Bible & Bourbon with Pastor Ben

By the time you’ve reached the fourth session in this study, you’ve likely gleaned some insights about happiness. Much of the biblical concept of happiness revolves around the contentment we discover in Christ. Contentment is the state of overall satisfaction with your circumstances, with those circumstances extending beyond mere events to encompass who you are as a person 

The Beatitudes stand as one of the most influential passages in Christian thought, and their significance partly lies in how they subvert conventional worldly virtues, replacing them with values rooted not in power but in Christ. They declare that the strong are not blessed, but the meek; the hungry will be filled with faith, not those who are well-fed. Yet, the most striking aspect for many is th...

Being a native of Louisville, the hometown of Muhammad Ali, my heart has always held a special place for the sport of boxing. In the boxing world, there’s a famous quote from Mike Tyson, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Now, I hope that none of you are regularly experiencing a literal punch in the mouth, but there’s a parallel in life. We can all find happiness when thing...

 Happiness is a topic that occupies a central place in American discourse. The US Constitution even defines one of our inalienable rights as the “Pursuit of Happiness.” However, this pursuit often seems elusive, especially when the demands of daily life weigh us down. 

I asked a friend once why they weren’t a Christian and they told me that they weren’t a Christian because they didn’t need the Bible to tell them how to be a good person. In that moment, I realized they didn’t truly understand the Bible or the purpose of Christianity. The Bible isn’t about making you into a good person, and being a Christian isn’t solely about being good.  The purpose of a Christi...

We will explore the Apostle Paul’s unwavering faith and his purpose in life. Despite his chains, Paul rejoices in the advancement of the Gospel and expresses his inner conflict between his desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, and to remain in the flesh for the sake of the Philippians. Join us as we unpack these powerful verses and reflect on their implications for our own live...

 In Acts 1:4-8, the purpose of the early church is depicted as awaiting the promised Holy Spirit to receive divine power, enabling them to be witnesses of Jesus Christ's teachings and resurrection. This mission extends from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, emphasizing the global scope of their evangelistic work. 

 In this episode, Jesus encounters Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, in Jericho. By inviting Himself to Zacchaeus's home, Jesus demonstrates His mission to seek and save the lost, leading to Zacchaeus's heartfelt repentance and transformation. 

 Esther faces a life-altering decision in Esther 4:12-16, where she must choose between risking her life by approaching the king unsummoned or staying silent and allowing the destruction of her people. Encouraged by her cousin Mordecai's reminder that she might have become queen "for such a time as this," Esther embraces her purpose with the resolute declaration, "If I perish,...

David’s true purpose was unveiled at the moment of his anointment, signifying his divine qualification for the role. Throughout his life, God’s guidance continually affirmed his readiness and suitability for his calling.

In this episode, we delve into the divine calling of Moses as described in Exodus 3:7-11. Discover how God reveals His purpose for Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, highlighting the significance of divine selection and mission. Join us as we explore Moses' initial doubts and the profound assurance of God's presence and promise.

In Genesis 12:1-5, God calls Abram (Abraham) to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation. This journey from Haran to the Holy Land reveals Abram’s faith and his deception in times of fear and uncertainty. It invites us to reflect on God’s faithfulness and our response to His calling.

Explore the profound essence of our existence in this captivating podcast centered around Genesis 1:26-28. Delve into the divine purpose woven into every fiber of our being, illuminating the miraculous nature of our creation. Discover the profound significance of God's gift of life, unveiling the intricate tapestry of His love that defines our journey. Join us as we uncover the timeless truth...

Christians are bestowed with a distinct purpose, yet many of us may feel lost. The prophet Jeremiah addressed a people who felt similarly adrift, illustrating how they could rediscover their purpose in God. This marks the inaugural episode in the series on discovering your purpose. You can access the accompanying study guide at www.bible-bourbon.com .

Join us this week as we summarize more than 50 episodes of studying the Gospel of Matthew.

The women find the tomb empty and encounter an angel who tells them Jesus has risen. Jesus appears to them, instructing them to tell His disciples to meet Him in Galilee. There, He commissions them to make disciples of all nations, promising His presence always.

In this gripping Bible study session, we delve into Matthew 27:45-56, exploring the profound events surrounding the death of Jesus. Pondering the darkness that covered the land, symbolizing the weight of sin, and reflecting on Jesus' final moments on the cross, culminating in His triumphant cry. 

In Matthew 27:11-27, Jesus is brought before Pilate, who questions Him about being the King of the Jews but receives an ambiguous answer. Pilate, pressured by the crowd, offers to release Jesus or Barabbas, ultimately succumbing to the demands to crucify Jesus despite finding no fault in Him. This passage highlights the political maneuvering and unjust condemnation that ultimately leads to Jesus&a...

Last week, we observed Holy Week, which meant there was no new episode. However, I invite you to catch up with this brief update on the podcast's upcoming plans and what lies ahead after we conclude our journey through the Gospel of Matthew.

The scene unfolds in the late hours of the night following Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is brought before the high priest Caiaphas, along with the scribes and elders, who have gathered for the trial. The atmosphere is tense and charged with anticipation as the religious leaders seek to find evidence against Jesus to justify his condemnation.

In this episode, we will delve into Matthew 26:47-56, a pivotal passage that narrates the betrayal of Jesus by one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot. The key themes we will explore include betrayal, the fulfillment of prophecy, and non-violence. The act of Judas’s kiss, a symbol of friendship and respect, being used as a sign of betrayal prompts us to reflect on the nature of betrayal and its conse...

Matthew 26:7-30 portrays the poignant event known as the Last Supper, where Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. Amidst the solemn atmosphere, Jesus imparts profound teachings, institutes the sacrament of Communion, and foretells his impending betrayal.

In this episode of our Bible study series, we delve into a poignant moment in the life of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 26, verses 6 to 13. This passage illustrates an extraordinary act of love and devotion towards Jesus by a woman, which sparks a deep discussion about the nature of worship, sacrifice, and the value of genuine faith.

In Matthew 26:1-5, the narrative delves into the escalating tensions surrounding Jesus as he approaches the final days of his earthly ministry. The passage unveils the clandestine plots of the religious leaders who are determined to eliminate Jesus, viewing him as a threat to their authority and religious norms.

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the Parable of the Bags of Gold. A master entrusts varying amounts of money to his servants before going on a journey. Two servants invest and double their talents, earning praise upon the master's return. But one servant buries his talent out of fear. The master condemns his inaction, takes the talent, and rewards the others. The parable teaches the importanc...