Some thoughts about biblical wine making:
Jesus did it. I guess that counts for something.
Wine is all throughout the Bible. You see it in parables and sacraments.
I once heard a pastor lead a Bible study making this case: "the wine that Jesus made was in fact "new wine" – that is nonalcoholic."
That pastor later got fired for having an affair. I think legalistic people are often crushed under the weight of their own doctrine.
Sometimes we diminish God's gifts for no good reason other than they make us uncomfortable.
It is better to teach self-governance and prudence than it is to teach rules. In many parts of Europe, they are appalled if you drink to excess. On the other hand, their dinner time conversations last long into the night.
I have a friend who makes wine in his basement. It's a kind of a craft. I don't have the patience for it, but I admire craftsmen.
If you are like my friend and have the patience for it, you can learn to start and run your own vineyard and winery at our new sustainable living training center in Harrisburg, PA. It is beautiful and we have experts teaching us.
Cornell U. has some of the best grape-cultivators in the country. That is where we are getting our grapes from (see the accompanying pics).
The winemaking process can be a wonderful tool in building community. That is part of our intent in offering it as a part of our curriculum.
We have a few more spots if you would like to apply.
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Love the concept and your heart in this idea. Not sure what it all entails but will apply to learn more. can’t wait to here what you come up with next!
Leave it to you to shake up things early in the morning.
Biblical wine making – the art of providing the unexpected blessing that comes from His presence. That’s what Jesus did at the wedding. He created something unexpected, something wonderful when everyone expected something subpar.
The Holy Spirit’s presence is the same; that is why it has been linked to wine symbolically. He brings that which you didn’t expect. His presence shifts everything to another level of wonder. He comforts, He reminds, He teaches…usually when we were expecting pain, forgetting who He is and what He does or unsure of what we should do.
I’ve often told this little anecdote: When the Messiah returns He will ask us, “Why didn’t you enjoy all that I created for you?” So much of life is missed because we have made our own rules of behavior. We have created our own traditions of what is right. Let’s instead learn to be an unexpected blessing to those around us. To comfort, to remind and to teach others about Him. If we do what He does we will not venture into the excesses of the blessings that surround us. Enjoy what He has created.
By the way, have you all connected this farm with ECHO in FL?
Thanks, Mary.
I love that question, “Why didn’t you enjoy all that I created for you?”
Not only have connected with ECHO, but was there when they were getting started in Ft. Myers in 1981.
Love these ideas, filed under “someday”
There you go again Seth – getting people all riled up! So here I digress: You ever wonder why in Ephesians 5:18 Paul writes
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” ?
I think there can be a direct correlation of wine and the spirit on our bodies. In the foundational years of our nation, early Quakers used to QUAKE, shake, and fall down when renewal and the Holy Spirit came upon them – and that is how they got their name!
The western church (that’s us America) has run away from our early Christian roots. We get more “filled” up with Georgia vs. Alabama than we do with Jesus!
Keep us on our toes Seth! God bless you man.
My dad always made wine in small batches, from local Scuppernong grapes which are native to the southeastern US. Growing up, I was allowed a tiny glass when my parents had wine with dinners. And yes, with extended conversations about family, Faith, life. Wonderful memories, and an excellent foundation for moderation and remembering Blessings.
Thanks Seth.
Thanks Seth. I would rather deal with a righteous wino than a self absorbed hypocrite. Just saying…Love you friend.