Turning Water Into WIne

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Why is the first recorded miracle of Jesus’ public ministry turning water into wine? Wouldn’t it be more impressive to record that Jesus raised someone from the dead? Yea, that’s what I would have done. Make it something really flashy. Something no one could doubt. This is even more interesting when we consider that Jesus did many other signs that are not recorded in the bible. John 20:30. Out of all of the signs and wonders that Jesus performs in his ministry, John decides to go with turning water into wine. Why? There has to be something of great significance in order for John to do this.

There are many observations we could make.  One of them being, how God cares about the seemingly unimportant people of our society. In this story there is an unknown man and woman. Being married in a small, relatively unimportant city. The miracle took place where only the disciples and the servants witnessed it. There was no abracadabra, hocus pocus.  No large crowds, just his disciples and the servants. And all Jesus says, is fill the six water pots with water. That doesn’t even seem to fit the problem.  Didn’t Jesus understand we don’t need water. We need wine.

So why this miracle John? I believe because this miracle shows the transformative power of God. God takes the ordinary element of odorless and tasteless water and transforms it into something with an aroma and taste. And he does it with the spoken word. “Fill the pots to the brim with water.”  Now take it to the head servant and let him taste it. And what does the master of the ceremony say, “but you have saved the best till now.” John 2:10.

God takes something that seems ordinary (water) and transforms it into life. Just as he did in the garden when he took dirt and formed man and then breathed life into his nostrils. Genesis 2:7. God’s transforming power, can take sinners and turn them into saints. For all those who are in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Friends, I hope you can see that this miracle is much more than changing water into wine. It is about God giving life to all those who believe in the Son and his transforming power. And the best news is, you haven’t seen anything yet. The best is yet to come when the groom (Jesus) returns to gather his bride.

God Put On Skin

Posted on by Jesse Walker

In John 1:14, Jesus becomes the visible expression of an invisible God. The message bible puts it this way, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”

All the splendor of God was put-on full display for everyone to see. God’s love now beat in the human heart. His wisdom was now spoken from human lips. His grace was now available by the human touch. Jesus was God wrapped in human flesh.

Greg Laurie in an article called God with Skin on tells a story of a little boy who was frightened at night during a thunderstorm. He cried out to his father, “Help me.” From the other room, his Daddy shouts back, “Son, God loves you and will take care of you.” The storm rages on. Another bolt of lightning and the clap of thunder caused the boy to cry out again, “Daddy!” His Daddy gave the same response, “Son, God loves you and will take care of you.” The storm intensifies and the little boy screams out again, and Daddy’s response was the same. Then the little boy shouts back to his dad, Daddy, I know God loves me, but right now I need someone with skin on. As we face the struggles of life, I believe we all need a God with skin on.

I don’t know what you are facing today, but God came and put on flesh, to let you know there is nothing he cannot do. If you need mercy look to Jesus and see how he granted mercy to the woman brought before him to be stoned. If you need comfort, look at how Jesus was moved by the death of Lazarus. If you need forgiveness, look at how Jesus told the thief on the cross “you shall be with me in paradise” this day. Jesus stepped out of heaven and came to earth so you and me could see God.

Let me close with this. Maybe the saddest words of the bible are recorded in John 1:10. “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” The creator was rejected by the created. Jesus came, to bring everyone light and life according to John 8:12. The question is, will you receive Him, or will you reject him? If you haven’t accepted him, can I encourage you this morning to do it before it’s too late. Jesus is coming back to gather all those who received Him, and to cast those who don’t into the darkness of hell. If you have questions, please leave me a note, I’d love to talk with you about the God who came to earth to carry away the sin of the world.

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Hello all.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. As you take time to make sure the turkey is brined, that the mac and cheese is perfect, and that the dressing is ready, I hope you will remember to give thanks to God. There are many things we can all be thankful for. As you sit around the table this Thursday, I’d like to challenge you to share some of your favorite verses with each other.  Below are a few of my favorites as I think about being thankful. As you gather for dinner, maybe you can each read a verse, and discuss why it is your favorite. These are a few of my favorites as I think about being thankful.

  1. Because God created you.  Psalm 139:13-14 –  “13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
  2. God’s love is unfailing. Psalms 13:5 – “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
  3. God is good and his mercy never ends. Psalm 100:5 – “ For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
  4. God answers prayers. Psalm 118:21 “I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.”
  5. God guides me. Psalm 16:7 – “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”

I know there are many, many more verses you can find for reasons to be thankful. I will close with this thought.  Psalm 69:30-31 – “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. 31 This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves.”   As you give thanks to God this week.  Know that God is wanting a people who will shout out to him in song and praise. God has done enough for all of us in one day to last us a lifetime. Let us be a people that never stop giving Him praise for all that he has done. For all that he is doing. And for all that he will do.

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Are you in the middle of a storm? The winds are blowing, and the waves are rising, and it feels like your life is taking on water. You find yourself spending all day bailing to stay afloat. Can I encourage you to hand the bucket over to God and to rest in his arms. Listen to these words from Hebrews 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Do like Jesus did in the middle of his greatest battle. He looked at the joy as being greater than the present situation.

Yes, he knew he was going to suffer and die. But he also knew that the grave could not hold him. And it cannot hold those who believe in God. 1 Corinthians 15:55, ““Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” So, you’re in the fight for your life. What do you do? First, and most importantly, fix your eyes on Jesus. Spend more time on your knees and less time bailing water. Less time finding an immediate fix. How do you do that. By remembering the reward far exceeds our current suffering.

Friend, you can bail and bail until you drop dead. But without Jesus it will all be for nothing. If your burdens are heavy, give them to Jesus. Matthew 11:28, “28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Trust in Jesus and he will navigate the storms of this life with you. And you cannot lose. On Friday it appeared as Jesus had lost. By Sunday there was a new King. The battle can seem to be winning. But in the end, nothing will defeat your victory in Jesus.

Jesus said in John 14:18, “No, I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm—I will come to you. 19 In just a little while I will be gone from the world, but I will still be present with you. For I will live again—and you will too.” Nothing in this world can rob me of my salvation. Nothing can defeat the work of Jesus. And nothing can stop me from loving Him and from Jesus loving me. And because of that, I lay my head on my pillow in the mix of storms knowing who is rowing the boat. Knowing that the storms can be calmed by the voice of God. Be still. And the waters were still. Maybe the word to you today is, simply be still. Plasms 46:10, says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” But I’m in over my head? Be still. But I’m losing the battle, be still. But I may lose everything. Be still and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus the pioneer and perfector of your faith.

Love Is Not Extra Credit Work

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Love is not extra credit work for the child of God. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “a new commandment I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” On another occasion John recorded in 1 John 4:20, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

That doesn’t give us much wiggle room does it. How we treat others reveals if we really love God or not. The foundation of love has to be the starting place of how we interact with others. With our friends, with our families, with strangers and with our loved ones. Including all those who disagree with our biblical beliefs. Even those who are struggling with gender dysphoria or have embraced a transgender lifestyle.

To do this, we must view people as God views them. While some have done all they can to scar their image, we can never forget that they were created in God’s image. No amount of sin removes the fact that they were created in God’s image. The playing field is level when it comes to how God views his creation. They are exactly the same in God’s eyes.

To see the value of a transgender person, means you must stop any behavior that demeans them. Or even go the extra mile and stand up for them when they are being made fun of. Have you tried to listen to their burdens without being judgmental? Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you fulfill the law of Christ.” In order to carry someone’s burdens you must love them as God loves them.

So, what do we do with 1 Corinthians 13:6 that says, “Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” Well, first we must understand that loving someone and not telling them the truth is not what the bible teaches. But again, when you tell someone the truth you must do it in love. You must know them. You must convince them that you really care about them. You must treat them with respect. Not because you agree with their sin, but because they were created in the image of God. We help no one when we deny God’s word. Sometimes we do this because we want to fit in. Or we don’t want to face the strife we know it will cause. Or we don’t want to appear as a religious zealot.

Communicating truth and love requires relationships. You must invest time and energy into someone if you ever hope to help them. I can only speak for myself. I know my first approach to transgenderism was to shout it down. To prove it unbiblical at all costs. No matter who it hurt. If I’m honest, I spent little time trying to assure them that I loved them. And that God loved them. For that I repent. I pray God will give me the ability to love everyone more patiently. Let us not forget that love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. (1 Corinthians 13:4).

God saves the most unlikely of people. Of which I am one. Why should I not give them a chance? Lord, please forgive me for being so short. So quick to judge. Help me learn to speak the truth in love. Help me to love like your love. Help me to trust more in you and your ability to change lives.

Self-Control

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Proverbs 25:28 says, “A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.”  As a parent it is important that you provide your children with structure, so they can build self-control. They need self-control to succeed at school, and at work, and in relationships. Allowing them to do anything and everything they want is only ensuring they will live a life filled with trouble.

In our internet driven world, many lack self-control when it comes to the hours they spend online. Studies estimate that the average person spends 6.5 hours per day on the internet. Or about a quarter of their life on the world wide web. When you factor in school, work and sleep, the average person spends most of their time awake online.

As a parent, we need to help our children learn to limit their time online. Why? Because without self-control they are like a city with no walls. The enemy can easily walk into their lives and destroy them. The problem is everywhere today. Even churches aren’t immune to the technology bug. We’ve become accustomed to slide shows and videos being a part of our classes and sermons. We are even setting up rooms with electronic devices for children to use while attending services.

Please listen to me, as a parent, you have to know that no one will care more about your child succeeding in life more than you will. What if you were to give your child every tennis lesson, drive them to every practice, make sure they never miss a school event, but in the end, they lose their soul. I don’t have to tell you that is going to be a very sad day for some parents.

Arlene Pellicane in her book, Parents Rising says, “you would never dream of handing your child drugs or alcohol. Yet most parents hand over a tablet or phone to a child without much thought.”

Can I encourage you to limit your child’s use of the internet? Of course, that may mean you will have to put your phone down as well. Instead of eating supper watching your favorite show, or playing your favorite game, or watching tic toc videos, you must put your phone away. Mom and Dad’s, take the lead and put the phone away. You will be glad you did in the end.

Mercy and Grace Awaits

Posted on by Jesse Walker

In Hebrews 4:16 we read, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Hebrews 4:14-15 explain the reason why we can rush the throne of God boldly expecting to receive grace and mercy. Simply put it’s because of Jesus. Jesus has faced every temptation we have faced. Our prayers rise up to a God who completely gets it. He knows of our struggles. He’s faced our temptations and understands. He gets it. For he himself suffered so that we can come to him in complete confidence.

We can come boldly before him, expecting to receive mercy and grace. Matthew 7:9-11 says, 9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! We can approach God knowing that he knows what we need. For in Jesus’ death on the cross, is our victory. If we’re honest, most times what we need isn’t more stuff. Some of us are buried alive in our stuff. What we need is Jesus. We need a Savior who offers mercy when we deserve punishment and grace, God’s unconditional love.

I pray you will be encouraged to approach God with boldness. Knowing that Jesus has looked our struggles straight in the face and beat the enemy. He fully understands what you need. All you have to do is ask and believe that he is able.

Grace Flows for All

Posted on by Jesse Walker

How would you feel if you worked all day for your employer, and at the end of the day, he paid everyone the same wage? Even those who came to work a little late that morning. Or even those who only came to work for a couple of hours. All received the same amount of pay.

Did you know, there is a story like this in the bible. In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells of a farmer who hired workers at various times of the day. All of the workers who were hired early in the morning agreed to work for one day’s wage. While the others agreed to accept whatever the farmer thought was fair. In other words, they trusted the farmer to pay fairly.

At the end of the day, the farmer calls all of the workers together, and pays them all the same wage. You can imagine how this made the early workers terribly unhappy. By their calculations, they were do more. They had worked longer and harder than those who only worked a very few hours. They believed because they had worked longer, they deserved more money. Which I’m sure is what you and I would have done if we were in that same situation. But Jesus replies in Matthew 19:13-16, “I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?” “So, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

There are numerous messages we can take from this story. One is that we are not to be people who are jealous when others are blessed, and we aren’t. Are you mad that Jesus offers grace to those that you think are worse sinners than yourself? Are you angered that he accepts a thief’s request upon his death bed and promises him he will be with him in paradise? Are you mad when another church is growing faster than your own?

This story contradicts our thinking. It makes no earthly sense. But that’s the point. It’s not supposed to make earthly sense. Jesus isn’t telling a story about working and getting paid. He’s telling a story about grace. And how wonderful it is. And how it’s offered to everyone. Salvation is a gift. You don’t earn your salvation.

Jesus is still addressing the rich young rulers’ question in Matthew 19:16, “What must I do to be saved” and with Peter’s question in Matthew 19:27, “we have left everything to follow you, what will be left for us.” The answer is found in Matthew 19:29-30 where Jesus says, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

What the rich young ruler needed to know, is putting Jesus first, not the perfect keeping of the law, is what made the difference. What Peter needed to know, is no one who has sacrificed for God, will go unrewarded. What the early morning workers needed to know, the midday workers and the late day workers, is salvation is a gift. You can’t earn it. No amount of work will ever pay our debt. That debt was paid in full by God when he accepted the sinless life of his Son.

I don’t know where you are today, in your walk with God. But the good news is, it’s not too late. If you’re listening to this message, then you can receive grace. Your age, your wealth, your efforts don’t matter. What matters, is do you know Jesus. If you need help, please leave me a message. And I will do all I can to share the wonderful message of salvation with you.

Well Formed Love – Banishes Fear

Posted on by Jesse Walker

I love the way the Message bible in 1 John 4:17-18 explains how we live in God and God lives in us. It says, “God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day – our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life-fear of death, fear of judgment-is one not yet fully formed in love.”

In verse 18, were told that, “Well-formed love banishes fear.” What are you fearful of? Are you fearful of death. Are you fearful of judgment day? Many are fearful of not being loved. So, they seek love in all the wrong places. Others fear not being recognized so they dress differently than everyone else. Some believe they have to do the same in order for God to love them. They think if they pray more, cuss less, drink less, that God will be impressed with them. Do you understand that you don’t have to woo God to love you. God has chosen to love you. According to Romans 5:8, God proved his love for us by having Christ die for us, while we were still sinners.

Nothing you do will ever surprise God. God isn’t going to say one day, “man I never knew they would do that.” Or “did you see that, I’m so ashamed of them.” What you do may surprise you, but not God.

Judgment day is a date on all our calendars. And what will matter on judgment day is if you are friends with the Son. Why? Because as we read earlier in 1 John 4:17, those who are in Christ, have complete confidence and joy because he loves us and we love him too.

One evening when I was in the Navy, I was returning to the base in Guam. The gate I was at was locked. But when I leaned on it, it swung open enough for me to squeeze through. Because I was lost, it seemed like a good idea at the time to wiggle through the gate. That good idea didn’t last long. When I stepped through the gate a Marine stood up with his M16 from behind a concrete barrier and shouted for me to stop. He wanted to know what I was doing there. After some time, a friend of mine arrived, and explained who I was. And because we were friends, the Marine let me go. I was never so scared in all my life. But because I knew the friend, I was free of judgment. This is how it is for all of us who are friends with Jesus. He shouts to the Father, “they are my friends.” And because of that we are free of judgment. We are loved.

When God Has Spoken

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Have you ever been lied to by someone you trusted? By even someone in a leadership position in the church. In 1 Kings 13 there is a young prophet who was lied to by an old prophet. The young prophet is told to go to Bethel and proclaim that Josiah, the son of David, will one day sacrifice their false prophets on this altar.  And the young prophet did this very bravely. In fact, when King Jeroboam stretched out his hand to have him seized, his arm became shriveled up. When asked by the king, the young prophet prayed to God, and his hand was restored. Thus, the King invited him to his house to eat and drink and to give him a gift. But the young prophet refuses to go. In 1 Kings 13:9, he reveals why he would not go. “For I was commanded by the word of the Lord,” You mut not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.”

As the events of this day roll on, there is an old prophet who lies or misleads the young prophet. He tells him he was told by an angel to invite him to his house to eat bread and drink water with him. Weather the old prophet lied or heard from an angel we do not know. He may have heard from a deceiving angle. For in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 were told that Satan and his messengers can appear as angels of light.

There are several reasons I suppose that the younger prophet believed the older prophet. He may have respected the old prophet because he said he heard from an angel. He may have just respected him because he was older. He may have been physically tiered and hungry. So, what are we to learn from this story?

First, we must always remember to never turn back from the work of God. When God has told you to do something. We are to carry that out without letting others sidetrack us. This young prophet received a word from God directly. He should have listened to God and not a man. Today, we get our word primarily from the bible. And we are to be faithful to it. And not to let others lead us astray. Obedience is key in the life of a believer. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

Secondly, we are to test every spirit. Just because someone says they are a preacher, a teacher, or a prophet, check out what they say. Make sure it aligns with God’s word. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is a Christian. Not everyone who is in a leadership role is faithful. Matthew 7:15-23 warns all believers to “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” This young prophet may not have been a good fruit inspector.

Thirdly, no one is above the law. The evil, disobedient King Jeroboam will be judged, and the prophet of God will be judged. Disobedience has its own reward. According to Romans 14:12, “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Your position, or title will not save you. In fact, those who are trusted with greater responsibility will be held to a higher standard. Luke 12:48 says, “To whom much is given, much will be required.”

Fourthly, when you are facing a tough decision. Always consult with God. No where do we see the young prophet asking God what he should do. Matthew 24:4-5, “take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many”. We need to be people who always drop to our knees before we make a decision that can cost us our salvation. God will always provide a way for those who are truly seeking his advice.

Let us all learn to be a people that trust more in the word of God than we do in the many words of men.