:: HOME PAGE
:: NEWSLETTER
:: ABOUT US
:: PGA CHAP. BIBLE STUDYS
:: BOOKS & RESOURCES

:: DONATE
:: TESTIMONIALS
:: DAILY DEVOTIONALS
:: PHOTO GALLERY
:: GOLF PRACTICS DRILLS

:: SPONSORS
:: MEDIA ROOM
:: LATEST GOLF NEWS
:: USEFUL WEB LINKS
:: CONTACT US

Study 11: 11th - 17th September
The changing of water into wine.

Reading – John Chapter 2:verses 1 to 11.

“This the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him”(John Chapter 2 verse 11 (New International Version).

The use and abuse of alcohol in our society has led many followers of Jesus to refuse to drink alcohol, believing abstinence is the best form of countering it’s abuse in our society. I respect and admire those who live this way.
However, this is not the only way to view alcohol.

In the Old Testament (see Isaiah Chapter 25:verse 6 for example) and the New Testament (Luke Chapter 22: verses15-18 and verses 29 to 30, Matthew Chapter 8: verses 11 to 12), wine is part of the feast and banquet that is a picture of the new life and rule that Jesus brings.

Wine is used in the bible and is part of the celebrations of life. It is still used today for many celebrations.

In the reading from John Chapter 2, Jesus changes water into wine when the wine runs out at a wedding in Cana. This miracle and wine is a sign of the new life Jesus brings in contrast to the water used for cleansing that represented the old order. This miracle at the beginning of Jesus’ life shows his power as God’s Son.

The teaching of the bible is unanimous against drunkenness and drinking to excess. This is a sin against God, because we lose control of our actions and become irresponsible. And it is true that abuse of alcohol is a major problem today. Anytime we do not have full use of our faculties because of alcohol t is wrong. Like all good things used properly and in moderation, they are part of the enjoyment of life that God gives.

I go to many golf functions and am invited to have a wine with my companions. I enjoy this opportunity, but I know that for safety and spiritual reasons I have a limit to what I can drink. This is in contrast to earlier years when I had no control over how much I drank. Alcohol has such a huge impact in our society for many wrong reasons. Some include dangerous driving, lose of control of our speak and actions, physical, verbal and sexual abuse, gambling and others.
Used properly, wine is great for a celebration.

Jesus coming is a celebration because of the new life he brings. The New Testament is full of celebration pictures of banquets, dancing and singing to illustrate the joy that Jesus brings to our life.

The changing of water into wine is a sign of the new life Jesus brings. His new life is of the richest kind, one that lasts for eternity to all those who believe in him and follow him.

Prayer.
Loving God, we thank you that Jesus came among us to bring new life, life of the richest kind. He is the one that brings us great joy and celebration. We thank you for the joy that comes from worshipping you, and for the future celebration we look forward to in your heavenly Kingdom. Help us to use alcohol wisely and to help those who are addicted and whose lives are ruined by its abuse. Amen.

• 5 June: Oatlands Golf Day
• 24 - 26 July: SCA Annual Conference
• 6 - 9 Sept.: PGA Merchandise Show
• 15 Oct.: Wyong Trainee Pro-Am