Sept. 3: New Wine for New Wineskins

It has been two months since our family was called to serve at Thrive Church. Everything is still new, and we are still in a period of adjustment. Meanwhile, our children have started the new school year and are settling into their new schools. With September upon us, the new academic year has begun, and the summer ministry season has passed. As the overall church ministry resumes, I am also approaching it with a renewed heart. As I was reflecting on this new beginning, a past event came to mind.

A long time ago, a church member gave me a bottle of homemade organic apple cider vinegar. I received it with gratitude and brought it home. The next day, the person who gave me the gift called in a hurry, saying, "Pastor, pastor, the apple cider vinegar has started to ferment, and the bottle might explode. Be sure to open the lid at first." According to this person, when apple cider vinegar is sealed in a glass bottle, it continues to ferment, producing gas, and the pressure can

become so strong that it can shatter even a sturdy glass bottle. At that moment, I suddenly recalled the words of Jesus: "New wine must be put into new wineskins." Unlike old wine, new wine continues to ferment, releasing gas and expanding in volume over time. If new wine is placed in new wineskins, the new wineskins are soft and flexible, so they can expand without any issues. However, if new wine is placed in old wineskins, the old wineskins, being stiff and less flexible, will eventually burst. That's why the Jews would either put new wine in new

wineskins or rub the old wineskins with olive oil to soften them before use. The New Academic year of 2024 and new ministry opportunities at Thrive have begun. Let’s put new wine into new wineskins. Here’s three important reminders:

1. Our Bodies as New Wineskins: Just as wineskins must be renewed to hold new wine, our bodies, which house our souls, must be cared for with purpose and diligence. The soul is vital, but so is the body that sustains it. To become new wineskins, we must prioritize our health as a mission of faith. I pray that each of you remains healthy in the Lord.

2. Our Minds as New Wineskins: To grow spiritually, our minds must be ever-receptive, embodying an attitude of continual learning, listening, and openness to new ideas. When we stop learning, we cease to grow. Therefore, we must pursue knowledge and understanding throughout our lives, allowing our minds to become new wineskins capable of holding the wisdom that God imparts.

3. Our Souls as New Wineskins: In the spiritual sense, becoming new wineskins means aligning ourselves with Jesus, the true wine, rather than attempting to conform Him to our own desires. This requires a fundamental shift from a self-centered faith to one that is Christ-centered. Let us strive to reshape our souls to fully embrace and reflect the presence of Christ.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Dr. Won Kim

The Lead Pastor of Thrive Church