Welcome back to the forty-ninth episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! In today’s conversation, Jake and Justin dive into the story of Christmas, slowing down to reflect on the wonder of Jesus’ birth and what it truly means that God came as Emmanuel, God with us. This episode explores the fulfillment of prophecy, the humility of the manger, and how God’s entrance into the world shows us what He values most.
Jake and Justin unpack why the story of Christmas is more than a tradition, why the Savior’s arrival calls us to awe instead of familiarity, and how God steps into the ordinary, messy, and real parts of our lives. They ask listeners to consider: Are we more moved by the season than the Savior? What would it look like to receive Jesus again, not as tradition, but as truth?
Together, Through Scripture and reflection, Jake and Justin encourage listeners to see the Christmas story anew, to let God’s presence capture our hearts, and to walk the path of wonder and awe this season.
Welcome back to the forty-eighth episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! In today’s conversation, Jake and Justin dive into a truth many believers struggle to truly embrace: God doesn’t avoid broken people, He uses them. This episode unpacks why your weakness doesn’t disqualify you, why your failures don’t cancel your calling, and how God’s strength is seen most clearly in the places you’d least expect.
Jake and Justin explore the difference between pain and pride, why emotional distance is not spiritual distance, and how brokenness actually draws God near instead of pushing Him away. They walk through biblical stories of ordinary, imperfect people, and how Jesus intentionally chose those the world overlooked. Because God isn’t looking for the impressive, He’s looking for the available.
Together, Jake and Justin show how surrender redirects our brokenness into purpose, how God turns messes into messages, and why His calling on your life is irrevocable. Through Scripture and real encouragement, this episode reminds us that God doesn’t call the perfect, He perfects the called. He doesn’t choose the awesome, He chooses the willing.
If you’ve ever felt too messy, too inconsistent, or too unqualified for God to use you, this episode is your reminder: you are still chosen, you are still called, and God is not done with you. He uses the broken, on purpose, for a purpose.
Welcome back to the forty-seventh episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! In today’s conversation, Jake and Justin dive into a question every believer wrestles with sooner or later: you just sinned… now what? This episode walks through the truth that sin is not your identity, your identity is in Christ and why confession is not just helpful but crucial for healing, restoration, and freedom. We explore the difference between conviction and condemnation, why guilt can be a teacher but shame is never from God, and how the Gospel doesn’t erase our past but redeems it.
Jake & Justin unpack the heart behind genuine repentance, not just saying “I’m sorry” but turning toward transformation, and he shares why your failures don’t change the way God views you. God has not left you, abandoned you, or withdrawn His grace; He is near to the brokenhearted, close as a whisper. Together Jake & Justin look at how Jesus meets us in our mess, how His grace empowers us to get back up again, and why our next step after sin is not hiding, it’s coming back to the One who already knows, already sees, and already loves. If you’ve ever wondered how to move forward after you fall, this episode is your reminder that your story isn’t over and God isn’t done.
Episode 46: “Love Without Affirming” is OUT NOW on all Platforms!
Welcome back to the Forty-Sixth episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! In this episode, Jake and Justin sit down with Christian Poncsak for a vulnerable conversation about navigating same-sex attraction while following Jesus. Christian shares his journey of wrestling with desires, identity, and faith, and how returning to Scripture and community became the foundation for conviction, transformation, and freedom. They discuss why feelings cannot be the ultimate guide, why discipline matters more than emotion, and why Christ-centered identity is the only stable foundation.
We want to be clear: we love every person, including those struggling with same-sex attraction, but love doesn’t mean affirming behavior Scripture calls sin. Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 6 warn against same-sex sexual behavior without repentance, yet remind us that anyone can be washed, sanctified, and justified in Jesus Christ. Christian shares how God’s kindness, even in letting him reach the end of himself, led him to surrender, encounter God’s presence, and declare, “the only man I’m pursuing now is Jesus.”
Anchored in Scripture, compassion, and truth, this episode explores freedom in Christ even amid temptation, finding identity in Jesus rather than sexuality, and loving people well without affirming sin. If you’ve wrestled with same-sex attraction or want to walk faithfully in both grace and truth, this episode is for you.
Welcome back to the Fourty-Fifth episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! In this episode, Jake and Justin dive into a topic everyone faces at some point: feeling overwhelmed — and why it’s completely normal, especially in busy seasons.
They discuss how overwhelm often signals the need to pause, retreat, and prioritize time with God. Before going out to do things in Jesus’ name, we must first sit at His feet and stay connected to the Vine, because apart from Him, we can do absolutely nothing. Saying no, resting, and finding balance isn’t selfish — it’s essential to avoid burnout and care for others well.
Jake and Justin also explore why true strength isn’t self-reliance, how acknowledging our limits is actually wisdom, and why self-love in the form of rest is selfless. By prioritizing time with Jesus first, listeners can refill their cups, walk in clarity, and serve faithfully without running dry.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or on the verge of burnout, this episode is for you.
Welcome back to the Forty-Fourth Episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! In this episode, Jake and Justin sit down with creative storyteller Sean Moreno to unpack one of the biggest themes in the Christian creative world today: what it truly means to create for the Creator.
Sean shares the heart behind Wonderfully Made and how his content reminds people of the worth, identity, and dignity God placed in them. From street interviews to storytelling, he talks about moments where God used simple creativity to spark deep conversations and eternal impact. Together, they explore the idea that creativity was never meant to rival God but to reflect Him. Being made in His image means the creativity inside us isn’t random or accidental, It’s inherited.
Jake, Justin and Sean dive reveal a key truth: what we create matters, but why we create matters even more. They discuss the weight of influence, the temptation to chase approval, & how to define success.
If you’re a creator, storyteller, or anyone wrestling with calling and motive, this conversation will remind you that your gift was entrusted to you for a reason: to reflect the One who gave it.
Welcome back to the Forty-Third Episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! In this episode, Jake and Justin dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in the Church: the difference between accountability and judgment.
Judgment points a finger, but accountability extends a hand. True biblical accountability isn’t about tearing someone down; it’s about calling them up. They also unpack the difference between conviction and condemnation, because assigning fault to ourselves without bringing it to Jesus only leads to shame and destruction. Conviction, on the other hand, draws us closer to Him and produces growth.
Feedback, though painful, is one of God’s greatest tools for transformation. When those who love us speak truth, we can either humble ourselves and grow, or harden our hearts and stay the same. The goal of this episode is simple: to encourage you to welcome feedback from those who love you enough to tell you the truth, because wisdom doesn’t just celebrate encouragement, it leans into correction.
Welcome back to the Fourty-Second Episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! In this episode, Jake and Justin sit down with Renee Dollenmayer, founder of Even If Ministries, for an authentic conversation about faith, identity, and finding purpose in the midst of pain.
Renee shares her journey through seasons of brokenness, shame, and hiddenness — and how God used her story to birth a ministry that inspires others to cling to Him even if life doesn’t go as planned. Together, Jake, Justin, and Renee talk about what it means to live with eternity in mind, how to find hope through disability and suffering, and why humility and preparation in the quiet seasons matter deeply to our walk with Jesus.
If you’ve ever struggled to see God’s goodness in hardship, this episode is a reminder that our deepest wounds can become our greatest testimonies.
0:00 Introducing Renee Dollenmayer and Even If Ministries
7:58 Renee's Journey: Identity Crisis and Even If's Genesis
24:00 Navigating Double Lives, Shame, and the Power of Forgiveness
33:58 Finding Hope, Purpose, and Community Through Disability
44:11 How Living with Eternity in Mind Reframes Life
51:48 Humility and Preparation in the Hidden Seasons of Faith
1:01:26 The Eternal Reward of Suffering with Jesus
Welcome back to the forty-first episode of The Narrow Path Podcast!
This week on The Narrow Path Podcast, Jake & Justin dive into Halloween, its history, its meaning, and what it looks like through a Christian lens. We’re not here to tell you what to think or how to celebrate, but to encourage conviction, asking questions, and being honest with yourself about your intentions.
From ancient roots to modern traditions, we talk about how believers can approach Halloween thoughtfully, with discernment and a clear conscience before God. It’s about reflecting on why we do what we do and making choices that align with our faith, not just following culture blindly.
Our goal with this episode is simple: to help you think about it, maybe for the first time.
Welcome back to the fortieth episode and season finale of The Narrow Path Podcast! In this episode, Jake & Justin sit down to unpack suffering, pain, and hardship through the lens of Scripture. We’ll get real about our sinful state, the reality of a fallen world, and the truth that there’s only ever been one truly good person, Jesus who willingly took on the worst of suffering for us.
In today’s conversation, we’re digging into why suffering exists, how God uses it to refine and draw us closer, and the hope we have in Christ who entered into our pain and promises eternal restoration. If you’re in the middle of a tough season, wrestling with doubt, or wondering how God could still be good in a broken world, this one’s for you.
Welcome back to the thirty-ninth episode of The Narrow Path Podcast!
Have you ever felt like following God turned into just following rules? In this episode, Jake & Justin sit down to talk about Legalism, the mindset that elevates rules, rituals, and religious performance over grace, faith, and genuine relationship with God.
In today’s conversation, we’re getting real about legalism — what it is, how it sneaks into our lives, and why it can leave us feeling burned out or stuck spiritually. We’ll share personal stories, break down the difference between obedience and legalism, and also explore the opposite end of the spectrum, lawlessness which is just as wrong. If you’ve ever wrestled with faith feeling more like rules than relationship, this one’s for you.
Welcome back to the thirty-eighth episode of The Narrow Path Podcast!
Last week, we talked about green flags—what to pursue in a godly relationship. This week, we’re flipping the script and leaning into a conversation that’s just as important: red flags. What should we be cautious of? What patterns, attitudes, or behaviors should cause us to pause instead of proceed?
In this episode, Jake & Justin walk through some of the most common red flags in relationships—from spiritual misalignment and confusion, to unchecked pride and misplaced priorities. But beyond just pointing out flaws in others, we ask a deeper question: Where are the red flags in us?
Because as much as we need discernment in dating, we also need humility in our own hearts. Our prayer is that this episode not only helps you recognize what’s unhealthy in relationships—but invites you to be refined by the Holy Spirit yourself.
Whether you’re dating, healing from a past relationship, or just seeking wisdom for the future, this episode is packed with biblical truth, honest reflection, and practical guidance.
Welcome back to the thirty-seventh episode of The Narrow Path Podcast!
In this episode, Jake & Justin sit down to talk about what really matters when it comes to relationships—what to look for, what to value, and how to pursue something that’s rooted in Christ.
We live in a world that often gets this part wrong. We’re told to focus on appearance, status, or how someone makes us feel—but Scripture points us to something deeper. The kind of relationship that’s marked by character, humility, consistency, and a shared pursuit of Jesus.
This conversation isn’t about setting unrealistic expectations or chasing perfection. It’s about learning to recognize what’s healthy, what’s holy, and what’s worth waiting for.
If you’re in a season of singleness, dating, or just wanting clarity on what to look for—this one’s for you.
Welcome back to the thirty-sixth episode of The Narrow Path Podcast!
In this episode, Jake & Justin open up a conversation we don’t have often enough—what to do when you feel alone.
Loneliness can feel like rejection. Like no one sees the pain you’re carrying, the effort you’re giving, or the silence you’ve been sitting in. But here’s the truth: you are not alone in feeling alone.
Culture tells us to self-isolate, to self-medicate, to scroll our way out of it—but Scripture tells a better story. One where God draws near to the brokenhearted. One where Jesus touches the outcast. One where the wilderness isn’t punishment—it’s preparation.
Here’s the unfiltered truth:
The enemy isolates to deceive.
God meets us in the hidden places.
And healing often comes through community, not crowds.
If you’ve been walking through a season of feeling unseen or spiritually dry, we pray this episode meets you right where you are. There’s purpose in your solitude. There’s hope in your silence. And there’s a family waiting for you in the Body of Christ.
If you’ve been feeling overlooked, forgotten or unseen, this one’s for you.
You are not alone in Feeling Alone.
Let’s talk about it.
Welcome back to the thirty-fifth episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! In this episode, Jake & Justin dive into a long-overdue conversation: the difference between Love and Lust.
Culture’s been lying to us — telling us “what feels good must be good,” where surface-level pleasure is labeled as deep connection. But Lust can never fulfill what only Love was meant to satisfy.
Here’s The Unfiltered Truth:
Lust is impulsive, selfish, and driven by instant gratification, always demanding, never giving. It’s reckless, chaotic, and focused on what it can take.
Love: honors, protects, preserves, and sees true worth. Love is Patient. Love is Kind. It chooses commitment over convenience and values sacrifice over self-indulgence.
Through Scripture and real conversation, we break down how to tell the difference—and why it matters. Because if we don’t know what love really is, we’ll keep chasing the wrong thing and wonder why our hearts never feel full. God’s Word calls us to a deeper kind of Love, one that reflects His nature, not our cravings.
There’s grace. There’s a better way. And it starts here. Stream it now—this one’s for anyone tired of chasing what doesn’t last.
Welcome back to the thirty-fourth episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! In this episode, Jake & Justin dive into a topic that hits home for all of us: waiting on God’s timing.
Ever felt like your prayer got lost in the mail? Like God missed the deadline? You’re not alone. But the truth is — we serve an On Time God.
In this episode, we unpack how delays aren’t denials, why God’s timing is perfect even when it doesn’t feel like it, and how the waiting season is often where the real work happens — in us. Through Scripture and real talk, we’re reminded that God is never in a rush, but He’s never late either.
Tune in for encouragement to trust Him in the process, stay faithful in the waiting, and believe that even when you don’t see it — God is working. Always. On time.
Welcome back to the thirty-third episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! Join Jake and Justin as they dive into a conversation that hits close to home for many believers: overcoming jealousy and envy.
In this episode, they unpack the difference between jealousy and envy, how both are rooted in comparison, insecurity, and pride—and how they silently corrupt our relationships, gratitude, and view of God. Through biblical examples like Cain and Abel, Joseph’s brothers, and King Saul’s envy of David, they reveal how these heart issues can grow into division, bitterness, and even sin if left unchecked.
Tune in as they offer both spiritual insight and practical steps to fight back against comparison, celebrate others, and return to a place of contentment in Christ. You’ll be reminded that God’s plan for your life is good, intentional, and right on time.
Let this episode challenge and encourage you to take your eyes off what everyone else is doing—and fix your focus back on the faithfulness of God.
Welcome back to the thirty-second episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! Join Jake and Justin as they dive into one of the most sobering and often-avoided truths in Scripture: the reality of Hell.
In this episode, they walk through Luke 16 and other challenging passages to confront the weight of eternal separation from God—not to instill fear, but to awaken urgency. In a culture that downplays sin and avoids uncomfortable conversations, Jesus speaks plainly and lovingly about Hell—not to condemn, but to offer a way out.
Tune in as they unpack these truths with clarity and compassion, reminding us that while Hell is real, so is the rescue. Let this conversation stir your heart with fresh gratitude for the Gospel and a deeper desire to share it with others. Eternity is real. Let’s live like it.
Welcome Back to The Narrow Path Podcast! Join Jake and Justin as they dive into the awe and mystery of heaven—not just a distant idea, but a real place God promises us as our forever home.
In this episode, they explore what Scripture tells us about heaven’s reality: a place of incredible beauty, peace, and joy where we will live in God’s presence forever. Though heaven is beyond full human understanding, the Bible gives us glimpses of its wonder that fuel our hope and curiosity.
Tune in as they unpack these truths and reflect on the hope that heaven offers, inspiring us to keep walking the narrow path with eyes fixed on our eternal home.
Welcome back to the thirtieth episode of The Narrow Path Podcast! Join Jake & Justin as they dive into the dangers of comfortable Christianity. In a world that prioritizes convenience and self-preservation, they explore how true discipleship requires sacrifice, obedience, and a willingness to step outside of our comfort zones. Following Jesus isn’t about fitting faith into our lifestyle—it’s about surrendering our lives to Him. Tune in as they discuss how to break free from complacency and pursue a faith that is bold, active, and fully committed to Christ.