Live Free with Josh Howerton

Latest Episodes:

Pastors CONFRONT Top 5 Megachurch Myths (ft. Joby Martin) | Live Free with Josh Howerton Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

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

Should Christians OPPOSE the Death Penalty?! (What Bible Says…) ft. David Nasser | Live Free with Josh Howerton Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Can you truly follow Jesus without dying to yourself? And what does the Bible actually say about the death penalty?

In Episode 97 of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham welcome special guest David Nasser for a conversation about the cost of following Jesus, the power of God's grace, and what it means to live a surrendered life.

David shares the story behind his 40-day devotional, A Call to Die, while the pastors explain the difference between justification, sanctification, and glorification. Then, the conversation turns to one of Christianity's most challenging ethical questions: Can Christians support the death penalty while still extending grace and mercy? Through Scripture and powerful personal stories, they explore the relationship between justice, forgiveness, and the value of human life.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why salvation is received by grace, not earned through good works.
What it practically means to deny yourself and follow Jesus daily.
How justification, sanctification, and glorification work together.
Why spiritual disciplines matter for genuine transformation.
What Scripture teaches about capital punishment and the role of government.
How Christians can uphold justice while showing compassion and forgiveness.

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

Pastor RESPONDS to Talarico and the “Identity Theft” of Jesus | Live Free with Josh Howerton Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

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

8 Ways Christians Open the Door to the DEMONIC (ft. Jonathan Pokluda) | Live Free with Josh Howerton Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

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 to Find a GOOD Church (and When to Leave) ft. Ed Newton & Matt Chewning | Live Free with Josh Howerton Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

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

James Talarico’s HERETIC Pastor Exposed in Undercover Video (Pastors RESPOND) | Live Free with Josh Howerton Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

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

The Biggest THREAT to Christianity is Happening RIGHT NOW (ft. Philip Anthony Mitchell) | Live Free with Josh Howerton Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

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

Does the Bible Have CONTRADICTIONS!? (Pastors EXPLAIN) | Live Free with Josh Howerton Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Does the Bible contradict itself? What should you do when someone points to two passages that seem impossible to reconcile?

Pastors Carlos and Paul tackle one of the biggest questions Christians and skeptics ask about Scripture. Starting in 2 Timothy 3, they unpack what Christians actually mean when they say the Bible is inspired and trustworthy—and then put those claims to the test.

From different Gospel accounts and genealogies to faith versus works and supposed scientific errors, this conversation offers a practical framework for approaching difficult passages without ignoring honest questions.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why the Bible should shape how we see the world
What “God-breathed” Scripture actually means
The difference between a contradiction and a difference
How context, audience, genre, and authorial intent affect interpretation
How to approach alleged numerical, historical, chronological, theological, and scientific contradictions
Why Paul and James don't contradict each other on faith and works
What to do when difficult questions begin shaking your confidence
Why Scripture is meant to transform you—not simply inform 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

How To Study the Bible (and ACTUALLY Grow Spiritually) | Live Free with Josh Howerton Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

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

Did The Church BAN These Gospels from the Bible?! | Live Free with Josh Howerton Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

What if some of the “lost” or “banned” gospels actually tell us more about the real Jesus than the Bible does? It’s a claim that continues to resurface—and a recent viral conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience brought it back into the spotlight.

In this bonus episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Carlos and Paul react to claims about the Gnostic Gospels and examine the historical evidence behind Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Were books about Jesus intentionally suppressed by the Church? Were the Gnostic Gospels actually written first? And can we trust the New Testament to give us an accurate picture of the historical Jesus?

Along the way, they also discuss why Christians should pursue truth without becoming hostile toward people asking sincere questions—and why getting Jesus right matters.

In this episode:

What the Gnostic Gospels actually are
Why they were rejected by the early Church
When the biblical Gospels were written compared to the Gnostic texts
The evidence supporting Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Why the full character of Jesus matters
How to respond when popular voices make questionable claims about Christianity
Why the real Jesus continues to transform lives 2,000 years later

If you’ve ever wondered whether books were removed from the Bible, whether the Church hid alternative accounts of Jesus, or how confident we can be in the Gospels, this conversation is for 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

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