Embracing the Fathers Heart for The One

Scripture References

• Luke 15
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
• Romans 12
• Mark 2
• Matthew 9
• Luke 5
• 1 Peter 3:15

Introduction

• The preacher retells Jesus’ parable of the two sons (Luke 15) through a modern father’s voice, spotlighting two radically different children.
• Purpose: expose both the “rebellious prodigal” and the “rule-keeping elder brother” hearts in all of us, then reveal the welcoming, pursuing heart of the Father.
• Sermon arises from Jesus’ own context: religious leaders angry that He ate with “tax collectors and notorious sinners,” prompting the three lost-and-found stories of Luke 15.

Stewards, Not Owners: Faithful With God's Resources

Scripture References

• Luke 19:11-27
• Luke 19:44
• Hebrews 13:3
• John 1:11
• Psalm 24:1
• Leviticus 27:30
• Proverbs 3:9-10
• Matthew 6:24
• Luke 6:38
• Malachi 3:10

Introduction

• Pastor opens with testimony of gospel impact in Iran–average of ten daily baptisms amid persecution; calls congregation to remember persecuted believers (Heb 13:3).
• Series context: “Boot Camp–Training for Team Jesus,” nearing final week; today’s focus is money and stewardship.
• Reads Luke 19:11-27 (parable of the minas) while congregation stands in reverence.
• Explains prophetic backdrop: Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem, prediction of temple destruction (Luke 19:44) fulfilled in A.D. 70; therefore His future promises–including judgment and reward–are certain.

Made for This: Serving Like Jesus

Scripture References

• Mark 10:42–45
• Isaiah 58:5–10
• 1 Peter 2:9
• 1 Peter 4:10
• 1 Corinthians 12:4–27

Introduction

• The preacher (Breaux) greets the congregation in the New Year and promotes the “Rooted” discipleship experience as a next step for everyone—from skeptics to seasoned believers.
• He frames the current sermon series as “Boot Camp,” a practical training in living the life of Jesus. Previous weeks covered baptism, Spirit-dependence, truth, and community; today’s theme is serving.
• Personal mission statement written at age 25: “I just want to look, love, and live like Jesus.” Serving is indispensable to that pursuit.

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

Men & Women of the Word

Scripture References

• Genesis 1:29
• Deuteronomy 6
• Deuteronomy 8
• Psalm 119:11
• Ezekiel
• Matthew 4
• Matthew 6:13
• Matthew 24:35
• Luke 4
• Romans 6
• Ephesians 6:10-17
• Hebrews 5:12
• 1 John 2:16
• 1 John 4:1

Introduction

• Week 3 of the “Boot Camp: Training for Team Jesus” series.
• Focus: a true disciple becomes a man or woman of the Word and of prayer.
• Pastor warns that drowning people don’t need Greek word studies on “life-jacket”; they need someone to throw the jacket—today’s sermon is that practical life-jacket.
• Special assignment: text “BIBLE” to 20411 for a podcast deep-dive on reading, studying, and teaching Scripture to families.

Baptized in Water & Spirit

Scripture References

• Luke 3:1–22
• Malachi 4:5-6
• Romans 6:3-4
• Matthew 3:13-15
• Matthew 28:19
• 1 Corinthians 12:13
• Romans 8:9
• Luke 4:1, 14
• Luke 10:21
• Isaiah 61:1-2
• John 20:19-22
• Acts 1:4-5
• Ephesians 5:18
• Acts 2:38
• Acts 8:12-17
• Acts 19:1-6
• John 3:16

Introduction

• Series: “Boot Camp – Training for Team Jesus.”
• Year-long theme: “I am a disciple.” Congregation using a “Field Guide” to pray over one specific next-step in discipleship.
• Today’s focus: a disciple is “baptized in water and Spirit.”
• Humorous opening: video of young Caroline taking medicine, mimicking pastor’s salvation invitation count-down—illustrates responding in obedience.
• Setting: Luke 3 and the ministry of John the Baptizer—eccentric, fearless forerunner who prepared Israel for Messiah after 400 years of prophetic silence.

Tetelestai It Is Finished: The Starting Line of Discipleship

Scripture References

• John 19:28-30
• Genesis 3:15
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• 1 John 4:10
• 1 John 1:5-10
• 1 John 2:1-2
• Galatians 2:16
• Romans 6:23
• Revelation 12:10

Introduction

• Pastor Josh launches a new six-week series, “Boot Camp: Training for Team Jesus,” designed to raise—not lower—the bar of discipleship.
• Sets a military tone with an illustration of a blunt Marine recruiter: people long for a mission worth living and dying for.
• Lake Pointe’s vision: not crowds, but disciples who “come die with Jesus.”
• 2025 ministry recap: 11 church plants (total 90), 3,854 finished Rooted, 3,131 baptisms, new Sunnyvale campus (881 at Christmas). 2026 outlook: Roy City campus, two more in process.
• Practical tools distributed: “Field Guide,” tear-off “One More” evangelism card, 2026 church-family calendar, new Lake Pointe app with Bible-reading plan and Lift Read podcast.
• Series challenge: Each person asks, “What is my next step of obedience?"—then does it.

Fear Not

Introduction

• Pastor celebrates last week’s harvest (33,000 in-person; 692 salvations) and warns against treating holy moments as common.
• Begins Advent series built around the angels’ four-part proclamation: “Fear not, good news, great joy, all people.”
• Today’s focus: “Fear Not.” Acknowledges modern culture’s anxiety epidemic and media-driven fear.

Freedom from Loneliness

Introduction

• Series context: “Christmas at the Movies” — using modern films to illuminate biblical truths, mirroring Jesus’ parable method.
• Seasonal focus: the angelic proclamation that Christ’s birth brings “good news of great joy for all people.”
• Opening week emphasis: the “all people” element—God’s heart to reach every person wrestling with loneliness.
• Film illustration: Home Alone. Beneath its humor lies the universal ache of isolation heightened during Christmas.

Evidence of the Unseen Realm

Introduction

The speaker—an investigative journalist and former skeptic—opens with a humorous family story and then recounts Elisha’s servant in 2 Kings 6 whose eyes are opened to angelic hosts. This biblical episode frames the central question: Does a supernatural realm still break into our world today? Drawing from years of research for his new book, “Seeing the Supernatural,” the preacher promises evidence-based glimpses into angels, miracles, near-death experiences, and visions that strengthen faith.