Manhood, Neat

Josh, Love the Prosecco.

Topic: Advent Love
Review: Josh Cellars Prosecco.
Show Notes:
Scripture: 1 John 4:9-19, Mark 10:45, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 6:4, 1 Corinthians 16:4
God’s Love Moves First
Love that initiates
Love that sacrifices
Love that stays when its easier to withdraw
Where is God calling me to initiate love rather than wait for it to be earned?
Christ Redefines Strength
Jesus redefines what it means to be strong
Strength is not control. Strength is self-giving. 
How do I use the strength God has given me—to serve, or to be served?
Love in the Home
The home is where love becomes visible.
Men are called to lead not through fear or distance, but through presence, patience, and prayer.
Your family learns about God’s love by watching how you speak, forgive, listen, and repent.
What does my family experience when they experience me?
Love as Our Witness
Love is the clearest testimony of the gospel.
Before the world believes what we say, it watches how we love.
Men lead the way when they choose mercy over pride, service over comfort, and faithfulness over convenience.
Who needs to see Christ’s love through me this Advent season?

Josh, what a Joy it is to taste something more Cabernet

Topic: Advent Joy
Review: Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
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 Show Notes:
Joy as a Man’s Strength
Scripture: Luke 2:10-11, Nehemiah 8:10, Philippians 4:4
Joy is a force – “the joy of the Lord is your strength”
Advent joy is rooted in promise, not circumstance
A man’s joy becomes his family’s shelter
Jesus’ Joy in Hard Places
Scripture: Hebrews 12:2
“For the joy set before him…” — His joy enables endurance
Joy anchors preservation
Advent declares joy that darkness cannot steal
Joy comes from a heart aligned with God.
It’s the natural overflow of a Spirit-filled life.
 
 

Josh, this Rose is bringing me no Peace, go back to the Cellar.

Review: Josh Cellars Rose
Topic: Advent week of Peace
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Show Notes:
Peace as a Man’s Courage:
Scripture: Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; Luke 2:14
Peace is not passive; it’s active against fear and disorder
Men are called to be peacemakers- not peacekeepers?
How Jesus Models Courageous Peace:
He confronts storms and stills them (Mark 4:35-41)
He confronts demons and frees the oppressed (Mark 5:1-20)
He confronts sin and brings forgiveness (Matthew 4:17)
Peace begins with an internal mastery through the Spirit
Practicing Advent Peace:
Protecting our homes from distraction and violence (both spiritual and emotional)
Confession being a weekly rhythm
Practicing gentle strength
Invitation instead of escalation

Josh Hopes this Sauvi...Blanc is in your Cellars

ADVENT SPECIAL: Hope 2025 - We will be doing 30 min episodes to close out each week of Advent and tasting wine instead of whisky.
Pour: Josh Cellars 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
Discussion: Week 1 of Advent, Hope
 
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Show Notes:
Hope as Man’s First Calling
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2–7; Romans 4:18–21
Men are called to see what isn’t visible yet and trust God anyway
Abraham “hoped against hope” - Is this where spiritual leadership begins?
Hope is vision & waiting - two things that have been stripped away.
Joseph’s Model of Strength
Scripture: Matthew 1:18–25
Joseph receives a call he didn’t ask for.
God tells him “Do not fear.”
Joseph responds by:
Listening
Obeying
Protecting sacrificially
How do we have Hope in this season?
Anchor yourself in Scripture.
“Long Obedience in the Same Direction”
Leading your family in confidence, not arrogance or bravado

Paul's what and Rye charge, whether you are on the Knob or along the Creek

Whiskey Review: Knob Creek Rye, 7 year
Topic:  1 Corinthians 16:13–14
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Show Notes:
 
Scripture: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (ESV)
“Be Watchful”
What does Spiritual Vigilance look like?
““Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)”
Being watchful means being alert — guarding your home, your marriage, your heart.
Spiritual drift happens slowly; vigilance prevents it.
Modern distractions (screens, busyness, comfort) dull our alertness.
Thoughts on why this is the first command from Paul
How can we stay spiritually awake when the world wants to lull you to sleep?
“Stand Firm in the Faith”
How do we stay anchored in truth and not be tossed around by opinion?
“Stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” — Philippians 1:27 (ESV)”
Standing firm means knowing what you believe and why. 
Is it arrogance or conviction? Is it rooted in grace?
The faith here is the faith. The truth revealed in scripture. 
What truths have we compromised because standing firm felt uncomfortable?
“Act like Men”
Paul’s command “act like men” means be courageous, mature, and responsible.What does that look like?
“Be strong, and show yourself a man.” — 1 Kings 2:2 (ESV)”
Real men don’t run from responsibility, they bear it. 
The call to manhood is a call to maturity. 
Why does biblical masculinity get labeled as “agggression?” Why can’t it be moral and spiritual bravery?
What responsibilities has God placed in your life that require courage today?
“Be Strong”   
Godly strength is dependence on grace, not self.
“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” — Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)”
Paul isn’t saying “man up” or “try harder.” He’s saying “rely on God’s power.” 
Why do we miss this?
Strength that isn’t spirit-filled becomes pride.
Weakness is the doorway to divine strength. 
This is counter-cultural
“ Let All That You Do Be Done in Love”
Love is what keeps strength from becoming hardness
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” — Colossians 3:14 (ESV)”
Love balances authority with gentleness.
Real leadership is servant leadership.
What does this look like?
Love is not weakness, it’s the might of Christ expressed in humility
How can your leadership reflect both strength and tenderness?

The King's American church member can have High Proof of His role.

Whiskey Review: King’s American High Proof Whiskey
Topic: Faithful Stewards: The Biblical Role of Church Members
 
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Show Notes:
Explore the role of church members through a biblical lens, to define their responsibilities in four key areas:
within the church building (worship and service)
 toward church elders (submission and respect)
 toward fellow believers (mutual support and edification)
to the surrounding community (outreach and witness)
Responsibilities at the Church Building
Church members are called to regular assembly for worship, teaching, and service, not as an optional habit but as essential for spiritual growth and encouragement.
This includes active participation, such as serving in roles like ushering, care giving, or maintenance, 
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 stresses interdependence: "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
 Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs, "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another." 
Responsibility to Follow Church Elders
Members are instructed to respect, obey, and submit to elders as spiritual overseers appointed by God for guidance and protection.
Hebrews 13:17 commands, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." 
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 adds, "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work." 
1 Peter 5:5 urges, "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another."
Responsibilities to One Another
Believers are commanded to support, forgive, and build each other up, fostering a community of accountability and love.
 Galatians 6:2 states, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." 
Ephesians 4:32 adds, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
 Philippians 2:3-4 urges humility: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Responsibilities to the Community Around Them
Church members are ambassadors, called to serve and evangelize beyond church walls.
James 1:27 defines pure religion as "to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." 
Matthew 5:13-16 calls believers "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world," urging good works that glorify God.
 The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."
 

The Single Heritage of deacons is service; you got the Jack? Daniel?

Bourbon Review: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Heritage Barrel
Topic: Deacons
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Show Notes:
History of the Role of Deacons 
Biblical Origins: The role traces back to the early church in Acts 6:1-7, where the apostles appointed seven men to handle practical needs amid church growth. This addressed complaints about neglected widows in food distribution, allowing apostles to focus on prayer and preaching. By the time of Paul's letters, deacons are a formal office (e.g., Philippians 1:1). Early church fathers like Ignatius of Antioch (c. 100 AD) referenced deacons as servants alongside bishops and presbyters.
"In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them'" (Acts 6:1-3, NIV).
John Calvin on the early church structure: "As we have stated that three classes of ministers are set before us in Scripture, so the early Church distributed all its ministers into three orders. For from the order of presbyters, part were selected as pastors and teachers, while to the remainder was committed the censure of manners and discipline. To the deacons belonged the care of the poor and the dispensing of alms."
While not explicitly called "deacons" in Acts, this is seen as the prototype. John Calvin in Geneva reformed the diaconate, emphasizing care for the poor through institutions like the general hospital.
Who Can Be a Deacon 
Biblical Qualifications: 1 Timothy 3:8-13 outlines character requirements, emphasizing integrity over skills. Deacons must be tested and proven blameless.
"Deacons, likewise, are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons" (1 Timothy 3:8-10, NIV).
"A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well" (1 Timothy 3:12, NIV).
Key Verse:
Categories: Personal (dignified, not double-tongued, not greedy); Spiritual (hold faith with clear conscience); Family (husband of one wife, good manager of home).
John Calvin on testing: "Those men are to be chosen who are approved by their past life in such a manner that, after what may be called full inquiry, they are ascertained to be well qualified."
Additionally: Similar to elders but without teaching requirements (Titus 1:7-9 for comparison). Full of the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3).
Charles Spurgeon on deacons' character: "If deacons cannot be trusted they ought not to be deacons at all, but if they are worthy of their office they are worthy of our confidence."
What They Do in/for the Church 
Core Role: Deacons are servants who provide practical support, freeing elders for spiritual leadership. They meet material needs, promote unity, and handle logistics.
Key Verse Quote: From Acts 6:2-4: "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables... We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word" (NIV).
John Piper on deacons' purpose: "It would seem, then, that the deacon office exists to assist the leadership of the church by relieving the elders of distractions and pressures that would divert them from the ministry of the Word and prayer and the general, visionary oversight of the church."
Specific Duties: Manage benevolence (aid to poor), facilities, finances; address complaints; support missions and community service. They act as "shock absorbers" for church harmony.
Charles Spurgeon on faithful deacons: "The deacons of my first village pastorate were in my esteem the excellent of the earth, in whom I took great delight. Hard-working men on the week-day, they spared no toil for their Lord on the Sabbath; I loved them sincerely, and do love them still."
Benefits to the Church: Prevent division (Acts 6), enable gospel growth, and model Christ-like service (Philippians 2:5-8).
Are Deaconesses Biblical?
Biblical Evidence: The debate centers on 1 Timothy 3:11 and Romans 16:1. Phoebe is called a "deacon" (diakonos) of the church in Cenchreae.
"In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything" (1 Timothy 3:11, NIV). This may refer to deacons' wives or female deacons.
"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae" (Romans 16:1, NIV).
Key Verses:
John Piper on women deacons: "Probably yes. There are four observations that incline me to think that this office was held by both men and women. 1. The Greek word for deacon can be masculine or feminine in the same form."
Arguments For: Women can serve as deacons since the role is service-oriented, not authoritative (unlike elders). Early church history includes deaconesses for tasks like baptizing women.
From the era of John Chrysostom (third-century Constitutions of the Holy Apostles): “For deaconesses were appointed, not to soothe God by chantings or unintelligible murmurs, and spend the rest of their time in idleness; but to perform a public ministry of the Church toward the poor, and to labour with all zeal, assiduity, and diligence, in offices of charity.”
John Calvin on including women: "This meant, as one of the church’s essential ministries, it had to call men and women to serve in the spiritual office of deacon."
Arguments Against: 1 Timothy 3 specifies "husband of one wife" (v. 12), implying men; "women" in v. 11 likely means wives. No explicit "deaconess" term exists, and eldership is male-only.

No Viking would sacrifice their Honour and elect a 12-year-old elder, even in Highland Park.

Whiskey Review: Highland Park 12 Year (Viking Honour)
Discussion: What is an Elder?
 
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Show Notes:
Biblical Qualifications for Elders/Overseers/Pastors
Overview: Terms "elder" (presbyteros), "overseer" (episkopos), and "pastor" (poimen) are interchangeable in Scripture, focusing on character over credentials.
Key Bible verses:
1 Timothy 3:1-7: Must be above reproach, faithful to wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not drunkard/violent/quarrelsome/greedy, manage family well, not recent convert, good reputation.
Titus 1:5-9: Blameless, husband of one wife, faithful children, not arrogant/quick-tempered/drunkard/violent/greedy, but hospitable, lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, disciplined; hold firm to sound doctrine.
1 Peter 5:1-4: Serve willingly, not for gain, as examples without lording over other 
Specific Roles According to the Bible
Interchangeable roles: Acts 20:17-28 shows elders as overseers who shepherd (pastor) the flock.
Core responsibilities:
Shepherd/protect: 1 Peter 5:1-4—Watch over flock willingly, as examples.
Teach/preach: 1 Timothy 3:2 ("able to teach"); 1 Timothy 5:17—Honor those laboring in preaching/teaching.
Oversee/lead: Acts 20:28—Guard against false teaching; Ephesians 4:11-12—Equip saints for ministry