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.

Living with a Christ-Aligned Conscience

Scripture References

• Acts 23
• Acts 9
• Acts 12
• Acts 13
• Romans 2
• 1 Corinthians 4
• 1 Corinthians 8:7
• Romans 12:2
• 1 Timothy 1:5
• 1 Timothy 4:1
• Titus 1:15
• Hebrews 5:14
• 1 Peter 3

Introduction

• Pastor Josh continues Lake Pointe’s Acts series, “There Is More: Endgame,” by tracing Paul’s declaration before the Sanhedrin: “I have fulfilled my duty to God with a good conscience to this day.”
• The weekend also celebrates the largest baptism weekend in the church’s history, with around 700 people publicly identifying with Christ.
• The sermon defines conscience, explains why it matters, and walks through four biblical conditions of the conscience: good, defiled, seared, and weak.
• The message moves from teaching to direct response, calling listeners to examine their conscience before God and obey Jesus publicly.

Meeting Needs, Sharing the Bread of Life

Scripture References

• John 6:35
• Luke 9:12-17
• John 3:16

Introduction

• Guest preacher David Nasser expresses gratitude to Lake Pointe Church and honors Pastor Josh & Jana Howerton.
• Announces focus on a single verse–John 6:35–calling it “fighting words” (Spurgeon) and “the Bible in a nutshell” (Billy Graham).
• Sets expectation to link that verse to the previous day’s event in Luke 9 (feeding of the 5,000), showing Jesus’ method before His message.

Living in the Countdown

Scripture References

• Luke 21
• Matthew 24
• Matthew 23
• Matthew 28:19
• Hosea 4:6
• Hebrews 9:22
• Galatians 3:28
• John 16
• 2 Peter 3:9
• 1 Thessalonians 5:3
• Romans 8:22
• Revelation 6
• Revelation 20
• Ezekiel 38

Introduction

• Pastor celebrates Easter weekend impact: 53,000 in-person attenders and 2,772 salvations.
• Sets expectation: this message is heavier–extensive Scripture reading and dot-connecting.
• Illustration: the ever-ticking countdown clock on stage reminds him of limited time; Jesus says human history also has a countdown.
• Core question: “When will Christ return, and what will He do then?”
• Jesus’ longest answer (Luke 21 & Matthew 24) divides history into three ages; the sermon traces them and their transitions.

Shadows Pointing to the Cross

Scripture References

• Ephesians 1:4
• Genesis 12 – 50
• Exodus 1 – 32
• Psalm 106:21
• Exodus 25:8-9
• Exodus 20:1-17
• Romans 3:20-24
• Hebrews 10:1, 10
• John 3:16

Introduction

• Pastor Mike Breaux welcomes in-person and online attenders and reminds them Easter is next weekend – “Who are you inviting?”
• Sets up the theme: as Easter approaches, move from “investigating where Jesus went” to “who He is and what He’s done.”
• Uses everyday “shadows” (sunsets, dark alleyways, Groundhog Day) to introduce the biblical idea of Old-Testament shadows pointing forward to Christ.

King on a Donkey, Face Set Like Flint

Scripture References

• Luke 9:51
• Isaiah 50:6-7
• Matthew 21:1-11
• Mark 11:1-11
• Luke 19:28-44
• John 12:12-19, 16
• Zechariah 9:9
• Psalm 118:25-26
• Deuteronomy 8:3
• Deuteronomy 6:13
• Psalm 91
• Proverbs 29:25
• John 12:42-43

Introduction

• The preacher invites the church to journey with Jesus along His final, “dark and scary road” toward Easter.
• Luke 9:51 marks the hinge of the gospel narrative: Jesus “set His face” toward Jerusalem–language of iron-willed resolve and fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
• Historical backdrop: Passover week swells Jerusalem to ~2 million pilgrims; Rome dispatches extra troops; political tension is electric.
• Two contrasting parades will converge: Pilate from the west with war-horses; Jesus from the east on a donkey portraying humility and true power.

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?”

One-Flesh Living

Scripture References

• Genesis 2-3
• Deuteronomy 24
• Malachi 2
• Matthew 19:3-9
• Ephesians 5:21
• 1 Corinthians 7:10-16
• Revelation 19:6-9

Introduction

• Marriage Weekend launched with light-hearted giveaways, prayer for couples, and a clear warning that the message would be candid about marital intimacy.
• Sets stage for new series “Investigating Jesus,” beginning with society’s top question: What did Jesus teach about gender, marriage, divorce, and sexuality?
• Pastor frames marriage as a primary spiritual battleground – strong families produce generational disciples.

No Acceptable Loss in Jesus Economy

Scripture References

• Luke 15:1-7

Introduction

The leader opened with real-life examples of “acceptable loss”–a 2% inventory shrinkage in his retail business, underperforming investments, parental advice that “goes in one ear and out the other,” errant golf shots, jokes that fall flat, and time that slips away. He asked:

1. Where do you personally allow loss?
2. At what point does a loss stop bothering you?

Group members suggested thresholds based on profit margins, emotional investment, or right intentions, but admitted the standards are usually arbitrary.