Tired of celebrity pastors and church power plays? This long-form guide explores why church leaders fall, what Jesus actually taught about authority in Matthew 20, and how to find healthier communities that serve people instead of protecting empires. Crafted for skeptics, seekers, and the still-believing.

Is church attendance required to follow Jesus? This article explores what the Bible says about church, the meaning of ekklesia, and why faith can’t be lived out in isolation. For skeptics, seekers, and anyone hurt by church, discover a fresh perspective on what it really means to be part of God’s people.

You’ve probably asked it before: Why am I here? What am I supposed to do with my life?

In this writing, we go back to the very beginning—Genesis 1 and 2—to explore what the Bible really says about human vocation. Spoiler: it’s not just about getting into heaven. It’s about building something beautiful here and now.

What does it actually mean to be made in the image of God? And if that’s true, why do so many of us feel small, unworthy, or disconnected? We go back to Genesis to uncover the deeper meaning behind being an image bearer of God—and how that identity affects your purpose, your value, and your story.

Why does a good God allow suffering? Explore a thoughtful, faith-based perspective on the problem of evil, natural disasters, and human-caused pain. This article unpacks biblical insights from Habakkuk, Romans, and Revelation to help skeptics and spiritually curious readers understand God’s role in suffering—and why His answer might involve us.

Discover how the Bible’s story ends—not with escape, but restoration. See how Jesus, the church, and new creation complete the story you were made for.

Confused by the violence, laws, and kings in the middle of the Bible? You’re not alone. Discover how these complex chapters tell a deeper story of human struggle, divine invitation, and why Act Two of the Bible still speaks to our lives today.

Confused by how the Bible fits together? This 30,000-foot overview of Genesis reveals how the Bible begins with goodness, spirals through human failure, and launches God’s plan to restore it all. Discover the setup that changes how you read the whole story.

What did the first Christians believe the gospel was? Discover why it’s not about heaven later—but about transformation now through Jesus as King.

Was the gospel just about going to heaven? In this deep dive, we explore what Jesus really meant by “good news” in Mark 1:15. Discover how the kingdom of God, Messiah, and Jesus’ mission were about more than the afterlife—they were about transforming life here and now. Perfect for skeptics, seekers, and the spiritually curious.

Long before Jesus, “gospel” was a political word used by the Roman Empire. Learn how the early church flipped its meaning—and why it still matters today.

Is questioning the Bible dangerous—or biblical? Explore stories of doubt from David, John the Baptist, and more to discover how honest faith welcomes questions.

Discover how Jesus’ radical teaching to “love your enemies” shaped Western civilization. From the first hospitals to rescuing abandoned children, this article explores the lasting impact of Christianity’s core ethic and why it still matters today.

Do the God of the Old Testament and Jesus seem like opposites? Explore how ancient context, biblical interpretation, and the life of Jesus reveal a unified picture of God’s character.

What does Jesus’ call to Matthew—a hated tax collector—actually reveal about who belongs in God’s Kingdom? We explore the cultural and emotional weight behind Matthew 9 and what it means for those who feel like outcasts or outsiders to religion. If you’ve been hurt by the church, feel like you don’t belong, or are rethinking your faith, this deep dive into Jesus’ radical invitation might be exactly what you need.

What if Genesis 1 isn’t about how the world was made—but why?

In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings, we dive deep into the creation story and explore a different way of reading Genesis chapter 1—one that moves beyond debates over science and into the heart of meaning, purpose, and what it means to be human.

Is the Bible just a list of rules? In this reflection, Joe Oliver explores Joshua, Psalms, and the teachings of Jesus to reveal how Scripture invites us into wisdom, trust, and wholeness—not fear and control.

Struggling with Christianity? Wrestling with doubt, church hurt, or deconstructing your faith? You’re not alone. Explore why leaving church doesn’t mean leaving Jesus—and why your questions matter.

Unlock deeper New Testament study with these top resources: the NET Bible, Wright and Bird’s New Testament in Its World, Keener’s Background Commentary, and more.

Feeling distant from God or unsure what your next step of faith looks like? You’re not alone. In this episode of Whiskey and the Writings, we explore why spiritual dry spells aren’t signs of failure, but invitations into deeper trust—with insight from Ecclesiastes and Peter’s story in the Gospel of Mark.