By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Lakepointe Church.

There are only two ways to live, and one of them ends in eternal disappointment.

Setting the Stage: A Day of Baptisms and a Call to Focus

Pastor Josh Howerton opened his teaching by announcing a massive baptism weekend—over 700 people across all Lakepointe campuses will be publicly declaring their faith. The excitement was palpable, and he used the moment to remind listeners that the day’s celebration is rooted in the same urgency that drove the Apostle Paul to charge Timothy in 2 Timothy 4. Howerton’s tone was both celebratory and sobering, urging the congregation to keep their eyes on the ultimate judge: God and Jesus Christ.

He also referenced a light‑hearted cultural note, joking about the upcoming football game between the Cowboys and the Ravens, before pivoting to the biblical narrative. By weaving current events with Scripture, Howerton illustrated how everyday moments can serve as reminders of deeper spiritual truths.

Paul’s Final Charge Re‑examined

The core of the teaching centered on Paul’s admonition to Timothy: “I charge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead.” Howerton emphasized that this charge is not a historical footnote but a living directive for every believer. He stressed that the “boss” we ultimately answer to is not a social media algorithm or the opinions of peers, but the Creator who will render final judgment.

Howerton warned, “There are only two ways to live—under the fear of God or under the fear of man.” He argued that the modern tendency to chase approval—whether through Instagram likes, fashion trends, or changing personal convictions—places believers in the dangerous realm of pleasing people rather than pleasing God.

The Culture of Approval: A Modern Parable

Using vivid, repeated questions—“Do you like me? Do you like my hair? Do you like my jeans?”—Howerton painted a picture of the endless cycle of seeking validation. He described how this pursuit can dominate daily life, from the way one dresses to the captions posted online. The pastor’s rhetorical barrage highlighted the futility of trying to satisfy everyone and underscored the spiritual cost of such a strategy.

He connected this to the biblical principle that “friendship with the world is enmity toward God.” By attempting to earn the approval of others, believers risk alienating the One who truly matters. Howerton’s message was clear: true confidence comes from aligning with God’s standards, not the shifting preferences of culture.

Practical Steps: Preach the Whole Word, Not a Personal Playlist

Howerton urged the congregation to “preach the word, not your opinions.” He cautioned against turning sermons into “Christian karaoke” or “TED talks” that merely echo popular ideas without grounding them in Scripture. Instead, he called for a disciplined approach that honors the full counsel of the Bible, even when it challenges contemporary sensibilities.

He also highlighted the importance of mentorship, recalling the historic 3,000‑mile walk Paul took with Timothy. While the story of Michael Card and Dr. Bill Lane was recounted in a tangent, the underlying point was that discipleship involves walking alongside one another in truth, especially when facing life‑ending realities. The pastor encouraged believers to invest in relationships that model faithful, obedient living.

Looking Ahead: Baptism as a Public Declaration

The upcoming baptisms serve as a tangible expression of the teaching’s core message. Over 700 individuals will publicly affirm that they have chosen to live under the fear of God, stepping out of the water as a sign of death to the old self and resurrection into new life. Howerton framed this act as both a personal milestone and a communal witness, reinforcing the idea that the church’s collective identity is shaped by each member’s commitment to God’s authority.

In concluding, the pastor reminded listeners that the ultimate “boss” will judge every thought, word, and deed. By aligning daily choices—whether in fashion, social media, or personal convictions—with biblical truth, believers position themselves for lasting fulfillment rather than fleeting approval.

Howerton’s teaching challenges the Lakepointe community, and any reader, to examine where their ultimate loyalty lies. The decision to live for God rather than for people is presented not as a lofty ideal but as a practical, daily choice that culminates in the public testimony of baptism.

The full episode of Lakepointe Church is available on OBBM Network TV.