NO, Christmas Is Not A Pagan Holiday... | Live Free with Josh Howerton

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

In this episode of Live Free, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham uncover the real story behind Christmas! 🎄 From the origins of December 25th to the history of Christmas trees and the surprising truth about Santa Claus, we separate fact from myth and show how all these traditions point to the greatest gift ever, Jesus Christ. Learn why many common “holiday myths” aren’t what they seem, and how families today can celebrate with faith, fun, and purpose. Packed with history, biblical insights, and practical tips for your family, this episode will change the way you see the season. Perfect for anyone curious about Christian traditions, holiday history, or keeping Christ at the center of Christmas! 👍 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/

In this Christmas episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Paul Cunningham, and Carlos Erazo explore the growing interest in the Book of Enoch, angelology, and viral claims that the Bible was “altered” or banned. They walk through the history of the biblical canon, explaining why Jude’s reference to Enoch doesn’t validate the entire book. They dive into the perspective that has gained attention on platforms like Joe Rogan’s podcast to bring clarity to Christians. This episode calls believers to trust God’s Word, resist fear-driven speculation, and focus on the truth & authority already revealed in Scripture. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an update! 📝 SHOW NOTES Subscribe now to receive the show notes directly in your inbox with each new episode. These notes are filled with key insights and scripture to help you reflect and grow deeper in your faith – https://lakepointe.church/shownotes 👇 DON’T MISS OUT! Have you recently said "YES" to Jesus? It's time to take your next step. Click the link for more info on baptism: https://lakepointe.church/baptism/ ⛪ 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 timely episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Paul Cunningham, and Carlos Erazo tackle why so many young men feel lost today: from loneliness and fatherlessness to the pull of online influencers. From confronting Nick Fuentes's distorted worldview to unpacking how isolation and the shaming of masculinity have created the “Lone Ranger Christian”. They offer a clear, biblical path back to community, discipleship, and godly relationships. This conversation challenges men to evaluate the voices shaping them and to pursue wisdom, truth, and accountability.   👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an update!     📝 SHOW NOTES Subscribe now to receive the show notes directly in your inbox with each new episode. These notes are filled with key insights and scripture to help you reflect and grow deeper in your faith – https://lakepointe.church/shownotes    👇 DON’T MISS OUT! It's time to say "YES" to community! Click the link to get connected to a Rooted Group on your Lakepointe Campus: https://lakepointe.church/rooted/   ⛪ 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 eye‑opening episode, Pastors Josh Howerton, Paul Cunningham, and Carlos Erazo explore one of today’s fastest‑growing cultural questions: Are aliens actually demons? Drawing from Scripture, historical patterns, global sightings, and reacting to JD Vance's personal take on UFOs, they unpack the surprising parallels between reported alien encounters and biblical descriptions of spiritual warfare. From deceptive “messengers” to experiences that stop at the name of Jesus, this conversation shines a biblical light on the unseen realm and invites believers to see the world with renewed spiritual clarity.   👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an update!     📝 SHOW NOTES Subscribe now to receive the show notes directly in your inbox with each new episode. These notes are filled with key insights and scripture to help you reflect and grow deeper in your faith – https://lakepointe.church/shownotes    👇 DON’T MISS OUT! Ready to get connected and discover your calling? Click the link to attend Next Steps Class: https://lakepointe.church/events/next-step-class/   ⛪ 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 the 50th episode of LIVE FREE, Pastor Josh & Jana Howerton with Paul Cunningham tackle one of Satan's greatest strategies: spiritual procrastination. Learn why responding to God with urgency is vital and how to avoid delaying your relationship with Jesus. They also address common misconceptions about slavery in the Bible and examine the rise of toxic empathy in modern culture. From Felix’s delayed obedience in Acts 24 to the dangers of compassion untethered from truth, this episode challenges Christians to think biblically, engage culture courageously, and live faithfully today. 👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an update! 📝 SHOW NOTES Subscribe now to receive the show notes directly in your inbox with each new episode. These notes are filled with key insights and scripture to help you reflect and grow deeper in your faith – https://lakepointe.church/shownotes 👇 DON’T MISS OUT! God can use your 'YES" to make a difference in someone's life! Click the link to learn more about our Annual Missions Offering and how you can be a part of life-change!: lp.social/amo ⛪ 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 GUEST PASTORS: 📸 Nolan Tjaden: https://www.instagram.com/nolantjaden/ 📸 Darren Tyler: https://www.instagram.com/darrentyler/ 🎧 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 culturally urgent episode of Live Free, Pastors Josh Howerton, Darren Tyler, and Nolan Tjaden unpack one of the most complex questions facing the Church today: how should believers respond to political division and the rise of competing worldviews? From secular progressivism to radical Islam, we dive into ideologies of power in contrast with the gospel of Jesus, the only message that truly transforms hearts and nations. This episode challenges men, families, and churches to think biblically, lead courageously, and stand firm for truth in a generation searching for its moral compass.   👍 Like, Comment, & Subscribe for more life-changing podcasts! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an update!     📝 SHOW NOTES Subscribe now to receive the show notes directly in your inbox with each new episode. These notes are filled with key insights and scripture to help you reflect and grow deeper in your faith – https://lakepointe.church/shownotes    👇 DON’T MISS OUT! God can use your 'YES" to make a difference in someone's life! Click the link to learn more about our Annual Missions Offering and how you can be a part of life-change!: lp.social/amo   ⛪ 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 GUEST PASTORS:📸 Nolan Tjaden: https://www.instagram.com/nolantjaden/📸 Darren Tyler: https://www.instagram.com/darrentyler/    🎧 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