By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Lakepointe Church.

Ever wondered why the most devoted followers of Jesus often feel like outsiders?

Discipleship Starts with Obedient Baptism

Pastor Josh Howerton opens his teaching by reminding listeners that baptism, while not required for salvation, is a direct command from Christ. He urges anyone who has never been baptized to text the word “life” to 20411, emphasizing that the act is a public step of obedience rather than a ritual for merit. “It’s not a suggestion. It’s not an inclination. It’s not vibes and hopes. He commands his followers to be baptized in obedience to his lordship,” Howerton says.

The pastor also notes that the water used in the upcoming Baptism Weekend at Lakepointe Church is ordinary Rockwall County water—nothing mystical, just a symbol of the believer’s commitment.

Facing the Reality of the “Last Days”

Howerton breaks down three New Testament phrases—”last days,” “latter times,” and “end of the age”—clarifying that they refer to distinct periods. He explains that the “last days” span from Jesus’ ascension to His return, while “latter times” point to the closing phase of that era. This nuance, he argues, helps Christians avoid the trap of assuming every modern crisis signals the imminent Second Coming.

He then reads 2 Timothy 3:1, warning that difficult times are inevitable for disciples. Rather than viewing hardship as a sign of failure, Howerton frames it as evidence of faithful living: “If you’re a disciple and you’re standing still, you’re not really following Jesus.”

When Faith Meets Culture: Real‑World Examples

To illustrate the cost of standing firm, Howerton cites two recent cases. In Massachusetts, a Christian family had their child removed by the state because the parents refused to affirm a gender transition that conflicted with their biblical convictions. In Canada, a Lakepointe church plant in Montreal faces criminal prosecution threats under the province’s Combating Hate Act for preaching certain biblical truths.

These stories, he says, underscore a broader pattern: “There is only one political party in America whose ideology consistently ends up criminalizing some aspects of faithful Christianity.” While he does not name the party, the implication is clear that cultural and legal pressures are intensifying.

From Prison to Redemption: A Testimony of Hope

Howerton reminds listeners that redemption is possible even for those behind bars. He mentions a senior saint—likely a prisoner in his sixties—who, despite his past, is reading the very passage being taught. “If God can use him, He can redeem you, too,” Howerton declares, encouraging listeners in correctional facilities to hold onto hope.

The pastor also shares a light‑hearted anecdote about a student asking whether Jonah is in heaven, illustrating how biblical stories can spark lively, faith‑building conversations even when answers are uncertain.

Living Out Kindness in a Hostile World

Howerton stresses that Christians must avoid being “difficult” in the sense of being quarrelsome. He cites 2 Timothy 2:24, urging believers to be kind to everyone and correct opponents gently, hoping for repentance. “If you’re a jerk for Jesus, you’re just pushing people away,” he warns.

He concludes with a vivid picture of Christ’s future return—fire in His eyes, sword from His mouth—reminding believers that the ultimate victory belongs to those who endure now. The call to love enemies and endure persecution is presented not as a burden but as a badge of true discipleship.

In sum, Howerton’s teaching blends biblical exegesis with contemporary cultural challenges, urging believers to see difficulty as proof of faithful obedience. By embracing baptism, understanding scriptural timelines, and standing firm amid societal pressure, followers of Jesus can transform the label of “weird” into a testament of divine purpose.

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