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The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Water Into Wine (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsAt the wedding in Cana, Jesus performed a miracle by turning water into wine, demonstrating the profound nature of His blessings. In a region where water was scarce, wine symbolized sustenance, life, and the covenant blessings promised by God for obedience, as well as joy and celebration. The water pots, typically used for ceremonial washings, held a vast amount, up to 150 gallons in total, and when Jesus transformed the water, He provided abundantly, reflecting His generous lovingkindness. This miracle was not intended for abuse; Jesus supplied just the right amount of wine for the guests to enjoy without losing self-control, recognizing that wine, while a blessing, can lead to negative outcomes if misused. Furthermore, Jesus involved human effort in the process, having the servants fill the vessels and deliver the wine, showing that He does not perform tasks others can do themselves. His miracles are not meant to foster laziness or irresponsibility but to encourage industriousness and faith, emphasizing that faith without works is dead. Obedience played a crucial role in this miracle, as Jesus often gives commands before bestowing blessings. The act of turning water into wine required the servants to follow His instructions, illustrating that obedience is key to receiving spiritual blessings. The miracle also restored joy to the wedding feast when the wine ran out, paralleling how Jesus replenishes what is lacking in our lives. Through this act, Jesus manifested His glory, highlighting the transformative power of His intervention.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Water Into Wine (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe first miracle Jesus Christ performs during His ministry is changing water into wine at a marriage feast in Cana. This miracle, marking the beginning of His signs, demonstrates at the earliest possible time that His ministry would be one of grace and truth. In contrast to Moses turning water into blood, which suggests judgment, Jesus turning water into wine implies generosity and joy. By performing this miracle at a wedding, Jesus heaps great honor on marriage, manifesting His glory at a joyous celebration. The lack of wine at the feast posed a serious problem, as it risked not only social embarrassment but also financial liability for the bridegroom's family due to inadequate provisions. Jesus' intervention provided a blessing, turning a potential crisis into a moment of joy. When Mary, His mother, approaches Him about the wine shortage, Jesus rebukes her mildly, addressing her as "woman" to signify that He acts under His Heavenly Father's authority, not hers. Despite this, Mary responds with faith and meekness, instructing the servants to follow Jesus' commands, showing her acceptance of His words and her humble attitude.
Back to Life (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of us who are called by God are so precious in His sight that Jesus Christ, before we were even born, died for us, saving us from oblivion.
Is It a Sin to Drink Alcoholic Beverages?
'Ready Answer' by StaffSome scriptures seem to teach total abstinence from alcohol. However, many other passages show otherwise. Here is how the unbroken word of God fits together.

The Bread and Wine of Passover
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe Passover reminds us of the New Covenant on the anniversary of the Abrahamic covenant God using the original elements of the meal between Melchizedek and Abraham.
Why 153 Fish? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhy did Jesus provide exactly 153 fish? Apparently, the number stuck in John's mind for decades. This number must hold some significance, but what is it?
Why 153 Fish? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAt Cana, the wedding party (and the physical nation) had water for purification rites, but the wedding feast (and the nation) lacked the all-important wine.
Why 153?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe first sign in the book of John corrected the physical need for wine; the eighth sign of 153 fish corrected a spiritual need on the part of God's people.
My Hour Has Not Yet Come
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerJesus' response to His mother at the wedding—'My hour has not yet come'—was not disrespect but perhaps a challenge to attach real faith with mere knowledge.
John (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn and James were related, but still had to have the Messiah revealed to them. God is involved in the details of our lives as well as the great events in history.
Choosing the New Man (Part Three)
Article by Charles WhitakerWhat or who is the new man? The new man is Jesus Christ Himself, living in us by His Spirit, once we are baptized into Him.
Born Again (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We have been adopted into the family of God and have become members of God's Kingdom. The Kingdom is here in the same way the church is a spiritual entity.