What happens when one of the most provocative theological voices of our time sits down with a glass of wine and reimagines everything? In this episode, Jeremy talks with Brian Zahnd about peacemaking, the prophetic role of the church, why evangelicalism may not recover, and what happens when we start to believe Jesus actually meant what he said. It’s bold, it’s challenging, and it’s full of grace. Plus, there are a few surprises, like pipe collecting and Scotch favorites. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or just thirsty for better conversations about faith, this one’s for you.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

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Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in

What if the only thing separating you from deeper faith… is your doubt?

In this episode, we uncork the connection between spiritual curiosity and our inability to see clearly — and why that’s not a flaw, but a feature of real theology. Jesus doesn’t demand certainty. He invites wonder.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

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Join the online community and get access to exclusive content and experiences: https://bit.ly/rebuilding-faith

Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in

This week, we’re uncorking a bold conversation that challenges assumptions, celebrates authenticity, and dives into the complexity of faith and identity. What does it mean to be queer and Christian? You’ll hear personal journeys, tough questions, unexpected grace, and the beauty of holding space for queerness in spirituality. Whether you're in the pews or at Pride, this one’s for you.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

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Join the online community and get access to exclusive content and experiences: https://bit.ly/rebuilding-faith

Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in

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Wines in this episode:

• 2020 Paso Ranches Zinfandel
• Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Links:

• Official site: www.brandanrobertson.com
• Pre-order Queer and Christian: www.queerchristian.org
• Podcast: The Queer & Christian Podcast – streaming on all major platforms

Are there different ways to understand hell in Christianity? In this thought-provoking episode, Jeremy tackles one of the most challenging theological concepts that many struggle with. If you've ever questioned traditional teachings about eternal punishment or wondered if there are other interpretations supported by scripture, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that might completely transform your understanding of Christianity.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

• Three Historical Christian Views of Hell:
  1. Infernalism/Eternal Conscious Torment: The traditional view where non-believers suffer eternally in hell.
  2. Annihilationism: Those who reject God cease to exist after death (also called "soul sleep").
  3. Christian Universalism: Jesus will ultimately save everyone, though some may go through a refining process after death.
• Principles for Considering Hell:
  • Good theology should look like Jesus
  • Our view should reflect all New Testament writers
  • Christians should have humility about who is "in" or "out"
  • Your view of hell is not an essential part of Christianity
  • Fear of hell is a cheap motivator to follow Jesus
• Biblical Foundation: The episode references 1 John 4:16 (perfect love casts out fear) and Romans 2:4 (God's kindness leads to repentance) to establish that God motivates through love, not fear.

2019 Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) with distinctive herbaceous notes (bell pepper, jalapeño) followed by secondary cherry and red fruit flavors.

• "Her Gates Will Never Be Shut" by Brad Jersak
• "That All Shall Be Saved" by David Bentley Hart

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Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in

Cabernet and Pray is an authentic, thoughtfully curated, human-hosted podcast that is free, but not cheap. Please consider supporting the content Jeremy creates by joining the Rebuilding Faith patron community and get access to exclusive content and experiences. Find out more here: https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/patron-sign-ups

What if drinking wine was more than just a pleasure—it was a spiritual practice? In this episode, we sit down with theologian and wine expert Gisela Kreglinger to explore the deep connections between wine, faith, and community. Growing up in a German winery, Gisela brings a unique perspective on how wine shapes our conversations, our celebrations, and even our theology. From the role of wine in biblical times to the way it fosters deeper human connection today, this episode will challenge the way you think about your next glass.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

Key Points:

• Meet Gisela Kreglinger: Theologian, author, and wine expert who grew up on a German winery.
• Wine as a Spiritual Practice: Wine isn't just for drinking—it can shape conversations, enhance meals, and even act as a form of prayer.
• Biblical Roots of Wine: Exploring wine’s significance in Scripture, including the Passover tradition of four cups of wine, Noah’s vineyard, and Jesus’ first miracle at the Wedding of Cana.
• Cultural Differences in Wine Consumption: How European wine traditions differ from America’s relationship with alcohol and why that matters.
• Holy Tipsiness: The fine line between drinking as an act of joy and overindulgence.
• Reclaiming Wine in Christian Practice: How churches have distanced themselves from wine and why Gisela believes it’s time to restore its sacred role.

Wines in This Episode:
🍷 2020 Coastline Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles, California) – A fruit-forward yet balanced cab with notes of blackberry, pipe tobacco, and wet gravel.
🍷 Moulin-à-Vent from the Dichon family (Beaujolais, France) – A full-bodied Gamay with rich complexity, imported by Kermit Lynch.

Final Thoughts:
This episode isn’t just for wine lovers—it’s for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, culture, and connection. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a wine aficionado, Gisela’s insights will make you rethink the way you experience wine.

Listen now and join the conversation! 🍇🍷

Links:

• The Spirituality of Wine
• The Soul of Wine
• Cup Overflowing
• Wine in the Word
• Gisela's website
• Gisela on Instagram

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Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in

Cabernet and Pray is an authentic, thoughtfully curated, human-hosted podcast that is free, but not cheap. Please consider supporting the content Jeremy creates by joining the Rebuilding Faith patron community and get access to exclusive content and experiences. Find out more here: https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/patron-sign-ups

Is karma real? Or does Jesus operate in a way that turns our sense of fairness upside down? In this episode, we dive into one of Jesus’ most radical parables from Matthew 20, exploring why fairness might not be the point—and why that’s actually good news. Grab a glass of wine and join us for a thought-provoking discussion on grace, justice, and what it really means to follow Jesus.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

Featured Wine:
🍷 Destino Red Blend (2019) – Fifth Empire, Portugal

• A rich and dark blend featuring Touriga Nacional, known for its bold character.
• Notes of plum and blueberry, balanced with smooth complexity from four different grapes.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Myth of Karma vs. Jesus’ Radical Grace: While karma teaches that you get what you deserve, Jesus flips this idea upside down, offering generosity instead of fairness.
• The Parable of the Vineyard (Matthew 20): A landowner pays all workers the same wage—whether they worked 12 hours or just one. What does this reveal about God’s character?
• Fairness vs. Generosity: How do we react when others receive grace that we feel they don’t deserve?
• Jealousy & God's Kindness: Are we bothered when God blesses those we deem "unworthy"?
• Personal Reflection: Is Jesus enough for us, or do we need others to "lose" for us to feel like we've won?

Takeaway:
Instead of keeping score, what if we embraced a world where grace, not fairness, defines our faith? Jesus invites us to welcome others into the vineyard—are we celebrating or gatekeeping?

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Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in

Cabernet and Pray is an authentic, thoughtfully curated, human-hosted podcast that is free, but not cheap. Please consider supporting the content Jeremy creates by joining the Rebuilding Faith patron community. Find out more here: https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/rebuilding-faith

What happens when the God of the Old Testament seems unrecognizable next to the Jesus of the New Testament? In this thought-provoking episode of Cabernet and Pray, we tackle what Jeremy calls “the worst chapter in the Bible,” Numbers 31. Together, we confront the shocking themes of revenge, violence, and divine commands that seem incompatible with the love of Jesus. With a glass of Sokol Blosser 2021 Pinot Noir in hand, we explore how ancient contexts and human perceptions of God shape scripture—and what this means for our faith today. Don’t miss this deep dive into the Bible’s most challenging narratives.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

Wines Featured:

• Sokol Blosser 2021 Watershed Block Pinot Noir
  • Notes of potting soil, dried leaves, cranberry, raspberry, and clove. A perfect pairing for deep conversations about theology.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Introduction to Numbers 31:

   • Jeremy reflects on the challenges faced as a pastor in interpreting the Old Testament.
   • Focus on Numbers 31: a chapter filled with revenge, violence, and troubling divine commands.

2. A Brutal Look at Numbers 31:

   • God commands Moses to wage a war of revenge against the Midianites.
   • Controversial instructions to kill men, women, and boys, sparing only virgin girls, presented as plunder.
   • The unsettling notion of 32 virgins being allocated as God’s share of the spoils.

3. Reconciling Numbers 31 with the Nature of Jesus:

   • The difficulty of aligning Numbers 31 with the nonviolent, sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus.
   • Examples of misinterpretation: Justifying actions like the Crusades by blending Old Testament violence with Christian theology.

4. Historical and Cultural Context:

   • Insights from early church father Origen: When a passage seems unworthy of God, seek deeper spiritual meaning.
   • Greg Boyd’s Cross Vision: God’s willingness to meet people in their context, even when their understanding is limited.
   • Andy Stanley’s Irresistible: The importance of unhitching modern faith from Old Testament practices and covenantal frameworks.

5. A Framework for Interpretation:

   • Jesus as the clearest image of God: “What God looks like when there are no clouds in the way.”
   • Viewing problematic Old Testament passages as reflections of human culture and sin, not divine character.

6. Takeaways for Faith:

   • Christians don’t need to fear difficult scriptures but must read them through the lens of Jesus.
   • Numbers 31 reveals more about ancient Israelites’ worldview than about God’s true nature.
   • The Bible’s ultimate purpose is to point us to Jesus, the unclouded vision of God.

Jeremy leaves listeners with the challenge to dig deeper into scripture, trusting that a clearer picture of God emerges through Jesus. Christians can engage with difficult passages and grow a faith rooted in love, humility, and understanding.

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Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in

Cabernet and Pray is an authentic, thoughtfully curated, human-hosted podcast that is free, but not cheap. Please consider supporting the content Jeremy creates by joining the Rebuilding Faith patron community. Find out more here: https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/rebuilding-faith