Live Free with Josh Howerton

What should Christians do when a viral accusation against a pastor suddenly takes over the internet? Believe it? Share it? Defend the pastor? Or stay out of it entirely?

In this bonus episode of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul unpack the viral criticism surrounding Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell and use it to address a much bigger issue: how Christians should respond to accusations, online mobs, and criticism of spiritual leaders. The conversation explores the biblical tension between holding pastors accountable and refusing to participate in gossip, slander, or unverified accusations.

This isn't an argument that pastors are above accountability. Scripture takes the character of spiritual leaders seriously—but it also takes false accusations seriously. Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul examine biblical examples from Jesus, Paul, Stephen, Nehemiah, and the early church to help Christians discern what they're seeing online before joining the mob.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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

In Episode 90 of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham uncover surprising lessons hidden inside some of the Bible passages we usually skim—including the stories of Mark, Demas, Rufus, and Quartus. Their lives reveal powerful truths about failure, restoration, friendship, legacy, and lifelong faithfulness.

The conversation also gets intensely practical: Who are the people carrying your mat when you're struggling? Is it biblical to pray for God's judgment on someone? And why does Scripture teach that Christians can approach God directly through Jesus?

In this episode, you'll learn:

Don't simply start the race—finish faithfully.

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

💬 This week’s giveaway: Name the Bear Skull in the Comments!

🧢 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

Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul unpack Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1 and trace his transformation from a fearful young leader into a faithful, courageous pastor. They also compare the major Christian views of baptism in the Holy Spirit, explain what changed between the old and new covenants, and discuss why every believer should continually seek the Spirit’s filling.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

Don’t miss our most recent bonus episode, An ISLAMIC Takeover is Coming…Here’s what Christians Should Do. Watch now: https://youtu.be/RWY9GPDqor8

💬 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 legally oppose a mosque being built in their city? The answer raises difficult questions about religious liberty, biblical conviction, civic responsibility, and the proper role of government.

In this bonus episode, Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul examine the controversy surrounding a proposed mosque expansion in McKinney, Texas. They explore how Christians can engage local government lawfully and wisely while remaining committed to sharing the gospel with Muslim neighbors.

In this episode, 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

Who is shaping your faith—and whose faith are you helping shape? Spiritual maturity requires more than consuming sermons and Christian content. It grows through relationships with faithful believers who can model, correct, encourage, and walk alongside us.

Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul unpack the relationship between Paul and Timothy, explain how to find or become a spiritual parent, and examine whether apostles still exist in the church today. They also respond to cultural ideas about parental authority and show why Christians must use Scripture as the lens through which they understand the world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

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 if spiritual warfare isn’t only personal—but can also influence entire cultures and nations?

In this candid and provocative conversation, Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul explore how sin and spiritual deception can work their way into societal structures, cultural values, and public policy. They examine religious liberty, immigration, competing belief systems, and the responsibility of Christians to recognize values that conflict with Scripture.

This episode is not about viewing people as the enemy. It is about remembering that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood” and learning to identify the spiritual forces and ideas shaping the world around us.

In this episode, 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

Spiritual warfare is real—but what does the Bible actually teach about fighting it? In this episode, Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul break down the armor of God piece by piece and show how truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the gospel, Scripture, and prayer help believers stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.

They also explore where Satan came from, whether he can read your thoughts, and how Christians should evaluate dramatic spiritual manifestations and deliverance ministries. This conversation offers a biblical framework that avoids both fear-driven superstition and dismissive cynicism, pointing listeners back to Jesus, Scripture, repentance, and lasting fruit.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

Learn More: Should Christians Speak in TONGUES!? | Live Free with Josh Howerton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6IvoCKzb3o&t=61s

🍿Join us in person for At the Movies, our annual four-week series using scenes from popular films to bring biblical truths to life! Learn more and find a campus at https://lakepointe.church/at-the-movies/

✝️ Find out what DID make it into the sermon: Join us in-person for At The Movies! 

💬 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

Can a Christian lose their salvation? What does the Bible actually teach about eternal security, perseverance, and genuine saving faith?

In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Paul Cunningham, and Carlos Erazo tackle one of Christianity's most debated questions by walking through Scripture—not opinions. Together they examine John 10, Romans 8, Hebrews 6, Hebrews 10, James 5, and other key passages to explain the difference between genuine faith and superficial belief, why difficult warning passages matter, and how believers can have true assurance in Christ.

If you've ever struggled with doubts, wondered whether you've done enough, or questioned if someone who walked away from the faith was ever truly saved, this conversation offers biblical clarity and gospel hope.

In this episode you'll discover:

Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this episode will encourage you to rest in God's promises while continuing to pursue Him faithfully.

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

🍿Join us in person for At the Movies, our annual four-week series using scenes from popular films to bring biblical truths to life! Learn more and find a campus at https://lakepointe.church/at-the-movies/

✝️ Find out what DID make it into the sermon: Join us in-person for At The Movies! 

💬 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

Can Christians defend biblical truth without fear—and with compassion? In this powerful episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Carlos Erazo, Paul Cunningham, and special guest Katy Faust tackle some of today's most difficult conversations surrounding marriage, same-sex parenting, IVF, surrogacy, and children's rights.

Rather than beginning with politics or personal preferences, they start with God's design for the family and ask a foundational question: What is truly best for children? Discover why Scripture calls believers to speak the truth in love, how a child-centered biblical worldview reshapes today's ethical debates, and how the Church can respond with both conviction and compassion in an increasingly complex culture.

Whether you're wrestling with these issues personally or simply want to better understand the biblical perspective, this conversation will equip you to engage with wisdom, grace, and confidence.

In this episode you'll learn:

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

🍿Join us in person for At the Movies, our annual four-week series using scenes from popular films to bring biblical truths to life! Learn more and find a campus at https://lakepointe.church/at-the-movies/

✝️ Find out what DID make it into the sermon: Join us in-person for At The Movies! 

💬 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

Was everything you learned about the Crusades wrong? Why has the history of Christianity and Islam been so misunderstood? And what can history teach us about today's cultural and geopolitical challenges?

In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastor Josh Howerton sits down with historian and bestselling author Raymond Ibrahim for a thought-provoking conversation about the history of Christianity and Islam, the Crusades, the rise of Islamic empires, religious persecution, and the way history shapes our understanding of today's world. Together, they examine common misconceptions about the Crusades, discuss how historical narratives influence modern culture, explore the persecution of Christians throughout history, and consider how Christians should think biblically about history, religious freedom, immigration, and engaging their neighbors with both truth and love.

Whether you've wrestled with questions about the Crusades, Islamic history, Western civilization, or the role of Christians in today's culture, this conversation challenges listeners to pursue truth with wisdom, humility, and a biblical worldview.

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