Live Free with Josh Howerton

Should Christians Watch Harry Potter? What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft and Magic? Is watching Harry Potter harmless entertainment—or could it expose Christians to something spiritually dangerous? Where should believers draw the line between fantasy, witchcraft, and biblical truth? In this bonus episode of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham tackle one of the most debated questions in Christian entertainment. From Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings to The Chronicles of Narnia and Marvel movies, they examine what Scripture says about sorcery, spiritual discernment, and the entertainment we consume. Carlos and Paul don't see eye to eye on everything—and that's the point. Through a lively, Scripture-filled debate, they demonstrate how Christians can disagree without compromising biblical convictions or sacrificing unity. In this episode, you'll discover: What the Bible actually says about witchcraft, sorcery, and divination. Why Christians disagree about Harry Potter and other fantasy movies. How to reject, receive, or redeem cultural elements. The difference between what Christians can watch and what they should watch. Practical questions every Christian and parent should ask before choosing entertainment. How to exercise biblical discernment while respecting differences of conscience. Just because something is permissible doesn't mean it's beneficial. What you consume shapes who you become. 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

Is God bringing revival to America while the Church faces more criticism than ever? And are megachurches really as bad as people say? Pastor Josh Howerton sits down with Pastor Joby Martin of The Church of Eleven22 for an unfiltered conversation about revival, biblical truth, spiritual leadership, and the power of the Gospel. Joby shares his incredible journey from a troubled teenager to leading one of America's fastest-growing churches, including his experience defending biblical Christianity in a liberal seminary. Together, they tackle online attacks against pastors, what Christian men should look for in a godly wife, biblical masculinity, and common megachurch misconceptions. Joby also shares unforgettable encounters with Billy Graham and John Piper, along with powerful stories of lives being transformed through prison ministry. Through it all, one message stands out: The Church isn't called to chase crowds, but to make disciples of Jesus Christ. In this episode, you'll discover: Why churches are experiencing revival and opposition simultaneously. How to recognize biblical truth amid criticism and false teaching. What Christian men should prioritize when pursuing marriage. Why biblical leadership requires both strength and sacrificial love. The truth behind common megachurch myths about money, growth, and discipleship. How the Gospel is transforming lives inside America's prisons. 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 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

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

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

How do you actually study the Bible—and how do you know whether a spiritual experience is really from God? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham unpack 2 Timothy 2 and get practical about becoming people who know God’s Word and live it out. Carlos and Paul also share powerful reflections from their trip to Israel, including what Gethsemane and Galilee taught them about Jesus, His sacrifice, and the ministry happening right in front of us. Then the conversation gets practical: How do you avoid pointless Christian arguments without compromising truth? How much power do your words really have? What are the best ways to study Scripture? And when someone claims to have seen heaven or experienced a supernatural vision, how should Christians respond? In this episode: Why Jesus remains faithful even when we fail How to know which theological disagreements are worth fighting over Why your words can bring life or death into your relationships Four practical methods for studying the Bible How to use SOAP and inductive Bible study Why biblical knowledge requires time and intentionality How to test visions and near-death experiences against Scripture Why God’s Word—not personal experience—remains our authority 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

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