John 2:1-11

The tale is old, but the lesson is present. It was a conversation between a parson and a soap merchant. The salesman stood in the street and said to the local pastor, “Religion has done little to clean up the citizens in our town. The people are as sinful as ever.” The pastor said, “I am afraid that you are right. Making saints can be a slow process.”

It was about that time when some boys ran by who were dirty from head to feet. “Well look at them,” said the clergyman. “People buy your soap, but we have quiet a few unclean folks around town.” The salesman said, “Yes, but it has to be used to be effective.” “Amen,” said the preacher.

Some would say that Christianity has failed them. The truth is it may not have really been tried. Christ has never been offered a serious opportunity in some hearts. When that happens, we can go through all the motions of being religious, but never experience the life that could be ours. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life in abundance.”

It has been said that for faith to be vital, it must be paramount; to be effective, it must be active; and to be power-filled, it must be Spirit -filled.”

Paul came across some believers at Ephesus, and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” That was the day that they discovered that they could have more and more of Christ from an ever-flowing fountain.

Not only had the empty pots of their life been filled with the water of life, but Jesus had made it new wine. If the best has been saved until last; it is time to use the gift of life effectively, joyfully, and abundantly.

“More of you, more of you, I’ve had all but what I need just more of you. Of things I’ve had my fill and yet I hunger still; empty and bare, Lord hear my prayer for more of you.”