The context of the call| Justin J

This message was preached  by Justin Jaykumar at Word of Grace Church on August 7th, 2016. To listen/download the audio please click here. To listen to the Sunday's worship and prophetic contributions please click here

We are here for a definite purpose to serve God's purpose in our generation.

Acts 13:36 says about King David- “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.”

David served his purposes in his own generation. The book of Judges is full of people who served His in their own generation.

Jud 3- Othniel and Deborah- There was peace when they ruled. Today we will look at a character who served God in his generation. This person is Gideon. The context, the call, the challenges and the conquest

The context of the calling:

In Judges 4 Deborah delivered people from their enemies. In Chapter 6 Israel was under the rule of the Medianites and the Israelites were fearful. They were farmers and the medianites would attack and take away everything. This was the context.

Judges 6:1 says, because people disobeyed God and did evil. Today is the same. There is so much killing and evil. The Lord allowed this so that they would turn back to him.

God was very much a part of the context. There was pain and suffering. People were totally drained. God heard their cry. People are groaning and crying today. There is so much noise today that drowns out peoples cries. Jesus was in crowded noisy places yet He knew who touched him.

In the busyness of life can we hear people’s cries and the hurt that people face? This is the context in which we live.

Petra song- It's too late for Annie but not too late for others.

In Exodus, we read about Moses. People were under slavery and God heard their cry and Moses comes into the picture. The same thing happens with Gideon. God was preparing him in that context.

We could have a ‘don't-care’ attitude. I'm reminded of Esther. The Jews were threatened. Word comes to Esther and she is reminded that she was born for such a time as this. If we don't act, God can use someone else.

If the context does not pinch us then we can't play a role in fulfilling God's purposes in our generation. When did we last get affected by the troubles around us? Jesus was moved on compassion when amongst the people. Jesus wept over Jerusalem.

This is the context for Gideon too in Judges 6

Q. What does responding to God involve?

In Verse 11-12. Gideon was threshing wheat in a wine press. It shows that the quantity of wheat was less. He was doing something that should have been done in the open.

In this fearful context, God calls him a mighty warrior. God looks at us as people who can be strong and courageous. When God calls us to serve him he looks at us as what we will become and not what we are today.

Samuel was told to anoint a king from the house of Jesse. All the sons walk by but these were not God's choice. It's the last one that God chose to be king of Israel.God has a rating. He calls us mighty warriors.

Gideon in verse 13 does not accept this. He felt the situation hopeless. We might feel like this too. But God comes in. In Verse 14 God still commissions Gideon. God is sending him and he is not going alone. Give your nothing in his hand and he will make something out of it. The victory is already assured. Gideon is still not trusting.

We often think God has made a mistake by choosing us. But that is not true. Be assured you have a purpose.

In Verse 16, he assures Gideon-  Surely I will be with you. God's companionship is guaranteed with us. God assures his presence with us through the Holy Spirit.

Q. Are you discouraged today?

Remember God will be with us to the end of the age. Surely we will make an impact.

John Patton a missionary to an Island. Within weeks his wife was struck with fever and she died . He had to bury her. After several years he died. When he reached the island there was not even one Christian. But when he died there was not even one who was not a Christian.

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.

Philippians Part 16- How to win the race: Introduction| Colin D

This message was preached  by Colin D at Word of Grace Church on  January 24th, 2016. To listen/download the audio please click here. To listen to the Sunday's worship and prophetic contributions please click here

The Great Apostle Paul wasn’t a neutral person. He was anti- Christian. He both physically and verbally opposed them. He took and dragged people to jail. He was aggressively anti- Christian.

Acts 22:4-9 is the testimony of Paul. An amazing work happened on his way to Damascus. Paul was persecuting the church and Jesus asked him why he was persecuting him. The church is the body of Christ and causing harm to the body is directly causing harm to Jesus. Paul was there when Steven was put to death.

In verse 10, the transformation happens when Paul says, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ Paul was born again! He gave his life over to the proclamation of the gospel.

In addition to the suffering, there was much glory in his life as well. In 2 Corinthian 12:1-4 Paul talks about the amazing encounters with God. He had visions and revelations, he had great experiences. Yet, he had many things that we have- he is a new creation, he has salvation, right standing with God, etc.

Paul is a great Christian. Last week we looked at 5 things that Paul wanted: knowing God, righteousness of Christ, the power of Christ, the fellowship of sharing in his suffering and the resurrection body on the second coming of Jesus.

Phil 3:12- Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” He says I’m not perfect. That is so different from so many Christians

Q. Are we complacent and content with what we have?

We have all things God has given us. Is that all? No. There is something for us to do. As long as there is breath in us.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25- Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever”. The Christian life is like a race. We are not running for heaven, salvation, forgiveness, etc. We already have all those things. The process of running is our sanctification. The goal of our life is to be like Jesus. It doesn’t happen automatically.

Verse 26-27: Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize

We have received so much but it is not everything. Romans 8:29- For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brothers and sisters. That’s the goal of our life- there is a fighting that is involved. The perseverance we need is by the grace of God.

Abhinav Bindra is a rifle shooter and won a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics. Now, did he just wake up one morning and go shooting at the Olympics? No. He does everything it takes to get the accuracy in shooting. He has given his life to that. And he has achieved it. Now these medals don’t last, but our actions have eternal significance. Let’s make every effort to become like Jesus. We are not perfect and we need to put in effort to become more like Jesus, and we do it with the grace of God.

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.

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Salt and Light | George Chow

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

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

Jesus said some wonderful things about salt and light.

Matt 5:13- 16

Salt- Sodium Chloride- NaCl

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

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

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

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

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

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

·       Pest control- weeds, ants, etc.

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

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

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

What is it used for?

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

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

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

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that have people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service. To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.

Christ Follower.

This message was preached at 
Word of Grace church  by Colin D Cruz on the 1st of April 2012. You can listen to the Audio recording of the message by clicking here .

Christ follower – Purpose #3

We’ve crossed the half way mark in our 40 days of purpose. At the end of this weekend you should be on chapter 30.  Purpose Driven Life is written by Rick Warren. 

How many of us have heard of Sachin Tendulkar?. If you had to buy a cricket bat whom would  you go with? Me or Sachin? He is the expert. He knows what is good.

 I was reading  what some  who endorsed this book have to say.

"This book will guide you to greatness-through living the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Make sure you're not missing the point of your life-read this book!" Billy and Franklin Graham — Billy Graham 

"If you only read one book on what life is all about-make it this one! Rick Warren is absolutely brilliant at explaining our real purpose in the world and making the complex understandable. Read this book, then give it to everyone you care about. It is life-changing. Believe me, you'll never be the same after reading this!" What a gift!" Lee Strobel, Author, The Case for Christ — Lee Strobel, Author, The Case for Christ 

Max Lucado

 They are one of many eminent Christian personalities who endorsed this. Also when we evaluate  anything we should ask does it confirm with God’s word.

How do you evaluate something – by the standards of God’s word. Does this teaching/idea contradict the Word of God on does it Conform to the Word of God.

So we saw that our first purpose is :

Purpose #1- Get to know God and love God – worship

Purpose#2- Formed for God’s family – created to love and live with other believers – Fellowsihp

Purpose #3- Created to become like Jesus Christ – discipleship

A disciple is a learner/follower. One who is learning to look like, be like, act like and think like Jesus Christ.

Our perspectives, our passions, our priorities and our personalities will become more like Jesus.

That’s the goal. A Christ like character. Becoming, a godly man or woman.

Q. Are you a disciple of Jesus? Whom are you following?
Paul says in 1 Cor 11:1 follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.
Eph 3:17,1 Cor 4:16 therefore I urge you to imitate me. V17 For this reason I am sending you Timothy… he will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

Phil 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice.

Heb 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

 Q. What do you want to become when you grow up? Is a question we often ask children and teenagers?

Pilot/engineer/doctor/teacher/home maker/scientist

Eph 4:15 gives us an answer to that question

…Instead speaking the truth in love we will grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ.

Rom 8:29 … for those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.

Wow what a privilege and an honor.

Imagine Sachin Tendulkar’s coach coming up to you and saying… Brian … one day you are going to be like Sachin. 100 centuries in ODI’s. I believe you have the potential and it will happen.

Or imagine Michael Phelps coach coming to you. MP has won 16 Olympic medals, 14 gold and  2 bronze in swimming.  In Bejing he won 8 golds. Currently holds the all time record with 14 gold medals.

Imagine his coach coming to you and saying – Lassya, I see potential in you. I believe you can get 14 Olympic gold medals like Michael Phelps. And you are going to do it.

Now of course the above two situations are imaginary but this one isn’t.

Now imagine God coming up to you and saying Flavian, I want you to become like my Son Jesus. … yes he’s perfect, holy, loves righteousness and hates wickedness, he washed feet, prayed till he sweated blood, washed feet, was humble even though he is God and loved you to death and laid down his life for you.

I want you to become like him, I’ve put that potential in you and you know what, one day you will become like him.

1 john 3:2-3 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. ³ All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

God’s ultimate plan for you is not your career or your comfort, but your character development and Christlikeness.

Sermon on the mount,

Gal 5:22 – fruit of the spirit

1 cor 13 – chapter on love

Phil 2/ Jn 13 – humility and servanthood

The greatest expression of love – death on a cross

That’s what God has planned for us to be like.

Many Christians misinterpret Jesus’ promise of the “abundant life” to mean perfect health, a comfortable lifestyle, constant happiness, full realization of your  dreams and instant relief from problems through faith and prayer.

 Some of us want to use God like a Genie like Aladdin and his genie (magic lamp)

This self-absorbed perspective treats God as a genie who simply exists to serve you in your selfish pursuit of personal fulfillment. But God is not your servant. Never forget that you life is not about you! You exist for God’s purposes.

The Steps to Christlikeness

Eph 4:22-23 ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

 Three things .

1)Put off your old ways – further  he talks about put to death what ever belongs to your old nature Col3:5. V8 rid your self of all such things…WE have to put to death. What do you do with cockroaches? You kill them. To become like Christ you have to put to death sin.

2)To be made new in the attitude of your mind i.e changing the way we thing. Our mind pays a very important part. We need to have a biblical perspective and instruction. Austin’s testimony was wonderful. He used to cheat in exams before but now he no longer does.

Put on the character of Christ as we develop Godly habits. 1Cor 13.

Your character is the sum total of your thoughts and deeds. It is how you habitually act and think.

Sow a thought – reap and action
Sow an action – reap a habit
Sow a habit – reap a character
Sow a character – reap a destiny

Christ likeness or spiritual maturity does not happen overnight. There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. Genuine discipleship is a lifelong process. The bible depicts it as a marathon not a sprint, a journey not a destination.

Today we are going to look at HOW God helps us to move along in this life-long process… how he helps us to mature spiritually.

If someone tells you can become a Sachin Tendulkar you will feel honored. But this I not just anybody – its becoming like Jesus the son of God.

God’s plan is that we THINK like Jesus, ACT like Jesus, we VALUE the things He VALUES and LOVE people the way He LOVES them. God uses EVERYTHING to conform us to the image of his Son.

 Is like converting a tree branch into a table. Different tools used. Saw, file, sandpaper, nails, leaves ripped off.It’s the same process in our lives. We are a rough block of wood being shaped slowly.

God uses all things to make us like Jesus. Here are three

1.   God uses TRUTH to TRANSFORM us – Spiritual growth is a process of replacing lies with truth. In Jn 17 he says sanctifies them by the truth. What is being holy? Holy is in the everyday life as we deal with people and situations.

Jn8:31 If you hold onto my teaching you are really my disciples. i.e you are obeying it in the midst of difficult circumstances.

1Pet 2 crave pure sp milk.

 What is your attitude towards the word?

1Receive it – your attitude determines your altitude. Receive it with a good heart

2Read it daily – don’t neglect. Very kind in Is had to write out the entire law.

3Study the word – ask questions. Journalize it

4Memeorise – make it a part of your life

5 Meditate upon it.

Have a daily quiet time and then ask God how you can apply it your life.

Dawson Trotman while in Sunday school used to memorize the Bible verses t get the prize. When he grew up one day the words he had memorized came back to his mind and he was convicted and converted that day. He stared the Navigators .

2.  The second tool he uses is trouble – to teach us to trust him. Jesus said in this world you will have trouble. But what we have realized this – that trouble is there to make us more like Jesus.Rom5:3-4 Suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces Character. Those troubles draw us to Jesus. Keep a spiritual Journal – write down what God is peaking to you. Write because you will forget it in time .

Keep your eye on the reward. 2 Cor4:17 – problems are temporary in Eternity perspective.

Heb11 is the great chapter of faith – they went to much suffering for their faith. Its talks about people who were sawed in two, fed to the lions etc –Has that happened to us?

Think of the trouble you are going through now – Rom 8:28-29. God uses ALL things God is working for our good. This is a promise we can hold on to.

3.The third tool he uses is temptation –

Jam1:3 God does not tempt us. Satan does in order to harm us. But our amazing God can take that and enable us to overcome it and so make us more like Jesus. Everyone is tempted. 1Cor 10:13. Every temptation is common to man. It’s like a test. When you pass it you get built-up and you move forward.

Being tempted is not a sin but what we do with it is important. Jesus fought temptation with the Word.

This is how God will form Christ like Character in us. Truth to transform, troubles to help us trust him and temptation to teach us to obey Him.

Colin D Cruz

April 2012