Should Christians VOTE for "Character" or "Policy"? | Live Free with Josh Howerton
6/1/20261 hr 47 min
What if the worst thing that ever happened to you was actually God's pathway to something greater? In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo and Paul Cunningham wrap up their 46-week journey through the Book of Acts by unpacking the powerful conclusion of the Apostle Paul's life. From shipwrecks and snake bites to imprisonment and eventual martyrdom, Paul's story reveals a truth every Christian needs to hear: God can turn a crash into a calling. The conversation then shifts to one of the most controversial topics facing Christians today: voting. How should believers think about character, policy, political engagement, and cultural responsibility? Is voting an endorsement of a person or a stewardship of influence? The team walks through practical biblical principles for navigating elections, culture, and civic responsibility without losing sight of God's Kingdom. Whether you're wrestling with disappointment, trying to understand your role in today's culture, or looking for encouragement to finish your race faithfully, this episode offers biblical clarity, courage, and hope. In This Episode: Why Acts 28 is the fulfillment of Acts 1:8 The incredible story of Paul's final years and martyrdom How God turns setbacks into Kingdom opportunities What it means to "finish the race" God has given you Why the Gospel advanced even when Paul was imprisoned Biblical principles for Christian voting The difference between evaluating personality and evaluating policy How believers can engage culture without making politics their identity Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.💬 This week’s giveaway: Comment FAVORITE GEAR🧢 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
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsCarlos Erazo· Host0:00
How should a Christian vote?
Josh Howerton· Host0:00
When I hear people say, "Oh, Christians or the church should stay out of politics," what I hear them saying is, "Don't tell me how to n- love my neighbor well." If you're a Christian and you're like, "Who do I vote for? Ah, but that guy has some character flaws, and I, I'd be tangling myself..." No, you're not. Here's all you're doing. You're choosing which set of proposed policies will best slow societal decay.
Carlos Erazo· Host0:22
Well, hey, Live Free Nation. Before we jump into the episode, this podcast is recorded right here at Lake Point Church in Dallas, Texas, but the Live Free Nation is spread all over the country and all around the world. So if you've been watching and thinking, "Man, I wish I could be part of something like this," we wanna invite you to take a simple next step, and that is join us for Church Online. Every weekend, we stream our services live on YouTube, Facebook, and our Church Online platform, and it's more than just watching a service. There are live hosts in the chat, prayer teams ready to stand with you, and people all around the world worshiping together in real time. And so whether you're exploring the faith, coming back to church, or just looking for a place to start, Church Online is a great way to jump in and experience what God is doing here at Lake Point. We would love to see you in the chat this weekend, and now enjoy the podcast. Hey, welcome back to another episode of the Live Free podcast.
Josh Howerton· Host1:15
Bro, you took my thing.
Carlos Erazo· Host1:16
[laughs] [laughs] Let us kick this pig?
Josh Howerton· Host1:18
Yeah.
Carlos Erazo· Host1:19
Are we gonna say it? That's okay. You can s- All right, you're right. No, no- Go ahead, go ahead, go ahead ... no, it's okay.
Josh Howerton· Host1:23
Go ahead. Go ahead.
Carlos Erazo· Host1:24
Well, hey, welcome back to another episode of the Live Free podcast. [laughs] My name is Carlos Arazolo, and I'm here with Pastor Josh Hawerton, uh, and I took his