Pastor's Message - Pastor Bob Bahr
This Sunday I want to continue our series of sermons in the Gospel of John.
John is built around the theme of Seven Signs that point to JESUS as Israel’s long-anticipated Messiah - the Anointed One - who would establish God’s reign upon the earth.
The Sermon on the Mount in Mathew chapters 5-7 records the ethic of His Kingdom reign. But in John’s gospel we are given seven miraculous signs that authenticate Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah, God’s Son that whosoever believes in Him and His atoning work on the cross will be saved.
This week we will look at the first of those seven signs - the turning of water into wine found in John chapter 2.
From our perspective, this doesn’t seem like much of a sign. In our culture, if you run out of wine at a wedding it’s probably a sign to wrap up the reception and send people home. Not so in Jesus’ culture. But why?
Let me encourage you to read through this story and ask yourself these questions.
- In what ways does this miracle fulfill the prophecies and predictions of the Old Testament?
- What does this miracle teach us about the nature and character of Jesus - the Messiah
- What does Jesus mean when he says to His mother: “Dear woman, that’s not my problem My time has not yet come?” John 2:4 NLT
On another note, let me share a prayer I read in our devotional this week that moved me very deeply.
“I pray today for my brothers and sisters within the Christian community.
I grieve the places where division, gossip, pain, or anger have wounded our unity.
I pray particularly for a place where I know relationships are broken.
Spirit of God, will You bring reconciliation and
the peace of Your presence to wounded and hurting places? Amen.”
I’m praying that the love, joy, and presence of Jesus fill your life and our church with the new wine of His transforming love.
Gospel Ukulele (plus*) Drop-in: Drop in and enjoy a pleasant and uplifting evening of strumming your ukulele and singing old gospel standards, hymns as well as "new" music from the '70s to now. The "tie that binds" is the fellowship in sharing wonderful gospel lyrics, more than the quality of our playing! All ages and skill levels from beginner to intermediate are welcome.
Wednesdays, starting March 8, in the Fireside Room, 7:00-8:30 pm (including a refreshment break).
New to the ukulele? Come early – we will be here at 6:30 pm to help you learn new chords! Call the office to get Tom's contact details.
*in the spirit of hospitality, other instruments are also welcome! But if you really want to have fun, try a "uke" – inexpensive and easy to learn! We’ll help you along!
Year-end Receipts: We are in the process of reconciling your tithe and offerings for your charitable giving to West Vancouver Baptist Church. We will be sending out the official West Vancouver Baptist Church Charitable Tax Receipts for 2022 sometime next week. These will be emailed to you. If we do not have your email address available we will provide printed versions on Sunday, February 19 for you to pick up. Anything not picked up by February 28 will be mailed.
Donation Envelopes: A friendly reminder that the yellow envelopes in the pews are for the Benevolence Fund only. The blue envelopes are for other funds such as General, Missions, and other specially announced offerings. If you use the white numbered envelopes and need 6, 12, or another amount, please contact the Envelope Secretary at jthompson@westvanbaptist.com and she will prepare them for you.
Events
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up.
