Live Free with Josh Howerton

What is the unforgivable sin? Can you commit a sin so serious that God will never forgive you?

Jesus warned that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an eternal sin. But what does that actually mean? Is it rejecting Jesus, saying something offensive about God, or repeatedly falling into the same sin?

In this bonus episode of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham unpack Mark 3 and explain what Jesus meant by the unforgivable sin. They examine the biblical context, address common misunderstandings, and encourage those struggling with guilt, shame, or fear about their salvation.

The conversation also tackles a question many Christians wrestle with: What if I keep falling into the same sin? Carlos and Paul share practical, biblical steps for overcoming spiritual strongholds through repentance, God's grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, and Christian community.

What you'll learn:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop

📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download

What if the very thing you refuse to surrender is keeping you from the life God has for you?

Can Christians celebrate Halloween? Does the Rich Young Ruler reveal something about what we're unwilling to give up? And do the Ten Commandments still apply to Christians today?

In Episode 99 of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton and Paul Cunningham join Miles Murphy for a powerful conversation about biblical discernment, the cost of following Jesus, and why worldly success can never replace eternal purpose. They also respond to viral relationship advice from Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast, challenging cultural messages about sexuality, divorce, and marriage.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment HAT

🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop

📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download

Should Christians Watch Harry Potter? What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft and Magic?

Is watching Harry Potter harmless entertainment—or could it expose Christians to something spiritually dangerous? Where should believers draw the line between fantasy, witchcraft, and biblical truth?

In this bonus episode of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham tackle one of the most debated questions in Christian entertainment. From Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings to The Chronicles of Narnia and Marvel movies, they examine what Scripture says about sorcery, spiritual discernment, and the entertainment we consume.

Carlos and Paul don't see eye to eye on everything—and that's the point. Through a lively, Scripture-filled debate, they demonstrate how Christians can disagree without compromising biblical convictions or sacrificing unity.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Just because something is permissible doesn't mean it's beneficial. What you consume shapes who you become.

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop

📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download

Has Noah's Ark REALLY been found—or are millions being misled by sensational headlines? And what does this ancient biblical story reveal about God's protection, judgment, and salvation through Jesus Christ?

In this two-part episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham begin with a powerful conversation about becoming repairers of the breach. From resisting spiritual compromise to understanding Christ's victory over darkness, they challenge believers to let God restore what is broken in their lives. Carlos also explains how the four Gospels reveal Jesus through different perspectives.

Then Dr. Jeremiah Johnston joins the conversation to investigate viral claims that Noah's Ark has been discovered in Turkey. Together, they examine archaeological evidence, challenge unverified conclusions, and explore why biblical discernment matters. The conversation ultimately reveals how Noah's Ark points to the greatest rescue story of all: salvation through Jesus.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

Into the Breach Resources – https://lakepointe.church/ITBonline

Archaeological Scorecard – https://christianthinkers.com/pages/howerton

💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment HAT

🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop

📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download

Is God bringing revival to America while the Church faces more criticism than ever? And are megachurches really as bad as people say?

Pastor Josh Howerton sits down with Pastor Joby Martin of The Church of Eleven22 for an unfiltered conversation about revival, biblical truth, spiritual leadership, and the power of the Gospel. Joby shares his incredible journey from a troubled teenager to leading one of America's fastest-growing churches, including his experience defending biblical Christianity in a liberal seminary.

Together, they tackle online attacks against pastors, what Christian men should look for in a godly wife, biblical masculinity, and common megachurch misconceptions. Joby also shares unforgettable encounters with Billy Graham and John Piper, along with powerful stories of lives being transformed through prison ministry. Through it all, one message stands out: The Church isn't called to chase crowds, but to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop

📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download

Can you truly follow Jesus without dying to yourself? And what does the Bible actually say about the death penalty?

In Episode 97 of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham welcome special guest David Nasser for a conversation about the cost of following Jesus, the power of God's grace, and what it means to live a surrendered life.

David shares the story behind his 40-day devotional, A Call to Die, while the pastors explain the difference between justification, sanctification, and glorification. Then, the conversation turns to one of Christianity's most challenging ethical questions: Can Christians support the death penalty while still extending grace and mercy? Through Scripture and powerful personal stories, they explore the relationship between justice, forgiveness, and the value of human life.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment HAT

🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop

📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download

What happens when Jesus is used to sell a political agenda?

In this bonus episode of LIVE FREE, Pastor Josh Howerton responds to James Talarico’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel and examines what he believes is a dangerous pattern: using biblical language and selective Scripture to make political ideas sound Christian. The challenge for believers is to recognize when something sounds biblical without actually representing the whole counsel of Scripture.

Josh breaks down how Christians can develop biblical discernment, distinguish the responsibilities of individuals, the church, and government, and resist turning Jesus into a mascot for any political cause. Every Christian's ultimate allegiance must be to Jesus first - not a political party, ideology, or movement.

In this episode:

• How biblical truth can be mixed with misleading conclusions

• Why Christians need discernment when Scripture enters political conversations

• The biblical distinction between personal responsibility and government authority

• Why Jesus cannot be selectively edited to support our preferred politics

• How believers can faithfully engage the public square without putting politics above Christ

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop

📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download

Spiritual warfare is real—but should Christians be afraid of it?

In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastor Carlos sits down with Pastor Jonathan (JP) Pokluda for a practical conversation about how the enemy works, how Christians can recognize deception, and why Jesus’ victory gives believers confidence rather than fear.

Then the conversation shifts from spiritual warfare to revival and evangelism. JP shares what he has witnessed among thousands of young people responding to the gospel and gives a simple, practical approach anyone can use to start conversations about Jesus.

In this episode:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.
 

💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment HAT

🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop

📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download

How do you know if you’re attending a healthy church? How should Christians navigate difficult family relationships without compromising biblical truth? Can a wife correct her husband? And what do you do when someone you love wants nothing to do with Christianity?

In this bonus episode of LIVE FREE, Pastor Josh is joined by Pastors Ed Newton and Matt Chewning for an honest Ask a Pastor conversation about faith, marriage, church culture, the Holy Spirit, and some of the difficult questions Christians face in real life.

They also explore what may be changing in the American church—including a growing desire to hold together biblical truth, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a passion for reaching people with the gospel.

In this episode:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

Link to article: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/transformation-transgender-teen/

🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop

📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download

In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul unpack the Apostle Paul's final words in 2 Timothy 4 and his urgent warning about a time when people will reject sound doctrine and gather teachers who tell them what they want to hear.

The conversation explores what it means to preach the Word, remain faithful “in season and out of season,” and know the gospel well enough to recognize when biblical truth is being distorted. The pastors also break down five common false teachings and react to a viral example of progressive theology that challenges foundational Christian beliefs about Scripture, Jesus, and the cross.

In this episode:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment HAT

🧢 Want a Live Free hat of your own? Visit LiveFree.shop

📲 Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Check out the Lakepointe App to access our Discipleship Guide, daily Bible reading plan, and more. Text APP to 20411 to download