Live Free with Josh Howerton

Can someone be forgiven if they never apologize? What is the unforgivable sin? And did Noah's Flood really happen? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham are joined by New Testament scholar and apologist Dr. Jeremiah Johnston as they explore biblical forgiveness, the danger of bitterness, the true meaning of the unforgivable sin, and whether Noah's Ark and the Flood can be trusted as real history. Drawing from Scripture, archaeology, ancient civilizations, and the teachings of Jesus, they examine the evidence and explain why these topics still matter today. Most importantly, this episode points us to the heart of the Gospel: while the Flood could not remove sin, Jesus can give us a new heart. In this episode: • Can you forgive someone who never apologizes? • What is the unforgivable sin? • Did Noah's Flood really happen? • Did the Bible copy flood stories from other cultures? • Have researchers found Noah's Ark? • Why Noah's story ultimately points to Jesus What if the hardest questions about forgiveness, judgment, and Noah's Ark all point to the same answer—Jesus? Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free. 💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment JESUS 🧢 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 stand for truth without becoming angry, harsh, or compromising? In a culture where conversations about identity, sexuality, personal freedom, and truth dominate headlines and social media feeds, many believers find themselves pulled between two extremes: conviction without compassion or compassion without conviction. In this episode, Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham tackle some of today's most challenging cultural questions while exploring one of the most misunderstood emotions in the Christian life—anger. Through Scripture and practical wisdom, they discuss God's design for sexuality, why truth and love must remain together, the difference between righteous and sinful anger, and how followers of Jesus can engage difficult conversations without being controlled by outrage, fear, or cultural pressure. If you've ever wondered how to stand firmly on God's Word while reflecting the grace and character of Christ, this conversation is for you. In This Episode: The difference between righteous anger and sinful anger Why human anger rarely produces God's righteousness How to respond to controversial cultural issues biblically God's design for sexuality and identity Did Jesus affirm same-sex relationships? How Christians can engage culture without compromising conviction Practical ways to reflect the character of Christ in difficult conversations Truth without love becomes harsh. Love without truth becomes compromise. Jesus calls us to both. 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 the worst thing that ever happened to you was actually God's pathway to something greater? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham wrap up their 46-week journey through the Book of Acts by unpacking the powerful conclusion of the Apostle Paul's life. From shipwrecks and snake bites to imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, Paul's story reveals a truth every Christian needs to hear: God can turn a crash into a calling. The conversation then shifts to one of the most controversial topics facing Christians today: voting. How should believers think about character, policy, political engagement, and cultural responsibility? Is voting an endorsement of a person or a stewardship of influence? The team walks through practical biblical principles for navigating elections, culture, and civic responsibility without losing sight of God's Kingdom. Whether you're wrestling with disappointment, trying to understand your role in today's culture, or looking for encouragement to finish your race faithfully, this episode offers biblical clarity, courage, and hope. In This Episode: Why Acts 28 is the fulfillment of Acts 1:8 The incredible story of Paul's final years and martyrdom How God turns setbacks into Kingdom opportunities What it means to "finish the race" God has given you Why the Gospel advanced even when Paul was imprisoned Biblical principles for Christian voting The difference between evaluating personality and evaluating policy How believers can engage culture without making politics their identity Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment FAVORITE GEAR🧢 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 do you do when obedience to God leads straight into pain, resistance, and uncertainty? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and special guest Jonathan Pokluda unpack one of the most powerful leadership chapters in the Bible: Acts 27. From Paul leading through a shipwreck while chained as a prisoner, to spiritual warfare, suffering, revival among Gen Z, dating, purity, and denominational differences, this conversation is packed with biblical wisdom for all trying to stay faithful in a chaotic world. How does God use pain to build leaders? And what do you do when the storm you’re in doesn’t make sense? This episode tackles it all with conviction, clarity, and hope. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why obedience cannot be measured by outcomes How God uses pain, setbacks, and “shipwrecks” for His purposes The difference between spiritual warfare, personal sin, and living in a fallen world Why Gen Z are returning to church and Christianity What biblical masculinity actually looks like Practical wisdom on dating, purity, and relationships How Christians should think about denominations and theological differences Why unity matters during spiritual battles 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

Why are there so many Christian denominations? Do the differences actually matter? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham break down the biggest Christian denominations, including Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Pentecostals, while explaining what truly separates them theologically. This conversation clarifies essential doctrines, denominational differences, church history, biblical authority, and how believers can wisely choose a healthy church without falling into confusion or unnecessary division. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why denominations exist Which doctrines are essential for salvation Key differences between major Christian groups How to evaluate healthy churches Why biblical truth matters more than labels 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