Live Free with Josh Howerton Struggling With Sin, Am I Still Saved? | Live Free With Josh Howerton
Apr 14, 2025
Explore the spiritual landscape of Revelation 3 with engaging discussions on the church in Sardis and its pervasive complacency. Listen to a powerful testimony of transformation and dive into the tension between spiritual life and death. The conversation tackles the provocative question of whether a Christian can lose their salvation, referencing biblical texts and pastoral reflections. You'll also learn about the historical context of Sardis and the origins of Easter traditions, encouraging a deeper faith and fresh perspective this season.
01:13:03
Ethan's Life-Changing Encounter
- Ethan visited Lakepointe while identifying as transgender and encountered a grace-filled message that changed him.
- After six months he gave his life to Christ, detransitioned, and was baptized with the male name Ethan.
Looks Can Mask Spiritual Death
- Sardis looked externally thriving but was spiritually compromised by proximity to pagan practices.
- The church grew by compromising beliefs to attract people, prompting Jesus' stern warning to wake up.
Sevenfold Spirit Echoes Isaiah
- Revelation's
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Testimony of Ethan's Conversion and Baptism
03:34 • 2min
Easter Services and Anticipation
06:01 • 1min
Introduction to Revelation 3 and Sardis
07:12 • 1min
Historical Sardis: Wealth and Compromise
08:19 • 2min
Sardis's Wealth, Coinage, and the Sevenfold Spirit
10:41 • 3min
Why Jesus Says 'Like a Thief in the Night'
14:07 • 3min
The Book of Life and Final Judgment
17:19 • 2min
Distinguishing Spiritually Dead and Dry
19:20 • 4min
Visible Church vs. Invisible Church
23:29 • 2min
Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation? Intro
25:58 • 2min
Arguments for Perseverance of the Saints
28:22 • 4min
Hebrews 6 and the 'Falling Away' Passage
32:08 • 4min
Pastoral Responses to 'Can You Lose Salvation?'
35:48 • 4min
Judas, Genuine Conversion, and 1 John 2:19
39:46 • 5min
Struggling with Sin: Assurance and the Holy Spirit
44:59 • 2min
What Is Not Evidence of Losing Salvation
47:26 • 6min
Evidence of Salvation and Perseverance
52:59 • 4min
Losing Power vs. Losing Salvation
56:35 • 2min
Puritans' View: Spirit's Witness as Assurance
58:13 • 3min
Addressing 'Easter Is Pagan' Claims
01:01:41 • 2min
Origins of Easter Traditions Explained
01:03:31 • 4min
Practical Postures for Easter: 'What If This Is Real?'
01:07:50 • 3min
Prayer for Easter Harvest and Personal Miracles
01:11:07 • 1min
Outro
01:12:37 • 22sec
#442
• Mentioned in 54 episodes
1 John
John the Apostle
The Book of 1 John is a pastoral and polemical letter aimed at combating the heresy of Gnosticism, which was emerging in the early Christian church.
John writes to reassure believers of their faith in Jesus Christ and to provide clear guidelines on what it means to be a true follower of Christ.
The letter emphasizes the importance of fellowship with God and with other believers, the necessity of confessing sins, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus.
It also warns against false teachers and antichrists, and it underscores the principles of love, holiness, and security in the Christian life.
#204
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Ephesians
Canon Martin Kitchen
This book approaches the Epistle to the Ephesians in a unique manner, deviating from the traditional verse-by-verse analysis.
It acknowledges the debt of biblical studies to historical method while offering a fresh and comprehensive examination of the text.
The study provides a radical and insightful look at the Epistle, making it a valuable resource for scholars and readers interested in New Testament studies.
#225
• Mentioned in 87 episodes
Isaiah
Isaiah
The Book of Isaiah is a major prophetic book in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament.
It's attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived in Judah during the 8th century BCE. The book contains a collection of oracles, poems, and prophecies addressing various aspects of Judah's history and the future.
Key themes include God's judgment on Israel's sins, the promise of a future messiah, and the restoration of God's people.
Isaiah's powerful imagery and evocative language have had a profound impact on religious thought and literature for centuries.
#6837
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Matthew 5
Anonymous (traditionally attributed to Matthew the Apostle)
Matthew 5 is the opening chapter of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, one of the most famous and influential sections of the New Testament.
It begins with the Beatitudes, a series of blessings pronounced on the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and others, outlining the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The chapter also includes Jesus' teachings on being the 'salt of the earth' and the 'light of the world,' as well as his interpretation of the Law, emphasizing inner righteousness over mere external observance.
The teachings in this chapter are central to Christian ethics and have had a profound impact on Western thought and culture.
#1429
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John 6
Predestination to Glory - Come by Faith
Wayne ODonnell
John 6 is a chapter in the Gospel of John that recounts the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus' subsequent discourse on the bread of life.
This chapter is pivotal in understanding Jesus' identity and his relationship with his followers.
Jesus' teaching on the bread of life is a profound metaphor for his role as the source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life.
The chapter explores themes of faith, belief, and the true nature of spiritual sustenance.
It's a rich and complex text that has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history, offering profound insights into the heart of Jesus' message.
#313
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Hebrews
Richard D. Phillips
#412
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2 Corinthians
A Short Exegetical and Pastoral Commentary
Anthony C. Thiselton
In this commentary, Anthony Thiselton offers a clear and practical analysis of 2 Corinthians.
The book is characterized by its brevity and focus on both exegetical and pastoral aspects, making it a valuable resource for those studying the letter.
Thiselton's expertise in Paul's theology and hermeneutics is evident throughout the commentary, which is designed to be helpful without being overly lengthy.
#139
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Revelation
Jen Wilkin
#190
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Proverbs 2
James Hughes
Proverbs 2 focuses on the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, emphasizing their importance for navigating life's challenges.
It highlights the rewards of seeking wisdom, including protection from evil, guidance in making righteous choices, and the joy that comes from knowledge.
The chapter contrasts the paths of the wise and the foolish, showing the dangers of following wickedness and the blessings of adhering to God's ways.
It encourages readers to diligently seek wisdom and understanding, recognizing their value in all aspects of life.
Proverbs 2 is a timeless guide to living a life of purpose and integrity.
#381
• Mentioned in 60 episodes
Philippians
An Expositional Commentary
James Montgomery Boice
In this commentary, James Montgomery Boice provides a thorough and insightful analysis of the Book of Philippians.
The book helps readers understand the biblical text and apply its practical message, emphasizing the themes of joy, unity, and the Christian life.
Boice's commentary is designed to help both pastors and laypeople experience the exuberant joy of a well-lived Christian life as described in Philippians.
#440
• Mentioned in 54 episodes
Romans 3
Travis Burden
This book is a work of fiction that delves into suspenseful drama, exploring themes of crime, atonement, and justice.
It is part of a series and is characterized by its short length and intense narrative.
What happens when a church looks alive on the outside but is spiritually asleep within? Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo and Marc McCartney unpack the sobering message to the church in Sardis, diving deep into Revelation 3 and exploring the dangers of spiritual complacency. With powerful stories—including an inspiring testimony of transformation from the UK—and rich historical context from ancient Sardis, this conversation reveals how Jesus calls His church to wake up and walk in genuine intimacy with Him. They also wrestle with a timeless question: Can a Christian lose their salvation?
We hope this honest, hope-filled dialogue encourages you to examine your heart and press into a faith that perseveres.
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