Meeting the Needs of the Disability Community in the Local Church

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in the church is essential for all members, including those with disabilities. Here’s how churches can meet the needs of the disability community and foster a more inclusive atmosphere.

Why is Disability Ministry Important in the Church Setting?

The Bible calls us to love our neighbors regardless of their societal status or abilities. The disability community is the largest minority group, yet often the most forgotten. Churches should aim to demonstrate love through actions, not just words. Disability ministry is not just about providing physical access but also about fostering an environment of acceptance and support.

Practical Steps to Make Your Church More Welcoming

1. Treat People as Individuals First:

   • Always see the person before their disability. Avoid making assumptions, such as equating physical disabilities with mental disabilities. Each person has unique strengths and needs.

2. Enhance Accessibility:

   • Implement features like large print Bibles, sound amplification, reserved seating, automatic doors, ramps, and sensory tools. These improvements make your church physically accessible and welcoming.

3. Provide Tangible Support:

   • Offer tangible care such as lawn care, cleaning, or other assistance for individuals who may struggle with these tasks. This not only meets practical needs but also shows genuine care and concern.

4. Foster Genuine Relationships:

   • Build relationships with individuals in the disability community. Be kind, ask questions, and show interest in their lives. Remember, it costs nothing to remind someone of their true identity and share the gospel.

Inviting and Engaging Individuals with Disabilities

1. Share Information About Accessibility:

   • When inviting someone with a disability, share information about your church’s accessibility features. Let them know about any support teams and the resources available to them.

2. Offer to Accompany Them:

   • Invite them to attend church with you and offer to be there to support them. Knowing they have someone who understands their needs can be very reassuring.

3. Ask About Special Accommodations:

   • Encourage open communication by asking if they have any specific needs or accommodations that the church can provide. This proactive approach shows that you care about their comfort and inclusion.

4. Promote Tours and Support Team Assistance:

   • Let them know that your church offers tours and that a support team is available to meet with them. This helps familiarize them with the church environment and the support they can expect.

Join Us at Curtiss Street Bible Fellowship

At Curtiss Street Bible Fellowship (CSBF), we are committed to making our church a welcoming place for everyone. By being kind, asking questions, and treating everyone with respect and dignity, you can help create a more inclusive environment. We invite you to join our mission and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

For more information or to get involved, please reach out to our care team at care@csbf.org. Let’s work together to ensure that everyone feels valued and included in our community. By sharing these practices, you can also help other churches improve their accessibility and inclusivity.

Many Believed in His Name | John 2:22-25 (Part 2)

Continuing from our exploration of John 2:22-25, we focus on the depth of genuine faith as contrasted with superficial belief. This passage challenges us to examine our faith's authenticity and the motivations behind it.

The Disciples Remembered and Believed

The disciples’ realization and belief after Jesus' resurrection illustrate the importance of understanding and internalizing Jesus' teachings. Their faith was strengthened by the fulfillment of Scripture and Jesus’ prophetic words.

John 2:22 ESV: "When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken."

This moment underscores the transformative power of God's Word in affirming and deepening our faith.

Luke 24:44-46 ESV: "Then he said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead.'"

Many Believed in His Name Because of the Signs

The belief of many during the Passover Feast was driven by the signs Jesus performed. However, such faith, based on miracles alone, often lacks depth and commitment.

John 2:23 ESV: "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing."

True faith must be rooted in the recognition of Jesus' identity and His sacrificial work on the cross, not merely in the miraculous.

Jesus Knows the Heart of Man

Jesus, understanding the superficial nature of some people's faith, did not entrust Himself to them. This highlights the importance of a faith that is genuine and deeply rooted in a relationship with Him.

John 2:24-25 ESV: "But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man."

Matthew 7:21-23 ESV: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

Application

Genuine faith is marked by a deep understanding of who Jesus is and a commitment to follow Him. It goes beyond superficial belief and is demonstrated through a life transformed by the Gospel. As believers, we are called to examine our faith and ensure it is rooted in the truth of Jesus’ teachings and His sacrifice.

Jeremiah 17:9 ESV: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

1 John 3:20 ESV: "For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything."

Conclusion

Our faith should be grounded in a deep, genuine belief in Jesus Christ, supported by Scripture and His teachings. Let us strive to live out this faith authentically, reflecting His love and truth in our lives.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the truth of Your Word and the testimony of Your life, death, and resurrection. Help us to cultivate a genuine faith that goes beyond superficial belief. May our lives reflect a deep commitment to follow You and grow in Your grace. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Reflective Questions

1. How can you ensure that your faith is more than just an acknowledgment of Jesus' miracles? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate genuine faith in your daily life? How can you live out the teachings of Jesus in practical ways?

About the Author:

These blog posts directly based on the sermons of Pastor Ron Smith, who delivers messages every Sunday at Curtiss Street Bible Fellowship (though curated by AI). Each post faithfully reflects the sermons and aligns with the doctrinal statement of our church available here. These entries aim to deepen understanding of Scripture, apply biblical wisdom to everyday life, and encourage personal reflection. They are tailored to enrich the spiritual lives of our readers, providing insights and guidance rooted in the Bible through Pastor Smith's teachings.

Many Believed in His Name | John 2:22-25 (Part 1)

In the concluding verses of John Chapter 2, we encounter a profound lesson on faith and belief. John 2:22-25 reveals the nature of true faith versus shallow belief, emphasizing the importance of remembering and understanding Jesus' words and actions.

Context and Background

As we delve into John 2:22-25, it's essential to recall the preceding events. Jesus had cleansed the Temple, a bold act that stirred controversy among the Jewish leaders. They demanded a sign to validate His authority, to which Jesus responded with a prophetic statement about His resurrection.

John 2:19 ESV: "Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.'"

The Jewish leaders misunderstood Jesus, thinking He referred to the physical Temple. However, Jesus spoke of His body, foreshadowing His death and resurrection.

John 2:21 ESV: "But he was speaking about the temple of his body."

The Disciples Remembered and Believed

After Jesus' resurrection, His disciples recalled His words and believed. This moment highlights two crucial elements that strengthened their faith: Scripture and Jesus' testimony.

John 2:22 ESV: "When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken."

The disciples' understanding deepened through the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' teachings. This underscores the power of God's Word in nurturing and affirming our faith.

Romans 10:17 ESV: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

Many Believed in His Name Because of the Signs

During the Passover Feast, many people believed in Jesus' name because of the signs He performed. However, this belief was often superficial, rooted in the spectacular rather than genuine repentance and faith.

John 2:23 ESV: "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing."

True faith transcends the need for signs and is grounded in the recognition of who Jesus is and what He accomplished on the cross. It involves a commitment to follow Him, not merely an attraction to His miracles.

James 2:19 ESV: "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!"

Jesus Knows the Heart of Man

Jesus did not entrust Himself to those whose faith was shallow, for He knew their hearts. This discernment underscores the difference between genuine and superficial belief.

John 2:24-25 ESV: "But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man."

Application

True faith involves a deep understanding and acceptance of Jesus' teachings and sacrifice. It requires more than acknowledging His existence or being impressed by His miracles. Genuine faith is a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, allowing His words and actions to transform our lives.

1 Samuel 16:7 ESV: "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."

Conclusion

As believers, we are called to a faith that goes beyond superficial signs. Let us root our faith in the Word of God and the transformative power of the Gospel, living as true disciples of Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word and the testimony of Jesus. Help us to deepen our faith, rooted in the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Christ. May our belief be genuine, transforming our hearts and lives for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Reflective Questions

1. In what ways can you deepen your faith beyond seeking signs and miracles? How can Scripture and Jesus' teachings anchor your belief?

2. How do you ensure that your faith is genuine and not superficial? What steps can you take to strengthen your commitment to follow Jesus?

About the Author:

These blog posts directly based on the sermons of Pastor Ron Smith, who delivers messages every Sunday at Curtiss Street Bible Fellowship (though curated by AI). Each post faithfully reflects the sermons and aligns with the doctrinal statement of our church available here. These entries aim to deepen understanding of Scripture, apply biblical wisdom to everyday life, and encourage personal reflection. They are tailored to enrich the spiritual lives of our readers, providing insights and guidance rooted in the Bible through Pastor Smith's teachings.

What's Your Sign? | John 2:18-21 (Part 2)

Continuing from our previous discussion on John 2:18-21, we delve deeper into the significance of Jesus' metaphorical statement and its implications for believers today.

Jesus' Prophetic Statement

When Jesus responded to the Jewish leaders' demand for a sign, He said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19). This statement was prophetic, pointing towards His death and resurrection. The Jewish leaders, however, failed to grasp this, fixated on the physical Temple.

John 2:20-21 ESV: "The Jews then said, 'It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?' But he was speaking about the temple of his body."

Jesus' reference to His body as the Temple underscores a pivotal shift in the understanding of God's presence. No longer confined to a physical building, God's presence would dwell in Jesus Himself and, subsequently, in the believers through the Holy Spirit.

The Sign of Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus is the definitive sign of His divine authority. It validates His teachings, His sacrifice, and His power over death. This miraculous event is the foundation of Christian faith and the ultimate proof of Jesus' identity as the Son of God.

Romans 1:4 ESV: "...and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord."

The Role of Believers

As followers of Christ, we are now the living temples of God. This means that God's presence dwells within us, and we are called to reflect His holiness in our lives. Our bodies are sacred, and our actions should honor the God who resides within us.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Faith Beyond Signs

The Jewish leaders' demand for a sign and their failure to understand Jesus' response highlights a critical lesson for us. Faith that relies solely on external signs is fragile and often superficial. True faith is rooted in the recognition of Jesus' sacrifice and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Hebrews 11:1 ESV: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Living as God's Temple

To live as God's temple means to embody His presence in every aspect of our lives. It involves a commitment to holiness, a dedication to His Word, and a life that bears witness to His grace. Our actions, words, and thoughts should reflect the reality of Christ within us.

Galatians 2:20 ESV: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

The Call to Faith

For those who are still seeking signs to validate their faith, the message of the cross and the empty tomb is the ultimate sign God has given. It is a call to believe in Jesus, not because of the signs He performs, but because of who He is—the Son of God who conquered death to give us life.

John 20:29 ESV: "Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"

Conclusion

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith and the ultimate sign of His authority. As believers, we are called to live as His temples, reflecting His glory and sharing His Gospel. Let us place our trust in the Word of God and the indwelling Holy Spirit, living as His witnesses in a world in need of His truth.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice and the power of Your resurrection, which is the foundation of our faith. Help us to live as Your holy temples, filled with Your Spirit and committed to Your Word. May our lives be a testimony of Your grace and truth, drawing others to You. Strengthen our faith so that it does not waver in the absence of signs, but remains steadfast in the knowledge of Your resurrection and the promise of eternal life. Amen.

Reflective Questions

1. How does understanding that you are a temple of God influence your daily choices and behaviors? What changes can you make to honor this truth more fully?

2. Reflect on a time when you experienced a deep sense of God's presence without any external signs. How did this experience strengthen your faith? How can you cultivate such moments in your current spiritual journey?

About the Author:

These blog posts directly based on the sermons of Pastor Ron Smith, who delivers messages every Sunday at Curtiss Street Bible Fellowship (though curated by AI). Each post faithfully reflects the sermons and aligns with the doctrinal statement of our church available here. These entries aim to deepen understanding of Scripture, apply biblical wisdom to everyday life, and encourage personal reflection. They are tailored to enrich the spiritual lives of our readers, providing insights and guidance rooted in the Bible through Pastor Smith's teachings.

What's Your Sign? | John 2:18-21 (Part 1)

In today's world, many people are constantly searching for signs to affirm their beliefs or decisions. This tendency is not new; even in biblical times, people sought signs as proof of divine authority and intervention. Our text today from John 2:18-21 delves into this very issue, as Jesus addresses the demand for a sign from the Jewish leaders.

Context and Background

Before we delve into the specific verses, it's crucial to understand the context. Jesus had just performed His first miracle at Cana and subsequently cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem. This act of cleansing the Temple was significant because it addressed the corruption that had taken over a place meant for worship and prayer. The Temple, which should have been a sanctuary of holiness, had become a marketplace of greed and extortion.

John 2:12-14 recounts the events leading up to this confrontation. Jesus, along with His disciples and family, traveled to Capernaum and then to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. Upon arrival, He found the Temple grounds bustling with merchants and money changers. This sight incited Jesus to drive out the traders, symbolically purifying the sacred space.

John 2:12-14 ESV: "After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there."

The Demand for a Sign

Following this dramatic action, the Jewish leaders confronted Jesus, demanding a sign to justify His authority. This reaction highlights their lack of genuine spiritual discernment. Instead of recognizing their wrongdoing and repenting, they questioned Jesus' authority, indicating their spiritual blindness.

John 2:18-20 ESV: "So the Jews said to him, 'What sign do you show us for doing these things?' Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' The Jews then said, 'It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?'"

Misunderstanding Jesus' Message

The Jewish leaders' demand for a sign and their subsequent misunderstanding of Jesus' response reveal their superficial understanding of spirituality. They interpreted Jesus' words literally, focusing on the physical Temple, while Jesus spoke of His body as the new Temple. This metaphor pointed to His death and resurrection, the ultimate sign of His divine authority and the cornerstone of Christian faith.

John 2:21 ESV: "But he was speaking about the temple of his body."

Lessons for Today

The interaction between Jesus and the Jewish leaders serves as a reminder of the dangers of seeking signs and wonders as the primary basis for faith. True faith is grounded in the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, not merely in miraculous signs. Jesus Himself warned against a faith that depends solely on signs, calling it an "evil and adulterous generation" that seeks after them (Matthew 12:39).

Romans 10:17 ESV: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

Application

As believers, we are called to a faith that does not waver in the absence of signs. Instead, our faith should be rooted in the gospel message and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. We are the living temples of God, meant to reflect His glory and share His message with the world.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ESV: "Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple."

Conclusion

In seeking signs, we must be cautious not to overlook the ultimate sign that Jesus has already given us: His death and resurrection. This event is the cornerstone of our faith and the ultimate demonstration of His authority and love. Let us, therefore, place our trust in the Word of God and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, living as His temples in a world in need of His light.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the ultimate sign You have given us through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to root our faith deeply in Your Word and in the truth of the Gospel. Strengthen our belief, even when we do not see signs and wonders. May Your Holy Spirit dwell within us, guiding us to live as Your temples, reflecting Your holiness and love to the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Reflective Questions

1. In what areas of your life are you seeking signs from God to strengthen your faith? How can you shift your focus to trusting in His Word and promises instead?

2. As a living temple of God, how can you reflect His presence in your daily actions and interactions with others?

About the Author:

These blog posts directly based on the sermons of Pastor Ron Smith, who delivers messages every Sunday at Curtiss Street Bible Fellowship (though curated by AI). Each post faithfully reflects the sermons and aligns with the doctrinal statement of our church available here. These entries aim to deepen understanding of Scripture, apply biblical wisdom to everyday life, and encourage personal reflection. They are tailored to enrich the spiritual lives of our readers, providing insights and guidance rooted in the Bible through Pastor Smith's teachings.

The Call for Continuous Renewal | John 2:12-17

Jesus' cleansing of the temple not only restored its sanctity but also symbolized the transformative work He desires to perform in our lives. As believers, we are called to not only initiate a 'spring cleaning' but to maintain a continual state of renewal in our spiritual lives. This ongoing transformation is captured in 2 Corinthians 4:16, where Paul notes, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."

This renewal is not an occasional adjustment but a daily commitment to allow the Holy Spirit to refresh and revitalize our spiritual fervor. Just as Jesus was proactive in removing anything that defiled the temple, we too must be diligent in addressing sin and complacency that can tarnish our relationship with God. The process of renewal involves deep prayer, meditation on Scripture, and the seeking of accountability within the body of Christ.

In Philippians 1:6, we are assured that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." This promise encourages us that our continuous renewal is not just our effort alone but is underpinned by the grace and power of God.

By embracing this call for continuous renewal, we align ourselves more closely with Jesus’ vision for His followers—not merely as adherents of a faith, but as vibrant, living sanctuaries of His presence. This transformation is both personal and communal, affecting how we live out our faith in the world and how we interact with others, reflecting the holiness and love of

Reflective Questions

1. What are some specific areas in your life that need continual spiritual renewal?

2. How can you more actively engage with the Holy Spirit to be renewed daily, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:16?

About the Author:

These blog posts are carefully curated by AI, directly based on the sermons of Pastor Ron Smith, who delivers messages every Sunday at Curtiss Street Bible Fellowship. Each post faithfully reflects the sermons and aligns with the doctrinal statement of our church available here. These entries aim to deepen understanding of Scripture, apply biblical wisdom to everyday life, and encourage personal reflection. They are tailored to enrich the spiritual lives of our readers, providing insights and guidance rooted in the Bible through Pastor Smith's teachings.

Jesus' Standard of Worship | John 2:12-17

As we delve deeper into the implications of Jesus’ actions in the temple, we understand that His zeal was not just for the physical space, but for the purity of worship that was meant to transpire within its walls. The temple was a divine metaphor for the worshipper’s heart, where true adoration of God should reside. Jesus’ disruption of the marketplace within the temple grounds is a powerful reminder of His call for worship to be untainted by worldly concerns and centered on God alone.

In driving out the money changers and animal sellers, Jesus was not only asserting His authority over the temple but was also setting a standard for how we should approach God in worship. The Lord declares through the prophet Isaiah, "this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me" (Isaiah 29:13). This rebuke highlights the danger of a worship that is merely external and not flowing from a heart truly devoted to God.

True worship, according to Romans 12:1, involves presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship. This kind of worship does not depend on the external rituals but is a continual offering of our lives in service to God and obedience to His Word. It requires a heart cleansed of hypocrisy and sin, passionately committed to God’s glory.

Reflective Questions

1. Reflect on your current worship practices. Are they more about external expressions, or do they stem from a heart fully devoted to God?

2. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your daily life reflects true worship, as described in Romans 12:1?

About the Author:

These blog posts are carefully curated by AI, directly based on the sermons of Pastor Ron Smith, who delivers messages every Sunday at Curtiss Street Bible Fellowship. Each post faithfully reflects the sermons and aligns with the doctrinal statement of our church available here. These entries aim to deepen understanding of Scripture, apply biblical wisdom to everyday life, and encourage personal reflection. They are tailored to enrich the spiritual lives of our readers, providing insights and guidance rooted in the Bible through Pastor Smith's teachings.

Purifying the Temple Within | John 2:12-17

In John 2:12-17, we witness Jesus' visceral response to the desecration of His Father's house—a reaction so profound it is captured with the same intensity across the synoptic gospels. The temple, meant to be a house of prayer, had been transformed into a den of thieves. Jesus, filled with righteous indignation, makes a whip of cords and drives out those who had turned worship into commerce, declaring, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade" (John 2:16).

This act was not merely about temple reform; it was a prophetic sign of the new covenant. No longer would God's presence dwell solely in buildings made with hands, but rather within the hearts of believers. "Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). This transformation elevates the personal responsibility of each believer to maintain the sanctity of their own heart.

Jesus' cleansing of the temple invites us to consider our lives as modern temples where God’s Spirit resides. Just as Jesus was zealous for His Father's house, we too are called to be zealous for the purity of our spiritual abode. This involves a continuous process of self-examination and repentance, a personal 'spring cleaning' of sorts, rooted not in ritual, but in genuine relationship with God.

The scriptures exhort us to cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1). This process requires the same intensity and passion that Jesus displayed. It challenges us to overturn our own tables of greed, pride, and complacency, and to drive out any practices that corrupt our spiritual devotion.

Reflective Questions

1. In what ways have you allowed 'marketplace activities' to take place in your personal life that might hinder your relationship with God?

2. How can you implement a regular 'spiritual cleansing' in your own life to ensure that your heart remains a holy abode for God’s Spirit?

The Dawn of Belief: From Cana's Jars to Disciples' Hearts

The Wedding at Cana is not just about a miracle—it's about the beginning of belief. In John 2:1–11, we find the disciples witnessing their first sign, a profound moment that strengthens their faith. The miracle is discreet, almost a quiet conversation between the elements and their Creator, yet it speaks loudly of who Jesus is: "Jesus did this, the first of his signs, at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him" (John 2:11 ESV).

The transformation of water into wine isn't just a demonstration of Christ's power over the physical world; it is a metaphor for the transformative work He does within us. Like the water in the jars, we are changed from the inside out, made new by His word and His presence. This narrative calls us not just to marvel at the miracle but to emulate the disciples' response—a deepening of faith and a readiness to believe in the One who came to turn the ordinary into the sacred.

Questions to reflect on:

• Reflect on a time when a 'quiet' act of God in your life led to a significant deepening of your faith. How did this experience change your perspective on seeking and witnessing miracles?

• In what areas of your life do you need the transformative power of Christ right now, and how can you open up to let His work manifest within you?

Celebrating with Christ: The Greatest Guest at Cana’s Wedding

In John 2:1–11, the scene at Cana turns from one of potential embarrassment to one of celebration and revelation. As Pastor Ron Smith lead us through this passage, we find that inviting Jesus into our lives can lead to transformation beyond our expectations. "On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there... When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.'" (John 2:1, 3 ESV). Mary's simple statement to Jesus about the wine shortage speaks volumes about trust in His provision.

When Jesus instructs the servants, “Fill the jars with water” (John 2:7 ESV), and subsequently, "Draw some out and take it to the master of the feast" (John 2:8 ESV), we witness a turning point. At His command, ordinary water becomes extraordinary wine, symbolizing the abundance that follows His word. Just as the master of the feast expresses his delight without knowing the source of the wine, "But you have kept the good wine until now" (John 2:10 ESV), we too can experience the best of what Jesus offers when we trust in His timing and ways.

Questions to reflect on:

• How can we, like Mary, practice trust in Jesus' ability to provide in areas of our lives where we experience scarcity or uncertainty?

• In what ways can we invite Jesus into our everyday moments, to transform our 'water' into 'wine'—our ordinary into extraordinary?