Friday, September 11, 2009

Water into Wine

I am beginning a series on the 7 "signs" in the gospel of John next week. While John is 1 of 4 gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) it is unique from the others in that John develops his purpose, stated in John 20:30,31, by focusing on 7 signs or miracles, 7 sermons and 7 "I am" statements of Jesus. All of "these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

The 7 "signs", a term only used by John to refer to miracles are these;

1. Water changed into wine (2:1-11)

2. Cure of the nobleman’s son (4:46-54)

3. Cure of the paralytic (5:1-18)

4. Feeding of the multitude (6:6-13)

5. Walking on the water (6: 16-21)

6. Cure of the man born blind (9:1-7)

7. Resurrection of Lazarus (11:1-45)


My focus for the next week will be on the first sign, Water changed into wine, where I will be exploring how this event should cause us to BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

So, here is my first question, is the fact that Jesus turned water into a wine an argument for the consumption of alcohol?

What say you?

By the way, click here for an excellent resource for using an online bible.






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3 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 11, 2009 at 9:51 AM

    The sermon series sounds fabulous...can't wait! I have no problem with Jesus turning water into wine. That's not a mistake...oops! The Bible tells us to be filled with the Spirit...not with wine. Paul says in I Tim to take a little wine for your stomach and frequent illnesses - but this isn't a mandate or a license for excess. The Bible clearly addresses how we are to live.

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  2. Diana in NYSeptember 11, 2009 at 12:01 PM

    You know, since moving from the Midwest, I have come to realize that the alcohol issue is really, in my opinion, a controversy of the legalistic. It belongs on a "Do this, Don't do that" list. As Val has stated, we are not to live a lifestyle of drunkeness or addiction. What about all those vineyards planted in the Bible? Just an exercise in farming?

    I think Pastor Mark told the story of visiting Russia or some Eastern European country and the host was discussing the scandalous way that American women dressed. They were having this discussion over vodka shots! Context and culture!

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  3. Dave McGrathSeptember 11, 2009 at 3:15 PM

    Good answers! And good to have you along for the journey! What part, if any does this passage play in the development of your understanding of the Bible's teaching regarding alcohol? What do you think the significance is of this miracle/sign?

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