ASCEND

Justin Graham
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Christianity
  • Monthly

Ascend Podcast with Justin Graham A space to talk about faith, leadership, and the challenge to step into the purpose God has for us. Psalm 24:3-4 asks, “Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord?” The answer: “The one with clean hands and a pure heart.” That’s what Ascend Podcast is all about - becoming that person. Each episode is an invitation to rise higher, lead well, and walk boldly in God’s calling. Join host Justin Graham as he unpacks what it means to lead with integrity, pursue spiritual growth, and step fully into the life God designed for you.

  1. 2d ago

    Love = Truth

    What does it really mean to love someone enough to tell them the truth? In Season 2, Episode 9 of ASCEND, Pastor Justin Graham sits down with Walters State Head Basketball Coach Jerry Nichols for a conversation about leadership, adversity, faith, and calling greatness out of others. From growing up in inner-city Memphis to coaching at the highest levels, Coach Nichols shares how one person believing in him changed his life and why he's committed to doing the same for the next generation. They unpack what it means to lead with both love and truth, why adversity reveals who you really are, and how the people around you can either challenge you to grow or allow you to stay where you are. The question is: Who loves you enough to tell you the truth and call you higher? This is ASCEND. Let's go higher.

  2. Sep 29

    Putting On Weight

    Not all weight is bad. Some weight makes us stronger; other weight wears us down and keeps us from becoming who God has called us to be. In Episode 8 of Ascend, Adam Noe joins Pastor J to talk about the pressures of life, the unexpected things that can make us want to tap out, and how to tell what we should carry—and what it’s time to set down. Looking at Elijah’s moment after a huge victory, they discuss why even people with great purpose need to catch their breath. Together, they challenge us to take an honest look at how we spend our time, what we keep saying yes to, and whether we’re making room for the things that give us life: God’s Word, prayer, worship, family, rest, and serving. Because saying yes to too many things can leave us overwhelmed—and saying no to the right things can keep us from growing. This week, write down how you’re actually spending your time. Ask God what weight you need to shed so you can grow stronger in the things that matter. You were placed here for a purpose. Don’t miss it because you’re carrying the wrong weight.

  3. Jul 28

    Next Gen Discipleship

    Who are you bringing up with you as you ascend? In this episode of ASCEND, Pastor Justin and Pastor Melissa challenge us to rethink discipleship. This conversation is about far more than parenting or the next generation—it’s about every person God has placed within our reach. Looking at Joshua and Judges 2, they unpack the sobering reality that an entire generation grew up not knowing the Lord because what had been experienced wasn’t intentionally passed on. Discipleship isn’t optional—it’s the Great Commission. Jesus never built a classroom. He built people. He walked slowly, gave His time, shared His life, called out purpose, and invited others to follow Him. Real discipleship happens around dinner tables, in homes, at work, at church, and in everyday moments. Whether you’re raising children, mentoring a coworker, investing in students, leading a volunteer team, or simply making room for someone in your life, God has called you to pour into others. We aren’t reservoirs—we’re rivers. What God pours into us is meant to flow through us. This episode is a challenge to slow down, make room for people, and intentionally raise up those who will go farther than we ever could. Records are meant to be broken. Give someone your shoulders to stand on—not just your footsteps to follow. Challenge: Rise higher… and invite someone else to climb with you.

  4. Jun 30

    Iron vs. Plastic

    What does it really mean to "act like a man?" In Episode 6 of the Ascend Podcast, Justin Graham is joined by Lane Taylor for an honest conversation about biblical manhood and what it looks like to lead with courage, conviction, and humility in today's culture. Together, they unpack what Scripture says about being a man, the power of brotherhood, why accountability is essential for growth, and how receiving correction can shape you into the leader God has called you to be. They also explore the responsibility men have to lead their homes, influence the next generation, and surround themselves with people who sharpen them—not soften them. In this episode, you'll discover: What it means to "act like a man" according to ScriptureWhy iron sharpens iron—and how to find the right brotherhoodThe five characteristics of a godly manHow accountability produces growthWhether you're becoming iron... or plasticThis episode isn't about becoming culture's version of a man. It's about becoming the man God created you to be. It's time to come up higher.

  5. May 26

    Distractions

    God has called you higher — but the enemy will always try to distract you from your assignment. In this episode of Ascend, Pastor Justin and Pastor Carl unpack how distractions are one of the greatest weapons the enemy uses against believers. From Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem while facing criticism and opposition, to Peter walking on water until fear shifted his focus, this conversation dives deep into what keeps us from fully stepping into our calling. Not every distraction looks bad. Some distractions are comfortable. Some are enjoyable. Some even look productive. But anything that pulls your focus away from what God values most can eventually become dangerous. Social media. Relationships. Fear. News. Politics. Finances. Success. Opportunities. Toxic voices. Sin. Even good things without boundaries. The enemy doesn’t want to destroy your purpose overnight — he wants to slowly distract you from it. This episode challenges you to identify what’s competing for your attention, set boundaries, develop spiritual discipline, and refocus on what matters most. Because there is nothing more satisfying than living on purpose for Jesus. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 Stay focused.Get in your Word.Pray with purpose.Remove the distractions.Ascend higher.

  6. Apr 28

    Lap 2

    What happens after you say yes to Jesus? Salvation is the starting line — sanctification is the second lap. In this episode, Pastor Carl and Pastor J unpack one of the most misunderstood “church words” in Christianity: sanctification. It’s not about religion, perfection, or rule-following. It’s the daily pursuit of becoming more like Christ — being set apart for God’s purpose and learning how to stay in the race. Through personal stories, Scripture, and honest conversation, this episode challenges listeners to embrace the process, press into truth, and understand that faith is not a sprint — it’s a lifelong journey. You’ll hear conversations around: What sanctification actually meansWhy Christianity was never meant to be easyThe importance of truth, holiness, and spiritual growthHow the Holy Spirit helps us endure the hard seasonsWhy finishing well matters just as much as starting wellNo matter where you are in your faith journey, there is always another step to take. Where do you need to start ascending?

  7. Mar 31

    Next Gen

    On this episode of the Ascend Podcast, Justin Graham and Melissa Graham bring a powerful conversation on the next generation—and why how you ascend matters more than you think. From parenting to pastoring, they unpack what it looks like to call others higher while continuing to grow yourself.Because the truth is—you were never meant to ascend alone. In a culture full of noise, this generation isn’t disengaged… they’re searching for truth. And when truth is spoken boldly, it changes everything. This episode challenges you to: Lead with intention and integritySpeak life into the next generationLive a faith that’s visible beyond SundayRaise the standard—and help others reach itBecause how you live today will shape who rises tomorrow. Run with us. Ascend together.

  8. Feb 24

    Now What?

    “You Were Running So Well — Now What?”Pastor J + Pastor Carl What happens after the encounter?After the conference, the altar moment, the decision, the breakthrough… now what? In this powerful episode, Pastor J and Pastor Carl talk about what it really means to walk out your faith after a life-changing moment with God. An encounter is powerful — but transformation happens in the days that follow. Monday morning matters. Hebrews 12 reminds us to strip off every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and fix our eyes on Jesus. But many believers find themselves slipping back into the very things God set them free from. Why? Because freedom requires partnership — God does His part, and we must do ours. This episode dives into: • Why the real battle often begins after the encounter• How to avoid getting re-entangled in old habits and strongholds• The importance of accountability, community, and replacing old patterns• Dealing with the root, not just trimming the surface• Sanctification — the journey of continually ascending and becoming more like Christ• What to do when Monday doesn’t feel spiritual• How to stay free from anxiety, addiction, depression, and destructive cycles• Why isolation is dangerous and brotherhood matters• What to do when you stumble — and how to get back up and keep climbing The enemy wants you isolated, tangled, and defeated — but God calls you to keep ascending. If you’ve ever asked:“I had an encounter with God… but how do I walk this out?” — this episode is for you. Freedom is possible. Growth is possible. Don’t quit. Keep climbing. Get connected. Stay rooted. Keep ascending.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Ascend Podcast with Justin Graham A space to talk about faith, leadership, and the challenge to step into the purpose God has for us. Psalm 24:3-4 asks, “Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord?” The answer: “The one with clean hands and a pure heart.” That’s what Ascend Podcast is all about - becoming that person. Each episode is an invitation to rise higher, lead well, and walk boldly in God’s calling. Join host Justin Graham as he unpacks what it means to lead with integrity, pursue spiritual growth, and step fully into the life God designed for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Justin Graham
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Justin Graham
  • Show Website
    ASCEND

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