Welcome to Live Free with Pastor Josh Howerton. Lakepointe Church is a movement for all people to know Christ, live free, and change the world for God‘s glory. If this podcast is hitting home for you, leave a rating, drop a review, or share it. Your support helps us keep spreading the truth and reaching more people for Jesus. For more digital content, visit https://lakepointe.church/digital/
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Who decided which books are in your Bible? Pastor Paul Cunningham responds to Father Mike Schmitz's case for the Apocrypha, walking through the historical record, early church fathers, and the canon that Jesus himself recognized and quoted. This isn't an attack, it's a careful, evidence-based conversation about one of the most consequential questions in all of Christianity: which books are truly the Word of God? From Jerome's own doubts about the books he translated, to what the Dead Sea Scrolls...
What happens when suffering, politics, and moral confusion collide? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham tackle two of the most critical doctrines for modern Christians: God’s sovereignty and the role of conscience in a collapsing culture. Through Acts 23, Romans 8, Titus 1, and 1 Timothy 4, they unpack how believers can trust God’s control over suffering while developing the moral clarity necessary to stand firm in truth. From free will, to abor...
Did the Founding Fathers actually want Christianity out of government, or is that the biggest historical lie ever told? Pastor Josh Howerton sits down with Tim Barton of WallBuilders to go straight to the original documents: the Aiken Bible endorsed by Congress, Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence arguing against slavery, the prayer proclamations of John Hancock, and the letter that gave us the phrase "separation of church and state." What you were taught in school and ...
Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham, with special guest David Nasser, explore the dangerous ideology behind political violence, arguing it's a spiritual problem requiring outreach. They share practical, real-world strategies for evangelism, including meeting immediate needs to share eternal truth, as exemplified by encounters with figures like Jordan Peterson. The episode emphasizes Jesus' divine claims and the importance of a 'new heart' over political solutions, calling for Christians to respond to national brokenness with compassion and gospel-centered action.
Do Catholics and Protestants actually worship the same Jesus? Pastors Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham sit down with apologist and author Dr. Frank Turek (I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist) to unpack one of the most personal and theologically charged conversations in Live Free history. Frank was there the day Charlie Kirk was assassinated, and he shares what happened, what Charlie believed, and how the conspiracy theories impact his legacy. From there, the conversation digs into the rea...
In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham tackle one of the most confusing questions Christians face today: What’s actually sin… and what’s just man-made rules? Walking through Matthew 23, they expose the danger of hypocrisy and legalism—then take it straight into real-life debates around alcohol, tattoos, and weed. Is it actually freedom… or are we just calling it that? This conversation will challenge how you think about obedience, influence, and what it really mea...
In this LIVE FREE bonus episode, Pastor Josh Howerton reacts to a viral Tucker Carlson clip addressing President Donald Trump, Islam, and Christianity—and it opens up a much bigger conversation than politics. This episode dives into how Christians should think biblically in a culture full of noise, strong opinions, and spiritual confusion. What happens when faith, politics, and culture collide? Should Christians mock other religions? And how do you stay grounded when influential voices start blu...
Are we actually living in the last days? And what if most Christians have misunderstood the end times entirely? In this special episode of LIVE FREE, Pastor Josh Howerton sits down with John Bevere to unpack the Second Coming of Christ, the rapture, and the rise of global deception. From shocking biblical timelines to the possibility of a “strong delusion,” this conversation connects Scripture to what’s happening in the world right now. But this isn’t about fear or speculation, it’s about urgenc...
In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham tackle one of the most debated topics in Christianity: the end times. Walking through key Scriptures, they cut through confusion around Israel, prophecy, and global events—bringing clarity to what Jesus actually said about His return. Instead of fear or speculation, this conversation calls believers to think biblically, reject cultural noise, and live ready. From Romans 9–11 to today’s geopolitical tensions, t...
Why was Jaden Ivey reportedly fired after refusing to celebrate what he called unrighteousness, and what does that reveal about the cost of Christian conviction in today’s culture? In this episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham respond to the controversy surrounding Jaden Ivey, unpack how believers should stand with courage and wisdom under pressure, and show how the resurrection of Jesus changes the way we read the entire Bible. From cultural backlash to Christ in all...
Is the Shroud of Turin really the burial cloth of Jesus, or the greatest hoax in history? Pastors Josh Howerton and Carlos Erazo sit down with Dr. Jeremiah Johnston to examine the powerful evidence, scientific analysis, and how it aligns with the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection. This conversation moves from skepticism to faith as they unpack the brutality of the cross, fulfilled prophecy, and what the Shroud ultimately means for your view of Jesus. In this episode, you’ll lea...
Is hell real or have we completely misunderstood what Jesus actually taught? This episode cuts through the noise, exposes cultural myths, and tackles the question no one wants to answer: How can a loving God send people to hell? In this episode, you’ll learn: • What Jesus really taught about hell and eternity • The difference between Hades, Gehenna, and final judgment • Why purgatory and universalism don’t align with Scripture • How to respond to “a loving God wouldn’t send people to hell” • Wha...
In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham tackle two fascinating and often misunderstood topics: how Christians should think about politics and the mysterious Nephilim in Genesis 6. Looking at Matthew 21, they unpack Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the powerful contrast between earthly political power and the kingdom Jesus came to establish. The conversation challenges two common errors Christians make today—treating politics as ultimate hope or ignoring it...
Is God bringing revival to Iran? And what does honoring the Sabbath actually look like for Christians today? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham tackle two powerful topics shaping faith and culture right now. First, they unpack Luke 6 and the biblical meaning of the Sabbath—why God built rhythms of work and rest into creation, how the Pharisees turned the Sabbath into legalistic religion, and why Jesus declaring Himself the “Lord of the Sabbath”...
Can you really talk to God like He’s your Father? And what happens when He doesn’t answer your prayers? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham dive deep into what it really means that Jesus tore the veil. From the Lord’s Prayer and unanswered prayer to spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, this conversation unpacks how access to the Father changes everything. But the team didn't stop there...they also tackled a pressing cultural question: If Je...
In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastor Josh Howerton and Jana Howerton dive into one of the most culturally controversial and biblically clear topics: God’s design for marriage. They unpack the theological foundation of headship and helpership from Genesis 2 and Ephesians 5, explaining why loving leadership and respectful support are not oppressive ideas, but protective ones. Rather than competing roles, Scripture presents marriage as a complementary covenant designed for strength, stability, and ...
In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham tackle one of the most debated theological questions in Christianity: Does the Bible actually teach predestination? They walk through key Scriptures, clarify common misconceptions, and explain why God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are not enemies. Rather than dividing believers, a right understanding of this doctrine should strengthen confidence in evangelism and deepen trust in God’s character. The c...
Did Jesus stay silent on abortion and homosexuality, or are progressive politicians twisting Scripture to fit a modern agenda? In this LIVE FREE reaction video, Pastor Josh Howerton responds directly to James Talarico’s viral claims on Joe Rogan that Jesus “never talked about” homosexuality or abortion and that Christians have made these issues central for political reasons. Walking carefully through Scripture, this episode dismantles the argument from silence, explains why Jesus’ affirmation of...
Are Jewish people who don’t believe in Jesus still saved, and what does the Bible really say about Israel, stewardship, and the end times? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham tackle one of the most misunderstood theological questions in Christianity today. Walking through Luke 19 and Romans 9–11, the conversation addresses salvation, ethnicity, faith, and God’s ongoing plan for Israel, cutting through sentimentality, political pressure, and inte...
Does the Bible shape how you feel about culture, or how you see culture? In this LIVE FREE special reaction episode, Pastor Josh reacts to the GRAMMYs, Billie Eilish’s “No one is illegal on stolen land” moment and Jelly Roll’s bold, Jesus-centered acceptance speech, and uses Scripture to show the difference between using the Bible as a mirror and as a lens (James 1) for evaluating what’s happening in the world. You’ll also hear a clear contrast between performative courage that wins applause and...
Are Christians being manipulated by propaganda, and do most believers even realize it? In this episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, Paul Cunningham confront the rise of viral propaganda, emotional manipulation, and misinformation surrounding ICE and cultural outrage, calling Christians to think biblically rather than react emotionally; from there, the conversation moves to Mark 10, where Jesus radically redefines greatness, power, and authority through service and sacrifice, before clos...
Are Christians forbidden from engaging in politics, or is Scripture being selectively weaponized to keep believers silent? In this LIVE FREE special reaction episode, Pastor Josh responds to Rhett & Link’s viral commentary on Christianity and politics, breaking down the biblical errors, cultural assumptions, and spiritual forces underneath the argument that Christians should “stay out of power.” This episode draws a clear line between faithful doubt vs. deliberate deception, and explains why...
Most Christians were never taught this. Jesus didn’t choose soft, passive men, He chose fishermen, zealots, and bold disciples who would change the world. In this episode, we uncover facts about the disciples most Christians don’t know, confront false gospels like Mormonism, respond to anti-ICE church propaganda and protests disrupting worship, and explain why brotherhood, not isolation, is essential to following Jesus . If you’ve wrestled with doubt, cultural Christianity, or how to stand firm ...
Does the Bible really stay silent on abortion and “consensual” same-sex relationships, or are we watching Scripture get twisted in real time? In this LIVE FREE special reaction episode, Pastor Josh reacts to Texas State Rep. James Talarico and breaks down the viral claims, the word-games behind them, and what the Bible actually says about life in the womb, sexual ethics, justice, and the role of government vs. the Church. You’ll also hear Josh’s framework for engaging people who are sincerely co...
Which Bible translation should you actually trust, and are there some translations you should avoid altogether? In this episode, you’ll learn: How different Bible translations are created and why that matters Which translations are best for reading, studying, and teaching Why some translations weaken clarity and conviction How Jesus used Scripture to defeat temptation Why temptation itself is not sin, and how to recognize the real battle The three predictable ways Satan tempts every person How a...
In this LIVE FREE Episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham tackle two topics Christians are deeply confused about right now: baptism and the Minneapolis ICE shooting. They unpack how biblical discipleship shapes both belief and discernment. This episode will answer frequently "shouted" baptism questions: (Does baptism save you? Should you be re-baptized? What about infant baptism?), and explain what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. If you feel confused by cult...
Why are Venezuelans celebrating the collapse of socialism while American leaders are selling it as “compassion”? In this Live Free episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham pull the curtain back on Mamdani’s “warmth of collectivism,” to expose the real-world cost of a socialist ideology. They contrast empty political promises with the only freedom that actually delivers, Jesus’ declaration from the cross, “It IS finished.” This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about powe...
Is Jesus “progressive,” or is that a modern political remix of an ancient faith? In this LIVE FREE Bonus Episode, Pastor Josh Howerton respond to a viral Daily Show clip and unpack how Scripture is often twisted in election seasons to serve ideologies rather than truth. He breaks down progressive Christianity, expose common misuses of Matthew 25 and Romans 13, clarify the biblical roles of the family, church, and state, and explain why Christian compassion and government authority are not the sa...
This is a special State of the Podcast episode of LIVE FREE. What started as a simple experiment turned into something we never expected: millions of views, listeners from around the world, and real lives being changed through discipleship. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the growth, share the data behind what’s happening, explain the philosophy driving LIVE FREE, and talk honestly about why this is resonating, especially with men. We also unpack what’s coming next, including a new ...
Was Jesus really an illegal immigrant, or is that a modern political slogan forced onto the Christmas story? In this LIVE FREE Christmas episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham have an honest, thought-provoking conversation that goes beyond the traditional nativity story, uncovering surprising historical and biblical insights like a Roman coin tied to the word Advent, why the opening of John’s Gospel reads like a “new beginning,” and why Jesus was mistaken for a gardene...
