Pastor Josh Howerton uses ladder illustration to discuss Christian commitment

In a sermon delivered on September 20, 2026, at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, Pastor Josh Howerton utilized a physical demonstration involving two large ladders to illustrate the challenges of the Christian life. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3, Howerton addressed the conflict between biblical teachings and worldly values, emphasizing the necessity for believers to choose between serving God or the world.

During the presentation, Howerton straddled the two ladders to represent a new believer attempting to maintain a foothold in both the Kingdom of God and the world. He explained that while it may initially seem possible to balance both, the distance between the two paths inevitably widens as one progresses in their faith. The pastor used this visual to argue that Christians eventually reach a point where they must choose which authority they will follow, citing Joshua’s biblical call to choose whom one will serve.