Okay, they’re not totally useless but they might as well be. I opted to use a shell script in a mise task to manually create the file with the information I needed. Specifically, what I figured was an obvious thing was to run the command something like, hugo new content/posts/1767247204-sample.md --tile "Sample Post" --date "2026-01-01 00:00:04", otherise Hugo will insert a titlized version of the filename and the current date for the new post. This probably seems like niche issue but it’s important to me and it’s such an obvious option if you needed to back post something or perhaps you wrote it out on paper on one day and wanted it posted as that day not the current day the markdown was created. ...
Scripture References Matthew 28:19–20 Luke 3:21–22 Romans 6:3–4 Ephesians 1:13 Introduction The group launched week 2 of an eight-week discipleship series that parallels Sunday sermons at Lake Pointe. Tonight’s focus: baptism—Is it something we do for God, or something God does for us? Key Points Two emphases of baptism From God: unmerited grace; gift of the Holy Spirit; empowerment that precedes performance. For God: public confession, obedience, declaration of allegiance, identification with Christ’s body. “Chain of events” often observed in Scripture Salvation Baptism Receiving/empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Illustrated with cybersecurity “kill-chain” analogy.) Potential drifts “From God” only → receiving without responding = belief without obedience. “For God” only → obedience without promise = fragile, legalistic faith. Identity before commissioning: at Jesus’ baptism the Father declares, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22) before any public ministry. Theological / Exegetical Points New-Testament writers never separate salvation and baptism; Jesus’ Great Commission lists “baptize” without isolating “get them saved.” Romans 6:3–4 links immersion to burial and resurrection with Christ. Ephesians 1:13 highlights sealing by the Spirit upon belief; discussion noted differing traditions on whether this coincides with baptism. Thief on the cross shows salvation can precede or exclude baptism in extraordinary circumstances, yet normal pattern in Acts ties them together. Old-Testament anointing with oil (kings, priests, prophets) = God’s presence promised; New-Testament baptism in water = God’s presence realized. Luke alone records Jesus praying during baptism; prayer portrayed as the open channel through which the Spirit descends. Interaction & Group Responses Quick poll: most see baptism as both “from” and “for” God. Lively debate on “salvation stands alone” vs. “baptism essential.” Personal testimonies: Tyler—re-baptized as an adult once he understood sin and grace. Jim—recent baptism after grasping personal depravity. Parenting angle: when children ask to be baptized, begin with “Why?” and probe understanding of sin, salvation, and symbolism. Practical questions used when calling candidates (Lake Pointe’s “Text LIFE” follow-up team): “Tell me about your conversion,” “Why baptism now?” Humor: “Is a pickle a cucumber or is a cucumber a pickle?"—illustration of transformation. Practical Applications Examine your own baptism: Was it post-conversion and understood? If not, consider being baptized. When discipling others, ensure they grasp depravity, grace, and the Spirit’s role before scheduling baptism. Remember identity precedes assignment—receive God’s affirmation before rushing into service. Approach baptism as a launchpad for Spirit-empowered obedience, not mere “fire-insurance.” Pray—though not a technical prerequisite, prayer is the primary vehicle for fresh filling and guidance by the Spirit. Notes Powered by Bible Note https://biblenote.ai/
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. Key Points / Exposition 1. A Disciple Must Be Baptized in Water Baptism = commanded, not suggested; public declaration of new association with Christ. Greek baptizō: dip, dunk, submerge. Everyday word (even used in 1st-century pickle recipes) ⇒ full immersion, not sprinkling. Symbolism: Romans 6 – “dead, buried, raised.” Down into the water = united with Christ’s death; raised = newness of life. Baptism does not save; it visibly testifies to an already-existing, personal faith (wedding-ring analogy). Infant baptism: noble parental intent, but New Testament pattern is believer’s baptism—an expression of the individual’s own faith. Jesus’ example (Matthew 3): though sinless, He was baptized “to fulfill all righteousness.” If He submitted, His disciples must. Obedience issue, not preference: hiding faith is as unthinkable as refusing a wedding ring after proposing. 2. A Disciple Needs to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit At Jesus’ baptism: heavens open, Spirit descends and “remains,” Father affirms Son—model for Spirit-filled life. Effects of Spirit-filling: Power for holiness. Experiential assurance of the Father’s love. Power for supernatural ministry. Jesus ministered “full of,” “led by,” “in the power of,” and “rejoicing in” the Spirit (Luke 4; Luke 10:21) — if He needed the Spirit, we certainly do. Three distinct but interconnected works seen in Scripture: Salvation – Spirit baptizes us into Christ (1 Cor 12:13). Water Baptism – a disciple baptizes us in obedience (Matt 28:19). Spirit Filling – Jesus baptizes/fills us with the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16; Acts 1:4-5). Continuous need: Ephesians 5:18 commands already-saved believers to “be filled” (present tense, ongoing). Biblical pattern illustrated: Acts 2:38 – repent (salvation), be baptized, receive the Spirit. Acts 8:12-17 – believed, baptized, then apostles lay hands to receive the Spirit. Acts 19:1-6 – disciples who had believed are re-baptized in Jesus’ name and then receive the Spirit through Paul’s hands. Pickle illustration: baptizō implies prolonged immersion producing total change—believers need to be “pickled” in the Spirit, not merely dipped. Major Lessons & Revelations Public, obedient identification with Christ (water) and experiential empowerment by Christ (Spirit) are both normative for disciples. Salvation is personal; God saves first names, not last names. Spiritual power is not optional: the people of God need the Spirit of God to live for the glory of God. The courage to go public for Jesus must surpass the world’s boldness in flaunting sin. Practical Application Haven’t been baptized post-conversion? Text “LIFE” to 20411 today and schedule baptism. Prepare hearts for January 21 Prayer & Worship Night—ask daily: “Holy Spirit, if I’m missing anything, I want all You have.” Use the Field Guide: pray for the single next step Jesus is asking in your discipleship journey. Reject fear of man; proclaim faith openly at work, school, online. Continually ask for fresh filling—repent of known sin, worship, receive prayer, and step out in ministry. Conclusion & Call to Response The world fearlessly parades wickedness; therefore disciples must courageously declare allegiance through water baptism and Spirit-empowered living. If you need baptism, act today. If you are dry, seek the Spirit’s fullness—salvation, baptism, and Spirit filling are the normal Christian life. ...
Gathering Information Recorded early January 2026, Lake Pointe Church, Dallas, TX Hosts: Carlos Erazo (moderator), Ps. Josh Howerton (preacher), Ps. Paul Cunningham (theology) Format: “Delivery Podcast 2026” episode, released the same Sunday Ps. Josh preached John 19 Scripture References John 19:28–30 Psalm 51 Exodus 12 Numbers 20 Genesis 2:1–3 Isaiah 53:5–6 Proverbs 17:15 Mark 10:45 Matthew 20:28 1 John 4:10–11 Colossians 2:13–15 1 Peter 2:24 1 Peter 3:18 1 Corinthians 15:22 Galatians 3:13 2 Corinthians 9:7 Romans 3:23–26 Introduction Week 1 of Lake Pointe’s year-long “Boot-Camp Training for Team Jesus.” Ps. Josh’s Sunday message centred on Jesus’ cry Τετέλεσται (“It is finished”) and launched a discussion of atonement, personal discipleship rhythms, and cultural issues (race, adoption, socialism). Key Points Τετέλεσται – “Paid in full / completed / won.” Financial: debt cancelled. Judicial: sentence served. Military: victory cry. Prophetic checklist: Jesus consciously fulfilled every OT promise (John 19:28). “I thirst” & the Smitten Rock: Moses struck the rock (Num 20); waters flowed. On the cross the “Rock” is struck; living water flows, hence His thirst. Hyssop theme (Ex 12; Lev 14; Ps 51): cleansing, Passover blood, leper purification—all converge in John 19:29. Creation & New-Creation link: Gen 2:1-3 “finished” → Sabbath; John 19 “finished” → Sabbath begins; Jesus ushers new creation. Six major atonement “facets”: Moral Influence: Christ changes us. Christus Victor: Christ conquers powers. Ransom/Redemption: Christ purchases us. Satisfaction: Christ upholds God’s honour. Recapitulation: Christ succeeds where Adam failed. Penal Substitution (central): Christ bears our penalty. Penal Substitution attacked = first domino in many modern apostasies; importance of Trinitarian clarity and biblical authority. Gospel = freedom from, not freedom to, sin. Love for Christ fuels obedience. Theological / Exegetical Points Same Greek root for “knowing all was now finished” and “It is finished.” Tersorium detail: likely a soldier’s latrine sponge pressed to Jesus’ lips, highlighting the depth of His humiliation. Septuagint echo: Gen 2:1 “finished” (sunetelesthē) → Sabbath rest; John 19:30 tetelestai → ultimate rest. Col 2:13-15 ties Christus Victor directly to penal substitution (record of debt nailed to cross). Early church and Spurgeon: pastors must confront false gospels (e.g., Spurgeon’s public refutation of Marxist “democratic socialism”). Interaction & Group Responses Light-hearted banter: New-Year resolutions, BC/AD quiz, tattoos (Paul’s Greek arm ink), Elon Musk retweeting Josh’s reparations tweet (2.3 M views). Candid race dialogue: Josh’s transracial adoption story; determination to reject victim mentality. Giveaway prompt: “Do New-Year resolutions work? – comment on YouTube.” Listener testimony: Brian (Indiana) flew in after podcast sparked Bible engagement. Practical Applications Preach the gospel to yourself daily to resist drift toward “faith + works.” Foster rhythms: daily Bible reading (new Lake Pointe app), Sunday sermon, Live Free podcast, discipleship groups. Engage cultural narratives: Reject collectivist visions that trade God-given individual dignity for state power. Use biblical wisdom (consider incentives & trade-offs) when evaluating policies (e.g., reparations, socialism). Parents: speak frankly about race; fight victim-mindsets with gospel identity. Personal holiness flows from love received: “If you love Me, you will obey.” Prayer / Intercession Items Deeper revelation of Christ’s finished work in every member. Protection against false gospels infiltrating pulpits. Night of Prayer & Worship (21 Jan, 7 – 8:30 pm CST): healings, breakthrough, “one more” salvation. Brian and other young men newly opening the Word. Unity and wisdom amid cultural tensions (race, politics, economics). Next Meeting / Future Arrangements Comment on YouTube to enter hat giveaway; topic: effectiveness of resolutions. Download Lake Pointe app (text “APP” to 20411) to follow the 2026 discipleship journey. Night of Prayer & Worship: 21 Jan (on-site & online). Notes Powered by Bible Note https://biblenote.ai/
Scripture References Luke 1:1–4 Luke 2:21 John 19:30 James 1:5 (alluded to in the “ask for wisdom” discussion) Introduction The group mirrored Sunday’s sermon on John 19:30 (“It is finished”), asking: “If Jesus really finished the work, is my life showing that I believe it?” Big idea: “If Jesus truly finished the work, trusting Him isn’t optional; it is simply what belief looks like.” Key Points Western culture prizes self-reliance; trust in others (and in God) is declining. Many believers agree we do not earn salvation by works, yet live as though we must maintain it by works. Three common postures in the body: Reluctant receivers – cannot ask for help. Willing givers – need to notice and offer help. Over-reliant – need to “pick up your mat and walk.” Striving itself is not wrong; motive and outcome determine whether it honors God. Practical tests for motives: Does it draw me or others nearer to Christ? Can I surrender it if God removes it? Have I brought it into the light with Scripture, prayer, and trusted counsel? Theological / Exegetical Points Luke 1:1–4 – Luke grounds the gospel in careful investigation, eyewitness testimony, and “certainty,” countering doubt and equipping believers to speak confidently. Luke 2:21 – Jesus’ name (“The Lord saves”) shows salvation is 100% God-initiated, defined before Jesus performed any act. John 19:30 – “Tetelestai” (It is finished) carried three everyday meanings: Business – debt paid in full. Judicial – sentence served completely. Military – battle decisively won. Together they proclaim that nothing remains for us to add. Interaction & Group Responses “Things I hate asking help with”: money, work tasks, moving, reading glasses, furniture, personal prayer, finances (“anything and everything”). Several men admitted pride, fear of burdening others, past disappointments, and desire for control keep them from asking help. Statistics cited: trust in U.S. adults dropped from 46% (1970s) to 34% (2020). Personal testimonies: Leader’s family once lived on one teacher salary; in-laws housed them; a friend unexpectedly gave $1000 – vivid picture of God’s provision. Online-dating story: when surrendered to God, He provided a wife quickly. Discernment tools named: Scripture, prayer, Holy Spirit conviction, honest self-examination, input from close brothers (“press-box” view vs. “in-your-face” accountability). Question repeatedly posed: “Where does my life show I’m still acting as though something is unfinished?” Practical Applications Replace “If it’s to be, it’s up to me” with conscious dependence on Jesus’ finished work. Cultivate transparency: regularly invite a trusted circle to ask hard questions. Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) and expect Him to give clarity. Hold resources loosely; be ready to give or lose them without losing peace. When facing decisions: a. Pray and search Scripture. b. Check motives (kingdom or self). c. Seek counsel from spiritually mature believers. d. Submit final outcome to God’s sovereignty. Practice both giving and receiving help as normal Christian life, not exceptional charity. Prayer / Intercession Items Several men struggling financially – pray for provision and deeper trust. Growth in vulnerability: courage to ask for prayer for personal needs. Wisdom for upcoming career or life decisions; willingness to let God close or open doors. Freedom from the habit of striving for approval; rest in Christ’s completed work. Notes Powered by Bible Note https://biblenote.ai/
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. Key Points / Exposition 1. “It Is Finished” — What Was Finished Jesus’ final word (Greek: Tetelestai) on the cross (John 19:30) is the most important word in Scripture. Everyday Greek usages illuminate its meaning: Business: written on receipts—“debt paid in full.” Judicial: inscribed on a criminal’s record—“sentence fully served.” Military: battle cry of victory—“enemy defeated.” At Calvary: PAYMENT: Christ settled humanity’s sin-debt completely (1 Jn 4:10; propitiation). PENALTY: Divine justice fully satisfied—no double jeopardy for sin. POWER: Serpent-crusher of Genesis 3:15 wins the cosmic war; victory imputed to those who didn’t fight. 2. “It Is Finished” — The Ongoing Reality Discipleship begins with trusting, not trying; otherwise the gospel degrades into self-help. Perfect-tense verb: a past, completed act with abiding results. Nothing can alter the “state of affairs.” Common distortions: “It was finished” — God loved me then, but I blew it. “It’s kind of finished” — grace starts salvation; works keep it (official Catholic position refuted by Gal 2:16). “It will be finished” — God will love a future, improved version of me. Biblical truth: right now, it is finished. Ephesians 2:8-9 anchors salvation by grace through faith alone. Courtroom imagery (1 Jn 1–2): Satan = prosecuting attorney (Rev 12:10), citing sin and demanding death (Rom 6:23). Jesus = defense attorney/advocate (1 Jn 2:1-2), presenting nail-scarred hands as proof that punishment already fell; to condemn again would be unjust. Walking in the light (1 Jn 1:5-10): not perfection but nothing hidden—confession, honesty, and fellowship. 3. Identity Formed by Finished Work Only Jesus defines you; you are not your sin, success, orientation, addiction, divorce, abortion, or Instagram likes. Extensive biblical identity declarations were read aloud (e.g., light of the world, temple of the Spirit, chosen race, saint, etc.), reinforcing that believers live under a banner reading “Paid in Full.” Major Lessons & Revelations True discipleship grows from the bedrock of Christ’s completed work; we obey from acceptance, not for acceptance. God’s justice now requires Him to forgive believers because their sin has already been punished in Christ. The enemy cannot steal salvation, so he tries to rob believers of enjoying it through accusations and shame. Mission clarity: Lake Pointe exists to make disciples who embrace the cross, pursue one more soul, and live on the Word of God. Practical Application Carry the “Field Guide” and a physical Bible each week; rustle pages together. Tear off “One More” card: write the person closest to you yet farthest from God; place it privately (mirror, dashboard) and pray daily for gospel opportunities. Sync to the church calendar—prioritize family rhythms around corporate prayer (Jan 21 Night of Prayer & Worship) and discipleship environments (Rooted, groups). Download the new Lake Pointe app: follow daily one-chapter Bible plan, watch sermons, listen to Lift Read for deeper study. Continually ask, “What is my next step of obedience?” and act on it rather than trying to tackle everything at once. When you sin, run to the Father, not away; confess, receive forgiveness, walk in the light. Conclusion & Call to Response • Discipleship starts at the cross: Tetelestai. Receive, then follow. • Pastor invited anyone lacking assurance to whisper a prayer of surrender—“God, I’m Yours; the cross counts for me”—marking a new lineage and legacy. • Church prayed for fresh awareness of grace and courage to abide in Christ throughout 2026. ...
Progressivism vs. Historic Christianity Discerning true progress from cultural decay. Scripture References Matthew 25 Matthew 5–7 Matthew 19:4–6 Genesis 3 Deuteronomy Nehemiah Romans 13 1 Thessalonians 3:10 (allusion) Galatians 2 Corinthians 11:14 Introduction A viral Daily Show clip by author/comedian John Fugelsang claims Jesus was “inherently progressive.” Because similar arguments intensify around election seasons, the speaker equips believers to test such claims against Scripture—following the Berean model of examining everything and holding fast to what is good. ...
State-of-the-Pod Celebration Opening Moments Laughter, snorts, and a playful “Let’s kick this pig” opened episode 56—a surprise year-end bonus recorded minutes after Pastor Josh stepped off the Christmas-service stage at Lake Pointe. The mood: breathless joy and holy awe at what God has done in just one year. Testimonies Pastor Josh Fresh from preaching, he stared at “thousands of people walking through the halls” and kept repeating the numbers with disbelief—“7.5 million… 867 million views… that is stupid!” Philosophy: the podcast is “air-war discipleship.” Sunday sermons handle the ground war; the pod tackles cultural issues so “the enemy can’t take back the ground.” Scripture referenced: Acts 17 (the Areopagus) and 2 Corinthians 10:5 (“we destroy arguments and take every thought captive”). Heart cry: “We are not in the view-count business; we are in the discipleship business.” Dreaming forward: hopes Live Free will become “the staging grounds for the resurgence of the church in our nation.” Carlos Erazo Sprinted from the service to the mic in one minute—team-timed. Rolled out the stats: 7.5 million plays, 3.5 million on YouTube alone 481 K new YouTube subscribers (-375 % jump) 1.4 M new Facebook followers, 600 K on IG, 258 K on TikTok 867 million total short-form views 4 million audio streams; top-4 in Apple’s Religion & Spirituality 182 countries reached; 400 % rise in Church-Online attendance Story: Molly from Chicago found the pod, “reignited my faith,” flew to Lake Pointe, and was baptized. Passion: helping “many men find their band of brothers” through life groups. Holy-Spirit Highlights Jaw-dropping reach—proof that every metric is “a real person with a real hunger for a real God.” Organic, unprompted discipleship groups springing up in coffee shops at 7 a.m. Clear sense that social media is today’s Areopagus where the gospel must sound. Repeated gratitude: “Praise the Lord… this is insane… completely stunned.” Prayer Points & Next Steps Ask the Lord to turn every view into true life-change and brotherhood. Gather listener feedback on YouTube: “Why is it working? What should we double down on?” Encourage listeners to text APP to 20411 for the redesigned Lake Pointe app—sermon, podcast, one-chapter-a-day plan, and discipleship guide all in one place. Invitation: email podcast@lakepointe.church or text CONNECT to 20411 to serve, share stories, or help the movement grow. Closing Blessing Pastor Josh, hurrying to preach his seventh Christmas service, clasped hands with Carlos and said, “Live free, brother.” ...
Gathering Information Setting: Live Free Podcast, Lake Pointe Church, Dallas, TX Primary voices: Pastor Josh Howerton (lead teacher), Carlos Erazo (host), Paul Cunningham (co-host) Scripture References Genesis 1–3 Genesis 2 Exodus 34:6–7 Jeremiah 29 Luke 2 John 1:1–18 John 20 Matthew 1–2 Matthew 28:18-20 Romans 4 Romans 13 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Revelation 12–14 Introduction The team explored the many biblical “deep cuts” of the Christmas story, contrasted Jesus with Caesar Augustus, clarified the divergent genealogies in Matthew and Luke, and discussed contemporary topics (immigration imagery, responses to political rhetoric). All discussion centered on seeing Jesus as the true King of Kings and Prince of Peace. ...
Scripture References Matthew 10:15 Matthew 25 Romans 2 Luke 12 Revelation 20 Revelation 14 Introduction The speaker responds to Kirk Cameron’s recent podcast segment in which Cameron and his son James advocate annihilationism (a view that the lost are ultimately destroyed rather than eternally tormented). Emphasizing pastoral care over critique, the preacher sets a respectful tone toward fellow believers while underscoring the seriousness of doctrine about hell—an especially challenging topic during the Christmas season. ...