Bible & Bourbon with Pastor Ben

 Jesus instructs us to give to "the least of these," but what does that truly mean? 

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many, but this scripture passage reminds us to embrace gratitude and find thankfulness during this season of Thanksgiving.

Why should you Take Up the Cross?

When do we Take Up Our Cross?

What is the cross you are called to bear? What unique burdens or responsibilities has God entrusted to you for the sake of His Kingdom?

Our relationship with other believers is important, and we need to work on that relationship just like any other.

The story of the Good Samaritan shows us who is our neighbor.

In this study, we will explore the Apostle Paul’s teachings on marriage as outlined in 1 Corinthians 7:1-7. Paul addresses the importance of mutual respect and duty within the marital relationship.

Friendships play a pivotal role in our spiritual journey. Even Jesus surrounded Himself with 12 close friends. Our connection with God is deeply influenced by the relationships we cultivate with those around us.

Discover how God’s divine blueprints guide us in building and nurturing our relationships. Join us as we explore the ways we can continue His work and create meaningful connections in our lives.

 Jesus emphasized that sin is a choice, an action that comes from within us. Choosing spiritually nutritious food, actions and thoughts that align with God’s will, results in righteousness. Conversely, choosing wrong leads to sin. Jesus calls us to focus not on external rituals but on our inner actions and how they reflect God’s love 

This passage can seem revolting, and even Jesus’ disciples grumbled, feeling offended by His words. However, His sacrifice, His flesh and blood, is not a senseless death but the ultimate act of love. It is the life-giving sacrifice of God for us.

Often, the simplest foods are the healthiest. Steamed broccoli, raw apples, and grilled chicken are all nutritious and easy to prepare. In contrast, making a cheesy broccoli casserole, a cinnamon apple pie, or breaded fried chicken requires more skill and effort. While these dishes might taste better, the simplest forms often provide the most health benefits. The same is truth with our spiritual d...

The bread of life is of an even higher quality. Before Jesus, followers of God would go to the temple to make continual sacrifices. This is detailed in both the Old and New Testaments, with many passages in the Old Testament explaining how these sacrifices should be carried out. These sacrifices were temporary spiritual atonements performed primarily in the Temple in Jerusalem. 

One of the fundamental pillars of Christianity is the mission of spreading the divine light of Christ. From the early church to the modern Christian community, believers have been driven by an unwavering commitment to illuminating the world with the essence of Jesus’ teachings. 

Once, there was a dedicated businessman who had tirelessly built a company from scratch. I had the privilege of speaking with him after he had invested over a decade into what he once considered his dream. As a young man, he always aspired to be an entrepreneur, to create something meaningful from nothing.

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,...