What does it look like to live a life that consistently points people toward Jesus? And what happens when that calling costs us something? John the Baptist had a godly purpose, a bold message, and a perspective that kept Jesus at the center. From the wilderness to the banks of the Jordan River, John’s mission was never about building his own name. He came to prepare the way for the Christ. And that calling would cost him.

John would lose his freedom, his popularity, and eventually his life. But how would John look at such a sacrifice? What kept him faithful when the crowds moved on, the opposition grew, and the cost of preaching the truth became personal? Join guest Jacob McKinney and host Jonathan Edwards as they explore the life and calling of John the Baptist through three godly P’s: purpose, preaching, and perspective.

A Purpose Bigger Than Ourselves
John knew he had a job to do. He was not the Christ, and he never pretended to be. His purpose was to prepare people for Jesus. That kind of calling can be easy to admire from a distance. But what does it look like in our own lives? Are we using our time, influence, and opportunities to point people toward Christ? Or do we sometimes find ourselves wanting the attention, recognition, or approval that belongs to someone else? John’s life challenges us to think about what it means to serve God faithfully without needing to be the center of the story.

Preaching That Points to Jesus
John was not afraid to preach a difficult message. He called people to repentance, confronted sin, and prepared hearts for the coming King. His preaching was not designed to make everyone comfortable. It was designed to make people ready for Jesus. That raises some important questions for believers today. What should faithful Christian preaching look like? How do we speak the truth with courage and humility? And are we willing to remain faithful when the message of Scripture is not the message people want to hear? John reminds us that preaching is not ultimately about the preacher. It is about the One we proclaim.

Perspective When Following Jesus Costs Us
Perhaps one of the most challenging things about John the Baptist is what happened when his faithfulness became costly. He would lose his freedom, his popularity, and eventually his life. Yet John's perspective was grounded in something bigger than his circumstances. He understood who Jesus was and who he was not. That perspective matters for us. Following Christ does not guarantee comfort, recognition, or an easy life. Sometimes faithfulness means giving up what we would rather keep. Sometimes it means standing alone. Sometimes it means trusting that our purpose is still worthwhile even when we don't get to see the results. So what can we learn from John the Baptist? How can his purpose, preaching, and perspective shape our own walk with Christ?

Join special guest Jacob McKinney and Jonathan for this thoughtful conversation about John the Baptist and the three godly P’s. If you're looking for encouragement, biblical insight, and a fresh look at what it means to live a life that elevates Jesus, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

What would you say if the Lord publicly called you a dog? It actually happened once. And we can see the faith of a Canaanite woman who had the perfect reply to one of the Bible's most "terrible parables.