Psalm 23 - Part 1

 

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 18th January 2026, by Andrew. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

Psalm 23 Part 1 - Living Under the Shepherd’s Care

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar passages in Scripture. Many of us memorized it as children. It is quoted at funerals, referenced in movies, and cherished across generations. Because of this familiarity, we sometimes miss its depth. What if we read it today as if for the very first time? What if we asked the Holy Spirit to reveal fresh truth through these timeless words?

David, the author of this psalm, understood both ends of life—he was a shepherd before becoming a king. From obscurity to abundance, his journey gives weight to every word he writes.

To gain a fuller picture, we read Psalm 23 from two translations: the ESV and The Passion Translation. Both emphasize the same powerful truth—God is not distant. He is close, personal, and actively leading us.

Verse 1: “The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing.”

This opening line sets the tone for our entire relationship with God. When David declares, “I shall not want,” he is not saying he will never face problems or decisions. He is describing the spiritual condition of someone who lives under God’s leadership.

Many of us believe we have circumstantial problems—financial stress, relationship issues, health struggles. But often, the deeper issue is lordship. When God is not truly leading us, fear and anxiety step in to take control.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our problems may feel big, but none of them impress the One who defeated death itself.

“I shall not want” is not a suggestion—it is a spiritual reality. When the Lord truly becomes your shepherd, fear, lack, and insecurity must bow.

The question is: Who is shepherding my life?
Is it fear? Stress? My own understanding? Or God?

Psalm 23 only works when God has authority—not just in our words, but in our obedience. Breakthrough lives in surrender, especially when following Him doesn’t make sense.

Verse 2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

This verse is not just about physical rest. It is about divine alignment. Peace positions us to receive from God. Anxiety blocks provision, but rest opens the door for God to speak.

Have you noticed how attacks often come when you’re tired? That’s not random—it’s spiritual. When we allow the Shepherd to lead us into rest, we hear His voice more clearly. And His voice destroys curses, confusion, and fear.

We don’t accidentally stumble into green pastures. They are a destination we reach by following Him. Trying to find peace on our own will always fall short.

Sheep cannot drink from fast-flowing water. They are afraid and can even drown if their wool becomes waterlogged. So the shepherd leads them to still waters—safe places to be refreshed. In the same way, God leads us to places where we can truly receive from Him.

When we slow down, silence the noise, and rest in His presence, He speaks. And in that rest, answers come.

Verse 3: “He restores my soul.”

Restoration is not only emotional. It is financial, relational, and even generational. When Scripture speaks of the “soul,” it refers to our whole being—spirit, mind, body, and life systems.

So when God restores our soul, He restores everything.
He restores what fear delayed.
He restores what the enemy tried to bury.

But restoration has a pathway—righteousness.
Integrity.
Generosity.
Obedience.

Sometimes righteousness costs us. It may cost us money, favor, or opportunities. But we cannot ask God to break a curse while still agreeing with the lie that created it.

Conclusion

Psalm 23 begins with one foundational truth:
Everything in our lives flows from who is shepherding us.

When the Lord is truly our shepherd:

• Lack loses its voice
• Rest becomes possible
• Restoration begins

David teaches us that peace is not the absence of problems—it is the result of proper alignment. Being led instead of striving. Trusting instead of assuming.

Before we walk into the valley and the victory that follows, we must pause and examine:
Are we truly living under His leadership—or just using His name?

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

The God of Increase - Part 2

 

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 11th January 2026, by Colin. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

The God of Increase – Part 2

As we step into a new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on God’s purposes and promises for our lives. One powerful truth we often overlook is that God is a God of increase—He delights in blessing His people, both spiritually and practically.

But what does it really mean to be blessed?

The Power of Names in the Bible

In everyday life, names may feel random or chosen simply because they sound nice. But in the Bible, names carry deep meaning. They often reflect a person’s destiny, character, or divine calling.

• Abraham was renamed from Abram, meaning exalted father, to Abraham, meaning father of many nations—even before he had a child.
• Barnabas meant son of encouragement, and he truly lived up to his name by uplifting others.
• Jacob, meaning deceiver, was later renamed Israel after encountering God, marking a complete transformation.

Names in Scripture show us that God has the power to redefine our identity and future.

Jabez: Rising Above His Name

Hidden among hundreds of names in 1 Chronicles is a man called Jabez. His name literally meant pain or sorrow. Perhaps his mother experienced hardship during his birth, but Jabez refused to let his name define his destiny.

Instead, he prayed:

“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!
Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm…”
(1 Chronicles 4:10)

And the Bible tells us—God granted his request.

Jabez teaches us that our past, circumstances, or labels do not limit God’s plans for our future.

We Are Spiritually Blessed

If you are a follower of Christ, you are already richly blessed. The Bible says:

“He has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
(Ephesians 1:3)

Some of these spiritual blessings include:

• Salvation – Eternal life through Jesus
• Forgiveness – Our sins wiped clean
• Justification – Declared righteous before God
• Adoption – We become children of God
• The Holy Spirit – God dwelling within us
• Access to God – Boldly approaching His throne
• Peace with God
• Authority in Christ
• Spiritual gifts
• Eternal inheritance
• Guidance and transformation

Many believers live in spiritual poverty—not because they lack blessings, but because they are unaware of what they already possess.

God Also Blesses Materially

Some hesitate to talk about material blessings, but Scripture is clear:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
(James 1:17)

God provided Abraham with wealth, livestock, and resources—and He was blessed in everything. These blessings are not meant to replace God in our hearts but to help us serve others.

God blesses us so we can be a blessing.

When blessings flow through us—like water through a clear pipe—they increase. But when we hoard them, the flow stops.

The Paradox: Grace and Obedience

Blessing involves both God’s grace and our obedience.

We cannot earn blessings by keeping the law perfectly—Jesus fulfilled that for us. He became a curse on the cross so we could receive the blessing of Abraham.

At the same time, Scripture teaches that obedience invites God’s favor:

• “Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord…” (Psalm 1)
• “Meditate on God’s Word… and you will prosper.” (Joshua 1:8)

God tests us with blessings. How we manage what we already have determines what He entrusts to us next.

Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

Sometimes it seems like those who don’t follow God prosper more than believers. Psalm 73 addresses this struggle. The psalmist admits he envied the wicked—until he entered God’s presence and realized their eternal destiny.

Earthly wealth is temporary. True riches are found in Christ.

Living as Channels of Blessing

Prosperity isn’t about luxury—it’s simply having more than you need, so you can help others.

God calls us to:

• Be generous
• Support His work
• Serve others
• Store up heavenly treasure

Even the poor can bless the destitute. Everyone has something to give.

Final Thoughts

We are:

• Spiritually blessed
• Materially blessed
• Deeply loved by God

But there is no formula. Blessing ultimately rests in God’s hands. Our role is to walk in faith, obedience, and generosity.

Let us pray boldly like Jabez:

“Lord, bless me—so I can be a blessing.”

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

The God of Increase

  This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 4th January 2026, by Colin. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

The God of Increase

When you open the Bible, most of us instinctively gravitate toward familiar and comforting portions—Psalms, the Gospels, Paul’s letters, or books like Isaiah and John. Very few of us would admit that genealogies are our favorite reading. Long lists of names can feel dry, repetitive, and easy to skip.

Yet, hidden within one such genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4, we discover a powerful and life-changing story—the story of Jabez.

A Name That Spoke Pain, A Life That Spoke Faith

The genealogy flows uninterrupted until verses 9 and 10, where everything pauses for one man:

“Jabez was more honourable than his brothers…”

His name, Jabez, literally means “pain.” His mother named him this because his birth was marked by suffering. Imagine carrying that label for your entire life—being constantly reminded of pain, limitation, and difficulty.

But Jabez refused to let his name define his destiny.

Instead of accepting the narrative handed to him, he cried out to the God of Israel.

The Bold Prayer That Changed Everything

Jabez prayed five simple but courageous requests:

1. “Oh, that You would bless me”
2. “Enlarge my territory”
3. “Let Your hand be with me”
4. “Keep me from harm”
5. “So that I may not experience pain”

And then comes one of the most powerful statements in Scripture:

“And God granted his request.”

In the middle of an otherwise unremarkable list of names, Jabez stands out—not because of his background, but because of his bold faith.

So significant was his life that a city was later named after him (1 Chronicles 2:55). From pain to purpose—what a transformation.

Is It Wrong to Ask God for Blessing?

Many Christians hesitate when it comes to asking God for big things. Some fear being labeled “materialistic,” while others swing away from blessing altogether because of excesses seen in prosperity teaching.

But Scripture paints a clear picture: God is not stingy. He is generous.

Blessing itself is not the problem. The problem arises when we seek blessings instead of God, or when blessings are hoarded rather than used to advance His kingdom.

God delights in blessing His children—so that they, in turn, can be a blessing to others.

Why We Struggle to Ask Boldly

Here are four common reasons we hold back:

1. “My problems are too small to bother God”

The truth is, God cares about every detail of your life. Scripture tells us He even knows the number of hairs on our heads.

We are invited to approach His throne with boldness and confidence, not fear and hesitation.

2. “I haven’t been good enough”

God’s favor is not earned—it is given by grace. We don’t come to Him in our own righteousness, but clothed in the righteousness of Jesus.

Just as Jacob received the blessing while wearing Esau’s garments, we receive God’s blessing because we are “in Christ.”

3. “If God wants it to happen, He’ll do it anyway”

While God is sovereign, Scripture clearly says:

“You do not have because you do not ask.” (James 4:2)

There are things God chooses to release in partnership with our prayers.

4. “Material things are unspiritual”

Jesus Himself taught us to pray for daily bread. Every good and perfect gift—spiritual or material—comes from God.

Four Ways God Blesses Us

Scripture shows that God blesses in multiple ways:

1. Through the hand of people

Joseph’s rise—from slave to second-in-command—came through God working in and through others. People can be instruments of God’s favor in our lives.

2. Through supernatural provision

From manna in the wilderness to water from a rock, God can intervene in ways no human effort can explain.

3. Through the work of our own hands

In the Promised Land, manna stopped—but God blessed the Israelites’ labor. Faith does not replace effort; God blesses diligence and obedience.

4. Even through the hands of enemies

Amazingly, God can cause opposition to become provision. Israel left Egypt with gold and silver from the very people who oppressed them.

Living Like Jabez Today

Jabez teaches us that our past, our name, or our limitations do not determine our future. Faith does.

God is inviting us to:

• Ask boldly
• Trust deeply
• Live generously
• Expect abundantly

As we begin each new season, the challenge is simple yet profound:

What is one big thing you are believing God for?

Write it down. Pray for it consistently. Trust God boldly.

Because the same God who answered Jabez still delights in answering His children today.

 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. 

Advent and the Messianic Prophecies - Part 2

 

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

The Anointed Messiah

Introduction

Isaiah 61 stands as one of the most hope-filled and powerful passages in Scripture. Written against the dark backdrop of exile, oppression, and spiritual decline, it points forward to a Redeemer who would bring healing, freedom, and restoration. This chapter ultimately finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who boldly declares in Luke 4 that this ancient prophecy is realized in Him.

At its heart, Isaiah 61 carries a sweeping message: Judgment gives way to hope, hope leads to redemption, redemption results in restoration, and restoration ushers in new creation.

Background to the Book of Isaiah

The book of Isaiah spans nearly 100 years of Israel’s history. Scholars generally agree on one of two views: either Isaiah wrote the first part of the book while his disciples completed the latter sections, or Isaiah himself authored the entire work but entrusted portions of it to his students for preservation.

Isaiah ministered during the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in the southern kingdom of Judah, while Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel.

The book can broadly be divided into three sections:

• Chapters 1–39 (c. 800 BC): Isaiah’s lifetime, calling Judah to repentance
• Chapters 40–55 (c. 550–539 BC): Addressing Israel during the Babylonian exile
• Chapters 56–66 (post-515 BC): Hope after the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple

Isaiah 61 belongs to this final section and is saturated with expectation—a promise that God has not abandoned His people.

A Messianic Promise of Hope

Isaiah 61 was written with the awareness that Israel would face exile and devastation. The temple would lie in ruins, and the people would experience loss, shame, and despair. Yet this chapter speaks of a coming Messiah who would restore what was broken.

The passage declares:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor…”

This is not merely poetic comfort—it is a prophetic announcement of God’s rescue plan.

Jesus Reads Isaiah 61

Fast forward to Luke 4. Israel is once again under foreign rule, this time by the Romans. Centuries of conquest have left the people longing for deliverance. Many expected a political Messiah who would overthrow oppressors by force.

Instead, Jesus inaugurates His ministry with a radically different message.

Returning to His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus enters the synagogue “as was His custom.” The scroll of Isaiah is handed to Him, and He reads from what we now know as Isaiah 61. Then, He does something astonishing—He stops mid-sentence.

He reads:

“To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour”

But He does not continue with:

“and the day of vengeance of our God.”

Why?

Two Comings, One Messiah

Jesus’ deliberate pause reveals a profound truth: His mission unfolds in two phases.

The First Coming – Grace and Salvation

Jesus declares that Isaiah 61 is fulfilled in their hearing. He is openly identifying Himself as the Messiah. His first coming is marked by grace, mercy, and salvation:

“I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” (John 12:47)

This is the present season—the year of the Lord’s favour—where forgiveness is offered and hearts can be transformed.

The Second Coming – Justice and Judgment

The “day of vengeance” will come later. Scripture makes it clear that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. Until then, the door of grace remains open.

We are still living in that season of favour.

Good News for the Poor

Jesus’ announcement shocked His audience. He declared good news not for the powerful, but for:

• The poor
• The broken-hearted
• The captives
• The blind
• The oppressed

In Jesus’ day, these groups were often considered cursed or insignificant. Yet Jesus places them at the very centre of God’s kingdom.

This theme echoes throughout His teaching, especially in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”

The poverty Jesus addresses is ultimately spiritual poverty—a condition shared by all humanity. Sin leaves us bankrupt, captive, blind, and broken. But in Christ, our debt is cancelled.

Recovery of Sight to the Blind

Interestingly, Jesus adds a phrase not found directly in Isaiah 61: “recovery of sight for the blind.” This comes from Isaiah 42.

Why does He include it?

Because spiritual blindness is humanity’s deepest problem. No amount of human wisdom can fix it. We need divine revelation. Jesus is the Light of the world, opening blind eyes and leading people out of darkness into truth.

The gospel convicts, heals, restores, and illuminates—by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Great Exchange

Isaiah 61 beautifully describes what Jesus gives us in exchange for our brokenness:

• A crown of beauty instead of ashes – where there was ruin, God gives dignity
• The oil of joy instead of mourning – where there was sorrow, God gives healing joy
• A garment of praise instead of despair – where sin weighed us down, God clothes us in righteousness

This is not surface-level change. It is deep, Spirit-led restoration.

Who We Become

Those who receive this work of Christ are called:

“Oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour.”

This is the purpose of salvation—not merely heaven someday, but transformation now. God restores us so His glory can be seen through renewed lives.

Isaiah 61 operates on three levels:

1. What it meant for Israel in exile
2. How it is fulfilled in Christ
3. What it now means for us

Christ fulfils the prophecy, works transformation in us, and continues His mission through us.

Living in the Year of the Lord’s Favor

The church is called to reflect this kingdom reality—to preach good news, heal broken hearts, and proclaim freedom to those enslaved by sin. We are the new Zion, a city set on a hill, displaying what redeemed humanity looks like.

One day, Christ will return. That day will be glorious for some and devastating for others.

Until then, now is the day of salvation.

The question remains: How will you respond?

 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. 

Advent and the Messianic Prophecies - Part 1

 

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on November 30th Nov 2025, by Colin. For the audio & video, please click here.  For the worship, please click here. 

Messianic Prophecies: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament

As we step into the season of Advent, the historic Christian rhythm invites us into four weeks of anticipation—four weeks of preparing our hearts to remember the birth of Christ and to look ahead to His promised return. Advent literally means arrival, and for centuries believers have used this period to rekindle awe for the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ.

Yet the story of Jesus does not begin in Bethlehem. It begins long before shepherds saw angels or wise men followed a star. The Old Testament—often viewed as ancient history, laws, and rituals—is in fact filled with signs, shadows, and promises pointing directly to Christ. These are known as Messianic prophecies, and they reveal that Christmas is not merely a New Testament event—it is a story God has been telling from the very beginning.

The Old Testament: A Hidden Portrait of Jesus

Scripture contains three major roles in Israel’s story: prophet, priest, and king. Each functioned uniquely, yet each foreshadowed someone greater:

• The Prophet spoke God’s word.
• The Priest stood between God and people as a mediator.
• The King ruled with righteousness and justice.

Jesus Christ fulfils all three perfectly—He is the Prophet who reveals God’s heart, the High Priest who offers Himself as the sacrifice for sin, and the King who reigns forever in righteousness.

But the Old Testament does more than describe roles—it provides portraits:

• Jesus is a prophet like Moses.
• A priest greater than Aaron (Hebrews).
• A champion like Joshua, who won victory after victory.
• An offering like Isaac, but one whom the Father did not spare.
• A king like David, yet much greater.
• A wise counsellor like Solomon, embodying wisdom itself.
• A rejected but exalted Saviour like Joseph, who becomes the bread for the hungry.

Even Israel’s symbols whisper His name:

• The Passover Lamb without blemish.
• The mercy seat where atonement is made.
• The bronze serpent lifted up for healing.
• Manna from heaven.
• Water from the rock.
• The scapegoat who carries our sins away.
• The ark that saves from judgment.

Once you see Jesus as the "master key," the Old Testament comes alive. As Jesus Himself said, “These are the Scriptures that testify about Me.” (John 5:39)

The First Prophecy of the Messiah

The earliest gospel message appears shockingly early—in Genesis 3:15. Addressing the serpent after the fall, God declares:

“I will put hostility between you and the woman,
between your offspring and her offspring;
He will strike your head,
and you will strike His heel.”

This verse predicts:

1. A miraculous birth — “the seed of the woman” hints at a virgin birth.
2. A suffering Savior — Satan would “strike His heel.”
3. A victorious Messiah — Christ would crush the serpent’s head.

The entire gospel is hidden in this single sentence.

Prophecies That Point to Christ

One reason we trust Scripture is its astonishing prophetic accuracy. Written over 1,500 years by more than 40 authors, the Bible contains approximately 300 prophecies about the Messiah. The probability of even eight being fulfilled by chance is virtually zero—mathematicians compare it to picking a single marked coin from an area stretching across multiple states and filled two feet deep with identical coins.

Yet Jesus fulfilled them all.

Here are just a few examples:

Born in Bethlehem

Micah 5:2 predicted the Messiah would come from Bethlehem—a prophecy fulfilled when a census decree forced Joseph and Mary to travel there.

Born of a virgin

Isaiah 7:14 foretold: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son.”

Called out of Egypt

Hosea 11:1 predicted the Messiah’s early years in Egypt—fulfilled when Joseph and Mary fled from Herod.

Worshipped with gifts by kings

Psalm 72 describes kings bringing tribute—echoed in the visit of the Magi.

Details of the crucifixion

Centuries before crucifixion existed, Psalm 22 described:

• mockers surrounding Jesus,
• His hands and feet pierced,
• His cry: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?”

These prophecies were not random—they were purposeful, preserved, and fulfilled to demonstrate God's sovereignty and His faithfulness to His promises.

Why Does This Matter for Us Today?

1. Scripture Is Reliable

The accuracy of prophetic fulfilment shows that the Bible is trustworthy. It is not a collection of myths but the unfolding story of God’s redemption.

2. God Is Sovereign

If He can orchestrate world events to fulfil His plan for Christ, then He can surely work faithfully in our lives as well.

3. Christmas Should Renew Our Awe

Like the shepherds who trembled before angels and the wise men who travelled across nations bearing gifts, we too should approach Christmas with wonder, gratitude, and worship.

Conclusion: Seeing Jesus Everywhere

The Old Testament is not just ancient history—it is a treasure map whose X is Christ. From Genesis to Malachi, every story, symbol, sacrifice, and prophecy whispers His name. This Advent season, let’s open Scripture with fresh eyes and ask:
“Where is Jesus here?”

Because He is there—on every page, in every story, and at the centre of God’s plan from the very beginning.

 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.