Hey, and welcome to the Becoming Better podcast. My name is Nate, and I am so glad that you are here on today's episode. Jason, Josh, and I sit down, and we discuss last Sunday's message. If you haven't listened to last Sunday's message, then I want to encourage you to stop here and give that a listen. Well, without further ado, we hope you enjoy this conversation.

Luke places the ministry of Jesus firmly in real history, then shows us something surprising—when God speaks, He bypasses the powerful and sends His word to a prophet in the wilderness. John the Baptist calls people to repentance and baptism, not as an end, but as preparation for the coming of Jesus. This message challenges us to consider whether our obedience today is shaping our ability to recognize and receive what God wants to do next.a

Well, hey, and welcome to the Becoming Better podcast. On today's episode, Jason, Josh, and Nate talk about last Sunday's episode. If you have missed Sunday's message, then I want to encourage you to stop here and give that a listen. We did talk about a few books and wanted to share the titles and links to buy them here.

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society By Eugene H. Patterson. LINK

The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character By Jon Tyson: LINK

At age twelve, Jesus is found in the temple—listening, asking questions, and declaring His devotion to His Father’s purposes. This moment reveals that Jesus’ faith and mission didn’t suddenly appear at thirty, but were formed through consistent practice, faithful parents, and life-shaping community. Luke invites us to examine whether our faith is built on convenience or consistency—and how we are passing that faith on to the next generation.

Welcome to the Becoming Better Podcast. On this episode, we dive into last Sunday's message. We also answer your questions. We hope that you enjoy this conversation.

This is our review of 2025 and vision casting for 2026.

In Luke 2, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple, where two faithful servants—Simeon and Anna—recognize what the world cannot yet see: this child is God’s salvation for all nations. Their response reveals a deep truth—Jesus does not need to prove Himself to be worthy of worship; His presence alone is enough. This passage challenges us to examine whether we truly see Jesus as sufficient and whether our devotion naturally leads us to thank God and share Him with others.

In Luke 1:57–79, we witness the miraculous birth of John the Baptist and the powerful moment when Zechariah’s obedience unlocks praise and prophecy. Choosing faithfulness over cultural pressure prepares the way for God’s promises to unfold. As Christmas approaches, we’re reminded that John points the way—but Jesus is the redemption we are celebrating.