Podcast Summary: God, Why Is This Happening To Me?

Live Free with Josh Howerton — Lakepointe Church
Episode Date: June 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of “Live Free with Josh Howerton” centers on answering the difficult question, "God, why is this happening to me?" Through the lens of the Sermon on the Mount, Pastors Mike Bro and Mark McCartney, joined by host Carlos, discuss how life's storms reveal our foundations and how Christ’s teachings provide not only guidance but real freedom. The conversation blends personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical steps for transforming faith from mere knowledge to active application, especially in the face of trouble and uncertainty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Vacations, Community, and Setting the Table

• The episode warms up with lighthearted banter about vacations and family life, using these as metaphors for spiritual community and rest (02:00 – 05:00).
• The hosts underscore the importance of show notes and group discussion for deeper discipleship.

2. Recapping the Sermon on the Mount Series

[07:00 – 09:20]

• Mike Bro recaps four weeks of teaching:
  • Week 1: Beatitudes — Invitation to the "blessed life" on a narrow, countercultural road.
  • Weeks 2–3: Jesus cares about transformation of the heart, not only behaviors (discusses anger, money, lust, prayer, etc.).
  • Week 4: Overcoming worry and anxiety by trusting the Father's provision daily.
• Encourages regular reading of the Sermon on the Mount for personal growth.

Quote:
“He’s not just interested in the behaviors we do. He wants us to become the kind of people that he wants us to become and that resides in the heart.”
— Mike Bro (08:00)

3. Choosing the Firm Foundation

[09:20 – 13:10]

• Carlos links the end of the Sermon on the Mount to Deuteronomy’s call to “choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19), noting Jesus is not just giving advice but stating spiritual reality.
• Discussion around two types of people: those who hear and obey, and those who hear and do not apply.

4. Practicing, Not Just Hearing

[13:10 – 20:21]

• Mark McCartney and Mike Bro share personal failures and lessons about putting scripture into action (e.g., dealing with anger).
• James 1:22 is highlighted: “Do not merely listen to the Word… Do what it says.”
• The dangers of “auditing” the faith—being consumers but not practitioners.

Quote:
“Don’t just audit the Word of God… Apply these things to your life.”
— Mike Bro (13:36)

5. Spiritual Disciplines as Practice: Steps for Growth

[14:59 – 19:25]

• “Practice” implies growth, not perfection. Taking small steps of obedience matters more than leaps (e.g., fasting by skipping a meal instead of starting with 40 days).
• Importance of mentoring, planning, and community for accountability (IDP – Individual Development Plan).
• Aw. Tozer cited: "The driver on the highway is safe not when he reads the signs. He’s safe when he obeys them." (19:25)

6. Grace, Obedience, and Avoiding Legalism

[20:21 – 22:07]

• Discussion about grace versus “works”—action is for our own flourishing, and obedience is a response to God's love.
• Truth must be applied to bring transformation.

Quote:
"Truth… is like deodorant. It only works when you apply it.”
— Carlos (22:12)

7. Freedom: The Biblical Worldview

[22:13 – 25:34]

• Exploration of biblical freedom versus worldly freedom. Sin offers apparent liberation but leads to bondage.
• God’s “guardrails” are not to restrict joy but to protect and promote true, abundant life (John 10:10).

Quote:
"God gives. Sin takes."
— Carlos (25:49)

8. Why Storms Surprise Us — The Reality of Trouble

[29:14 – 32:44]

• Many modern Christians are shocked by trials, though Jesus promised storms are inevitable (“when,” not “if”).
• The "Why me?" versus "Why not me?" mentality is discussed, stressing humility and realistic expectations.

Quote:
“The worst thing in history happened to history’s best person.”
— Mike Bro (31:22)

9. Identifying Sand Foundations

[35:51 – 37:17]

• False foundations include career, wealth, achievements, approval of others, etc.—all of which shift and collapse.
• Only Christ is truly solid.

10. What Makes Christ a Rock?

[37:17 – 40:47]

• The words of Jesus are absolute truth—past, present, and future. When storms come, holding to His truth provides hope and endurance.
• Forgetfulness is the enemy of faith; community and remembrance of God’s faithfulness are crucial.

11. Purpose in Pain: How Storms Transform Us

[40:47 – 43:17]

• Not all “good” is comfort; God’s ultimate good is Christlike transformation, often forged through suffering.
• Personal stories of suffering leading to deeper faith and gratitude.

12. Practices for Maintaining a Firm Foundation

[47:12 – 47:43]

• Everyday habits—prayer, gratitude (alphabet gratitude), worship, journaling, and especially community—keep us strong and resilient.

13. Living in Community

[47:43 – 48:24]

• Encouragement to be active in spiritual community before storms hit, so support systems are in place when they do.

End Times Discussion: “Are We in the End Times?”

[50:14 – 56:54]

• Short answer: Yes—the “end times” began with Christ's resurrection and the outpouring at Pentecost (Hebrews 1:2, Acts 2:17).
• Believers are called to live daily as if Christ could return tomorrow, balancing urgency with patience (2 Peter 3:9).
• Metaphor of watching a recorded sports game: "I know we win."
• Focus remains on following Jesus and inviting others, not obsessing over prophetic timelines.

Quote:
“I know we win. It’s already been decided. Jesus Christ did that in the resurrection.”
— Mike Bro (52:22)

• Peter’s counsel in light of the end: Be self-controlled, love others earnestly, show hospitality, use your gifts to serve (1 Peter 4).

Quote:
“Peter remembered the narrow path… We expect the best is yet to come. Because like Billy Graham said, ‘I read the end of the book. It all turns out all right.’”
— Carlos (56:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Yes, you’re going to let me yes be yes, my no be no. All these things he says, I’m actually going to like practice that. And as we practice these things, then our foundation gets strong.”
  — Mike Bro (13:37)

• “Sin feels like freedom until you try to stop.”
  — Carlos (23:05)

• “Self-deception plus self-reliance equals self-destruction.”
  — Mike Bro (20:21)

• “You get better at things by practicing.”
  — Mike Bro (17:40)

• “Our foundation is not our resources, wisdom, or capacity, but trust in Christ alone.”
  — Carlos (34:07)

• “Forgetfulness can be the greatest enemy of faith.”
  — Carlos (38:46)

Important Timestamps

| Segment Topic | Timestamp | |-------------------------------|------------| | Banter/Setting the Stage | 00:40–06:03| | Sermon on the Mount Recap | 07:02–09:21| | Hearing vs. Doing, Application| 09:21–20:21| | Spiritual Disciplines | 14:59–19:25| | Grace vs. Works, Application | 20:21–22:07| | Biblical Freedom | 22:13–25:34| | Preparation for Life’s Storms | 29:14–32:44| | False Foundations | 35:51–37:17| | Christ the Solid Rock | 37:17–40:47| | Suffering & Transformation | 40:47–43:17| | Community & Practices | 47:12–48:24| | End Times Q&A | 50:14–56:54|

Takeaways & Action Steps

• Actively apply biblical truths, don’t just consume content.
• Build spiritual disciplines step by step—small steps of obedience compound over time.
• Expect storms: Trouble is part of the Christian life; preparation and resilience come from Christ.
• Pursue real community before trouble arrives, ensuring support during tough seasons.
• Redefine ‘good’: God’s definition is Christlikeness, not always ease or comfort.
• Live ready: The “end times” are now. Stay alert, loving, and focused on sharing Christ, not sensationalism.

This episode blends profound biblical teaching with an encouraging, practical approach to faith. Through honest stories, analogies, and clarity, listeners are equipped to face their storms with hope—and to build their lives on the unshakable rock of Christ.