Podcast Summary

Lakepointe Church with Josh Howerton

Episode: Why Religion Can’t Save You…But Jesus Can | There Is More
Speaker: Pastor Carlos Erazo
Date: October 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode explores the profound difference between religion and a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Carlos Erazo draws from Acts 22 and the conversion story of Paul to illustrate how encountering Jesus changes everything. The episode highlights the limits of religious effort, the importance of genuine transformation, and the way God uses brokenness for purpose. Listeners are challenged to consider their own "before and after" stories and are encouraged to trust in Jesus, not in religion, for salvation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celebrations and Setting the Stage

• Pastor Carlos opens by celebrating church milestones, including the high turnout and life-changing decisions at recent services (00:33).
• He introduces a theme: “What is one thing in your life that, when you experienced it, changed everything?”
• Uses humorous and relatable everyday examples (maps to GPS, coffee, moving to Texas) to illustrate the concept of life 'before' and 'after' significant events (03:00–07:30).

2. Paul’s Story – The Ultimate Before and After

• Context: Paul is falsely accused in Jerusalem and addresses a hostile crowd, sharing his testimony (09:00).
• Pastor Carlos stresses that meeting Jesus is the ultimate life-altering event, shaping not just individuals, but all of Western civilization (09:50).
  • “If he’s changed history and…cultures, then…he can also change you.” (11:30)
• Explains the cultural and religious setting: how Gentiles were excluded from temple areas, illustrated through historical signs warning of death for crossing boundaries (10:10–11:20).

3. Jesus Saves from Religion and Rebellion

• Paul’s credentials: Paul describes himself as “a Jew…educated at the feet of Gamaliel,” essentially as someone with impeccable religious credentials (12:30).
• Lesson: Religion doesn’t save—Jesus does.
  • “You can be religious but not redeemed.” (14:45)
• Contrasts Christianity with other religions:
  • “Every other major religion…for you to be saved, you have to do. Christianity says done.” (15:45)
  • “Salvation in Christianity is not about trying, it’s about trusting.” (16:05)

4. Paul’s Rebellion and God’s Rescue

• Paul admits his extreme rebellion—persecuting Christians—even as he was religious (17:10).
  • Gospel truth: Jesus saves not those who think they’re good, but those who know they need grace.
  • “Do you really believe you are better at sinning than Jesus is at saving?” (19:00)
• Reminds listeners: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Jesus...because there is more grace in him than sin in you.” (19:50)

5. Divine Encounters & Brokenness (Acts 22:6–16)

• Recounts Paul's conversion: the blinding light, falling to the ground—“Sometimes God knocks you flat on your back so you’re finally looking in the right direction.” (22:00)
• Personal Illustration: Pastor Carlos shares his own health struggles as a moment God used to change his perspective, emphasizing that sometimes God allows brokenness not to punish but to redirect and rebuild (24:00).
  • “God wasn’t trying to break my spirit, but he was trying to break my will.” (25:15)
• When our lives are broken, that’s when grace and purpose can flow out (28:25).
  • “Oftentimes we feel that God is breaking us, but what he really is doing is he is building us and preparing us for a new identity, a new season, a new calling, a new anointing, and a new purpose.” (28:50)

6. God’s Appointments: From Brokenness to Purpose

• Paul receives a new mission from God, despite his past (Acts 22:17–21).
  • “Jesus saved you for a kingdom purpose. Now go and tell your story.” (32:35)
• God appoints imperfect people: “Yeah, but God, I have a past…And God says, and that’s exactly what you’re going to tell everybody.” (33:00)
• Uses the stories of Moses, David, and Esther to illustrate that God uses wilderness, giants, and crises to prepare us, not merely give us comfort (30:27).

7. Testimony: Nikki Cruz

• The dramatic conversion of former NYC gang leader Nikki Cruz illustrates the episode’s message.
  • “If God can change Nikki Cruz, he can change anybody.” (35:40)
• Cruz’s story: transformation from violence and hatred to Christian leader, after an encounter with Christ through evangelist David Wilkerson.

8. Personal Call and Invitation

• Pastor Carlos calls listeners to examine their own lives: “Do you have a before and after? Has Jesus changed everything for you?” (37:00)
• Leads a prayer for salvation, inviting listeners to trust in what Christ has done, not their own efforts (38:30).
• Encourages new believers to make their decision tangible—“something solidifies in you spiritually when you respond physically.” (40:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Religion vs. Relationship (15:45):
  “Every other major religion…for you to be saved, you have to do. Christianity says done.” — Carlos Erazo

• On Grace vs. Guilt (19:00):
  “Do you really believe that you are better at sinning than Jesus is at saving?” — Carlos Erazo

• On Divine Perspective (22:00):
  “Sometimes God knocks you flat on your back so you’re finally looking in the right direction.” — Carlos Erazo

• On Brokenness (28:50):
  “Oftentimes we feel that God is breaking us, but what he really is doing is he is building us and preparing us for a new identity, a new season, a new calling, a new anointing, and a new purpose.” — Carlos Erazo

• On Purpose (33:00):
  “Yeah, but God, I have a past…And God says, and that’s exactly what you’re going to tell everybody.” — Carlos Erazo

• On Transformation (35:40):
  “If God can change Nikki Cruz, he can change anybody.” —Carlos Erazo (relating Nikki Cruz’s words)

Important Timestamps

• Celebratory Open & Theme: 00:33
• Everyday "Before and After" Examples: 03:00–07:30
• Historical/Cultural Context for Paul’s Story: 10:10–11:20
• Religion vs. Redemption: 14:45–16:05
• Guilt, Grace, and Assurance: 19:00–19:50
• Paul’s Conversion—Falling Down Metaphor: 22:00–24:00
• Personal Health & Brokenness Story: 24:00–28:50
• Appointed to Purpose: 32:35
• Testimony of Nikki Cruz: 35:40
• Invitation to Respond: 38:30–40:00

Conclusion

Pastor Carlos Erazo passionately urges listeners to move beyond both empty religion and self-destructive rebellion toward a living relationship with Jesus Christ. He illustrates, from both scripture and poignant modern testimonies, that true transformation isn’t about us trying harder, but about trusting in what Jesus has done. No matter one’s past—religious or rebellious—Jesus can offer a new purpose, a new identity, and a new story worth sharing.

Main Takeaway:
There is always a "before and after" in life's most profound stories. The decisive turning point isn’t found in religion or self-effort—but in a relationship with Jesus Christ, the only one who can truly change everything.