This past Sunday we continued our "Miracles" series with Part 3, Jesus changing water into wine out of John 1:1-11.
To start with, lets make this clear: Jesus did NOT turn the water into "unfermented grape juice"! First of all, it is a JEWISH wedding. As my friend Neil Silverberg says, "Have you ever tried to pass unfermented wine to a party of Jews??? You would be STONED!!!"
The master of ceremonies here in this story knew good wine from bad and states that this wine was 'the BEST' in class and that usually, the hosts brings out the cheap stuff after everyone is pretty blasted, but not this host: He brought out the best last, after everyone was pretty plastered.
If you dont believe me, read it for yourself.
But that isnt the point of this miracle. The point is found in vs. 11: For people to believe in Him.
See, the BIGGEST miracle isnt healings, or changing water into wine, or walking on water. The biggest miracle is when a heart opens to Christ. This is what Jesus is all about. Reaching people who are far from the Father. Seeking and saving the lost.
And its what He calls US to be about as well.
Do you want to be more effective in seeing the non-Christians in your life come to faith? It's really not that complicated. We see Jesus modeling the way in this story:
- You have to be AMONG them.
Jesus was invited to parties. Lots of them. Just read the Gospels. He didnt stand off, too holy. He mixed and associated with lost people and they loved being around Him. When is the last time you were invited to a non-believer's party?? Do you just TOLERATE them? Or to they feel genuinely LIKED by you ? Jesus was accused by His enemies of being a 'party person', a 'wine-bibber and glutton, a friend of sinners'. Read Luke 15:1 and the rest of the chapter as well.
2. You have to be a SERVANT to them.
In this story, the family ran out of wine. There was a PRACTICAL need and Jesus met it. In effect, and I know this may sound crazy to many, Jesus took over the bar. Again, read it for yourself. The point here is that Jesus met people where they ARE, in the needs they had at the moment. We likewise, if we want to be more effective in reaching those around us, need to serve them. In Luke 16:9, Jesus commended the unjust steward for using his worldly resources to make heavenly friends. That translates to us using money to bless the unsaved, to show them God's unconditional love. THAT's how you open a heart!!
3. You have to be EXTRAVAGANT.
Going back to our story, Jesus took 6 jars that held about 25 gallons each. That is 150 gallons of the finest wine. A bottle of wine is about 26 oz, making this the equivelant of around 750 bottles of wine. Figure fine wine starting at about $40 a bottle and you have here a $30,000 MIRACLE!!! The point?? OUR GOD IS AN EXTRAVAGENT God!!! He blesses richly, thoroughly. All through the Bible we see this, from His intricacy in all He created, to the feeding of the 5000 with plenty left over, He is extravagant and gives MORE than enough. And I most show God when I myself am extragant.....especially to those who don't know Him. This has challenged me personally, to be honest. Do I tip waiters and waitresses just enough to get by? Or do I really try to go above and beyond?? Just a thought.....! :)
Influencing people toward Christ isn't really that complicated. We have to be with them, among them, a part of their lives. They have to feel we like them, not just tolerate them. You have to serve them, and do so extravagantly.
Oh, and by the way: STOP EXPECTING UNSAVED PEOPLE TO ACT ANY OTHER WAY THAN UNSAVED!!! We as Christians are always trying to clean the fish before they are even caught! They have to be caught first, then the Holy Spirit, not YOU, comes in them and begins in His timing to clean them. I am sure lots of the people around Jesus cussed liked sailors, even His own disciples, as they were unconverted fishermen til the Holy Spirit converted them. There were people at the parties that were drunk. Yet Jesus was not offended and it didnt affect His love toward them nor His serving them.
Grace my friends....and see you this coming Sunday!
PB
Great to have you back. Keep on preaching the Word and teaching what the precious Holy Spirit lays on your heart and mind. Not only a Sermon to be enjoyed, absorbed into our hearts and lives but also challenged!Thanks again for being so sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and annointing!
Posted by: Debbie Bixler | July 15, 2011 at 08:50 AM
This message definitely had me thinking, and maybe a little confused on one hand I am always wondering why as christians if we are to immitate Christ why we are not on street corners saying you brood of vipers to the hypocrites, and I feel bad for not preaching everywhere I go, but then someone might say we are to be lead by the Spirit when to speak up,Also we are not perfect immitaters:) so I guess that's how I feel about this one. I tried to go to a party I was invited to by one of the kids mom's (hubby's bday) brought my kids, but just did not feel good about being around people drinking a good bit, with their kids as well. I did however stay for a bit, and tried to be as sociable as possible, I guess like you said it is case by case and that is important to know to listen to the Spirit, some of us may not be there quite yet.
Posted by: Jess | July 13, 2011 at 09:22 AM
Loved this sermon, Pastor Bobby! Thank you so much for being so real! I can't remember a time that I walk out of a service at Harvest not feeling challenged and encouraged all at the same time.
Posted by: Danielle Peebles | June 29, 2011 at 08:55 AM
One thing I thought about during your sermon is what about those who are on their journey to knowing Him better and still have those who want to do the Holy Spirit's job in their lives. Somehow I feel that's even worse when the fish do get caught to give the Holy Spirit the day off and try to do it for Him. Faith becomes externals and not an issue of the heart. Throughout our walks as believers God continues to open our hearts from beginning to end.
Posted by: Vicky | June 29, 2011 at 08:36 AM
great post
Posted by: David Gilbert | June 28, 2011 at 10:25 PM
It is good to see you back PB. 8-)
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=513169898 | June 28, 2011 at 05:34 PM