYTHING

Free for you. Costly for Him.

V6. PURPOSE

⁶to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

This choosing of God has a purpose: for the praise of His glory, not yours. Not so that you have fire insurance and can continue to live your life as you please. If you think that you have misunderstood grace, which is free for you, but it came at a price.

How Did God Do This?

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us... He made known to us the mystery of His will... to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ." (vv.7-10)

Jesus came to redeem us from the curse of our sinful nature and to bring us back to Him, and in Him we once again see our purpose: to bring Glory to God on Earth, as it is in heaven. He did this at great cost.

In the Roman world, Grace was clearly understood as a benefactor/patron giving a client something he could never earn nor repay. The patron sets up the client for success and gives him everything he needs. However, the patron would, in turn, expect some services from the client. Imagine the client turning around and telling the benefactor-"Come on, you can't ask me to do that!" You are being unfair and demanding. And yet this is how we treat God.

Jesus has several expectations of us – to be holy (1 Pet 1:16), to obey His commandments (John 14:15), to preach the good news (Matt 28:18-20), to heal the sick, to raise the dead (Lk 9:2), to bring Him glory!!! If you thought being a Christian is only about being saved and not living your life for Jesus, you have probably heard only half the gospel.

Unfortunately, many have heard the salvation story that goes something like this: Come to Jesus, and you will be saved from hell; come to Jesus, and all your problems will go away; come to Jesus, and all your needs will be met. He is gracious and kind, and you don’t need to do anything to follow Jesus. This is a half-truth, and half-truth means there is half a lie!!! And that half-truth can send people to hell. On that day, Jesus, when we say “Lord, Lord”, forbid that He should say I never knew you!!! (Matt7:21-23)

God has saved us for a purpose far bigger than ourselves. Being a worker in his vineyard is a privilege and does not rob you of your freedom!!

First to Hope, First to Display

"In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory." (vv.11-12)

MARKED, SEALED, AND GUARANTEED

No one can undo heaven's seal.

"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession — to the praise of His glory." (vv.13-14)

THE TRINITY ON DISPLAY

• FATHER – blessed us with every spiritual blessing

• SON- Chosen, Adopted, redeemed, saved through Jesus

• SPIRIT -Marked, sealed and promised an inheritance.

• No one can take away what God has given us. It has heaven’s seal that no one can undo.

Your Mandate

· Your identity is received, not invented.

· Your worth is grounded in God's love, not public approval.

· Your belonging comes from adoption into God's family.

· Your future is secure because of God's promises and the Spirit's seal.

WAKE UP TO HOW YOU SHOULD RESPOND

REVELATION 2 To the Church in Ephesus

2 “To the angel^[^a^] of the church in Ephesus write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. ²I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

⁴Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. ⁵

Let your heart overflow — you have done nothing to deserve this.

FALL IN LOVE WITH JESUS AGAIN!

What is our response to this great truth?

· We need to be so grateful to God for our salvation and, like Paul, burst into incessant praise and thanksgiving.

· Our hearts need to overflow with gratitude because we have done nothing to deserve such rich mercy and grace.

· We need to live a purposeful life in Christ for the glory of God.

So, no matter what work you do, it is for the glory of God.

As mum’s raising your kids – it's for the glory of God.

Family life – husband, be a good husband for the glory of God. Wives, be good wives for the glory of God. Children obey and honour your parents for the glory of God.

As a Christian follower, serve the kingdom through your local church for the glory of God.

PURPOSE IN A NUTSHELL

The fact that God has chosen us, adopted us, elected us, predestined us, sealed us all in His son Jesus Christ & redeemed us by His blood so that the mysteries of God would be revealed to us and that we as new creations become the new working model community called the Church is more than enough reason to give praise to God.