A humiliating arrest on a college visit. A long drive home with a father’s hard words. And then a student camp where the gospel finally clicked. That sequence didn’t just clean up a teenager’s weekends—it set the course for a pastor, a church plant that grew from a living room to multiple campuses, and a family devoted to helping others meet Jesus in everyday moments.

We sit down with Pastor Jonathan "Pastor J" Howes to trace the arc from party culture to purposeful living. He explains how a single verse—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation”—became a new identity, and how discipleship through sports gave him a model to follow on ordinary days. We unpack the question so many wrestle with: How do you really know you’re going to heaven? Pastor J lays out a clear, biblically grounded assurance rooted in grace, not a life scorecard, and shows why that security matters for mental health, resilience, and joy.

From there, we get practical. You’ll hear the three pillars that keep faith strong: join a Christ‑centered church, open the Bible daily, and commit to a small group that practices honest accountability. Pastor J shares his group’s “stay in the fire” rule and how simple daily check‑ins keep the flame alive. We also talk about Spiritual Moments, the devotional book he co‑wrote with his wife Jennifer, built to help families reclaim quiet, unhurried conversations around Scripture with icebreakers, short teachings, and prayer prompts. And we end with a challenge from Joshua 3: most moves of God start when we get our feet wet. If you’ve been waiting on certainty, this is your nudge to take the next step—invite, lead, serve—and trust God to meet you in motion.

If this conversation encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a quick review so more people can find the Road to Redemption. Your story might change when your toes hit the water.

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