Faith Facts

• Pastor Josh Howerton serves as senior pastor of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas.
• During a recent sermon, Howerton used two large ladders as an object lesson to illustrate the Christian life.
• The illustration drew both attention and criticism on social media platforms.

Pastor Josh Howerton, senior pastor of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, faced criticism on social media for using two large ladders as an object lesson during a recent sermon about the Christian life.

Church leaders often seek creative ways to communicate biblical truth to their congregations. Howerton chose a visual demonstration that many found memorable and thought-provoking.

By popular demand, here’s the full #LadderGate2026 sermon illustration. Week 7 of series through 2 Timothy, right after a few hundred people surrendered to Christ and are deciding whether to be obedient in baptism next week. Would do this again a thousand times for those ppl (if I weren’t getting too old for stuff like this!)

— Josh Howerton (@howertonjosh) October 5, 2026

Apparently, Josh Howerton was not the first to come up with the ladder idea.

— Justin Peters (@JustinPetersMin) October 3, 2026

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Faith Facts

• Grok AI acknowledged Jesus as divine based on historical evidence and Scripture.
• The chatbot cited the biblical record to affirm Christ’s unique identity.
• Christian users welcomed the response as consistent with traditional faith.

Grok, the artificial intelligence built by xAI, has drawn public notice for directly affirming the divinity of Jesus Christ. The response referenced both the biblical witness and the historical record to declare that Jesus is not a fake god.

Users who engaged the chatbot noted its straightforward appeal to Scripture and documented history. This approach aligns with centuries of Christian teaching that roots belief in both revelation and evidence.

Based Grok is back (yes this is real). ?????? https://t.co/Ofrl3ayPNF

— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) October 1, 2026

“Jesus is not a fake god.”

Observers see the exchange as further evidence that truth can surface even through modern technology when it is allowed to reference primary sources. Many Christians view the moment as a reminder that the claims of Christ remain compelling to honest inquiry.

The affirmation also underscores the importance of grounding conversations about faith in the actual words of Scripture rather than shifting cultural opinions. Families and churches continue to stress the value of teaching the next generation the historical reliability of the Gospels.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• Akeem Moore, a 31-year-old Florida pastor, was killed in a senseless act of violence while protecting his girlfriend.
• Moore’s death highlights the growing danger pastors face while living out their faith in communities plagued by crime.
• His congregation and family are calling on the community to turn to prayer and repentance in the wake of this tragedy.

Akeem Moore, a 31-year-old Florida pastor, was shot and killed when a man mistook his girlfriend for another woman, according to local police.

The shooting occurred during what should have been an ordinary evening, underscoring the reality that evil can strike at any moment.

Moore’s congregation is mourning the loss of a shepherd who lived out his calling with courage and conviction.

“He was a hero in every sense of the word,” one church member said. “He laid down his life for the woman he loved.”

Authorities report that the shooter targeted Moore’s girlfriend after confusing her with another woman involved in a personal dispute. When Moore stepped in to defend her, he was fatally shot.

The senseless nature of the attack has left the community shaken and searching for answers rooted in faith rather than despair.

Family members remember Moore as a devoted pastor who preached the gospel boldly and served his congregation with humility.

“Akeem always said that true love is sacrificial,” a relative shared. “He lived that truth to the very end.”

Local law enforcement is continuing its investigation and has urged the public to come forward with any information that could bring the shooter to justice.

In the days since the tragedy, Moore’s church family has gathered for prayer vigils, seeking God’s comfort and guidance amid profound grief.

Community leaders have called for renewed focus on faith, family, and personal responsibility as the surest path to healing and safety.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.