Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Lakepointe Church with Josh Howerton
Episode: What Is Keeping the American Church From the Power of the Holy Spirit | There Is More | Pastor Josh Howerton
Date: September 14, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode, delivered by Pastor Josh Howerton, confronts a central question: Why is the American church not seeing the power and presence of the Holy Spirit as described in the Book of Acts? After a week of national tragedy and shifting circumstances, Pastor Josh pivots from a pre-planned series to focus on the vital role of the Holy Spirit, the reality of spiritual opposition, and the need for a faith that is lived in power—not just in words. The sermon addresses both theological concepts and recent cultural events, emphasizing the urgent need for spiritual awakening and authentic Christian witness, especially amid rising cultural darkness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Prompting of the Holy Spirit & Change of Plans

• Pastor Josh describes his usual sermon prep and how, this week, he unexpectedly felt led by the Holy Spirit to abandon his scheduled series and return to the Book of Acts (00:03 – 03:52).
  • Quote:
    “I just have a really strong sense... back to the Book of Acts. Now, within four hours… we witnessed in our nation the assassination of the highest profile... what you witnessed was a martyrdom about four hours later in our country.” (03:32)
• Emphasizes dependence on the Holy Spirit’s leadership for both personal direction and the life of the church.

2. The ‘There Is More’ Theme in Acts

• The Book of Acts demonstrates that there is always "more of God" for both lifelong Christians and seekers (05:00).
• Reference to John 16 and Acts 1:
  • Jesus claims it is better for believers that He departs so the Holy Spirit can come (06:19).
  • “The Spirit inside of you is better than Jesus would be beside you.” (07:45)
• Contrasts the difference before and after Pentecost:
  • Three years with Jesus = 120 disciples;
  • One day with the Holy Spirit = 3,000 saved (08:35).

3. Revival and Uproar: The Spiritual Dynamic of Gospel Ministry

• Wherever the gospel advances, both revival and spiritual opposition (uproar, riots) are present (13:10).
• “Whenever there is an action of the Holy Spirit, there is always going to be a reaction of unholy spirits. That’s why the pattern of the Book of Acts... is revival, riot, revival, riot...” (15:12)
• Encourages listeners not to interpret opposition as failure but as confirmation of authentic gospel movement.

4. Threefold Ministry for Fully Proclaiming the Gospel

• Paul’s ministry in Macedonia, as described in Romans 15:
  • Through proclamation (preaching)
  • Through what he did (acts of service/love)
  • Through the power of signs and wonders (miraculous Holy Spirit power) (19:40)
• “If we only have two out of three, then we’re not giving the world the full witness to the truth and the living power of Jesus.” (21:05)
• Critique of the American church for settling for a gospel of “merely words and no power” (23:15).

5. The Reality and Need for Miraculous Power

• Narrates the miracle of Eutychus raised from the dead (Acts 20) and normalcy of supernatural power for the early church (27:05).
  • Quote:
    “The Holy Spirit is alive. He is active, and he is still working miracles in power today.” (33:04)
• Discusses praying for healing and spiritual breakthrough, with honest acknowledgment that not every prayer is answered as hoped (35:00).
• Real testimonies from the church: healings, answered prayers, and the ongoing need for faith and boldness.

6. Confronting Rising Darkness in Culture

• Hard turn into a frank discussion about demonic activity, spiritual warfare, and recent events—including the assassination of Charlie Kirk (38:30).
• Connects cultural phenomena—violence, rise of spiritual confusion, attacks on Christians—to a deeper spiritual reality.
  • Quote:
    “It has reached a point in our culture where you can no longer credibly deny that there are unholy spirits and darkness in the world. But listen to me, if there are unholy spirits, you need to be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (55:31)
• Warns that the American church must not ignore or downplay spiritual warfare if it wants to see revival and power.

7. Martyrdom, Fear, and Enemy-Love

• Reflects on the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk, likening it to biblical examples such as Stephen (63:15).
  • Quote:
    “I do not think it’s incorrect to call Charlie Kirk a modern American martyr for the faith... he testified to Christ to more people on college campuses in our generation than anyone alive.” (62:25)
• Reiterates the call for Christians to embrace boldness, sacrificial love, and enemy-love—even in the face of violence or persecution.
• All Christians are called to “count the cost” and be prepared to lay down their lives for Christ (69:20).
  • Quote:
    “You can’t kill a Christian. You can only change his address.” (71:10)

8. A Call to Repentance and Boldness

• Pastor Josh calls for national repentance, not merely a political solution (80:55).
  • Quote:
    “Our problem is so deep that we cannot simply vote our way out of it. This nation and this culture—we will have to repent our way out of it.” (82:50)
• Outlines two choices for individuals and the nation: return to Christ or descend into chaos (85:30).
• The path to the power of the Holy Spirit is repentance, baptism, and wholehearted following of Jesus (87:10).
• Invites listeners to respond to the gospel, repent, and receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit (89:36).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “The Spirit inside of you is better than Jesus would be beside you.”
  — Josh Howerton (07:45)

• “Whenever there is an action of the Holy Spirit, there is always going to be a reaction of unholy spirits. That’s why the pattern of the Book of Acts... is revival, riot, revival, riot...”
  — Josh Howerton (15:12)

• “If we only have two out of three, then we’re not giving the world the full witness to the truth and the living power of Jesus.”
  — Josh Howerton (21:05)

• “For the kingdom of God is not just a matter of talk, but of power.”
  — Josh Howerton (quoting 1 Corinthians) (23:15)

• “The Holy Spirit is alive. He is active, and he is still working miracles in power today.”
  — Josh Howerton (33:04)

• “Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?”
  — Josh Howerton (quoting Acts 26:8) (36:36)

• “It has reached a point in our culture where you can no longer credibly deny that there are unholy spirits and darkness in the world. But listen to me, if there are unholy spirits, you need to be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
  — Josh Howerton (55:31)

• “You can’t kill a Christian. You can only change his address.”
  — Josh Howerton (71:10, referencing Billy Graham)

• “Our problem is so deep that we cannot simply vote our way out of it. This nation and this culture—we will have to repent our way out of it.”
  — Josh Howerton (82:50)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Prompting by the Holy Spirit & change of sermon — 00:03 – 03:52
• Explaining "There Is More"—Spirit greater than proximity to Jesus — 05:00 – 08:25
• Revival/Uproar pattern in Gospel ministry — 13:10 – 15:12
• Threefold Gospel witness: preaching, love, power — 19:40 – 21:15
• Miracle of Eutychus; reality of miracles — 27:05 – 33:04
• Honesty about healing, disappointments, and testimonies — 35:00 – 37:30
• Exploring recent cultural tragedies through spiritual lens — 38:30 – 55:31
• What Christian vengeance looks like: “Revival!” — 76:50
• The call for repentance as the only real cure — 80:55 – 85:30
• How to respond: Repent, believe, baptism, receive the Holy Spirit — 87:10 – 92:00

Recap & Action Steps

• The American church must return to Spirit-empowered ministry, where proclamation, love, and supernatural power are all joined.
• In an age of increasing spiritual darkness, the presence of the Holy Spirit—not merely moral teaching or cultural engagement—is essential.
• Every believer is called to bold witness, enemy-love, and readiness to pay the ultimate cost.
• The invitation is clear: repent, follow Jesus, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, personally and as a church.

For Further Reflection:

• Are you living in the power of the Holy Spirit, or settling for a faith of "mere words"?
• How can you cultivate both boldness and love, even in a climate of opposition or hostility?
• Will you choose repentance and spiritual surrender as the path to both personal and cultural transformation?