How To Study the Bible (and ACTUALLY Grow Spiritually) | Live Free with Josh Howerton

September 14, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

“I want to be remembered for courage for my faith.” That line from Charlie Kirk, played at the end of the episode, captures the spirit of a conversation that moves from ancient olive presses to modern Bible study methods to a viral hospital video of a boy seeing heaven. The throughline is this: the Bible is the authoritative foundation for Christian life, and learning to study it well—not just read it—is how spiritual growth actually happens. The hosts, Pastor Josh Howerton, Pastor Paul Cunningham, and Carlos Rasser, offer a practical, grounded approach to Scripture that avoids hype and centers on time, intentionality, and a humble heart.

The Gethsemane Connection: A Case Study in Biblical Theology

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What you'll learn

1 (00:00) **The Best Bible Study Method** - The hosts introduce the episode's main topic: how to study the Bible and actually grow spiritually.
2 (01:36) **Israel Trip Highlights** - Paul Cunningham shares powerful insights from his first trip to Israel.
3 (14:01) **Jesus and Local Ministry** - Pastor Josh reflects on the geographical reality of Jesus' ministry and its application for modern Christians.
4 (18:06) **Sermon Prep: 2 Timothy 2** - Josh shares a powerful quote from Charles Spurgeon on the meaning of "He cannot deny himself."
5 (23:50) **Avoid Godless Chatter** - The passage warns against divisive talk, which Paul compares to gangrene that must be cut off.
6 (34:51) **Vessels for Honorable Use** - A message of hope: God determines your usefulness not by what you were, but by what you will be.
7 (41:05) **Words: Hummingbirds vs. Buzzards** - A practical teaching on the power of the tongue in families and churches.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

How do you actually study the Bible—and how do you know whether a spiritual experience is really from God?

In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Paul Cunningham unpack 2 Timothy 2 and get practical about becoming people who know God’s Word and live it out. Carlos and Paul also share powerful reflections from their trip to Israel, including what Gethsemane and Galilee taught them about Jesus, His sacrifice, and the ministry happening right in front of us.

Then the conversation gets practical: How do you avoid pointless Christian arguments without compromising truth? How much power do your words really have? What are the best ways to study Scripture? And when someone claims to have seen heaven or experienced a supernatural vision, how should Christians respond?

In this episode:

Why Jesus remains faithful even when we fail
How to know which theological disagreements are worth fighting over
Why your words can bring life or death into your relationships
Four practical methods for studying the Bible
How to use SOAP and inductive Bible study
Why biblical knowledge requires time and intentionality
How to test visions and near-death experiences against Scripture
Why God’s Word—not personal experience—remains our authority

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

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