Whiskey and the Writings

Was the gospel just a ticket to heaven—or something far more powerful? In this third installment of our What Is the Gospel? series on Whiskey and the Writings, we take a deep dive into what the earliest Christians—those who actually wrote the New Testament—believed the gospel was. Spoiler: it’s not a sales pitch for the afterlife. Joe Oliver (M.A. in Biblical Theology, 24 years in ministry) explor...

In Part 2 of our Gospel series, we dig into how Jesus understood himself—not just as a teacher or miracle worker, but as the Anointed One—the Messiah promised in the Hebrew Scriptures. This episode traces the idea of gospel or good news through Isaiah 61 and into the words and actions of Jesus in Luke 4, revealing a much bigger story than just “where you go when you die.” We explore: • What the wo...

You’ve heard the word Gospel—but what did it actually mean to Jesus? To the early Christians? And why was it considered such a radical (even dangerous) message in the first century? In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings, we begin a multi-part deep dive into the meaning and origin of the word gospel (Greek: euangelion), how it was used in the Roman Empire, and why the New Testament writers hi...

Many of us were told to never question the Bible—that doubt meant disobedience. But is that what the Bible actually teaches? In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings , we explore how curiosity, wrestling, and even doubt are built into the biblical story. From Job to the Psalms to Jesus himself, questioning isn’t just allowed—it’s invited. If you’re spiritually curious, skeptical, or simply unsu...

What makes Christianity worth taking seriously today? In this episode, we explore how the radical ethics of Jesus — like loving your enemies and doing good to those who hate you — sparked a movement that reshaped the world. From early Christians rescuing abandoned infants to Basil of Caesarea inventing public healthcare, this isn’t the Christianity you may have grown up hearing about. If you’ve ev...

How can the same Bible show a God who commands violence and a Savior who teaches love? If you’ve ever struggled with the God of the Old Testament—his anger, the wars, the commands to destroy—you’re not alone. In this video, we take an honest look at the tension between the justice of Yahweh and the compassion of Jesus. Are they really the same God? What do we do with the disturbing parts of Script...

Have you ever felt like you don’t fit the traditional church mold? You’re not alone—and you may actually be closer to Jesus than you realize. In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings, Joe Oliver explores the story of Matthew the tax collector, a social outcast personally invited by Jesus to follow Him. Together, we’ll uncover how Jesus consistently pursued skeptics, outsiders, and the spiritual...

What if Genesis 1 was never meant to explain science? In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings, Joe Oliver invites the spiritually curious, skeptics, and those rethinking their faith to explore a different side of the creation story—one that focuses on meaning and purpose rather than scientific explanation. Instead of forcing modern questions onto an ancient text, we’ll dive into what Genesis 1...

Welcome to Whiskey and the Writings-a space for the spiritually curious, skeptics, and those who still believe… just not like they used to. In this episode, Joe Oliver explores the idea that walking away from church doesn't have to mean walking away from God. If you've been hurt, disillusioned, or pushed out of a religious community but still feel drawn to Jesus-this one's for you. Joe shares from...

What if the Bible wasn't a checklist of do's and don'ts or a weapon to shame others-but an invitation into wisdom, relationship, and being fully human? In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings, Joe Oliver explores how centuries of dogma may have distorted the Bible's true intent. Drawing from over two decades of pastoral ministry and a Master's in Biblical Theology, Joe offers a fresh take on h...

Maybe you’ve stopped going to church. Maybe you’ve stopped reading the Bible. Maybe you’re done with the religious system you grew up in. But if you’re still spiritually curious, you’re not alone. In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings , we’re tackling the big questions around faith, doubt, and deconstruction. Whether you’re a church leader struggling with the shifting landscape, someone ques...

Want to take your New Testament study to the next level? 📚 Today at Whiskey and the Writings , I’m sharing the essential resources that have shaped the way I read and understand the Bible. From in-depth study Bibles to scholarly insights, these books will transform how you engage with Scripture. Plus, we’re sipping on Buffalo Trace bourbon while diving into some serious theology. 🥃 🔗 Resources...

Are you feeling stuck in your spiritual journey, unsure of what comes next? It can be frustrating and overwhelming, but what if feeling stuck is actually part of the process? In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings, we explore how to move from stuck to unstuck, using the wisdom of Ecclesiastes and the life of Peter as a guide. Discover why seasons of struggle and uncertainty are a normal part...

Believing in a physical resurrection sounds crazy… or does it? 🤔 In this special Easter edition of Whiskey & The Writings, we’re asking: Is it actually reasonable to believe that Jesus rose from the dead? 📖 What We’ll Cover: • Was resurrection even an idea in the ancient world? • Why did eyewitnesses go to their deaths for this claim? • Why does the role of women in the resurrection story ma...

Is the Bible still relevant today? Can an ancient book really offer wisdom for modern life? In this episode of Whiskey & The Writings, we wrestle with these questions while sipping on a smooth Russell’s Reserve 10-Year bourbon. We dive into three key areas where the Bible speaks directly to our world: 1️⃣ Anxiety – Does Scripture offer a way to navigate stress and worry? 2️⃣ Identity – Can the...

Ever wondered what heaven will truly be like? Is it clouds, harps, and endless worship like the cartoons portray? In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings, we explore the biblical vision of heaven. We’ll dive deep into Genesis, Ezekiel, and Revelation to uncover what eternity with God might look like. Spoiler: It’s not an eternal church service! Plus, I introduce a special aged tequila crafted...

Is reading the entire Bible in a year really worth it? On this episode of Whiskey and the Writings, we dive into this age-old Christian practice and explore whether it’s truly helpful for spiritual growth or if it creates unnecessary stress and unrealistic expectations.

What are the Gospels, and why are they some of the most significant writings in human history? In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings, we dive into the fascinating world of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—the biographies of Jesus. Explore who wrote them, why they were written, and what makes each account unique. We’ll also discuss the differences between the Gospels, their historical context, a...

Does the Bible hate women? This question has sparked debates for centuries, especially when interpreting stories that seem to marginalize women or reflect societal norms of ancient times. Join us in this episode of Whiskey and the Writings as we take a deep dive into the topic, exploring surprising insights about God’s perspective on women as revealed in scripture. We’ll examine key passages, incl...

Are you new to the Bible or looking to deepen your understanding of this amazing book? In this episode of “Whiskey and the Writings,” we explore “Bible for Beginners,” providing three essential insights for diving into Scripture. Whether you’re curious about where to start or ready to grow your faith, this video is for you! What You’ll Learn: - The Bible wasn’t written to you, but it was written f...

If you’re considering ministry or just starting out, there are some hard truths you need to hear. After 23 years in pastoral ministry—working in churches, planting a church, and leading teams—I’ve learned some lessons the hard way. In this video, I’m sharing 3 things I wish I knew before becoming a pastor to help you avoid common pitfalls, build longevity in ministry, and stay spiritually and emot...

Ever puzzled by the contrast between Genesis chapters 1 and 2? Join us in ‘Whiskey in the Writings’ as we explore Genesis 2, its deeper meanings, and its connection to creation. Grab your drink and dive into this fascinating biblical analysis.

What does ‘gospel’ really mean? Discover how Jesus defines the gospel in Mark’s biography. Join us on Whiskey & The Writings as we explore the true meaning of the gospel, its profound message, and what it means for your life today. Grab your favorite drink and let’s dive into the good news that changes everything.

Is the Bible true? Join us on Whiskey and the Writings as we explore the ancient wisdom of the Bible and its relevance today. Grab a glass of Buffalo Trace and dive into a thought-provoking discussion about Proverbs, Paul’s letters, and the complexities of interpreting scripture. Discover how the Bible offers timeless guidance for living with justice, righteousness, and equity. Perfect for skeptic...

Discover the Biblical vision of sin and its impact on our humanity. Learn how trusting God and following Jesus’ Kingdom ethics can restore us to our full image-bearing identity. Unpack the spiritual and personal choices that lead us either toward human flourishing or dehumanization. Explore sin beyond a checklist of wrongs and embrace the transformative journey to becoming the human God designed y...