Live Free with Josh Howerton

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: How the First Amendment has shaped modern religious-liberty laws What Scripture teaches about false worship and civic leadership Whether Christians can legally challenge mosque construction Why local elections, zoning hearings, and city councils matter How to combine courageous civic engagement with genuine gospel outreach 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: Why your heroes and influences shape your spiritual direction What Paul and Timothy teach us about spiritual fathers and sons How to find a mature Christian who can help you grow How to become a spiritual mother or father to someone else The difference between the original apostles and apostolic ministry today Why parents carry primary responsibility for discipling their children How to recognize cultural arguments that conflict with biblical truth 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: Why spiritual warfare can be both personal and societal How sin can become embedded within cultures and institutions What Deuteronomy 32 may reveal about nations and spiritual powers Why shared religious values matter within a society How Christians can oppose unbiblical ideas without treating people as enemies Why believers must recognize the enemy’s schemes and stand firmly on God’s Word 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: What each piece of the armor of God means and how to put it on Why prayer is the often-forgotten culmination of Ephesians 6 What Scripture suggests about Satan’s origin, authority, and limitations Whether the enemy can read your mind How to test spiritual experiences and claims of deliverance biblically Why lasting repentance and the fruit of the Spirit matter more than emotional intensity 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: What saving faith really is Whether a Christian can lose their salvation How to understand Hebrews 6 and Hebrews 10 The difference between conviction and condemnation Why your confidence belongs in Christ—not yourself 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: Why fear should never keep Christians from speaking the truth God's design for marriage and why it matters A biblical perspective on children's rights How to think about IVF, surrogacy, and reproductive technology How to stand for truth while reflecting the love of Christ 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: What really sparked the Crusades—and why history is often misunderstood. How historical narratives shape modern culture and politics. The history of Christian persecution in the Middle East. How Christians can think biblically about Islam while loving their Muslim neighbors. Why understanding history matters for faithfully following Christ today. 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

Are you running the Christian race well—and will the next generation be ready to carry the baton? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Carlos Erazo and Josh Howerton unpack what it means to build a faith that lasts. From using culture to communicate biblical truth and seeing Jesus proclaimed across the nations, to removing the weights slowing you down and intentionally passing your faith to your kids, this conversation gets practical about lifelong discipleship. In this episode you'll discover: • Why the Christian life is more than a marathon—it's a relay race • How to identify the weights slowing down your faith • Practical principles for passing faith to the next generation • Why authentic faith at home matters more than perfect faith • How the gospel continues to advance across the world Your faith doesn't have to be perfect—but it does have to be real. 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 you really know God’s will for your life, or is it something you’re supposed to guess your way into? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastor Josh Howerton, Pastor Paul Cunningham, and Carlos Erazo dive deep into Exodus 3, the burning bush, the name of God, and the calling of Moses. From the meaning of Yahweh to the biblical framework for discovering your calling, this conversation unpacks how God reveals Himself, redirects our priorities, and calls ordinary people into eternal purpose. They also discuss the gospel hidden throughout the Exodus story, why Jesus shows up in the Old Testament, how to discern God’s will through ability, affinity, and opportunity, and why more high-profile intellectuals and scientists are beginning to seriously reconsider faith. In This Episode The secret meaning behind God’s name, Yahweh Why the burning bush points to Jesus How Moses’ calling reveals a framework for God’s will Why your age does not disqualify your purpose The connection between Exodus, baptism, salvation, and Jesus Why true encounters with God rearrange your priorities How to discern your calling through ability, affinity, and opportunity Why some scientists and intellectuals are turning toward faith The peace that only Christ can give Why Christians should consume entertainment with discernment 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 much of what you've been told about America's founding isn't the whole story? As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Pastor Josh Howerton sits down with historian Tim Barton to examine six of the most common myths surrounding the nation's history. From Christopher Columbus and the Founding Fathers to Christianity's influence on America's founding and the role of believers in public life, this conversation dives into original documents, historical evidence, and firsthand accounts that challenge popular narratives. Whether you're passionate about history, faith, or understanding the foundations of our culture, this episode will encourage you to think critically, seek truth, and engage the world through a biblical worldview. In This Episode: • Was Christopher Columbus really a genocidal colonizer? • Were the Founding Fathers mostly deists? • Was America founded as a secular nation? • Is America's story defined entirely by slavery? • Did settlers commit genocide against Native Americans? • Should Christians stay out of politics and public life? History matters. Truth matters. And as followers of Jesus, how we understand both can shape how we live today. 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

Do all religions lead to God? Are Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and other faiths really teaching the same thing? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham are joined by renowned Christian apologist Dr. Frank Turek to tackle one of the most important questions a person can ask: What is true? Together, they explore why so many religions exist, whether all faiths ultimately point to the same destination, and the major differences between Christianity and the world's largest religions. They also address one of the most common objections to Christianity: Does God's judgment in the Bible make Him a moral monster? From Judaism and Islam to Mormonism, Buddhism, and atheism, this conversation provides a practical framework for understanding what different worldviews teach about God, humanity, salvation, and Jesus. Most importantly, you'll discover why Christianity stands apart from every other religion—and why the identity of Jesus changes everything. In This Episode: Do all religions lead to the same God? Is God a moral monster in the Old Testament? Christianity vs. Judaism: What's the difference? What Islam teaches about Jesus Buddhism, Hinduism, and atheism in simple terms Why Christianity is unique among all religions How to have better conversations with people of other faiths If you've ever wondered how different religions compare—or how to confidently explain your faith—this episode is for you. 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 Christian conviction collides with cultural pressure?In this bonus episode of Live Free, Pastor Josh Howerton reacts to the MLB Pride Night controversy involving San Francisco Giants players who wrote a Bible verse on their hats instead of participating in Pride messaging. Josh explores what this moment reveals about faith, courage, religious freedom, and the challenge of standing firm without losing compassion.In This Episode: Why the Giants Pride Night controversy exploded nationally The meaning behind Genesis 9 and the rainbow in Scripture The difference between loving people and affirming beliefs What Romans 1 reveals about truth, culture, and conviction How Christians can stand for truth with both grace and courage You can love people deeply without approving of everything they do.You can stand firmly on biblical truth without losing compassion.And in a moment like this, Christians must do both.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 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

Are generational curses actually real—or is that idea being misunderstood? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Paul Cunningham, and Carlos Erazo unpack what the Bible really says about family sin patterns, spiritual warfare, demonic oppression, and the freedom believers have in Christ. Through powerful passages like Exodus 34, Ezekiel 18, and the story of Josiah, they reveal how generational strongholds may influence families—but through Jesus, they do not have to define your future. If you’ve ever wondered whether family dysfunction, addiction, abuse, or spiritual darkness can be broken, this episode offers biblical clarity, practical hope, and spiritual courage. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the Bible actually says about generational curses The difference between curses, consequences, and strongholds Whether Christians can be demon possessed How Josiah broke generational rebellion How Jesus gives believers victory over inherited sin patterns 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 avoiding politics isn’t protecting the Church, but surrendering to the culture? In this LIVE FREE bonus episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Ryan Visconti, and Josh McPherson tackle one of the most pressing questions facing Christians today: Should the Church avoid politics, or is civic engagement part of biblical discipleship? Through a powerful conversation on the Great Commission, cultural leadership, and Christian statesmanship, they unpack why silence in the public square may actually hinder long-term flourishing for families, churches, and future generations. This episode challenges believers to think beyond partisan labels and embrace a comprehensive biblical worldview that applies God’s truth to every area of life—including government, policy, and culture. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why many pastors are rethinking political disengagement How policy impacts discipleship, family, and church health What Christian statesmanship means biblically Why the Great Commission includes cultural responsibility How to think about politics through a biblical worldview Why “If godly people won’t lead, godless people will” is a crucial warning Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free. For 50% off tickets to Freedom Con 26, go to https://www.freedomcon26.com and use LIVEFREE as the promo code. Follow the Hosts: Josh Howerton - @josh_howerton Josh McPherson - @pastorjoshmcpherson Ryan Visconti - @ryanvisconti 🧢 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 UFO disclosure preparing the world for truth, or setting Christians up for deception? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton and Paul Cunningham unpack Acts 25–26, Paul’s bold witness before political leaders, and what his example teaches Christians about courage, evangelism, and using every opportunity to share the gospel. They also celebrate 741 baptisms at Lakepointe and share practical ways everyday believers can live on mission in their workplace, business, and daily life. Then the conversation turns to UFOs, aliens, UAP disclosure, demons, angels, and biblical cosmology. As headlines grow louder and government conversations around “non-human intelligence” continue, this episode gives Christians a clear, biblical framework for thinking about the unseen realm without drifting into fear, obsession, or speculation. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Paul’s defense before Agrippa is a model for bold Christian witness How believers can share their faith naturally at work and in everyday life What the Bible teaches about angels, demons, the heavens, and the unseen realm Whether alien life would actually disprove Christianity Why many UFO and alien encounters may have a darker spiritual explanation How Christians should respond to UFO disclosure without fear or obsession 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

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 actually reveal, to the stunning detail hidden in Matthew 23, this episode gives you the biblical and historical confidence to know why the 66 books of the Protestant Bible are simply THE Bible. In this episode, you'll learn: What the Apocrypha is and why Catholics and Protestants have different Bibles Why the earliest Christians (centuries before Martin Luther) debated the Apocrypha What Jesus actually quoted as Scripture and why it matters enormously Why even Jerome, the man who translated the Catholic Bible, rejected the Apocrypha as authoritative How to have gracious, informed conversations with Catholic friends about the canon 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 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 abortion, civic engagement, suffering, and the dangers of a weak or seared conscience, this conversation offers a deeply biblical framework for navigating personal hardship and cultural chaos. Rather than retreating in fear or compromise, Christians are called to trust God’s providence, guard their conscience, and live courageously. In this episode, you’ll learn: How God’s sovereignty provides peace in suffering and uncertainty What is compatibilism, free will, and open theism The four types of conscience and why they matter spiritually How culture distorts morality—and how Christians can resist it Why suffering can become ministry in God’s hands How biblical truth shapes both private faith and public responsibility Trust God’s sovereignty. Guard your conscience. 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

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 what the primary sources actually say are two very different things. This conversation doesn't just rewrite the narrative, it goes back to the original sources to recover what was always true. From the Marxist roots of revisionist history to the founding fathers' forgotten anti-slavery legacy, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about America's founding. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Congress endorsed and recommended the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States What Thomas Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration actually says about slavery, and why it was removed What "separation of church and state" really meant and where the phrase actually comes from Why the founding fathers quoted the Bible more than any other source in their writings How Marxist ideology deliberately rewrote American history, and why it matters for Christians today Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free. Check out Tim & David Barton’s Book The American Story: https://a.co/d/00SL8cDf 🧢 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 actually look like to share your faith with someone like Jordan Peterson, and what do four assassination attempts on a sitting president reveal about the state of the American soul? Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham sit down with Pastor David Nasser for one of the most wide-ranging conversations in Live Free. From Josh's eye-opening trip to Greece retracing Paul's footsteps in Acts, to the seven I AM statements of Jesus, to the difference between a presenting cause and a root disease, this episode moves from theology to culture to the street-level art of winning your one more. David Nasser pulls back the curtain on what happened when Jordan Peterson came to Liberty University, then the team tackles Saturday night's assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and makes the case that political violence is not a political problem. It's a spiritual one. In this episode, you'll learn: Three categories of proof that Jesus claimed to be God: things he said, did, and knew that only God could What happened when David Nasser hosted Jordan Peterson at Liberty University and why hospitality is evangelism Why political violence is a presenting cause with a spiritual root disease, and what Christians need to understand Practical, real-world strategies for moving your one more closer to Jesus in everyday conversations Why the answer to what's broken in our nation is not political, and never has been 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

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 real differences between Catholicism and Protestantism...not to divide, but to clarify what the Bible actually teaches about salvation, authority, and grace. In a season where Gen Z is converting to Catholicism and a new American pope has been elected, this episode gives you the biblical tools to think clearly, love well, and point people to Jesus. In this episode, you'll learn: What Frank Turek witnessed the day Charlie Kirk was shot, and what Charlie believed about Jesus The key differences between Catholic and Protestant theology on salvation and authority Why Sola Scriptura doesn't mean what most critics think it means Whether Christians and Muslims worship the same God, and what the Bible says How to have grace-filled conversations with Catholic family and friends about the gospel Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free. 🔗 Resources: Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences by Norman Geisler & Ralph MacKenzie https://amazon.com/Roman-Catholics-Evangelicals-Agreements-Differences/dp/0801038758 I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Frank Turek & Norman Geisler https://amazon.com/Dont-Have-Enough-Faith-Atheist/dp/1433580756 Is the Pope Legit? Catholicism v. Protestantism Debate Ft. Michael Knowles | Charlie Kirk https://youtu.be/6Z-bBlI-1tg 💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment FREEDOM 🧢 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