Megachurch Pastor Reacts to Rhett McLaughlin GASLIGHTING Christians | Live Free with Josh Howerton

Are Christians forbidden from engaging in politics, or is Scripture being selectively weaponized to keep believers silent? In this LIVE FREE special reaction episode, Pastor Josh responds to Rhett & Link’s viral commentary on Christianity and politics, breaking down the biblical errors, cultural assumptions, and spiritual forces underneath the argument that Christians should “stay out of power.” This episode draws a clear line between faithful doubt vs. deliberate deception, and explains why political passivity is not a virtue, but a strategy the Bible warns us about. You’ll learn: - Why Jesus rejecting Satan’s offer was not a rejection of political authority, but of acquiring it the wrong way - The difference between refugees from doubt and apostles of unbelief (Jude 22–23) - Why “My kingdom is not of this world” is commonly misunderstood, and what Jesus actually meant - How secularism turns politics into a substitute religion (and why the state becomes god) - Why voting is not a sacrament, but a moral decision between available options - What it means to be the salt of the earth and how Christians are called to slow decay, not retreat - Why culture didn’t become political, the government became theological - How Scripture views power, dominion, and Christ as King of Kings over every sphere 👇 DROP A COMMENT: Do you want more reaction/test-drive episodes like this? 🎁 GIVEAWAY: Comment on YouTube for a chance to win a LIVE FREE hat. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for unapologetically biblical clarity 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes

Most Christians were never taught this.    Jesus didn’t choose soft, passive men, He chose fishermen, zealots, and bold disciples who would change the world. In this episode, we uncover facts about the disciples most Christians don’t know, confront false gospels like Mormonism, respond to anti-ICE church propaganda and protests disrupting worship, and explain why brotherhood, not isolation, is essential to following Jesus. If you’ve wrestled with doubt, cultural Christianity, or how to stand firm without compromise, this episode will challenge you to think biblically, live courageously, and refuse deception.   🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn: The shocking truth about who the disciples really were Why doubt doesn’t disqualify you, but walking away does How Jesus restores failures instead of replacing them Why false gospels must be confronted, not tolerated How to build a band of brothers (and sisters) that shapes your destiny 👉 Subscribe for weekly conversations on faith, culture, and biblical truth 👉 Comment “HAT” to enter this week’s Live Free giveaway 👉 Download the Lakepointe Church App: Text APP to 20411   Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

Does the Bible really stay silent on abortion and “consensual” same-sex relationships, or are we watching Scripture get twisted in real time? In this LIVE FREE special reaction episode, Pastor Josh reacts to Texas State Rep. James Talarico and breaks down the viral claims, the word-games behind them, and what the Bible actually says about life in the womb, sexual ethics, justice, and the role of government vs. the Church. You’ll also hear Josh’s framework for engaging people who are sincerely confused vs. those intentionally deceiving believers—and why Christians can’t afford to be naive right now. You’ll learn: - Why “Jesus never talked about it” is a weak argument (and what Jesus did affirm) - The Bible’s case for life in the womb (Psalm 139, Exodus 21, John the Baptist’s response to Jesus) - Why Romans 1 directly contradicts the “only abusive relationships” loophole - The difference between Christian conservatives and conservative Christians - Why “feeding the hungry” doesn’t automatically equal “government redistribution” - The biblical definition of justice (equal weights and measures) vs. progressive “justice” (equal outcomes for groups) - What Galatians 3 (“neither male nor female”) actually means—and what it doesn’t - Why these “pastor-politician” clips go viral (and what Scripture warns us about) 👇 DROP A COMMENT: Do you want more reaction/test-drive episodes like this? 🎁 GIVEAWAY: Comment on YouTube for a chance to win a LIVE FREE hat. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more unapologetically biblical clarity. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode. #LiveFreePodcast #Christianity #Bible #Apologetics #Culture #Politics #Scripture #Theology #ChristianLiving

Which Bible translation should you actually trust, and are there some translations you should avoid altogether?  In this episode, you’ll learn: How different Bible translations are created and why that matters Which translations are best for reading, studying, and teaching Why some translations weaken clarity and conviction How Jesus used Scripture to defeat temptation Why temptation itself is not sin, and how to recognize the real battle The three predictable ways Satan tempts every person How authority, dominion, and redemption fit into the biblical story Why “It is written” is more than a phrase...it’s a strategy Pastor Josh and Jana Howerton help you read the Bible with confidence, confront temptation with clarity, and see Scripture as one unified story, rather than a collection of disconnected verses. Watch to the end; this will sharpen how you read the Bible and live it out. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!    👇 DON’T MISS OUT! Want to grow deeper in your faith? Text APP to 20411 to download the NEW Lakepointe Church app! ⛰️ Download the companion Field Guide for our BOOT CAMP series! Text FIELD to 20411 or visit https://lakepointe.church/fieldguide 🧢 The LIVE FREE HAT is now available to purchase! Text HAT to 20411 or visit https://livefree.shop   ⛪ ABOUT LAKEPOINTE CHURCH: We believe that Lakepointe is a movement for all people to Know Christ, Live Free, and Change the World for God’s Glory. With 7 DFW locations and programs for all ages, there's something for everyone.  🤝 Support this ministry and help us reach more people with the Gospel: https://lakepointe.church/give    STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Website: https://lakepointe.church/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpconnect/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpconnect  🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakepointeChurch   FOLLOW PASTOR JOSH: 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowertonJosh/ 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/josh_howerton/?hl=en  🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howertonjosh    🎧 LISTEN ON THE GO!  ▶️ Live Free on Spotify / https://open.spotify.com/show/353ryGdZNlebaiqkCcy3Yc ▶️ Live Free on Apple Podcasts / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-free-with-josh-howerton/id1669321198

In this LIVE FREE Episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham tackle two topics Christians are deeply confused about right now: baptism and the Minneapolis ICE shooting. They unpack how biblical discipleship shapes both belief and discernment. This episode will answer frequently "shouted" baptism questions: (Does baptism save you? Should you be re-baptized? What about infant baptism?), and explain what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. If you feel confused by culture's manufactured outrage and selective footage distorting the ICE shooting narrative, this episode will equip you to reflect before reacting, submit to God-ordained authority, and respond with wisdom instead of emotional manipulation. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!    👇 DON’T MISS OUT! Want to grow deeper in your faith? Text APP to 20411 to download the NEW Lakepointe Church app! ⛰️ Download the companion Field Guide for our BOOT CAMP series! Text FIELD to 20411 or visit https://lakepointe.church/fieldguide 🧢 The LIVE FREE HAT is now available to purchase! Text HAT to 20411 or visit https://livefree.shop   ⛪ ABOUT LAKEPOINTE CHURCH: We believe that Lakepointe is a movement for all people to Know Christ, Live Free, and Change the World for God’s Glory. With 7 DFW locations and programs for all ages, there's something for everyone.  🤝 Support this ministry and help us reach more people with the Gospel: https://lakepointe.church/give    STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Website: https://lakepointe.church/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpconnect/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpconnect  🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakepointeChurch   FOLLOW PASTOR JOSH: 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowertonJosh/ 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/josh_howerton/?hl=en  🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howertonjosh    🎧 LISTEN ON THE GO!  ▶️ Live Free on Spotify / https://open.spotify.com/show/353ryGdZNlebaiqkCcy3Yc ▶️ Live Free on Apple Podcasts / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-free-with-josh-howerton/id1669321198

Why are Venezuelans celebrating the collapse of socialism while American leaders are selling it as “compassion”?    In this Live Free episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham pull the curtain back on Mamdani’s “warmth of collectivism,” to expose the real-world cost of a socialist ideology. They contrast empty political promises with the only freedom that actually delivers, Jesus’ declaration from the cross, “It IS finished.” This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about power, control, false hope, and why Christians must think biblically when culture reframes broken ideas as virtue. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!    👇 DON’T MISS OUT! Want to grow deeper in your faith? Text APP to 20411 to download the NEW Lakepointe Church app! ⛰️ Download the companion Field Guide for our BOOT CAMP series! Text FIELD to 20411 or visit https://lakepointe.church/fieldguide   ⛪ ABOUT LAKEPOINTE CHURCH: We believe that Lakepointe is a movement for all people to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover their Calling, and Make a Difference. With 7 DFW locations and programs for all ages, there's something for everyone.  🤝 Support this ministry and help us reach more people with the Gospel: https://lakepointe.church/give    STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Website: https://lakepointe.church/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpconnect/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpconnect  🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakepointeChurch   FOLLOW PASTOR JOSH: 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowertonJosh/ 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/josh_howerton/?hl=en  🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howertonjosh    🎧 LISTEN ON THE GO!  ▶️ Live Free on Spotify / https://open.spotify.com/show/353ryGdZNlebaiqkCcy3Yc ▶️ Live Free on Apple Podcasts / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-free-with-josh-howerton/id1669321198

Is Jesus “progressive,” or is that a modern political remix of an ancient faith? In this LIVE FREE Bonus Episode, Pastor Josh Howerton respond to a viral Daily Show clip and unpack how Scripture is often twisted in election seasons to serve ideologies rather than truth. He breaks down progressive Christianity, expose common misuses of Matthew 25 and Romans 13, clarify the biblical roles of the family, church, and state, and explain why Christian compassion and government authority are not the same thing. If you’ve ever felt confused by political Bible talk, or want to be equipped to test every claim like the Bereans, this episode will sharpen your discernment fast. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!    👇 DON’T MISS OUT! Want to grow deeper in your faith? Text APP to 20411 to download the NEW Lakepointe Church app!   ⛪ ABOUT LAKEPOINTE CHURCH: We believe that Lakepointe is a movement for all people to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover their Calling, and Make a Difference. With 7 DFW locations and programs for all ages, there's something for everyone.  🤝 Support this ministry and help us reach more people with the Gospel: https://lakepointe.church/give    STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Website: https://lakepointe.church/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpconnect/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpconnect  🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakepointeChurch   FOLLOW PASTOR JOSH: 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowertonJosh/ 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/josh_howerton/?hl=en  🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howertonjosh    🎧 LISTEN ON THE GO!  ▶️ Live Free on Spotify / https://open.spotify.com/show/353ryGdZNlebaiqkCcy3Yc ▶️ Live Free on Apple Podcasts / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-free-with-josh-howerton/id1669321198

This is a special State of the Podcast episode of LIVE FREE. What started as a simple experiment turned into something we never expected: millions of views, listeners from around the world, and real lives being changed through discipleship. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the growth, share the data behind what’s happening, explain the philosophy driving LIVE FREE, and talk honestly about why this is resonating, especially with men. We also unpack what’s coming next, including a new APP designed to move people from consuming content to living it out. This isn’t about views or virality. It’s about helping people think clearly, live faithfully, and walk free. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!    👇 DON’T MISS OUT! Want to grow deeper in your faith? Text APP to 20411 to download the NEW Lakepointe Church app!   ⛪ ABOUT LAKEPOINTE CHURCH: We believe that Lakepointe is a movement for all people to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover their Calling, and Make a Difference. With 7 DFW locations and programs for all ages, there's something for everyone.  🤝 Support this ministry and help us reach more people with the Gospel: https://lakepointe.church/give    STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Website: https://lakepointe.church/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpconnect/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpconnect  🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakepointeChurch   FOLLOW PASTOR JOSH: 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowertonJosh/ 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/josh_howerton/?hl=en  🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howertonjosh    🎧 LISTEN ON THE GO!  ▶️ Live Free on Spotify / https://open.spotify.com/show/353ryGdZNlebaiqkCcy3Yc ▶️ Live Free on Apple Podcasts / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-free-with-josh-howerton/id1669321198

Was Jesus really an illegal immigrant, or is that a modern political slogan forced onto the Christmas story?    In this LIVE FREE Christmas episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham have an honest, thought-provoking conversation that goes beyond the traditional nativity story, uncovering surprising historical and biblical insights like a Roman coin tied to the word Advent, why the opening of John’s Gospel reads like a “new beginning,” and why Jesus was mistaken for a gardener after the resurrection. They also address common questions skeptics ask: why Jesus’ family tree looks different in the Gospels. The episode wraps with a candid discussion about leadership, politics, and why no political figure, left or right, should ever take the place of Jesus. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!  📝 DISCIPLESHIP GUIDE Subscribe now to receive the discipleship guide directly in your inbox with each new episode. This guide is filled with key insights and scripture to help you reflect and grow deeper in your faith – https://lakepointe.church/guide    👇 DON’T MISS OUT! Join us in-person or online from December 21-24 for our Christmas Candlelight Services! For locations and service times, visit https://lpchristmas.com/ 🎄   ⛪ ABOUT LAKEPOINTE CHURCH: We believe that Lakepointe is a movement for all people to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover their Calling, and Make a Difference. With 7 DFW locations and programs for all ages, there's something for everyone.  🤝 Support this ministry and help us reach more people with the Gospel: https://lakepointe.church/give    STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Website: https://lakepointe.church/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpconnect/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpconnect  🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakepointeChurch   FOLLOW PASTOR JOSH: 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowertonJosh/ 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/josh_howerton/?hl=en  🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howertonjosh    🎧 LISTEN ON THE GO!  ▶️ Live Free on Spotify / https://open.spotify.com/show/353ryGdZNlebaiqkCcy3Yc ▶️ Live Free on Apple Podcasts / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-free-with-josh-howerton/id1669321198

In this LIVE FREE special episode, Pastor Josh responds to a recent clip featuring Kirk Cameron and his son James discussing annihilationism (the belief that the wicked ultimately cease to exist rather than experience eternal conscious punishment). With pastoral clarity and biblical conviction, this episode walks through what Scripture actually teaches about hell, God’s justice, and why Christian doctrine cannot be reshaped by emotion or cultural pressure. This isn’t an attack, but a thoughtful, Scripture-centric examination of one of the more complex doctrines in the Bible, and why getting it right matters more than we think. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!    👇 DON’T MISS OUT! Join us in-person or online from December 21-24 for our Christmas Candlelight Services! For locations and service times, visit https://lpchristmas.com/ 🎄   ⛪ ABOUT LAKEPOINTE CHURCH: We believe that Lakepointe is a movement for all people to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover their Calling, and Make a Difference. With 7 DFW locations and programs for all ages, there's something for everyone.  🤝 Support this ministry and help us reach more people with the Gospel: https://lakepointe.church/give    STAY CONNECTED: 🌐 Website: https://lakepointe.church/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpconnect/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpconnect  🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LakepointeChurch   FOLLOW PASTOR JOSH: 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowertonJosh/ 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/josh_howerton/?hl=en  🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howertonjosh    🎧 LISTEN ON THE GO!  ▶️ Live Free on Spotify / https://open.spotify.com/show/353ryGdZNlebaiqkCcy3Yc ▶️ Live Free on Apple Podcasts / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-free-with-josh-howerton/id1669321198