Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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.
✝️ Find out what DID make it into the sermon: youtu.be/VR0_shei_rA
💬 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
00:00:00 - Coming Up...
00:00:20 - Join Us for Church Online!
00:01:09 - Bear Skull & This Week’s Giveaway
00:03:27 - James Talarico: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?
00:06:25 - Midterm Elections & Why Christians Must Engage
00:18:44 - Text "Vote" to Help Mobilize Christians
00:20:25 - Life Change Story: A Dad & His Kid in Prison
00:22:39 - The Agony of Preaching: A Spurgeon Story
00:26:29 - What Didn't Make the Sermon: The Hidden Gold in Bible Name Lists
00:27:55 - Quartus: The Slave Baby Who Made It Into Scripture
00:32:43 - Rufus: The Son of the Man Who Carried Jesus' Cross
00:37:37 - Demas, Luke & Mark: Desertion, Loyalty & Restoration
00:44:02 - Demas vs. Paul: Semper Fidelis & Finishing Well
00:48:06 - John MacArthur's Final Letter: Finishing Well
00:54:50 - Join Us for Rooted at Lakepointe Church!
00:55:04 - How to Find a Band of Brothers & Band of Sisters
01:09:26 - What Christians Should & Should Not Pray For
01:15:03 - Should Christians Pray to Mary or Saints?
01:24:28 - Reacting to a Viral Catholic Skull Ceremony
01:36:45 - Closing Prayer
#livefreepodcast #lakepointechurch #joshhowerton #podcast #christian #bible
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.
✝️ Find out what DID make it into the sermon: youtu.be/VR0_shei_rA
💬 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
00:00:00 - Coming Up...
00:00:20 - Join Us for Church Online!
00:01:09 - Bear Skull & This Week’s Giveaway
00:03:27 - James Talarico: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?
00:06:25 - Midterm Elections & Why Christians Must Engage
00:18:44 - Text "Vote" to Help Mobilize Christians
00:20:25 - Life Change Story: A Dad & His Kid in Prison
00:22:39 - The Agony of Preaching: A Spurgeon Story
00:26:29 - What Didn't Make the Sermon: The Hidden Gold in Bible Name Lists
00:27:55 - Quartus: The Slave Baby Who Made It Into Scripture
00:32:43 - Rufus: The Son of the Man Who Carried Jesus' Cross
00:37:37 - Demas, Luke & Mark: Desertion, Loyalty & Restoration
00:44:02 - Demas vs. Paul: Semper Fidelis & Finishing Well
00:48:06 - John MacArthur's Final Letter: Finishing Well
00:54:50 - Join Us for Rooted at Lakepointe Church!
00:55:04 - How to Find a Band of Brothers & Band of Sisters
01:09:26 - What Christians Should & Should Not Pray For
01:15:03 - Should Christians Pray to Mary or Saints?
01:24:28 - Reacting to a Viral Catholic Skull Ceremony
01:36:45 - Closing Prayer
#livefreepodcast #lakepointechurch #joshhowerton #podcast #christian #bible
