Live Free with Josh Howerton

What should Christians do when a viral accusation against a pastor suddenly takes over the internet? Believe it? Share it? Defend the pastor? Or stay out of it entirely?

In this bonus episode of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul unpack the viral criticism surrounding Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell and use it to address a much bigger issue: how Christians should respond to accusations, online mobs, and criticism of spiritual leaders. The conversation explores the biblical tension between holding pastors accountable and refusing to participate in gossip, slander, or unverified accusations.

This isn't an argument that pastors are above accountability. Scripture takes the character of spiritual leaders seriously—but it also takes false accusations seriously. Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul examine biblical examples from Jesus, Paul, Stephen, Nehemiah, and the early church to help Christians discern what they're seeing online before joining the mob.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How Christians should respond to viral accusations against pastors

Why Scripture requires evidence before entertaining an accusation against an elder

The difference between biblical accountability and online slander

How criticism can become a distraction from God's calling

Why Christians must be careful about what they believe, repeat, and share

How to support and pray for pastors facing public criticism

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

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📲 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

In Episode 90 of the LIVE FREE Podcast, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham uncover surprising lessons hidden inside some of the Bible passages we usually skim—including the stories of Mark, Demas, Rufus, and Quartus. Their lives reveal powerful truths about failure, restoration, friendship, legacy, and lifelong faithfulness.

The conversation also gets intensely practical: Who are the people carrying your mat when you're struggling? Is it biblical to pray for God's judgment on someone? And why does Scripture teach that Christians can approach God directly through Jesus?

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why seemingly insignificant names in Scripture actually matter

What Mark and Demas teach us about failure and finishing well

How to intentionally build a band of brothers or sisters

Why Christian friendship requires encouragement and confrontation

How Christians can pray for enemies while still asking God for justice

Why Jesus alone is our mediator before God

How to keep your eyes centered on Christ throughout your life

Don't simply start the race—finish faithfully.

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

💬 This week’s giveaway: Name the Bear Skull in the Comments!

🧢 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

Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul unpack Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1 and trace his transformation from a fearful young leader into a faithful, courageous pastor. They also compare the major Christian views of baptism in the Holy Spirit, explain what changed between the old and new covenants, and discuss why every believer should continually seek the Spirit’s filling.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Christians should respond to wars, disasters, and uncertainty

Why fear should never become the controlling force in your decisions

How Scripture—not feelings—helps you discern God’s direction

The differences between cessationist, Pentecostal, and charismatic views

What the Bible teaches about receiving and being filled with the Holy Spirit

How the Spirit empowers believers for holiness, courage, and ministry

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

Don’t miss our most recent bonus episode, An ISLAMIC Takeover is Coming…Here’s what Christians Should Do. Watch now: https://youtu.be/RWY9GPDqor8

💬 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 legally oppose a mosque being built in their city? The answer raises difficult questions about religious liberty, biblical conviction, civic responsibility, and the proper role of government.

In this bonus episode, Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul examine the controversy surrounding a proposed mosque expansion in McKinney, Texas. They explore how Christians can engage local government lawfully and wisely while remaining committed to sharing the gospel with Muslim neighbors.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How the First Amendment has shaped modern religious-liberty laws

What Scripture teaches about false worship and civic leadership

Whether Christians can legally challenge mosque construction

Why local elections, zoning hearings, and city councils matter

How to combine courageous civic engagement with genuine gospel outreach

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

Who is shaping your faith—and whose faith are you helping shape? Spiritual maturity requires more than consuming sermons and Christian content. It grows through relationships with faithful believers who can model, correct, encourage, and walk alongside us.

Pastors Josh, Carlos, and Paul unpack the relationship between Paul and Timothy, explain how to find or become a spiritual parent, and examine whether apostles still exist in the church today. They also respond to cultural ideas about parental authority and show why Christians must use Scripture as the lens through which they understand the world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why your heroes and influences shape your spiritual direction

What Paul and Timothy teach us about spiritual fathers and sons

How to find a mature Christian who can help you grow

How to become a spiritual mother or father to someone else

The difference between the original apostles and apostolic ministry today

Why parents carry primary responsibility for discipling their children

How to recognize cultural arguments that conflict with biblical truth

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