What does it mean to walk steadily in your faith day after day? Join Jake and Maverick for Episode 53 of the GBC Empower podcast, where we start with a burst of humor, celebrating the legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Don Drysdale and the elusive number 53 in sports. As we gear up for our summer break, we can't wait to return on August 18th with an episode themed around Jake's high school football number, 54. But before we sign off, we dive into the profound message of Eugene Peterson's "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction," shedding light on the significance of the Psalms of Ascent for Jewish pilgrims and what true discipleship really entails.

Exploring Peterson's insights, we reflect on our personal misconceptions about discipleship. It's not about mastering vast amounts of biblical knowledge; it's about daily, intentional faith-based decisions and a steady, unwavering walk with Christ. We discuss the challenges of maintaining a long-term interest in the gospel amidst a fast-paced world, emphasizing the importance of living out our mission in everyday contexts like work and family life. True discipleship, as we discover, often stands in stark contrast to the fleeting emotional highs that come with initial conversion.

Lastly, we underscore the power of daily faithfulness through real-life examples like John Johnson, a quiet yet consistently faithful church member, and Oak Street Baptist Church, known for its steadfast commitment to biblical teaching and missions. Their stories show how enduring faithfulness can significantly impact individuals and communities. We wrap up this episode by inviting you to share your own Christian testimonies, aiming to create a platform where faith stories can resonate and inspire. Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe summer break, we humorously hope that after the Fourth of July, you're all still in one piece!

Join us as we discuss the heart of our discussion: the power of family discipleship within our church community. We’re thrilled to share the incredible success of the Strand Discipleship program, a 10-week journey that has touched the lives of over 100 people, spanning generations from adults to college students. You'll hear touching stories of spiritual growth, community bonding, and the unique role of youth in these programs, including their impactful contributions to initiatives like Falls Creek's decision team.

Lastly, we dive into the profound impact of families being on a mission together, emphasizing the eternal inheritance of true discipleship over worldly success. Addressing misconceptions about Christianity, we remind you that faithfulness, not perfection, is the key. Through encouraging anecdotes and testimonies, we highlight how regular families are partnering with the church to cultivate a lifestyle of discipleship. We wrap up with reflections on the power of encouragement for youth and the excitement that comes with planning long-term discipleship initiatives. Tune in for an episode filled with humor, heart, and spiritual insights!

We dive deep into the world of Christian denominations, unpacking the rich tapestry of beliefs within the faith. We cover everything from the historical significance of the Protestant movement to the distinct doctrines of Catholicism, Presbyterianism, Methodism, Baptist, and Pentecostalism. Additionally, we explore the recent Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis, emphasizing the importance of doctrine and biblical teaching when choosing a church. Hear our personal stories and insights on what makes a church healthy and Christ-centered. Whether you're a long-time listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode is packed with wisdom and heartfelt moments you won't want to miss.