Live Free with Josh Howerton

Does God want you to be rich? Does being poor mean you're more godly? And what did Jesus really mean when He said, "Seek first the kingdom of God"?

In Episode 100 of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham unpack Matthew 6:33 and explain one of Jesus' most misunderstood teachings. What is the kingdom of God, and what does it actually look like to put God first in your everyday life?

They challenge the prosperity gospel and poverty theology, explore what the Bible really teaches about money and possessions, and explain why wealth doesn't determine someone's spiritual condition. You'll also discover practical ways to make Jesus the center of your relationships, finances, work, and daily priorities.

What you'll learn:

What Jesus meant by "Seek first the kingdom of God."

Why God's commands are designed for your good.

The difference between prosperity theology, poverty theology, and biblical stewardship.

Why wealth or poverty doesn't determine your faithfulness to God.

What Jesus promises about God's provision.

Practical ways to put Jesus at the center of every area of your life.

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 is the unforgivable sin? Can you commit a sin so serious that God will never forgive you?

Jesus warned that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an eternal sin. But what does that actually mean? Is it rejecting Jesus, saying something offensive about God, or repeatedly falling into the same sin?

In this bonus episode of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham unpack Mark 3 and explain what Jesus meant by the unforgivable sin. They examine the biblical context, address common misunderstandings, and encourage those struggling with guilt, shame, or fear about their salvation.

The conversation also tackles a question many Christians wrestle with: What if I keep falling into the same sin? Carlos and Paul share practical, biblical steps for overcoming spiritual strongholds through repentance, God's grace, the power of the Holy Spirit, and Christian community.

What you'll learn:

What Jesus actually meant by blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

Three things the unforgivable sin is NOT.

Why struggling with sin doesn't automatically mean you've lost your salvation.

How to recognize spiritual growth even when you keep stumbling.

Practical steps for breaking sinful habits and spiritual strongholds.

Why God's power and biblical community are essential for lasting transformation.

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 if the very thing you refuse to surrender is keeping you from the life God has for you?

Can Christians celebrate Halloween? Does the Rich Young Ruler reveal something about what we're unwilling to give up? And do the Ten Commandments still apply to Christians today?

In Episode 99 of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton and Paul Cunningham join Miles Murphy for a powerful conversation about biblical discernment, the cost of following Jesus, and why worldly success can never replace eternal purpose. They also respond to viral relationship advice from Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast, challenging cultural messages about sexuality, divorce, and marriage.

In this episode, you'll discover:

How Christians can approach Halloween with biblical discernment.

What the Rich Young Ruler teaches us about surrender, salvation, and eternal purpose.

Why John Piper's famous "Don't Waste Your Life" message still matters today.

The three purposes of God's law and whether the Ten Commandments still apply to Christians.

What Scottie Scheffler teaches us about success, identity, and glorifying God.

Why cultural advice about relationships and divorce often conflicts with God's design for marriage.

How the gospel is still transforming lives in unexpected places.

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

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

Has Noah's Ark REALLY been found—or are millions being misled by sensational headlines? And what does this ancient biblical story reveal about God's protection, judgment, and salvation through Jesus Christ?

In this two-part episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham begin with a powerful conversation about becoming repairers of the breach. From resisting spiritual compromise to understanding Christ's victory over darkness, they challenge believers to let God restore what is broken in their lives. Carlos also explains how the four Gospels reveal Jesus through different perspectives.

Then Dr. Jeremiah Johnston joins the conversation to investigate viral claims that Noah's Ark has been discovered in Turkey. Together, they examine archaeological evidence, challenge unverified conclusions, and explore why biblical discernment matters. The conversation ultimately reveals how Noah's Ark points to the greatest rescue story of all: salvation through Jesus.

In this episode, you'll discover:

What it means to become a repairer of the breach.

How Jesus defeated the powers of darkness.

Why the four Gospels present unique perspectives on Jesus.

What the evidence actually reveals about the alleged discovery of Noah's Ark.

Why Christians must approach sensational claims with biblical discernment.

How ancient flood accounts relate to the biblical narrative.

Why Noah's Ark ultimately points to Jesus and the gospel.

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

Into the Breach Resources – https://lakepointe.church/ITBonline

Archaeological Scorecard – https://christianthinkers.com/pages/howerton

💬 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