Faith Over Fear: Embracing God's Purpose Through Life's Storms

Scripture References

• John 16:33
• Psalm 139:16
• James 1:2-4
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• Joshua 1:9
• Isaiah 43:18-19
• Philippians 3:13-14
• Psalm 56:3-4

Introduction

• Week 2 of “At the Movies” uses the tornado-chasing film “Twisters” as a parable of courage: Kate’s literal storms mirror the emotional, relational, and spiritual storms we all encounter.
• Big idea: God never promised a storm-free life, but He does promise His presence and victory as we face our fears, heal from our past, and move forward in faith.
• Jesus warned that trouble is unavoidable, yet He remains with us and has overcome every storm; our calling is not to run from danger but to walk into it with purpose.
• Scripture shows three clear moves: confront fear head-on, let God heal old wounds, and trust Him enough to step forward even while afraid.
• The message ends with a call to personal decision–both for believers needing fresh courage and for those ready to give their lives to Christ.

Refined by Fire: Trusting God Through Life's Trials

Scripture References

• Daniel 3
• Daniel 1
• Daniel 4
• Proverbs 18:10

Introduction

• Fire comes to every life. Drawing from Daniel 3, the message shows how God uses that heat to expose impurities, set us free, and reveal His own reflection in us.
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s refusal to bow, their “if ___, then God” faith, and the Fourth Man who met them in the furnace form a pattern for handling our own unexpected trials.
• Whether God delivers us from, through, or by the fire, He is always good–“even better on the bad days.”
• This talk closes a four-week run in the “En Fuego” series. Previous weeks dealt with anger and with Elijah’s Mount Carmel showdown. Tonight’s focus: how God refines character when the heat is turned up.

When You Can't Control the Storm

Scripture References

• Acts 27
• 2 Corinthians 11
• Acts 21
• Acts 23
• John 19

Introduction

• Guest speaker Jonathan “JP” Pokluda continues Lake Pointe’s Acts series, “There Is More: Endgame,” walking through Paul’s harrowing voyage in Acts 27.
• From a prisoner’s chains, Paul steadies 276 frightened people, proving that God – not weather, not authorities – holds the outcome.
• The chapter carries three big lessons: stay calm by remembering who is in charge, realize storms reveal real faith, and do your part while trusting God for everything else.

Week 4 — Examination

A short set of questions to sit with for a week. One per day, Monday through Friday. Saturday to review. Sunday to name the one thing and act on it.

The questions are not designed to be skimmed. The point of the middle three is to make the answer to the last one honest.

Monday, April 27

Where in my life do I still look the same as I did a year ago?

Habits, reactions, thought patterns, relationships.

Enough - Week 1 in Colossians

Scripture References

• Colossians 1:1-12
• Hebrews 6:18-19
• Ephesians 2:10

Introduction

• Opening conversation contrasted “avoiding bad” with “becoming good.”
• Group agreed true goodness is found only through deeper relationship with Jesus, not self-effort.
• Leader distributed a five-question “heart-check” card during the week; tonight’s discussion revisited those questions.
• New 8-10-week series launched in Colossians titled “Enough–Jesus Is Enough.”

The Greatest Reversal

Scripture References

• Luke 24:1-8
• Luke 9:22; Luke 9:24
• Luke 18:31-33
• John 14:6
• Romans 8:11

Introduction

• Pastor Josh welcomes the Lake Pointe family and guests on Easter, emphasizing worldwide celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
• Explains annual Easter survey card that shapes future teaching series and campus expansion.
• Frames the day around humanity’s love for comeback stories, preparing hearts to see Jesus’ resurrection as history’s ultimate reversal.

Six Days With God Are Better Than Seven Without Him

Scripture References

• Exodus 20:8-11
• Genesis 2:1-3
• Exodus 16:21-30
• Luke 6:1-5
• Mark 2:27-28
• Romans 14:5
• Hebrews 11:6

Introduction

• Pastor opens with lighthearted “hurry-sickness” quiz to show how frantic modern life has become.
• Confesses the sermon first confronted him personally: “Physician, heal thyself.”
• Sets context: part of the “Investigating Jesus” series, examining what put Jesus at odds with religious leaders.
• Announces the focus–God’s gift of Sabbath rest–and promises rapid-fire Bible exposition.

Go Again: Understanding Unanswered Prayer and the Father's Heart

Scripture References

• Luke 11:1-13
• Exodus 14
• 1 Kings 18
• Mark 5
• Daniel 6
• Hebrews 10:19-22
• Mark 11:25
• Proverbs 21:13
• 1 Peter 3:7
• Psalm 66:18
• James 1:6-7
• James 4:3
• Job 38
• Genesis 25:21
• Isaiah 55:8-9

Introduction

• Context: Week 2 of the “Investigating Jesus” series, preaching cross-sections of Luke to help skeptics and believers examine Christ closely before Easter.
• Pastoral moment: The church’s gracious response to last week’s hard teaching on marriage led 60 co-habiting couples to register for a forthcoming mass wedding – evidence that obedience to Scripture yields fruit.
• Today’s focus: Prayer can be exhilarating when answered, but agonising when heaven seems silent. The sermon asks, “If Jesus is real, why didn’t He answer my prayer?”

A Disciple Assembles a Band of Brothers / Sisters

Gathering Information

• Live, online snow-day study from Josh & Jana Howerton’s home (“Howerton Casa”), Dallas-area, early Feb 2023
• Interactive stream across multiple platforms; comments fed to leader in real time

Scripture References

• Luke 5:1-11
• Luke 6:12-16
• John 21:1-19
• James 5:16
• Proverbs 27:17
• Proverbs 12:18
• Proverbs 13:20
• Matthew 5:29-30
• Romans 8:1-3
• 2 Peter 1:3
• 2 Corinthians 6:14
• 1 Peter 1:13

Introduction

• Snow and ice cancelled in-person services, so the Howertons invited everyone into their living room for a “life-group style” Bible study.
• Viewers asked to grab Bibles, coffee, and drop comments (location, snow-day activities, questions).
• Light-hearted moments: showing a newly mounted gemsbok, naming suggestions (“Zulu,” “Howie,” “Paul”).
• Celebrations shared:
  • 7,148 people at Night of Prayer & Worship (Rockwall campus)
  • Two volunteers (John Mixon & Kelly Vrooman) got engaged that night
  • Healing testimony: Jackson, 19, 18-months free of fentanyl, instant relief from 10/10 back pain
  • Jana’s ongoing ministry to couples battling infertility