Manhood, Neat

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

The Maker('s) should leave his Mark. Church Leadership 101.

Whiskey Review: Maker's Mark 101 Special Proof
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Show Notes:
What if the health of your church isn't measured by its size or popularity, but by how faithfully its leaders shepherd the flock? 
In a world of shifting cultural winds, why does the Bible insist on structured leadership?
Overview
why church leadership matters, 
its God-ordained roles in teaching, correcting, sending, and encouraging; the unyielding accountability to Scripture over congregational whims
 the necessity of ongoing biblical evaluation; and a snapshot of biblical church
 "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV).
 "The true shepherd is one who leads the flock by going before it, not by driving it from behind." – Charles Spurgeon
 
Section 1: Why Church Leadership and Its Structure Are So Important
Key Statement: Church leadership isn't optional—it's God's blueprint for unity, growth, and protection against chaos. Without it, the church drifts into individualism or cultural compromise.
Points:
Leadership provides direction in a fallen world, preventing division 
1 Corinthians 1:10: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you".
Structure ensures accountability and order, mirroring God's order in creation and the Trinity.
Historical context: The early church exploded in growth under apostolic leadership (Acts 2:42-47), but faltered when structure was ignored (Corinth's factions in 1 Corinthians).
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account" (Hebrews 13:17, ESV)
leaders as soul-watchmen.
 "The church is not a debating society but a body under authority." – John Stott
 highlighting the need for structured submission for spiritual flourishing.
Share a brief anecdote of a church thriving under strong leadership vs. one fractured by leaderless drift.
Section 2: The Roles of Church Leadership – Teaching, Correcting, Sending, and Encouraging.
Teaching – Grounding in Truth
Leaders proclaim sound doctrine to build mature believers.
 "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV).
 "The pulpit is the Thermopylae of Christendom." – J.C. Ryle
 underscoring teaching as the church's frontline defense.
Correcting – Restoring the Wayward
Gentle yet firm rebuke to prevent sin's spread, fostering holiness.
 "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV).
"Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower." – John Wesley
 balancing correction with grace.
Sending – Equipping for Mission
Leaders commission members outward, advancing the gospel.
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them'" (Acts 13:2, ESV)
the Antioch church sending Paul and Barnabas.
 "The church exists for the salvation of the world." – Lesslie Newbigin, 
reminding leaders to propel the church beyond its walls.
Encouraging – Building Up the Weary
Sustaining hope amid trials, spurring one another on.
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV).
"A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success." – Unknown
Which role have you seen most in your church? Least?
These roles are powerful, but they're only effective when leaders anchor them in something unchanging
Leadership's Accountability – To the Gospel and Bible, Not Congregational Feelings 
True leaders serve God first, resisting the temptation to pander for approval, which dilutes the gospel.
Points:
Accountability to Christ ensures fidelity to truth, even if unpopular
Galatians 1:10: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ".
Dangers of emotion-driven decisions: Leads to moral relativism and church splits.
Paul's farewell charge 
Acts 20:24: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus".
"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV)
unwavering proclamation.
"The pastor must be a man of conviction, not convenience." – A.W. Tozer
warning against crowd-pleasing.
Have you witnessed leaders prioritizing feelings over the Gospel?"
Section 4: The Crucial Need for Constant Evaluation of Traditions and Practices 
Churches must regularly test their customs against Scripture to avoid idolatry of tradition, ensuring relevance and purity.
Points:
Traditions can ossify into legalism if unchecked 
Mark 7:8: "You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men".
Benefits: Renewal, unity, and gospel-centeredness.
Model: The Bereans
Acts 17:11: "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so".
 "Test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV).
 "Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living." – Jaroslav Pelikan
 distinguishing helpful heritage from harmful habit.
Encourage listeners to start a "Berean group" in their church for verse-by-verse checks.
 
Section 5: A Brief Overview of Biblical Church Structure 
The New Testament envisions a simple, plural, servant-hearted model: Plurality of elders (overseers/pastors) for spiritual oversight, deacons for practical service, all under Christ's headship.
Roles ( we will break these down in upcoming Episodes further):
Elders: Plural, qualified men leading by teaching and example
 (1 Timothy 5:17: "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching"
Deacons: Servants handling logistics to free elders for prayer and word (1 Timothy 3:8-13).
Congregation's Role: Active participation in discipline, giving, and mutual edification (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 14:26).
No CEO-style hierarchy; mutual accountability and local autonomy.
"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God" (Acts 20:28, ESV).
"The New Testament knows nothing of a one-man ministry." – John Piper
 advocating elder plurality.
Does your church match this?

We need to commit Larceny of your attention, with a Small announcement about a Batch of episodes upcoming.

Whiskey Review: Larceny Small Batch
Topic: Shorter episode, we announce our upcoming series on Church leadership roles and their Biblical requirements and duties. Diving into the "evolution" of these roles throughout church history and denominational splintering. What we are doing correct and what needs changing? 
 
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The enemy is along this Green River, but the Full armor of God will Proof us against the enemy.

Whiskey Review: Green River Full Proof
Topic of Discussion: Armor of God
Key Verses: Ephesians 6:10-20
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Show Notes:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:10-20
The Call to Stand (v.13)
We will be attacked.
We must not fear.
Alert, disciplined, ready.
No thought of retreat.
The Armor to Always Wear (v.14-15)
Belt of Truth
Readiness
Symbol of Integrity and biblical conviction
Prepares a man for action
Breastplate of Righteousness
Protects the heart and vital organs
Defense against spiritual depression and accusations
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Provides stability and readiness
Roman sandals would’ve been the reference. Had spikes. Firm foundation
Gospel makes us mobile, flexible, and confident with God 
The Armor to take up in Battle (v.16-17)
Shield of Faith
Roman shield would’ve have been large and covered the whole body
Stops fiery darts of fears, doubt, lies and temptation
Faith in Jesus stops Satan’s attacks rather than blocking them
Helmet of Salvation
Protects the mind from discouragement and despair
Connected to the hope of salvation (1. Thess. 5:8)
Gives courage and assurance of victory
Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
Only offensive weapon
Effective use requires training and practice (much like soldiers would do)
Modeled by Jesus in his temptation-quotes Scripture with context and authority
Word is Spirit given and Spirit applied
How to use the Armor: Prayer (v.18-20) 
Prayer is what makes the armor work
Without prayer, we may be suited up, but we’re not in the fight
Two aspects of prayer
Praying for the saints
We fight/pray for others
We pray/fight in boldness 
Closing thoughts:
We have an enemy
John 10:10-steal, kill, and destroy
The enemy has a plan
It won’t be a full frontal assault.
It will be a dirty, misinformation campaign.
He speaks in lies/schemes
Word, worth, and work of God
Every thought has to be captive
Is that the enemy or God?
2 Cor. 10:3-5
We have to renew our mind daily.
Our form must be of God and not of this world.
Roman 12:2
Sometimes a sermon ain’t enough