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. 

Death Resurrection and Hope Part 5

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on May 5th 2024 by Colin. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

We’ve been studying the post- resurrection accounts of Jesus. The last week we spoke about the great commission the very last post resurrection account before the ascension. 

”And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."“ - Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭5‬, ‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

It before he tells them to go, he tells them to wait. Then we see the outworking of his instructions in the remaining part of the New Testament. 

When Jesus said not to leave Jerusalem, it was a command. 

”Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.“ - Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭ 

They waited and obeyed faithfully until the day of Pentecost. 

”When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.“ - Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What happened on the day of Pentecost was a supernatural phenomena and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were being baptised with the Holy Spirit. They were so immersed in the Holy Spirit that they began to speak in tongues. 

There were people from different parts of the world. When they heard the sound, they heard them speaking in their own language. ”And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."“ - Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

There are 4 types of tongues. This is the type of tongue where unbelievers could hear their own language being spoken. 

You see that the Holy Spirit had come, but where is the power? 

”But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.“ - Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The first element of the baptism in the Holy Spirit was supernatural boldness. Peter who could not confess Jesus to a servant girl is now preaching boldly in front of thousands. The connection between the promise of the father and the power is the gift of tongues. 

Let’s look at the outworking of this in the rest of the New Testament. 

”Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.“ - Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

These are examples for us to follow. Don’t let your experience be what is possible. Let the word determine what we will believe in. 

”Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.“ - Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What is the difference between being a believer and being baptised in the Holy Spirit? 

These are 2 different events. The believers in Samaria already believed in Jesus and were baptised. But they had not yet received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It was a 3 day journey from Jerusalem to Samaria. But the apostles went there and considered it important to be baptised in the Holy Spirit.

What is the sign that someone was baptised by the Holy Spirit?

There is something you see and something you hear. Simon saw that they were being baptised by the Holy Spirit. What did he see? 

Account of Saul coming to faith: 

”But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.“ - Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭6‬, ‭10‬-‭13‬, ‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Account of Cornelius coming to faith:

”At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius." And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.“ - Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭5‬, ‭42‬-‭45‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the gentiles. 

”For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.“ - Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭46‬-‭48‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Ephesian believers receiving the Holy Spirit: 

”And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism." And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.“ -Acts‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭

In all these instances, after receiving Jesus, they were receiving the Holy Spirit. The sign that they had received the Holy Spirit was that they were speaking in tongues. 

”And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.“ - Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬ ‭ESV‬‬

1. Even if you were filled with the Holy Spirit, you can be filled with the Holy Spirit again. Eph 5:18 says be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

2. We need to ask for boldness and power. The testimony of the New Testament believers that they turned the place upside down. May that be our testimony in this city. 

Why do we need to speak in tongues? 

”Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.“ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

”Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.“ - 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

There is a misinterpretation of the passage saying the perfection is the word, so after the Bible was canonised all these gifts cease. But it does not bear the weight of scrutiny. We still seek knowledge, we do not yet see Jesus face to face. So the tongues will be still when we come face to face with Jesus. For now we need to be built up, so we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

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.   

Get Committed Part 4

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on January 22nd 2023  by Colin D'Cruz. For the audio & video please click here. To listen to the worship please click here.

GET COMMITTED - PART 4 

5 Stages of Christian life:

1. Born again 

2. Baptism 

3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The blueprint/milestones of Christian life: 

1. Personal worship: We are called into a relationship with Jesus. In monopoly, we have a card called get out of jail card. Some people treat Jesus like that. But salvation is more than that. It is about having a relationship with Jesus and living for him by serving him. Mark 1:35 - Jesus set the example. But it says very early in the morning when it was still dark, went to a solitary place where he prayed. This time is when we are spending time with the Holy Spirit. Whatever your situation is don’t give up praying. We never outgrow that. 

2. Public worship: meeting together. When you become a child of God, you also get brothers and sisters, “When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus,” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭ESV‬‬. We need to meet to fellowship, partner and share lives together.  Not neglecting to meet together means you are in the habit of coming to a meeting. If you’re unwell don’t come. But don’t make a habit of making excuses to not come. Today over ⅓ rd of the church is not there on a Sunday morning. God has called us for a purpose. To make disciples. That requires commitment. “When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus,”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬. There is power when we come together. 

3. Heart worship: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭21‬ ‭ESV‬‬. Jesus is very clear about your giving. When you put your money into the church your heart will follow. When people are not interested in the things of God, it’s because their treasure is not there. Bring your tithes to the local church. If these things are missing your growth will be stuck. As we obey these things there is a blessing. 

4. Small groups: “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭46‬ ‭ESV‬‬. Everyone needs to be a part of a small group. We have something called “GYM” - God You and Me. Invest in relationships. Jesus called his disciples to be with him. That is what the gyms are. 

( to be continued)

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

Get Committed Part 2

 

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on January 15 th 2023  by Colin D'Cruz. For the audio & video please click here. To listen to the worship please click here.

GET COMMITTED – PART 2

   We are going through a 6 part series on what it means to be committed to Word of Grace as your local church. Our vision, values and DNA are outlined in these sessions.

1.   Baptism in Water and the Holy Spirit – One of the first commands that Jesus gave His disciples was to go into all the world, preach and baptise. Baptism is an outward expression of what has happened inside of you. Jesus was baptised. Acts 2:38 – Three thousand people believed in Jesus and Peter’s first instruction is to get baptized. Baptism is by immersion. Some practice infant baptism and sprinkling. Baptism follows repentance. If you are not baptised by immersion you need to, if you have put your faith in Jesus.

 

2.  Baptism with the HolySpirit. When you believe the Holy Spirit is with you. You cannot believe in the Holy Spirit. The apostles were saved at the resurrection and yet Jesus asked them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. Spirit-filled. There is something called being filled with the Spirit and this changes you from being timid to bold like Peter. Before being baptised in the Holy Spirit he was afraid of a servant girl. After being baptized he was bold and spoke to 3000. Jesus baptizes us to the Holy Spirit. We can’t do it. In John Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God twice but five times He is referred to as the one who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Then we are also called to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is an ongoing filling.  

Acts 8:17-18 - “Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.” We can pray for you but Jesus baptises you. When this happens your life is transformed- you become an overcomer and grow in intimacy with Jesus.

  

3.  Prize the presence of God - Moses said to God in the book of Exodus that if your presence doesn’t go with us then we won’t go. What makes you different from any other gathering, a club etc? It is the presence of God. We always want that. Not only do we want the presence of God, but we want each one to play our part in bringing in the presence of God.

1 Cor 14:26- “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”

All of us have a role to play. We make room for people to share testimonies, to share on the breaking of bread, offering etc.  John7: Each one of us has the Holy Spirit and when we spend time with him, we will be bubbling up with something to share. Ask God to give you something to bless someone. When we all bring our gifts, it’ll be like a rich banquet.

 

4.  A loving community -

a.  It would be wonderful if we see great healings etc every Sunday. We want to see signs and wonders and we do pursue that. But the Bible says we can faith that moves mountains, but without love, it is nothing. We want to be loving, kind, and forgiving to one another. It is a key value. when someone comes to the meeting, we consider them valuable. Following Christ is in the community.

b.  Hospitality is very important in this. Have you been invited by someone for a meal here at Word of Grace? The Bible commands us to be hospitable.  It is not to invite your close friends and relatives only but to have strangers over. Make sure you’re eating with someone in the church. Out of 21 meals in a week, dedicate one meal to eat with your brothers and sisters, to build your relationship with a stranger. Jesus ate a lot with all kinds of people. When Jesus rose from the dead, what did Jesus do? He cooked breakfast for His disciples!  The last supper happened in a home. Eating with people who are not from similar backgrounds, is powerful. When we eat together, we are saying I accept you. Even singles can be hospitable. When I was 17 years old I had many families over for a meal when I was a student in Cyprus. Yes, it will cost you.

c.  Part of being a loving community is to meet one another’s needs. During the pandemic, we took collections in the gym groups to help those who lost their jobs etc.  When we all do a little, God multiplies it. Don’t hoard, give away to someone in need.

d.  Building relationships: people don’t generally leave churches because of theology; it is because of offence. They are offended because someone did something or they think someone has offended them. Taking offenceis a trap. We need to build authentic relationships, where we can speak the truth in love. It is good to clear things up because it could be an imagined offence. Seek clarity. Navaz has put together a teaching on relational dynamics. We teach about conflict and how to resolve it. Conflict is over an issue; strife is when you attack the person. So, we want to express love in every way.

 

5.  A church where biblicalfamily life is valued:  Family is important. Today even amongst Christians, family is not valued, and many singles are not interested in marriage! We have a teaching on how to biblically navigatemarriage, parenting, etc. godly families are powerful. In some churches, it’s all about families, and in some churches, it’s all about singles. Both are important. We want to be a multi-generational church where all are valued and can play their part.

 

6.  Serving: Everyone wants to be a CEO. But Jesus ushered in an upside kingdom. Jesus came not as a king but as a servant. If anyone wants to be great, He must be the servant of all! At Word of Grace everyone serves. We expect that everyone serves in some way or another. It’s not like coming to a restaurant. Some people come to church expecting to be served at a restaurant. But a church is like a family get-together. Everyone helps with setting up, clearing up, etc. that is what Word of Grace is. That’s what it means to be part of the family.

 

 7.  A church led by male elders confirmed and recognized and ordained by the Apostolic ministry but has a leadership team consisting of women. There are different kinds of leaders and people who lead different teams. We have men and women who carry great responsibility.  We are not a one-man leadership. We value the team. There are many gifts in this room, and we want to discover, develop and deploy them effectively. Mark 3:14 it says that Jesus called all those whom he desired so that they might be with him, and be given authority to preach, heal and cast out demons. So, we have discipleship groups. We gather to Jesus and one another. We start with being and then we do. The disciples left everything to be with Jesus. Those on the leadership team have made great sacrifices to be discipled. They paid the price to grow in their knowledge of God and to serve one another.

 

8.  A church great in generosity, influence and action. We believe in giving. There is enough money to do all that God has called us to. But that money is in your pocket and we need to be faithful in giving. One of our values is giving our tithes and offerings to the local church. As you do that you also are blessed. We give away a lot to support other works, social projects and those in need.

 9.  A church involved in serving and empowering the poor: In Galatians, Paul writes to remember the poor. There are so many poor in our nation, and we want to be a blessing to the poor in our nation. There are projects were involved in and will continue to do.

10.             A church which embraces the one new man across gender, race, language, generation etc. We are all one in Christ. Let’s not get cliquish based on ethnicity, age, language etc.

11.             A church committed to excellent relationships between local churches and communities. We are one local church in the city. We want to participate and collaborate with other local churches in the city. We are together advancing the Kingdom of God. We bless them and honour them.

12.             Connected to a family of churches across the world: we belong to a big family called Regions Beyond. Together we are able to advance the gospel throughout the world.

 

This is a short description of who we are. The invitation is this - like a soldier, who needs to get trained. No pain, no gain. will you get committed? There is a sacrifice. It requires each one of us to get committed. We will fight with spiritual weapons of praying to fast and preaching the gospel. We are here for such a time as this. We can’t just be concerned with enjoying life.  Or can you imagine soldiers on the same side fighting and killing each other? That is what we do when we get offended by the body of Christ and slander one another.

 Let us commit ourselves to the body of Christ. Heb 13 says Hebrews says to obey your leaders. So, when your leader calls for prayer as far as possible be there. That is the meaning of obedience.

 So what can we do? We get committed to the local church.

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

Gifts Of The Holy Spirit Part 2

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on January 16th 2022  by Navaz D via zoom. For the audio & video please click here.  To listen to the worship please click here.

 GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – PART 2 – 

1. INTRODUCTION

Last week, Colin took us through some points on what our attitude ought to be with regards to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how we need to respond.

In brief – we are all called to eagerly desire the gifts, not just one gift. We need to find out our gifts and then fan them into flame and be faithful in using them to see fruit from it.

Today we are going to further expand our general understanding and approach towards the gifts of the Spirit.

Think about all the superheroes – Superman, Captain America etc. Their story is that they encountered this power or forces that made them superhuman. They are just regular guys with a normal day job but when the need arises, they are able to tap into this superpower and do extraordinary things.

Does this sound familiar? One day we encountered the power and might of the creator of the universe and we were changed. He came to live in us and baptize us with His power. So while we look and talk the same and have regular lives with regular jobs we get to tap into this divine power/gift anytime we need it.

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be^[c] in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 

 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

John 16: 7 -⁷ But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 

¹³ But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. ¹⁵ All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

1. We looked at the Kingdom lifestyle through the Beatitudes. Living in the power of the Holy Spirit is also a part of Kingdom culture.

2. Understand the high privilege and honour it is that God chooses to use you and I. (Eph 2:9-10) Please don’t think that you have earned it because you are living a righteous life or are more holy than others. These are pure grace gifts

3. To understand the gifts better get to know the giver of the gifts. Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit always seeks to glorify Jesus.

4. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are also what the Holy Spirit Himself does.

5. Our goal as Christ-followers is to become more like Jesus.

Becoming like Jesus is what Kingdom lifestyle is. That we reflect Jesus in our lives more and more.

 

2.         FELLOWSHIP BEFORE FUNCTION To function well, you need to know the Holy Spirit well. This comes through fellowship. 2 Cor 13:14

¹⁴ May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  Paul encourages us to have fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The Greek word used is:

fellowship of intimate communion or partnership. Get to know the Holy Spirit if are going to partner with Him.

Learn to recognize His voice so you can filter out all the other voices. It is unnatural for a Christ-follower not to hear the voice of God. Why do I say this? A relationship involves communion – talking and listening. You need to ask yourself what other voices I need to dial down so I will be able to hear the voice of God.

The partnership means knowing each other’s moves, intentions, habits, etc. If you are playing doubles in badminton – you must play with your partner often to understand how they play and communicate well in order that the shuttlecock does not fall between the two of you because each thought the other will take the shot.

Intimacy –Fellowship is like hanging out and learning to make conversation. Intimacy takes the conversation to deep heart issues where you are open, vulnerable, transparent, and honest.

Remember the onus is on us to get to know Him. He already knows us completely.

 

3. PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS

God’s method has always been to function through people. He used Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua etc.

As I said in the beginning it is an honour to be a channel of His grace and blessings to the nations. This is for ALL of us and not a select few. The devil has dulled our thinking and tricked us into a clergy-laity divide rendering most of God’s people useless. It’s time to reclaim our call and commission.

It is God’s nature to give and bless. So, the purpose of the gifts is to be a blessing.

Knowing that everyone can function in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit helps make my Christian calling clear i.e., the unique part I play in the body of Christ.

So, the gifts are given not for our benefit but for building up and strengthening the Body of Christ. (1 Cor 14: 26)

Do not seek the gifts so that you will become famous – Simon the sorcerer (Act 8:9-25) did that.

 

4. WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

We live in a special time – post-resurrection. We live in the age of the priesthood of all believers. 1 Pet 2:9-10. We are all Christ’s ambassadors.

In the Old Testament – God used specific people for a specific task for a specific time. The Holy Spirit would come upon them for that time and then depart.

So, the Old Testament had a visitation of the Holy Spirit. We have the habitation of the Holy Spirit. He lives in us 24/7.

Joes prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28) that all would prophesy, see visions, dream dreams. This came to pass on Pentecost.

When we are born again the Holy Spirit comes and lives in us – because the Trinity cannot be separated. However, we need to be then baptized in the Holy Spirit as well.

5. CHARACTER AND CHARISMA

Both Holy Spirit gifts and natural talent come from God. Natural talent is a common grace given to every human being. Holy Spirit gifts are given to Christ-followers who eagerly desire them.

God may or may not use our natural talents but often they do complement our spiritual gifts.

·       These gifts are grace gifts – not a reward for good behaviour.

·       They are given despite our humanity- our weaknesses

·       God is the giver of gifts, and HE gives as He sees fit All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 1Cor 12:11

·       Just because someone is gifted it does not mean that everything, they do is right or that their character is above reproach.

·       Because the gifts are for the benefit of others it makes us interdependent and deals with our pride and cultivates humility in us.

·       All gifts will test our willingness to serve others. This is not about self-promotion.

 

Stewardship

 

We need to work on our character, our sanctification so that the gift given to us will not be discredited.

The Gifts primarily function with the context of a local church even if it has a trans-local influence.

In even the NT very few had a trans-local gift. Be faithful in your local church.

We must walk in humility and accountability. Be accountable and submit to your pastor and leadership. This is for your safety.

 

We all need to watch out. The devil prowls around waiting to see who he can devour, and he is patient. He won’t get you when you are unknown. He will aim to discredit you when the impact of your fall has a domino effect on others.

 

If we do not grow up into maturity and Christ-likeness we will blow up because we did not steward the gift well. That is why there is a season of preparation.

 

Grieving the Holy Spirit

What does this mean? It means to make Him sad. It saddens His heart because He is a person, not an “it”. To have pure communication with the Holy Spirit we need to get rid of whatever will block that communication, block you hearing God: unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, sexual sins, addictions.

All addictions are idolatry – it says that whatever I am addicted to is able to satisfy my need more than God can.

Do I need to be without sin to serve God? No – then it would not be a grace gift. Timothy was encouraged to fan into flame the gifts given him, and he was also encouraged to watch his life and his doctrine.

So, while God graciously uses us just as we are, we continue to work out our salvation.

6.  CONCLUSION

Therefore, we have a responsibility to step out and step into the gifts to grow.

So, get to know the person of the Holy Spirit so that you can partner with Him.

Remember the gift is not for your benefit but for others.

Watch your character growth so it does not become a hindrance to your calling

Don’t compare your gift to someone else.

The gifts are best used within a local church context where there is accountability.

God is about great work, and He wants all His sons and daughter to rise to their full potential – to be his image-bearers, to be salt and light; to bring Kingdom life here on earth as it is in heaven.

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