Live Free with Josh Howerton

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: How Satan uses deception and lies What it means to give the enemy a foothold How confession, accountability, and Scripture help us fight temptation Why occult practices should be taken seriously How Christians can stand firm without living in fear Signs of renewed spiritual hunger and revival A simple method for starting gospel conversations How to share Jesus even when evangelism feels intimidating 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: How to recognize a healthy, godly church Loving people without compromising biblical conviction How husbands and wives can encourage and correct one another Supporting a spouse who serves in ministry The difference between struggling with sin and surrendering to it Responding when someone you love rejects Christianity Why Christians need both the truth of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit 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: How to recognize faithful biblical teaching What Paul meant by “itching ears” Prosperity Theology vs. biblical blessing The dangers of Word of Faith Theology How Progressive Christianity redefines biblical truth Why works can't earn God's acceptance The danger of “Cafeteria Christianity” Why Jesus' death for our sins remains central to the gospel How to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith 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 does it look like to contend for your faith when culture is shifting, pressure is rising, and following Jesus may cost you something? Pastor Josh Howerton sits down with Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell for a raw and deeply personal conversation about Philip’s journey from the streets of Queens and Rikers Island to surrendering his life to Christ and eventually becoming a pastor. Philip shares how God transformed his life, shaped his preaching, and taught him that faithfulness—not platform, influence, or recognition—is the true measure of ministry. The conversation also turns to some of today’s most controversial issues as Josh and Philip discuss biblical authority, spiritual deception, Islam, politics, persecution, end-times theology, and why they believe Christians must contend for biblical truth. Through it all, Philip challenges believers to reject apathy and faithfully represent Christ wherever God has placed them. In this episode: Philip Anthony Mitchell’s powerful testimony of coming to Christ Why faithful ministry often begins in obscurity Why Philip preaches with such urgency What it means to “contend for the faith” Biblical authority in an age of spiritual confusion Josh and Philip’s concerns about Islam, religious freedom, and cultural change Their perspective on end-times prophecy and the return of Christ How to remain faithful through criticism and opposition Why your mission field is wherever God has placed you 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