The Christian walk involves moving from sympathy to empathy, as exemplified by Christ's compassionate suffering and sacrifice. By actively listening, showing care, and trusting in God's presence, believers can better support and connect with others.

The word sympathy originates from a Greek word meaning a shared feeling or a willingness to help because of shared feelings. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar share how the Christian walk involves fellowshipping with God first and then with others. In fellowship, we often move from sympathy to empathy. Sympathy is feeling sorry for someone's situation, whereas empathy is about experiencing their emotions because you've been through similar situations yourself. No one wants to go through pain, but enduring it can strengthen your spiritual muscles. Everyone has faced tough times, enabling us to relate to others' pain and emotions.

1 Peter 3:8 speaks to this topic, emphasizing that being like-minded and sympathetic fosters compassion. Christ is our ultimate example—He did not stand above human suffering but willingly stepped into it. Jesus endured complete separation from God so that we would not have to experience that separation. Through His sympathy, we are saved, and this empowers us to sympathize with others. Sympathy naturally leads to action. It’s about trying to understand and entering into someone’s world, even if you haven't experienced their exact circumstances.

The guys speak about how sympathy is the Lord opening your eyes to the people around you. Believers often become self-centered, forgetting the precious souls bearing the image of Christ surrounding us. Romans 12:15 encourages us to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. It is essential to actively listen and slow down. Overpowering conversations can make others feel undervalued. Listening to bless others can also be a learning experience. Jealousy can sometimes hinder our ability to rejoice with others, but love focuses on the well-being of other people.

It all comes back to remembering the sympathy that God has towards us. To grow in sympathy, ask thoughtful questions and be mindful of the environment and the people around you. Engage in actions that show you care. Be patient with those who are suffering and encourage them to move forward and actively walk with the Lord. The guys encourage Christians to remember that there is value in your suffering beyond what God may be doing in you. Affliction serves to convince us of our own insufficiency and dependence on God. Even if you feel isolated, remember that God sees your struggles. Continue to move forward, trusting in God's presence and support. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

"Judge not, lest you be judged" is often misunderstood. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about the criteria Jesus provided for judging by emphasizing the concept of being "measured." In ancient times, people used scales to measure grain, but tax collectors and Romans often tampered with these scales, leading to unjust measurements. Jesus warned against using unbalanced scales to judge others, implying we must hold ourselves to the same standard. It is impossible to make judgments without evaluating actions.

When the guys talk about judging, they mean assessing someone's actions, not their motives. While it's essential to make judgment calls, Christians should be righteous and grounded in God's word. It's wrong to assume we know someone's internal motives, but believers can lovingly point out clear sins. Twisting scripture to avoid accountability is misguided. Chrisitains understand their own shortcomings and invite others to receive grace, rather than condemning them.

Jesus clarified, rather than abolished, the law. God knows our hearts completely, and both believers and unbelievers must judge themselves before they stand in front of God. The Bible encourages us to discern good fruit from bad. Judging isn't about deciding someone’s eternal fate but evaluating their actions. This helps individuals recognize and correct their sins, fostering spiritual growth. Believers benefit from mutual accountability, as it helps produce good fruit. Spiritual stagnation often results from a lack of honest feedback. It's crucial to welcome constructive criticism and avoid hypocrisy, which requires an outside perspective to identify.

Romans 10 illustrates improper judgment, advising against a judgmental spirit. Everyone's sanctification journey is unique, and non-sinful personal choices should be respected. Instead of criticizing, the guys encourage believers to ask questions and seek understanding. Judgmental attitudes are ugly and unproductive; we lack full knowledge and should mind our own business. There's only one true judge, and expecting others to conform to our standards is hypocritical.

To close, the guys talk about some practical ways to avoid a judgeful spirit. Community provides counsel and support. Share opinions with humility and graciousness when asked, but avoid interfering in non-sin issues. Respect areas of liberty unless they lead to sin or stunt growth. Focus on your own sanctification and celebrate others’ strengths. Addressing personal shortcomings can keep us from meddling in others’ lives.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Today Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar tackle the topic of feminism. It began as a movement for gender equality, initially seeking equal rights for women, such as voting, owning property, and having bank accounts. The second wave included the normalization of men participating in domestic tasks and introduced the sexual revolution. Third-wave feminism emphasized sexual empowerment, viewing sexuality as a tool for achieving personal goals. Currently, in the fourth wave, there is a push for women to dominate men, celebrate abortions, and seek greater freedom.

At the core of feminism is the debate over gender roles. From a biblical perspective, there is no conflict; men and women are different by design. True liberation for women comes from freedom from sin. Christianity, especially in its early context, elevated women in a male-dominated Roman culture, offering a counter-cultural view that valued women highly. The biblical view is the safest and most dignifying for women, contrasting sharply with the sexual revolution, which the guys point out empowers abusive men rather than women.

God’s design for gender roles assigns men as providers and women as nurturers. Feminism fosters a harsh spirit in women, deviating from their nurturing nature, which is seen as demonic. The family structure designed by God is portrayed as beautiful, and addressing this often meets resistance. The role of women as primary caregivers is emphasized, with concerns about the mental health impact when women are primary breadwinners. 

Ultimately, the discussion returns to God’s authority. Fourth-wave feminism is critiqued for suggesting that women's lack of success is due to men's behavior, prompting women to emulate those behaviors. This raises questions about the nature of freedom, which is defined not as doing whatever one wants but fulfilling one's intended purpose. True freedom is seen as doing what one is meant to do, which is loving God. The proliferation of gender identities is viewed as a symptom of a society that has removed God from the equation.

The real agenda of feminism is to deny God, with radical feminists targeting the Church. Fifth-wave feminism encourages women to avoid marriage and motherhood. Christians are called to preach boldly, emulating the growth of the early Church in a non-Christian Rome. Believers are encouraged to study the Bible and learn the truth, standing against the modern feminist movement, which has drifted into insanity. In contrast, Christ is seen as elevating women, with true beauty found in fulfilling God's design for His glory.

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Faithfulness is a cornerstone of our relationship with God. It is manifested in the mundane and the extraordinary, in the stories we share and the lives we live. This latest podcast episode explores this concept in depth, using the Book of Ruth as a primary source of inspiration.

The story of Ruth is one that resonates deeply with us. Naomi and her family, forced to flee Bethlehem due to a famine, end up in the pagan region of Moab. There, Naomi’s sons take Moabite wives, Orpah and Ruth, and then the women are left as widows who must make their way in the world.

Looking at the book of Ruth in the biblical context in the time of Judges, a turbulent period in Israel’s history when no king ruled the land, shows us how this story holds a significant place in God's redemptive plan, demonstrating faithfulness, commitment, and the covenant of love and kindness. The guys marvel how this story links Ruth, a non-Hebrew woman, with her great grandson, King David, and ultimately Jesus. The absence of direct mention of God in the narrative and the recurrent use of the word “redeemer” highlight the providence and sovereignty of God at work behind the scenes.

The discussion takes a turn towards the importance of faithfulness in everyday life. They emphasize how faithfulness, a fundamental aspect of God's character, is mirrored in Ruth's actions. Drawing on the wisdom of Hudson Taylor, it is highlighted how faithfulness in the little things is a great thing. They further explore God's call to be generous to the poor and immigrants, echoing the message in the book of Ruth.

Ruth's unwavering commitment to her mother-in-law Naomi is a testament to the power of faithfulness and the potential it holds to shape our lives. This faithfulness mirrors God's commitment to us, exemplified in the covenant of marriage and the local church community. The conversation is concluded by considering the faithfulness of Boaz, Ruth's redeemer, who sacrificed his own family name to redeem Ruth and Naomi.

The podcast episode wraps up on a lighter note, discussing Mark's mug-flicking antics and podcast ratings. But the core message remains—the importance of faithfulness in our lives, reflected in the ordinary and extraordinary, the familiar and unfamiliar, and in the stories we share, from Ruth to alligators.

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Today the guys dive into the intriguing aspects of conviction leadership and the monumental challenges leaders face in this modern era with the help of Dr. Albert Mohler, a renowned scholar and stalwart in the world of Christian academia.

As the cultural landscape undergoes significant shifts, Christian academia finds itself grappling with the difficulty of preserving Christian truth while maintaining academic standing.

Dr. Mohler's candid conversation reveals these dynamics within Christian academia, drawing attention to the impact of these societal changes on the overall Christian identity. The conversation extends to the role of families navigating this rapidly changing culture, underscoring the crucial role parents play in imparting spiritual instruction to their children and their indispensable involvement in their discipleship. 

The conversation then moves to an eschatological view of history, holding on to the hope that, despite the winds of change sweeping across the United States, adherence to scripture and the sanctity of marriage will remain foundational elements in raising children in the admonition of the Lord.

Dr. Mohler's reflections on the current state of Christian academia prove enlightening, especially his thoughts on the implications of vast cultural shifts on the LGBTQ issue. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, especially in the younger generations, who face immense pressure from societal changes. The conversation delves into the rising social velocity in the United States, pondering the potential loss of social privilege for Christians and the increasing marginalization of Christian institutions.

The episode culminates in a discussion on hope and unity within the Church. Focusing on an eternal perspective. Dr. Mohler emphasizes obedience to scripture and honoring marriage as key components of raising children in the admonition of the Lord. The necessity of vigilance and attention in discerning which churches remain faithful to the gospel is also discussed.

This discussion with Dr. Albert Mohler offers an enlightening exploration of conviction leadership, Christian academia, and the challenges faced by Christians in the modern world. It serves as a compelling discourse on faith, family, and the future, leaving listeners with much to ponder and reflect upon.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In this episode, the guys interview minister and YouTuber Allen Parr at the NRB Convention in Orlando and discuss the necessity for robust theological understanding, especially in an era where it's becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate the real from the artificial.

Exploring the roots of apologetics and its importance in faith conversations, the guys discuss cultural shifts and how faith deconstruction has become prevalent, making it even more critical to have a firm grasp on apologetics.

Then, they move the spotlight onto progressive Christianity, examining its rise within the church and the potential pitfalls it might pose to true biblical understanding. While the progressive movement may seem appealing to some, there is need for caution. The guys emphasize the importance of a grounded biblical understanding to avoid potential misinterpretations that could lead away from true biblical teachings. By thoroughly understanding the Word of God and being aware of false teachings, believers can equip themselves with the necessary tools to safeguard their faith.

These issues and others are also explored in Allen’s book, Misled: 7 Lies That Distort the Gospel (and How You Can Discern the Truth).

This podcast episode offers an insightful journey of faith, theology, and apologetics in the age of progressive Christianity. It challenges listeners to delve deeper into their understanding of faith, scrutinize their beliefs in light of the Bible, and equip themselves to navigate the challenges posed by shifting cultural norms.

This episode was recorded at NRB 2023 International Christian Media Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Navigating the journey to full-time ministry is often filled with uncertainty. How does one discern a call to ministry? How do we balance ministry, family, and self? In this podcast episode, our hosts explore these critical questions with guest Mike Fabarez, founder of Compass Bible Church. Mike candidly shares his insights on the journey of discernment, emphasizing the essential need for coaching and reaffirming the sacredness of all work that glorifies God.

In the course of their dialogue, the guys delve into the challenges and pitfalls of church leadership, underlining the necessity of humility, self-discipline, and spiritual fitness. From discussing the art of balancing ministry with family responsibilities to the importance of prayer and accountability, Mike provides a comprehensive overview of life in this vital role, encouraging listeners to keep their hearts directed towards Christ, even while navigating the complexities of leadership.

They then delve into an often overlooked topic: envy. Mike unveils his new book, Envy: A Big Problem You Didn't Know You Had and explains how this hidden sin can lead to resentment. He encourages meaningful conversations about spiritual struggles and the importance of identifying and overcoming envy.

This episode serves as a reminder of the complexities of leadership and the need to keep our hearts directed towards Christ. As Mike Fabarez puts it, the essence of Christian life is about being fully engaged and fully present in all aspects of church life, be it congregation life, small group life, or serving the church. It is about fully participating in the purpose of our lives and finding our place in ministry.

Whether you are discerning a call to full-time ministry, navigating the challenges of leadership, or seeking to understand and overcome envy, this podcast episode provides a wealth of wisdom and insights.

This episode was recorded at NRB 2023 International Christian Media Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Ever thought about how social media is influencing you and your spiritual life? Join E.Z. and Oscar in an engaging conversation with esteemed guest, Nathan W. Bingham, Vice President of Ministry Engagement for Ligonier Ministries, on the perks and pitfalls of social media. They share personal tales from the heartwarming to the hilarious, all while discussing the evolving role of social media and its impact on community, worship, and spiritual growth.

Social media has changed the way we interact with each other and the world. Its rapid evolution has resulted in a seismic shift in how we communicate, consume information, and even worship. The digital landscape is a complex maze that requires careful navigation, and social media devices can have a discipling effect, making it crucial to be mindful of who influences us. Nathan offers insights into digital time management, shares his own journey from Australia to Florida, and his significant encounter with Dr. R. C. Sproul. They also touch on the potential of social media in promoting faith-based global connections.

Finally, they tackle the sensitive topic of teen mentoring in this digital age. Listen as they discuss Jonathan Haidt's research into the addictive nature of social media and its impact on young minds. Looking at the conscious choices made by Nathan and his family regarding technology use and social media, the group hopes to trigger thoughtful discussions on the topic. Ending on a reflective note, they explore how smart devices and social media can be used for the glory of God and share Nathan's personal encounter with God's holiness through online messages. Tune in for a captivating discussion on the intricacies of social media and its place in our spiritual lives.

This episode was recorded at NRB 2023 International Christian Media Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Join our hosts on a journey through the fascinating tales of two biblical characters: Zacchaeus and Judas, and their quests for wealth on divergent paths. First, we look at the story of Zacchaeus, the despised tax collector whose story, filled with humility and repentance, still reverberates in our hearts today. What can we learn from his encounter with Jesus and subsequent transformation? What does his story teach us about seizing opportunities and seeking God earnestly?

Shifting gears, the guys then journey into the darker narrative of Judas. As they reflect on his path, we're reminded of the perils of pursuing God for materialistic gain rather than for His divine essence. Dissecting these narratives, they delve into the power of repentance, humility, and the transformation that's possible in Christ. How can we apply these lessons to our lives? Listen as these profound biblical tales are unraveled and the valuable lessons they hold for us today are extracted. 

We’ll also experience the joy of a lively conversation on the humorous side of life—have you ever heard of the concept of a 'dog whistle' for kids? Make way for some laughter as the guys explore how our hearing inevitably changes as we age. But it's not all fun and games; they also navigate the challenging terrain of understanding others during conversations and shed light on how we can handle these situations with grace and discretion. This episode promises heartfelt discussions, laughter, and thought-provoking lessons. Don't miss out! 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Ready to have your beliefs about Catholic theology challenged, especially when it comes to Mary? This episode presents a fascinating discussion that dives into many Catholic concepts surrounding Mary, such as her immaculate conception and perpetual virginity, many of which are surprisingly recent. Sprinkled throughout the conversation are moments of humor, including anecdotes about icy plunges in Alaska and the ongoing hammock debate.

The guys aim to bring misconceptions surrounding Catholicism and Mary's role in the gospel to the forefront. They spend time delving into topics like the veneration of the mother of Jesus and the prevalence of Mary tattoos among gangsters, as well as addressing the perils of misinformation. A theological discussion ensues about Mary's role in Jesus' sinlessness, exploring concepts such as the creation of souls and the implications of the term “co-redemptrix.”

But the discussion doesn't stop there. The episode also explores the subtle dangers of idolizing people, whether they are celebrities or spiritual leaders. It emphasizes how this form of idolatry can sneak unnoticed into our lives and the ways it elicits reactions which can mirror worship. Most importantly, the hosts shed light on the liberating power of placing our trust solely in Jesus Christ for salvation. Amidst these engaging discussions, the goal is to deepen our understanding of Mary and reaffirm faith in Jesus. Get ready for a thought-provoking journey that promises to enrich your perspectives on faith.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Navigating tricky conversations can be a tightrope walk, but Ray Comfort, Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne, Mark Spence, and Oscar Navarro are here to share tried-and-true techniques and their own experiences on how to establish boundaries with those who claim to be Christians, those who aren't, and even those who are exploring the realms of homosexuality and transgenderism. Learn to take the reins of your conversations with others—oh, and brace yourself for our celebration of dad jokes and the importance of humor! 
 
 Drawing from personal stories, the guys paint a vivid picture of how the world of words continues to evolve; from the resurgence of ‘rad’ to the inventive language use of the younger generation. They also delve into the rich history of how Christianity born amid a pagan culture and offer insights into how Paul navigated this challenging landscape. His methods of engagement with cultural elites and the power of common ground are explored, all aimed at equipping you with the tools to confidently proclaim the gospel. 
 
 It's not all weighty topics, though! Listeners share in the lighter side of the podcast, from the joy of discovering new words to the all-important role of humor. Plus, the bad joke champion, Mark, keeps the laughs rolling in. So, join the guys on this enlightening journey as the Living Waters Podcast tackles idolatry, boundaries, cultural challenges, and evangelism—all while keeping a sense of humor alive!

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys are rejoined by guest Pat Nemmers to discuss the unsettling topic of rebellion. Christians sometimes have a tendency to use our children as a trophy of our own sanctification, and forget about grace. The scriptures give us truisms for parenting but these are not guarantees. Without the faithful work of Christ, none of our kids could be saved. Thus, we should not take any credit, but offer it to God.

In this discussion, Patrick recalls for us the rebellion of his son John and the pain he felt watching him get arrested for physical violence. One night, while lying in bed and pleading with God for the soul of his son, Pat felt God speak to him. At this moment, God pointed out to Patrick that he does not trust Him. After this, Pat felt a newfound sense of peace despite the tumultuousness of his son’s life. Next, Pat offers advice for parents currently dealing with a “problem child” of their own. If your children know the gospel, he reminds them it isn’t necessary for you to declare it to them every day. Rather, this is where grace and love come into play. Similarly, the Lord will give you peace if you ask of Him. Time spent without children is the most valuable thing we can give to them. As Christians, there is sometimes a wrong time to do the right thing. While working and spending time with God’s Word are good things, we must make the time we share with our families a priority. Before wrapping up, Pat shares about how his son John eventually came back to Christ and has never looked back. Listeners are reminded that to deal with sin in a sinful way is just as sinful. The best thing to do is to lead by example and be present with our children.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, returning guest Pat Nemmers joins the guys to discuss tragedy through the lens of his newest book, “Retractions.” Tragedy is a real part of the Christian faith. When we look to Scripture, we see that those who were most used by the Lord were often the people who went through the most difficult circumstances. Today’s conversation will discuss how believers can bounce back after experiencing a tragedy by clinging to the Lord for hope to thrive in a way that honors Him.

To begin, Pat explains that some spiritual things are never seen until we are in a dark place. Pat’s dark night of the soul came when his wife of nearly 17 years suffered a heart attack and died in his arms. Pat shares the hardest part of the event, which was telling his 7 children that their mother was no longer with them. Then, he unpacks times before his family experienced this tragedy that he lacked compassion that he now realizes he could have shown.

Pat suggests that it is because God loves us that He has given us the gift of suffering. He offers advice on how Christians can hold on to their faith during tragedy and turn it into something beautiful. To those who are currently grieving, he informs that grief does ultimately have a limit. Then, Pat shares the story of seeing a powerful double rainbow which was God’s reminder to him that his wife was in glory in heaven; this realization came on the basis of this truth: to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. For listeners going through tragedy, he believes now is the time to lean into this fundamental truth. The reality is that suffering and joy are always part of our lives. Until the fullness of Jesus is recognized here on earth as it is in Heaven, we will always be living with the pains of sin and death. The gospel provides us with the knowledge that our loved ones who believed are with Christ in heaven and that one day God will fulfill His promise that every tear will be wiped away. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Ray, E.Z., and Oscar jump into the controversial topic of Taylor Swift’s music. Secular music is not completely off the table for Christians, but caution and conviction are essential. There’s latitude within the faith that allows for engagement with secular music, yet it’s crucial to examine the foundations of these choices and be open to sharpening each other’s understanding.

The devotion to Taylor Swift is a phenomenon. Humans are inherently worshipful, and for the secular world, concerts can be a form of worship. Singing together embeds narratives into our hearts, much as a religious experience. Music’s power is significant. Parents should be mindful of what their children are exposed to, including Taylor Swift’s songs. Her lyrics, often seen as innocent, have evolved and can be concerning.

From a marketing perspective, starting with clean lyrics captures a broad audience, which may then follow an artist into more mature themes. Taylor Swift has transitioned from America’s sweetheart to a feminist icon, with her lyrics becoming increasingly explicit. This shift should prompt parents to consider what they are endorsing when supporting her music and concerts. Some of her lyrics now contain blasphemous content.

Many dismiss the impact of hearing cuss words; however, the Bible advises caution about what enters our hearts and minds, emphasizing the pursuit of purity and goodness. The stories conveyed in Swift’s music are also a point of importance. Her songs reflect a searching for self-worth and addressing desires. These themes often contradict scripture and promote a false gospel of self-reliance and expressive individualism.

This discussion is not an attack on Taylor Swift but a caution for her. The aim is to urge her to turn away from sin and embrace a more righteous path. Corrupt entertainment influences our thoughts, and Christians should instead align their desires with God’s will. Words have power, and the messages in music can shape our thinking.

Swift’s use of religious language to discuss sexuality is another concern. True fulfillment and identity are found in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, not in sexual desires. The Song of Solomon presents a view of holy sexuality that contrasts with the world’s messages. Swift’s lyrics mock Christian values and blaspheme God. Many Christians may not realize the current state of Swift’s music. It’s essential to meditate on what is good and pure. Engaging with secular music requires discernment and a focus on maintaining spiritual integrity.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today’s episode, the guys welcome guest Pat Nemmers, lead pastor from Saylorville Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Pat talks about the “Engaged Network” at his church, where they have planted seven gospel-centered churches by sending gospel-centered men to different areas, where those men stay, live, and join the community. It sends the message that these churches and God-fearing men are here to stay. Pat shares how he was raised in a Catholic home, found the Lord, repented, and realized God is what everyone needs. Pat has such a heart to share the gospel with everyone and church planting plays a major role in evangelizing the lost.

The guys discuss the topic of humiliation and Pat’s book, “Retractions: Cultivating Humility After Humiliation.” Pat shares that the word “retractions” is a willingness to openly admit and repent our errors. The book is based on the 51st Psalm, where David expresses repentance over his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband. David never mentions what happened in this passage, but there is an underlying sense of humility. We forget that the most important person in the world already knows everything about us. Pride causes us to withdraw from Him, but we are the recipient of the overflow of God’s grace when we recognize that there is nothing in ourselves of which we can boast.

Next, the guys talk about how there is value and gain when we confess our sins, and share that even as saved saints, we continue to sin. There is a difference between humiliation and humility, and we decide whether to allow humiliation to humble us. To detect pride in ourselves, Pat quotes Proverbs 26:2, “Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.” When someone curses us and we are not guilty, it doesn’t light—we don't feel guilty in our hearts. However, if it does light, in your heart there is a sense of guilt or uneasiness. If you can detect that in the moment, then that's the time to humble yourself. Pride is like a snowball—it gets worse and grows and grows. It is a beautiful thing and God is honored when you recognize your pride and humble yourself. Lastly, the guys talk about how we need to keep doing what is honoring God and use our humiliation to become more humble, God-fearing people. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today’s episode, the guys discuss AI, or artificial intelligence, and whether it will destroy the world. AI is the science of engineering and making of machines with human-like characteristics and kicked off in 1956. Not too long ago, we would have written off AI and never believed it could happen, but AI has already started, and even Elon Musk has shared that he is afraid of it. There is an argument that the whole world needs to lay down regulations for AI with a global summit with all nations. Many believe we need to put parameters and limitations around AI because there will be danger if we do not, and that people will abuse this technology and eventually it will exceed human intelligence. 

First, the guys discuss how Christians need to be very wise with how we use artificial intelligence. The danger begins when we use AI to think for us, instead of thinking for ourselves. AI will increase the dwindling of our creative consciousness, which is what reflects our Creator. If AI goes rogue, it could start tapping into every cell phone and machine, and even the experts are concerned. Humans have already manipulated one another, and in some countries people have used social media to manipulate political elections. If humans could do this without AI, imagine what they can do with it. It’s important to remember that we are not just fighting AI or wicked people in the world, but there is an evil, spiritual force that is working against Christians and the Lord.

Many religions and people want to become like God, and AI is an attempt to do just that. However, we cannot become like God; He already came to the world to become like us. Even though AI is attempting to conquer physical death, God has already conquered death through the cross. God is not worried about artificial intelligence, so we don’t need to be either. AI will not and cannot save the world because God already did, and God is still in the business of saving. As Christians, we need to keep increasing our critical thinking skills by reading books. Our culture today looks for one-liners and quick answers. We do not think about problems and issues as much as we should, and often lack strong processing skills. We must move away from quick and easy information and instead work toward increasing our critical thinking and processing skills. However, AI can also be exciting in how we can use it to further the gospel, as it could be a tool by which opportunities to share the Good News are made available.

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss Coronation Outreach: Operation London. Initially, they thought they might pass 3 million out tracts with 2,000 workers. However, things exploded so much that they ended up handing out 16 million tracts with the help of 21,000 workers from across the globe! The team didn’t even have to approach their regular donors to cover the costs of printing 16 million tracts, 500,000 hardcover books, and hosting a conference for around 400 people in London. There were people handing out gospel tracts on nearly every single street in London on Coronation Day, and Ray compared his experience to the stories we hear from the early church. A local Romanian church kindly opened their doors to offer a place for people to stay for free. So many people from every age group came together to share the gospel, preach for the first time, and connect with others. They also share about their loving interactions with non-believers. In addition to the tracts being handed out, there was an immense number of prayers being poured over the trip. 

Then, the guys touch on how the church of England has lost the sense of the gospel. When we think about Wesley and Whitfield who came from the Church of England, we can only hope and pray that God brings a revival. The guys predict that many people will keep the tracts they received at the event as a keepsake for such a huge moment in history. The goal of this episode is to stir the souls of listeners and offer a glimpse of what God can do when we decide to be an instrument in His hand. 

So, what’s next for the Living Waters team? 2024 will bring us the Olympics in Paris and a whole new opportunity to share the gospel with the world. While the coronation of King Charles was huge, it wasn’t followed by the whole world in the way the Olympics are. Anyone interested in being part of the event should subscribe to the Living Waters newsletter and check the website in the coming months.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today’s episode, the guys discuss the Garden of Gethsemane, which is where Jesus was praying after the Last Supper, right before He went to the cross. This moment in the garden was a dark, tumultuous scene in the Bible. Each of the gospels give their own account, and it was very likely frightening for the disciples. Jesus was sweating drops of blood and was trembling, but still said not for His own will, but God’s will to be done. Matthew 26:36 states, “Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ There is a time in every kid’s life where we see our dads cry or get sick for the first time. It’s a moment when we realize our dad is only human. This same moment happened with Jesus and the disciples. This moment puts the incarnation of Christ on display, much like trying to wrap your head around the reality that He had been a baby and needed care. Jesus was human every bit as much as He was God, and it is important for us to keep that balance. 

Jesus doesn't say, “take this pain or suffering away from me”—he says, “take away this cup.” Jesus isn't talking about His physical death here, but looking at the fullness of the wrath of God that every human deserves. It states in the Bible that for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross. Jesus endured the cross for the fellowship and relationship that people would have with Him. It states that Jesus actually did sweat giant drops of blood, which is a real medical condition that happens in very rare instances of extreme anguish and distress. This highlights the reality of the humanity of Christ. In His prayer, He only prays—He does not demand, advance any claims, lay upon God any conditions, or reserve future obedience. This is the very heart of the believer when we are spiritually mindful. Trusting in the Lord doesn’t just mean doing the right thing, but maintaining composure and doing things with a heart that says “Lord, you are worthy of doing the right thing.” 

Lastly, the guys talk about how Jesus finds His disciples sleeping, which is a reference to the Old Testament where God required the Israelites to stay awake during Passover. 

Exodus 12:42 states, “Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the Lord for the generations to come.” In the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples did not keep watch, so the work of salvation was on God alone. These verses from Gethsemane remind us that it is so important to be watchful and pray preventative prayers to be on guard against temptation. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today’s episode, the guys discuss Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus in the third chapter of John and what it means to be born again. Some might think being “born again” means to be radically changed or have different views than our world, but this is not the case. Nicodemus, as a Pharisee and religious figure with political authority knew the Scriptures very well, and even he didn’t understand it. So Jesus took time to explain what it means to be born of the Spirit. At the beginning of the encounter we are told that Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, which could indicate that he didn’t want to be seen with Jesus. The apostle John also uses double meanings in his words, so “night” could represent spiritual blindness: Nicodemus is blind to the glory of God and initiates a conversation in that state. 

Next, the guys state the importance of knowing the biblical context of what happened before this verse, so we can truly understand the motive behind Nicodemus’ heart. Right before Nicodemus approaches Jesus, there was the cleansing of the temple where Jesus challenges the political and religious authority of the Pharisees. Therefore, Nicodemus is trying to have a conversation about political power, but Jesus wants to have a conversation about his soul. The words in the Bible matter and are not insignificant. Nicodemus went to the physical, but he was missing the importance of the spiritual. Being born again makes you a new person, so everything is different. Ray likes to describe being born again as a Christian as a personal miracle. There is now a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Anyone born again in Christ is a new creation and is transformed. Ezekiel 36:25-27 states, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Being born again is to be cleansed from your sins with a new spirit within you. We cannot do this for ourselves, but only God will be the one to give us a new spirit. Lastly, the guys discuss that when you are born again, you need to read the love letter that God wrote to us, the Bible, and get plugged in at a church with other Christians to be rooted in God’s light. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today’s episode, the guys discuss finding calm in the midst of busyness. In our culture, we ask one another how we are doing, but we answer now with what we are doing. Busyness is almost a barometer for how important or successful you are. There is a healthy type of busyness, but the wrong type of busy makes you lose your composure and mix up your priorities in life. Jesus was busy, but never in a way that made Him frantic about lesser things. There is also an unspoken fear of what we may find when we slow down, so people keep themselves busy instead. This ultimately points to the fact that nothing apart from God can satisfy our desires. We need to be careful not to be so busy that we don’t focus on what truly matters: time with the Lord, our family, and our friends. 

Next, the guys talk about limitations, and how we need to be okay with having them. We need to recognize that we are by nature limited and that limitation is good and be able to say that we don't have the capacity to do something. Learning to say “no” is a relief and something we need to get back into the habit of practicing. We can also ask those that are closest to tell us if we have become busy in the wrong way. We need to keep the main thing the main thing—which is relationships with people. Our phone is one major distraction that keeps our mind relentlessly busy and often make us feel that we need something, while the only thing we truly need is time with Jesus. The solution is to focus on where our attention lies because that reflects our heart’s devotion. If you want to know what you’re devoted to, pay attention to what you pay attention to.

Lastly, they talk about the way we view restfulness, which should be a gospel view and not a cultural one. Our world views rest as something that is needed so we can be a more effective worker, but God Himself rested on the seventh day after He created the world. He didn’t rest because He needed to be a more effective God, restfulness is a part of the beauty of God. Restfulness in our lives is to connect with the glory, goodness, and beauty of who God is. The purpose of rest is not to make us more effective, but it is intrinsic to being human. To not rest is to not be human. The byproduct of rest is refreshment, rejuvenation, and the fruits of the Spirit, like joy and peace. These are things that we miss when we allow ourselves to be busy in the wrong way, and that is not how the Lord called us to live. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss how Christians can serve like Jesus. We are reminded that everything that Jesus did while He was on this earth was tied to servanthood. In the final analysis, He showed the greatest form of love, which was giving His life and dying for the people. We also see His servanthood and love for people in His scathing responses to their fallacies because He truly cared for them. Just as Jesus did for us, there is no greater way we can serve people than by speaking truth to them. Sometimes, however, this inspires rebukes, which we should be open to listening to. Speaking truth to others requires sacrifice and humility. Sometimes, we are forced to choose between humbling ourselves or being humiliated. 

To best understand the significance of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, we must first understand the role and rights of bondservants. The New Testament typically refers to slaves as bondservants. To wash a person’s feet was considered to be a task even below a servant. For Jesus to wash the feet of His disciples, He is showing to them that He is willing to give up His rights for them. This is just one of the many ways Jesus demonstrated His love for the people of the world. This kind of love should propel us to loving others in the same kind of way. In the final analysis, Jesus’ servanthood is His love. We are all called to be fervent in our love for others the way Jesus was, but we tend to shy away from it. 

Many people assume that doing the right thing is a smooth process which presents very little difficulty or pushback. However, this is not usually the case as everything worthwhile requires labor and passion. Listeners are reminded that the only true escape from the mundanity of life is found through Christ, and that humility is always the way to go. On that note, we should be careful that our service is coming from a heart that is doing it before the Lord, not for the eyes of men. In closing, hear Romans 12:9-16, a great passage in connection to servanthood. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today’s episode, the guys discuss the Blaspheming of the Holy Spirit, which means that you create a horrible, heinous sin. Mark 3:28-29 states, “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” This states that whoever sins against the Lord will never be forgiven. This view has been held throughout history, but many people still believe this, especially in the Catholic Church. They also discuss dispensationalists, which believe that God works in special, specific ways at certain times in history. Many people are worried they denied Christ and therefore, won’t be saved. However, the Bible gives us examples of people who did commit great sins like Peter, David, and Paul, but all three have been forgiven and will be in heaven. 

Next, they talk about the four different types of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that people believe. First, they talk about believing false things about the spirit. If you believe false truths about the Spirit, then that's also blasphemy toward the Spirit. This is too general, and many Christians have false beliefs, but through sanctification they get a right understanding with God. Another view of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is decisively rejecting a clear truth that the Spirit has revealed about Jesus and His mighty works. They clarify that one cannot claim ignorance, but it is a constant, persistent, lifelong rejection of Christ until death—even going so far as to saying He has demonic origins. The guys say if you are worried that you committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, then you probably haven’t, because the people who have are the ones who don't care. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is not accidental—it is deliberate. 

Lastly, the guys discuss how to naturally talk about God in our conversations and friendships. There is often a yearning to connect with other Christians and talk about God, but it cannot begin without starting individually. They suggest being proactive about surrounding yourself with other Christians; even just asking someone what they are reading right now in the Word can open up conversation. They also recommend to always have someone in your life who is discipling you, someone who you yourself are discipling, and someone to encourage you. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss the lessons to be learned from the book of Esther. The book was associated with the Persian empire which had taken over after the rule of Babylon and the exile had taken place. Those who were exiled were Israelites who had thought they were going to live the rest of their days in the Promised Land, but were removed from the land and forced to live in a foreign country. However, God still called on His people to be faithful to Him while they wait to be returned to the Promised Land. Listeners are reminded that we too are now exiles as we live on the earth which is not our home as we wait for the Kingdom of God to come. 

 Esther was an Israelite woman who hid her heritage and was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai. In the beginning of the book of Esther, Mordecai saves the king from being killed. Meanwhile, Esther is being nominated to be the queen. In light of Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman, the guys discuss what Christians should do when we are in a position when there are consequences for our actions. The unknown author of Esther intentionally did not mention God’s name in the entire book because they wanted to show how God’s sovereignties are at hand in everything that happens. We can see through these stories how God is at work even when He is never mentioned. 

 We as humans are only here on this earth for a limited time. Will we do what is right? We are here right now at this time and this place for one singular purpose: to bring glory to God. Esther herself was called upon to be asked to be part of the plan of God. We are all asked this same question. God is going to do His work regardless, the only question is whether we will allow Him to do the work through us. Thus, we should step out in our faith and act as if God is going to use us. Then, the guys unpack the pride and ungratefulness demonstrated by Haman and the king. When we allow ourselves to divulge into the realm of ungratefulness, everything loses its value and we begin to miss the blessings of God in our lives. Though both Haman and Mordecai were sinners, it was Haman’s pride which led to his death and the humility of Mordecai that put him in the graces of God. If you are struggling with pride or sin, repentance is humbly submitting yourself to the sovereign grace of God and allowing Him to make you white as snow. Humility is the beginning of so many graces. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

There are times when Christians find themselves seriously asking whether it is okay for them to cut a certain person out of their life. This may come in the form of abuse, disagreements, toxic relationships, non-believers and more. There are times in which it is time to take a step back from another person. Scripture clearly points out that there comes a point in which time is being wasted.

Before discussing the circumstances in which it is appropriate to step back from another person, the guys detail the times in which it isn’t. On one hand, it is good to spend time with people who challenge us and don’t share the same opinions as ourselves. The beauty of the gospel is that God brings together different tribes, tongues, and nations. Sometimes, it is our own pride that makes us want to walk away from a relationship. We should approach differences amongst Christians with humility and grace, remembering that those differences will strengthen our understanding of who God is.

God has given us the prescription for how to walk away from a relationship in Matthew 18. If someone sins against you who claims to know Christ, we are to take them aside and speak to them directly about what has happened. If they listen to you and acknowledge what they have done, you will have found a friend for life. There are some people who we should never cut out from our lives, like our family members. Even if a family member has committed an atrocious act, we can still love them with boundaries in place. There is a difference between forgiveness and consequence. 1 Corinthians 5 calls us out of intimate relationships with sexually immoral people, drunkards, and idolators who claim to be Christians. This is to protect ourselves, our family, and the church. For anyone listening who may have been turned away from themselves, you are reminded that the pain you feel is just a small glimpse of what it would be for God to turn away from you. You cannot be reconciled by friends and family until you have been reconciled with God. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore the relationship between psychology and Christianity. It is controversial, primarily due to the humanistic roots of modern psychology. While psychology aims to understand the inner person, some argue it often conflicts with scripture, suggesting self-reliance rather than reliance on the Lord. Psychology can lead to conclusions that contradict Christian beliefs, particularly when it emphasizes human intuition and denies human nature’s inherent sinfulness.

Modern psychology’s secular approach contrasts sharply with Christian views on human nature and morality. For instance, San Quentin prison’s rehabilitation-focused system reflects a belief in man’s inherent goodness, which some Christians argue ignores the biblical teaching that man is evil by nature. This perspective suggests that removing punishment in favor of rehabilitation undermines justice and morality, reflecting broader societal trends influenced by secular psychology.

Sigmund Freud, a foundational figure in psychology, viewed religion as something to manage violent impulses and satisfy infantile wishes. His theories laid the groundwork for many modern psychological philosophies, which often dismiss the necessity of the gospel and the sin condition. This secular framework attempts to address deep existential questions without acknowledging the need for spiritual redemption through Christ.

While secular psychology may diagnose depression as a mental illness, Ray argues that its root cause is the fear of death, a condition that can only be alleviated through faith in Christ. This view holds that turning to the gospel provides the ultimate solution to existential fears and mental distress. However, there is acknowledgment within the Christian community that therapy can be beneficial when it aligns with biblical principles. The guys recognize living in a fallen world can induce anxiety and depression, and while professional help might be necessary, it should be sought with discernment and prayer.

Christians are encouraged to seek help, confess their struggles, and rely on their faith community for support. It’s essential to discern when to pursue professional help and ensure it doesn’t detract from the sufficiency of scripture and the transformative power of Christ. In conclusion, psychology must be approached with caution and discernment within a Christian context, as healing and peace come from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys talk about the story of Jonah, one of the stories of the Bible which is most mocked by atheists because it is seen as impossible. However, as Christians we know that with God nothing is impossible. Listeners are reminded that God created heaven and the earth out of nothing, therefore anything is possible. As students of God, we need to allow His Word to say what it says and be what it is. Jonah’s story is presented as history, not fiction. God is a miraculous, extravagant God who holds the whole world in His hands. When we begin to explain God’s Word away to make it more acceptable to the present culture, we are denouncing God’s truth. 

The most fascinating thing about Jonah’s story is just how short the book of Jonah could have been. If he had obeyed God’s order to cry out against the wickedness of the city, he never would have endured the belly of the whale. Jonah’s sin was not disobeying God, but that he was angry with God for loving his own enemies. However, God loves everyone, enemy or not. As Christians, we must also go out to spread God’s Word with love in our hearts for our own enemies. Jonah’s story goes to show how blinding hatred can be that it dims our view of Christs’ love and compassion. 

When talking about these figures from the Bible, we should remember that we have something they don’t: the cross, which serves as evidence of God’s love for us. Thus, we should be forgiving of our enemies and love them just as God does. While Jonah spent three days in the belly of a whale, Jesus spent three days in the tomb. It is the very same power of God which caused the whale to spit Jonah out which also resurrected Jesus from the dead. Jonah’s sin was what put him in his predicament, but it was our sin which sent Jesus to the cross. In this way, Jesus is the better Jonah. We should all aim to be men who God may use at all costs. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss how to leave a legacy by learning to lovingly lead. When leadership is not exerted in the right way or with the right heart, major tragedies can ensue. Today, the church is in big trouble as we live in this “celebrity Christian pastor” era. Being a pastor, however, means to be a shepherd of a local flock. Preaching to your people alone should be the highest priority. When we act as leaders ourselves or gravitate towards other leaders, we should be looking for Christ-like leadership. The overall disposition of Jesus as a leader was that of a servant. 

A largely deceptive element is not realizing the impact of our leadership we have as friends, acquaintances, and parents. There are definitive things parents often do when raising their children which may create the kind of atmosphere in which bitterness and brokenness grow, and vice versa. Leaving a legacy for your family begins with recognizing the legacy of sin in yourself. Genesis alludes to the idea of generational sin. You do not need to be a perfect parent, but you do need to be a parent who is willing to put sanctification on display for your wife and children. When thinking about leadership and legacy, the most important question we should ask ourselves is where our hearts are. When love is not infused in leadership, authoritarianism results. The love we should have for our spouse will be limited by our understanding of God loving the church as sinful people. 

Finally, hear about the marks which would leave a legacy of love. These include lifting others up, putting your own needs behind the needs of others and abandoning self-defense mode. We should always strive to leave a legacy that will magnify the Lord over ourselves. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss the importance of time. To begin, listeners are reminded that time is the most precious resource of all, and wasting time has ramifications. This is why waking up early and being intentional with your time is very important. The New Testament speaks volumes to this idea. The early church has been accused of spending too much time together, as they would gather in the morning and stay together all night long. This is a prime example of not being bound by time. Although punctuality is part of being courtesy, it doesn’t hurt to remove some of the parameters surrounding time in an organized way. 

 We all have a problem with how we organize our time. For example, where young people spend more time sleeping in, older people tend to waste time on media cycles or sitting around the house after retirement. We are only redeeming our time when our minds and hearts are focused on the glory of God. This could be done in the process of education, in fellowship or through restfulness. God gave us restfulness as a gift and something intrinsic in what it means to be human. Where we put our attention is ultimately how we redeem our time and what we become in the long run. As Christians, we should integrate the Lord in every area of our lives. 

Jesus did meet every need. He left one town to preach to another, left people in line waiting to be healed, hid away to pray and got tired. He spent 30 years in training and just 3 years in ministry. He did not try to do it all and yet he did everything God asked Him to do. Grind culture is not meeting the glory of God as God wants us to also be creatures of rest and thoughtfulness. The way we should redeem our time is not by being as efficient as possible, but by glorifying God. Listeners are reminded that everything we do in this life that is not chasing the Lord is transient. We should also walk in wisdom towards non-believers and share the gospel to reach the lost. Discipleship requires a great deal of time and investment. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode the guys discuss anxiety, an unfortunate mark of our modern lives. Everything about the modern age is intended to make us feel most comfortable, yet this is clearly not working. This is because we are not meant to be the center of our own universes. For example, God created us to till the ground and have a relationship with the food we eat and the environment around us. As humans, we were intended to spend uninterrupted time in Creation.

The guys define anxiety as a feeling of worrying or unease, typically about some outcome. By looking for distractions from our anxiety, we are actually diving deeper into our anxiousness in the long run. It is rest that our body needs to defeat anxiety, not busyness. When Peter saw a resurrected Jesus with his own eyes, his anxiety disappeared. To overcome anxiety, we should orient our lives in such a way that points us to Christ through prayer and meditation and take extended time to disconnect from music and technology to truly converse with God and spend time in His creation. When we are disconnected from the earth, we are missing out on God and His gift to us.

We so easily forget that we are promised an eternity with the Lord. God gives us sacred moments to remember this truth, but we must make our eyes available to notice them. The more we really see these instances, the more anxiety dissipates. Then, they make the distinction between genuine concern and anxious worrying. Issues are not issues at all, but rather the steppingstones to get us to where we are meant to be. The great antidote to anxiety is to speak with God. When we go before God in prayer, we go before our father who knows and loves us unconditionally for who we are and has a plan for our lives. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss how to find freedom from fear. First, the guys describe fear as a crippling emotion that destroys one’s ability to function effectively. It’s like a wild dog that you must keep on a short leash so you can control it. We fear physical things (spiders, snakes, heights) and intangible things (failure, what people think, etc.), and these fears can hold us back. However, not all fear is a terrible thing, and our own limitations give power to the work of God.

Next, the guys discuss how the fear of man is a snare. This kind of fear is usually brought on by three different causes: the desire for power, praise, and reputation. First, we are afraid that other people will have power over us. We also fear feeling inadequate by not receiving praise from other people. For reputation, we fear what other people will say or think about us. We can idolize acceptance by others because we wish to be part of a group and belong. We fear being “an outsider.” It is a constant snare to need approval from someone else because their standards and expectations are always changing. Even if we do get others’ approval, it still won't be satisfying because true approval can only be found in Christ. When we look vertically to Christ instead of horizontally to other people, it frees us from those exhaustive ways of living. 

Lastly, the guys talk about how we have been designed in our very DNA to fear, and specifically to have a healthy fear of God. When we don't look to God as the One whom we fear, we will fear other things. Fear can be healthy, like when the fear of dying motivates us to put on a seatbelt. When we develop and keep a healthy fear of God and spend time with the Lord, then this will shift our fear from that of things back to its rightful place: God. In Psalm 3, David is shifting his view—he started off talking to his Creator about the problems with his enemies and how they have power over him. Then, he focuses on his Creator and how only He has power over him. When we focus on the Lord and the bigger picture, it will change everything. Being fearful is also a spiritual battle because Satan is the father of lies. 2 Timothy 1:7 states, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The Holy Spirit lives in us and gives us the freedom to live out our faith boldly. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss patience. There are three areas in our lives in which we can lack patience: in God’s sovereignty, in God’s creation, and in His handiwork. The epitome of arrogance is being impatient with others who are being sanctified, forgetting how long it took for us to be sanctified ourselves. In Corinthians 13, the first description of love is that it is patient. Patience doesn’t mean we sit around with our hands folded. Rather, it evokes constant trials and endurance. One of the very best ways to exercise patience is through demonstrating composure. 

The cure for impatience with the fulfillment of God’s timetable is to believe His promises, obey His will and leave the results to Him. It is easy for us to become discouraged when God’s plan is taking longer than we expected. Listeners are encouraged to trust the process which God has set in place for each of us and not wish that things were happening on your terms instead of His. We should never forget that God is at work and there is ultimately no waiting room in His plan. Wants and desires in life are always transferring from one thing to the next. If wanting for a future spouse becomes a future savior, you will never truly be satisfied when you do achieve the thing you thought you wanted most in life. However, if you shift that mindset to finding your true joy and satisfaction in Christ alone, then you may pursue a spouse joyfully as an additional gift given to you by God. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the sovereignty of God and His promise to bring all things to completion. 

One of the biggest mistakes Christians make is applying their understanding of God’s sovereignty to only the big milestones in life, when it applies to every aspect of life. Sovereignty is defined as God’s divine right to do as He pleases. Impatience, we are reminded, is a pathway to destruction, especially in the lives of those we love most. To get to the bottom of our impatience, we must challenge the false idols of our hearts which can be anything, even good things, that we prioritize over God. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss meekness, which is defined as “mild of temper, soft, gentle, not easily provoked or irritated.” Meekness is often mistaken as weakness, but it is not the same thing. Meekness is strength under control, or power channeled for the benefit of other people. An example of worldly meekness is Oscar’s friend who is a successful pro fighter. He plays basketball with friends, but when it gets a little rough he tells others to take it down a notch. He has confidence in his own personal power and strength, but he displays self-control for the sake of other people. We need to have the same spiritual meekness with others by recognizing that the strength that we have comes from the power of the Holy Spirit and it’s not ours to boast over, but God’s to put on display. Jesus was the epitome of meekness. When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane about to be crucified, Jesus said to Peter, “Do you not know that my Father can send 12 legions of angels?” He had power under control, but it was connected to love. 

Next, the guys discuss how wisdom and truth go hand-in-hand with meekness. Truth without wisdom and meekness is like ingredients that haven’t been baked—it can’t be enjoyed. James 3:13 states, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” Wisdom has an attribute of meekness in it and wisdom is the true application of knowledge. Meekness is not thinking lowly of yourself, but not thinking of yourself. Selfishness is a huge root cause of sin. Even through storms, we can embrace what God is doing in our life even if it is difficult. We can embrace the trial because we know He will be with us in the midst of it. 

Lastly, the guys talk about how there is a huge misunderstanding between what the world and Christians define as meekness. Meekness is yielding your will to God’s will and dying to your desires. In order to grow in meekness, we must die to ourselves and have the right view of God. To have the right view of God, we need to discipline ourselves in willingness to sit quietly in the presence of the Lord. This will allow the conviction of the Spirit to bring things to light in our hearts and minds. Colossians 3:12 states, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Every day, we need to choose to put on the word of God and have discipline to do what the Lord wants in our lives. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss giving up gossip and snuffing out slander. Gossip is the most consistent sin in the lives of Christians and all of us are guilty. It is very easy to sin in gossip because it is seen as a “respectable sin,” but all sin is evil in the eyes of the Lord. It is important to remember that anyone willing to gossip to you is also willing to gossip about you. Gossip diminishes humanness in others. We are all created in God’s image. If we slander or diminish something about others, we are diminishing something about them which reflects their Creator. Gossip is also usually lies or half-truths. As Christians, we will disguise gossip as prayer requests or secondary theological disagreements. We spin gossip because we gravitate towards it, and confirmation bias will push us to gossip and slander others. 

Next, the guys talk about what makes us indulge in gossip. First, we are all sinners so we are drawn to sin, but gossip also makes us feel higher than the person we are talking about. There is a legalist inside of all of us that is trying to prove our worth and be worthy of righteousness. However, the only thing that makes us worthy is not what we have done, but the blood that’s been spilled for us. Proverbs 16:28 states, “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.” The enemy wants us to rebel and earn righteousness without God, but we need to honor God in the way we speak by thinking through what we are doing, why we are doing those things, and what we are saying. A good question to ask yourself is: would I say that if this person was present? 

Lastly, the guys discuss the remedy for gossip and how to stop. Gossip can cause damage to friendships, families, and within the church. We need to stop the fire of gossip before it spreads. James 4:11-12 states, “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.” Gossip is a contradiction—we cannot use the same mouth with which we bless God to also curse our brothers. When we hear something, the Bible states that we must be careful to take accusations against an elder without one or two witnesses. When we talk about others, we need to look at the motive in our own hearts. When in a conversation that has turned to gossip, tell the person gossiping that you think it’s best to not talk about that, or that you feel uncomfortable with the conversation. Most of the time we gossip with the people we are closest to, so we can talk to our family and friends about calling ea

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar help listeners understand healing through the context of scripture. The Lord provides healing through natural means, illustrated by a story where a man’s voice was miraculously restored while he was reading a passage from Psalms, despite having a permanent condition. This contrasts sharply with the disillusionment caused by fake healings, where charlatans exploit people’s hopes. Such practices lead some to deny the possibility of healing altogether. However, healing is a central theme in the New Testament.

The guys talk about maintaining an expectation that God can heal, whether in this life or in the next. Jesus’ healings were not just acts of compassion but also demonstrations of the coming Kingdom of God, much like parables that reveal deeper truths to those who seek understanding. We must trust in the Lord and have faith, recognizing that while health is a blessing, sickness can often draw us closer to God. 

God’s grace is sufficient for us, and He may choose to heal or He may not. A lack of healing does not necessarily indicate insufficient faith. There are numerous examples in Scripture where Jesus heals despite a person’s doubt or weak faith. God allows His servants to endure suffering for their sanctification. For instance, Stephen was stoned to death according to God’s will. Sickness can serve God’s glory or act as discipline, but it is incorrect to view all illness as punishment.

Some individuals avoid modern medicine, believing they must rely solely on God for healing. However, modern medicine is an act of God’s mercy, saving countless lives from common ailments. Medicine is part of God’s common grace, benefiting both believers and unbelievers alike.

Miracles performed by Jesus demonstrate His power over our fears and affirm His role as the promised snake crusher, destined to reverse the curse of sin. Jesus experienced the full wrath of God on the cross, allowing us to look forward to eternity without suffering. God has addressed our suffering through Christ, and ultimate healing is assured in the life to come.

In conclusion, while we trust in God for healing and acknowledge that He can work through both miraculous and natural means, we must also understand that suffering and illness can have a purpose in God’s greater plan. The ultimate healing and restoration are promised in eternity where all suffering will cease and we will experience the fullness of God’s glory. Until then, we rely on God’s grace, which is sufficient for every circumstance, and we trust in His wisdom and timing for our healing.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss Samson, who was a famous warrior and judge in the Bible. He was known for his strength which came from his uncut hair. There are so many “heroes” shown in the Bible, but they all have faults, sin, and issues. These people in the Bible demonstrate to us the Lord’s patience and how genuine the scriptures are. There are a couple ways to look at the story of Samson. The first is through the view of morality, or what you should or should not do according to Samson’s example. We also need to realize that Samson’s story also points us to the gospel through the parallels in his story to Jesus. First, Samson is considered a judge of Israel, but he points us to the great judge, Jesus. Samson’s mother was barren for a period of time and Jesus was born to a virgin mother. An angel announces both Samson’s and Jesus’ birth, but the angel told Samson’s parents that he would begin to save the Israelites, while the angel told Jesus’ parents that He will save the Israelites. Samson filled the world with dead bodies, but Jesus filled the world with His body. Jesus did not come to defeat His enemies, but to save us all. Samson points the way to Christ. 

Judges 13:5 states, “You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.” Samson had the purpose of being set apart for God, but that’s not what happened in his life. Samson was repetitive in that he was used by the Lord but continued to go back to sin again and again despite the fact that he knew better. It is easy to sin, but hard to live for righteousness. We have never been tempted to be righteous when things don’t go our way—we are always tempted by sin because we live in a fallen world. We need to ask God to use us for His will and His purposes instead of our own. We don’t see the bigger picture, so we need to trust that God will answer our prayers with what we need. Any trials we have in our lives are just stepping points to get us to where we need to be. 

Next, the guys talk about the theme of sight in Samson’s story. Judges 17:6 states, “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” Everyone used their sight to determine what was right or wrong. Judges 14:1-3 states, “Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he saw one of the daughters of the Philistines. Then he came up and told his father and mother, ‘I saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah. Now get her for me as my wife.’ But his father and mother said to him, ‘Is there not a woman among the daughters

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss the most recognized Bible verse in the world: John 3:16. This verse states, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse can be quoted by non-believers and can be seen everywhere you look, but it is one of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible. When we know Bible verses, we can either become so intimately familiar with it or know it so well that we gloss over its significance, and don’t grasp what it really means. In order to understand this verse, we have to look at the context. In the verses prior to John 3:16, Jesus is having a conversation with Nicodemus, telling him that unless one is born again they cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus was a Jew, leader, and teacher of the law, and heard this truth for the first time.

Next, the guys talk about how we misunderstand this verse in the way we approach it. In our hyper-individualistic culture, we read that God loved the world so much that He had to give His only Son to save us, but that is not the way it's meant to be read. This word “so” can actually be translated as “in this way.” Instead, God loved the world in this way that He sent His only son. This is saying God’s love is actionable and here is how He loved the world. This change of looking at the verse shifts it from a man-centered or a man-focused view, to instead look at what God did. It made no sense for God to save man because we all sin. God so loved the world not because He needed us, but because we needed and still need Him. People all over the world hear that they need to be saved, but never hear why they need to be saved. As Christians, we need to tell others why we need God and how He has changed our lives.

Lastly, the guys discuss how in Numbers 21:8, God’s people escaped Egypt, but they were tired, grumbling, complaining, so God showed His wrath by sending a curse through poisonous snakes. Then the people repent, and God instructed Moses to construct a bronze serpent and instruct the people to look at it. In order that the Israelites may be saved, God makes them look at the very thing that was cursing them. This shows a distinct parallel to Jesus in that He who knew no sin became sin to save us. We must look at Jesus to be saved and just like the serpent was on a pole, Jesus was sacrificed on a cross. Christians also want to detach from the wrath of God because we want to view God as oozing with love, but that doesn’t rightly paint God as the judge of the universe. We all deserve to go to hell because of our fallen nature, but God already paid the fine for us and reconciled the wo

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss Legion, or the “disgusting demoniac.” In our world and culture today, there is no limit to wickedness. They discuss the story in the New Testament with the demon-possessed man where Jesus cast the demons into pigs. In the Bible, Mark 5:1-5 states, “They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.” This man had an unclean spirit known as “Legion,” and when Jesus cast out the many demons from the man’s body, the demons begged to go into the pigs nearby. Those pigs then ran and hurled themselves off the cliff. 

This story is a very strange one, but has a deeper meaning for Christians and for those who are not believers. It happens in a gentile land and shows that God can do whatever He wants with His creation. The Kingdom of God and kingdom of man don't play well, but in this story, Jesus is reconciling and bringing it back to how it should be. These 200 pigs that were killed were not just pigs, but symbolized how our comfort and wealth can be disrupted by the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God will always disrupt our plans and our own personal glories. When God comes, all that stuff gets turned upside down. 

Next, the guys discuss how Jesus sometimes says things which are difficult to hear. We have a modern-man image of Jesus, but what He says clashes with how we view Him. This shows that we need to bow our perspectives to what God says about Jesus, not our own views. We also will do the same thing with Scriptures. We believe the Scriptures that we want to follow, and then we label other verses as misunderstood because we don’t like what they say. Thomas Jefferson actually cut up the Bible to say only what he wanted it to say! As believers, we need to recognize when we’re wrong and our need to repent. God is not created in our own image, but the other way around. If we never allow God to be God, then we never come to a place of repentance. 

Lastly, the guys discuss how the evil one has come to kill, steal, and destroy. In this story of Jesus casting out the demon, death is part of it. The enemy wants to do the opposite of Jesus, and sometimes he disguises his plans as something God would do, like reciting Scripture but using it for evil. Self-harm is

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss the story of Lazarus, the man Jesus raised from the dead. We read in John 11:1-3, “Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick.’” This last verse shows that the relationship Jesus had with His friends and disciples made them feel loved and valuable. This also tells us something about our affection toward other people. Our heart and disposition towards others should be like Jesus, and we too are the ones Jesus loves. Mark also points out the words found in John 17:23, “Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me,” which show that God loves us just as much as He loves His son, Jesus. 

The story of Lazarus continues in John 11:5-6, “So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days.” The sisters thought Jesus would come immediately and without hesitation once He heard that Lazarus was sick. However, Jesus waited two days before He even came to see Lazarus. His intentional delay to stay where He was is an act of love. In this time in history, they usually waited until day three or four until they declared someone to be dead. If Jesus had shown up after only one or two days, then everyone would have simply said Lazarus wasn’t really dead. Jesus wanted to make sure there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Lazarus was as dead as he could be. To Mary and Martha, those two days of waiting seemed like Jesus didn’t care or wasn’t coming, but He knew better. God works in mysterious ways that don’t necessarily line up with our timing or often don’t make sense. However, God is sovereign and is working all things together for our good and His glory, even when we don’t understand. 

This story of Lazarus shows the importance of His timing and that we need to trust the Lord in every circumstance. Nothing allows us to touch people more than being at peace. We are least effective when we are stressed or fretting, so the best way we can freely love each other is to trust our Father. He is weaving a beautiful tapestry over each of our lives, even though we can’t see all the pieces yet. The resurrection of Lazarus is a sign of the future resurrection when all things will be made right, all death will be reversed, and all tears will be wiped away. 

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss what happened on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-25, where two men are walking. Jesus had died and risen again, and He started walking with these two men who told him the story of all that had happened in since the Crucifixion. However, they didn’t know Jesus was resurrected or recognize Him as the Messiah. Jesus took the time to interact with them and touched on their humanity by asking them why they were sad. Jesus had just defeated and put to shame all of the schemes of the enemy, and He chooses to encourage and talk with these men. This is a statement of Jesus’ love for His people in that the Creator of the universe cares for each one of us. 

Even though they were followers of Jesus, these men did not recognize Him while they spoke together. Luke 24:16 tells us that God used His divine power to prevent them from recognizing the Messiah, and only opened their eyes much later. Jesus was teaching through the Old Testament, taking them through the law and the prophets. He took the time to open them up to Scripture and show them God’s love. Jesus wanted their faith in Him to rest on the testimony of the Scriptures, not on their own personal experiences or emotions. It wasn’t until after Jesus reveals Himself through the Old Testament that their eyes are opened. Oscar points out how Luke tells this story through a chiastic structure, where the main point is centralized and framed symmetrically by the narrative. 

Jesus is known for asking questions and answering questions with a question. His way of questioning invokes critical thinking which makes a person consider what they believe and why they’re saying what they’re saying. All the Old Testament points back to what is true. The Scriptures create a heart that burns within you and the truth will set you free. These disciples were doing a Bible study, talking to Jesus about the Messiah, and they didn't even know they were talking to the Messiah Himself! 

Walking to Emmaus, these disciples had just heard the news that Jesus was crucified, and perhaps even watched it happen. They’re discombobulated, walking home thinking that it was over, believing that God hadn’t followed through on His promises. They expected that Christ would overcome Rome and put them back in economic prosperity–they were not expecting a spiritual renewal. The King had to die so the rest of us could live. Their understanding of what God was doing was misaligned. They missed it, so it begs the question: how often do we miss it? Our own human biases cause us to stray, and we then begin to question God. We must be careful, stay in the Word and allow the Scripture to be

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss the fragility of life and how this should influence the way we live. When we go through pain or health issues, it makes us think about how quickly life can go. The guys start by sharing recent experiences in their own lives: Mark thought he’d had a heart attack that was heart problems instead; Oscar tells a story of when he’d gone to the emergency room and ended up blacking out from not eating for 8 hours while waiting; Ray had kidney stones; and two of Living Waters board members had passed away very unexpectedly. We will all experience pain and tragedy, so how does this inform the way we live as Christians?

Psalm 23 states, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Everyone thinks Psalm 23 is speaking of death, but it’s actually speaking about life here and now. When you are in the shadow of something, it means you’re in close proximity to it. The light dissipates the darkness just like life does to death. We are walking through the valley of the shadow of death right now, but the Lord is with us. They also talk about how so often those who have every reason to complain from a human perspective don’t complain and instead focus on the frailty of life and eternity. 

Our modern culture likes to keep death at a distance. We don’t talk about death, we prolong it and we like to dress it up. Throughout history, when a person died, the family would embalm the body, dig the grave, and mourn. Now, the family members don’t clean the body or embalm it; other people do. We don’t deal with death physically, but faith helps us to deal with death spiritually. The more faith we have in Jesus, the less fear we will have in the face of death. We will be in eternity with our Father in Heaven and God will reconstruct the world back to the way it was meant to be. 

As Christians, we don’t have to fear death, but there is futility of life for those who don’t know Christ. Solomon searched high and low to find anything to fulfill his soul, but he declared that all is vanity. But in the light of the fragility of life, believers can glorify God in two ways: by living out a righteous life and proclaiming the gospel to the lost. We need to tell everyone about Jesus and His love for all of us. From Scripture we know that death and sin go hand-in-hand. If we can’t hate sin for what it is, we must hate sin for what it does. 

Psalm 39:4-5 states, “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my yea

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss the story of Jesus wielding a whip and topping over tables at the temple in Jerusalem. This account showcases the reality of who Christ was, in contrast to who He has been shaped to be in this modern age. Today, Jesus is widely regarded as timid, weak-kneed, and a nearly feminine figure. This story, however, shows the strong man He truly was. It’s also worth noting that Jesus speaks harsh words several times in the New Testament, but they are most often towards religious leaders. Only a handful of times did He speak those words to people outside of the church. 

After reading the account of the story in John 2:13-16, the guys discuss whether this occurrence sealed His fate, since He called God’s temple His Father’s house. The story that precedes this is the cursing of the fig tree, which tends to come off as totally confusing for a first-time reader of the Bible. However, it is significant because God often referred to His own people as fig trees. Many scholars believe that Jesus’ first action as king is to pass judgment on the religious leaders. We can see a parallel between the incident Jesus was dealing with at the time and what we see happening today with the taking over of what was meant to holy and using it for wicked, greedy means. 

In this story, the same Voice which called the world into existence is bringing judgment in order to cleanse the temple. After the joyful Passover had taken place, Jesus entered the temple and saw the craziness of His father’s house. He immediately grew angry with righteous indignation and began to turn over tables in the courtyard. We see this very same thing today in our own churches. While we likely won’t set up tables to exchange currency or tote a cage of high-priced pigeons, our churches do have elaborate decorations, elegant attire and world-class music which take away from God’s message. If Jesus were to step into our churches this Sunday, He would be looking for the misfits, marginalized, and outcasts. We would dare to say that Jesus would “overturn the tables” there, too. Every single person alive today needs a clearing of their own temple, to allow the Holy Spirit to enter our lives, turn over our tables, and thoroughly cleanse us. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss the stoning of Stephen, the first recorded martyr of the church. When we look at faith preachers of today, figures like Stephen and Job are not their favorite to talk about, but the experiences of those two men reflect the promises of the Scripture which tell us that we will experience trials and tribulations throughout our lives before entering the Kingdom. We should all look at Stephen and ask God to help us have a heart like his should we find ourselves in circumstances like he experienced. 

What makes Stephen’s story so powerful isn’t that he dies, but how he died. While he was being stoned, he cried out to Jesus to receive his spirit and not to hold this sin against his killers. In this, he echoed the words of his Savior on the cross. We are reminded that Jesus died for our sins so that we may follow His example. We all should want to live and die like Stephen, full of faith, trust in God, and the love of God. He even went out preaching in the open air. Christians sharing the message of God should be bold, courageous, and able to share despite persecution. The essence of the Christian law is to always keep our eyes on Jesus, which is precisely what Stephen did.

We are reminded that our lives are not our own. We have been bought for a price and eternity is coming, and Christians should move through the world with the mindset that all will be well. We should never stop sharing the gospel with others to let them know that the war against sin and death has been won. This is a message worth running for and worth dying for. There will come a day that we will be ushered into the Kingdom of Heaven, and on that day everything will make sense. Until then, however, things are bleak and dark. We must think back on those who gave their lives so that the truth of the gospel could be preserved and learn from their example. Stephen was not bitter at his death because he understood the reality of eternity. In closing, we are encouraged to be doers of the Word. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In this episode, the guys discuss the Sermon on the Mount, which is the greatest sermon ever preached by Jesus. When studying this sermon, it’s important to understand who Jesus is preaching to and why. Jesus is preaching on a mountain in Israel that overlooks the sea of Galilee outside of the city. Matthew 5:1 states, “Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him.” This first shows us that Jesus was preaching to the disciples; He was not intending to teach to a big crowd, but was teaching His friends. 

In biblical times, revolutions would often be started by someone preaching outside of the city and here we see Jesus starting a spiritual one. Jesus was ushering in a new covenant for His Kingdom and this sermon completely changed the ethical values of the entire world. In this sermon, we see intentional parallels between Jesus and Moses. Both of them went up a mountain and Moses brought down the Ten Commandments, while Jesus brought down the Law to our hearts. Jeremiah 31: 33 states, “‘I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, “Know the LORD,” because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the LORD.” In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks about the beatitudes, which are defined as a state of great joy, blessedness, or extraordinary happiness. There are eight beatitudes that Jesus proclaims and these laws point us to Jesus, bring hope, and speak to our hearts inwardly. 

Next, the guys talk about how the beatitudes are a way of salvation before God and revealed Jesus’ authority. Jesus spoke with authority because all authority has been given to Him. His preaching and the light of the law shows us that we’re poor in spirit. When we realize that, it gives us a mournful heart and a deeper thirst for righteousness. The more we’ve been forgiven, the more we will be gracious to those around us. There are five different perspectives on the beatitudes including: Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, liberal, and dispensational views. The one thing in common across these views is that all the scholars and theologians in these fields recognize the “already, but not yet” status of the beatitudes. These beatitudes make everyone equal in this new inverted Kingdom. 

As Christians we will be persecuted, but God will reward us for following His word. This is why you can leap for joy the next time someone is persecuting you! Leaping for joy is also a way of having an eternal mindset that someday we will all be together in heaven

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss the lessons to be learned from the life of Job. The book of Job stands out in many unique ways: it is likely the oldest book in the Bible, about a non-Jewish person, is set in a place far away from Israel, and is written in a way that should be acted out as a play. Job was a man of devotion who cared deeply about his children’s souls and spiritual state. As parents, we need to be students of our children, studying them regularly and treating them as individuals created by God. We should be gentle and respond to their failures in the way that God would. Job feared God and shunned evil. Nowadays, we tend to think about the battle between good and evil as a wrestling match between God and the devil in which only one side will prevail. However, in the Scriptures, we get the sense instead that Satan merely embodies evil as a dog on a leash who God gives permission to do things within set parameters. 

Then, the guys discuss the need for creating space for lamenting, which we see in Job, the Psalms, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and more. Lamentation can be a worshipful way of crying out to God and asking where he is and why hardship is happening. This draws you nearer to your Savior, even when your questions are unanswered. It is important to remember, however, that there is some lamenting which is dishonoring to God’s glory and magnitude, and we must humbly remember that God is sovereign. There is nothing wrong with being open and raw towards God so long as we remember that He is on His throne and all things are working for His good.  We should be slow to speak and quick to receive all that he has to offer us. 

God tests Job by taking away all that he holds dear, from his children to his physical health. But all the while, Job never curses God for his miseries. His illness became so intense that his friends no longer recognized him, and they even began to speculate what sins Job had committed in his life to deserve the anguish he was experiencing. If we are not careful, we may also find ourselves also trying to rationalize the negative aspects of our lives in this way. God knew all along how much suffering Job could bear and did not allow Satan to cross that limit. When he reached that limit, God stopped him and his attacks on Job ended, the sign that God is always in control. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar start this conversation by talking about 1 Timothy 3, which points out that mankind are lovers of themselves rather than God. All generations have sins, and today’s social media makes this more apparent. Oscar is intentional about discipling young people, noting that our culture today pales in comparison to the Greco-Roman culture that the early church faced, where Christianity still boomed. Today, there’s a lack of respect for authority and discipline, with too much pride to be governed by others. So, how do we reach young people?

Past generations didn’t have today’s technology, and now there is constant exposure to disrespectful behavior. Many kids are on iPads in restaurants, and parents often don’t realize the harmful content coming from the internet and how it impacts their children. Parents must guard and love their children proactively. The local church holds significant value. Invest in the kids in your church and other young people. Lowering the bar can prevent kids from becoming sober-minded adults. It’s important to speak the truth to the younger generations about the gospel.

We need to turn to God, the Maker, for solutions to our problems. Discipleship happens through living life together. We are always discipling our kids, intentionally or not. To disciple a child, invite them along and talk to them. The guys shared experiences of adults who truly listened to them as kids, making them feel important. Listening is key to reaching young people effectively. Invest in the younger generation by listening to them and speaking life into them. Encourage and build one another up, seeing young people as brothers and sisters in Christ.

There should be a multi-generational approach to ministry. A common fault in ministering to young people is watering down the gospel. Many churches are consumeristic, resembling auditoriums. We shouldn’t strive to be hip and cool; this can drive young people away. Instead, young people should feel a sense of transcendence and humility.

To the young people: Get to know God through His Word. Learn, sing to the Lord, study apologetics, and be bold in sharing the gospel. Read more books while you have the opportunity. Remember that God is always with you. To the older generations, the key to reaching youth is through youth. Harness their energy and equip them to share the gospel. Older generations should not despise youth but see them as examples of walking with the Lord. Young people should seek advice and listen to wise counsel, balancing youthful zeal with mature wisdom.

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys carry on their character studies by discussing the life of King David. David is a true enigma in terms of how he rose to prominence, reacted in different situations, and how even after his sin God still called him a man after His own heart. This goes to show that there are genuinely godly men who fall to temptation, just like David did. David was a warrior, king, and poet. He was a man who stood up for what was right and who was unafraid of doing God’s will. Additionally, he was a writer of poems and songs which were born from the overflow of love in his heart. God prepared David for what he was to do in the world by making him a shepherd in his youth. When we focus on the joy of our salvation the way David did, our lives should naturally progress to the next step of proclaiming and sharing that joy with others. Cowardice, the guys explain, is indicative of looking too closely at ourselves and taking our eyes off God. We see David’s heart of integrity and trust in the Lord while Saul was out to kill him at every turn. Then, after Saul was killed by someone else, David called for a national mourning for him. We see a demonstration of his loyalty in the covenant made with Jonathan, and his fulfillment of it. We are reminded that above all, Christians should not just have integrity and follow through with their promises, but should strive to go above and beyond them. 

We also know of David’s sins of committing adultery, blaspheming the name of God, lying, and committing murder. When we share the gospel with others, we, like the prophet Nathan, should compel people to own their sins. In a world that finds virtue in vices, it is more important than ever to put a name to sins. It is possible for someone who sins “big time” to still be saved. God has chosen to use sanctification throughout our lives to conform us to the image of Christ, and in the midst of that we can still fail and sin. But God has provided a principle to deal with that failure: genuine repentance. Failure is only failure when we stay down. If we learn our lesson from it, we may get up and move on. By virtue of the fact that we are still alive, we know that God is not finished with us yet. For anyone listening who may have committed radical sin, you are reminded that you are not an outcast to God. The Lord wants you to come back to His arms and allow Him to restore and rejoice over your repentance. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In this episode, the guys discuss Moses and his story. Moses is known as a pillar of faith. He was born in a time when Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, was out to destroy the children of Israel, so Moses’ mother hid him for 3 months. They placed him in a basket in a river where Pharaoh's daughter found him and brought him up as her own. Moses grew up with the Egyptians as the son of Pharaoh. When he later finds himself in Midian after killing a man, Moses helps some girls being harassed by shepherds, and then eventually marries one of the women. 

Next, they discuss the burning bush and how Moses took his shoes off because he was on holy ground. The flames did not consume the bush. Likewise, Moses was able to stand in the presence of the God who is a consuming fire but doesn’t get consumed himself. This moment is the turning point for an incredible change in Moses. We see Moses transform from a prideful, arrogant man who tries to take control and power in Egypt, to a humble man who knows he has no power without God. However, Moses pushed back with God by giving excuses for why he could not save his people. Exodus 4:10-13 states, “Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’ But Moses said, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.’” God’s angered burned toward Moses because of his response, and He could’ve evaporated Moses but chose not to. The challenges and doubts that Moses faced in life are an example for us. Every trial we face pushes us to the cross and causes us to remember that it’s not about us, but about God. Witnesses also don’t need to be eloquent; we just need to repeat what we’ve seen and heard. 

The plagues start in Egypt when Pharaoh does not let his people go. These plagues include water changing to blood, frogs, flies, hail, and then finally, the killing of every first-born son. Usually, it takes the removal of our most prized possession to bring us to our knees. Pharaoh also could’ve killed Moses, but this shows God’s hand of protection over Moses. It’s a beautiful reminder that when God’s hand is upon you, you don’t need to fear. He will do what He needs to do to use you for His glory. They also talk about how the plagues are the Egyptians’ ramification of idolatry. 

Once Pharaoh finally lets the people go, he changes his mind and chases after them. The

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss the lessons to be learned from the life of Joseph, one of the most influential characters of the Old Testament. We are reminded that God intended for us to learn lessons from these stories and give us hope through His Word. In Genesis 37:3, we are told that Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age. This offended Joseph’s brothers and the rainbow tunic Jacob made for him only made his brothers resent him even more. The guys discuss the role of favoritism in families and the many responsibilities and expectations which tend to fall on the sons. The hatred of Joseph’s brothers took them so far as throwing him in a pit and nearly killing him for revenge. Jealousy of man, they reveal, is complete insanity. It is important to distinguish the jealousy of man vs. the jealousy of God. When God is jealous on our behalf, it is for our good and protection. The root of man’s jealousy is selfishness and the inability to rejoice for others. This is often birthed out of being discontented in who God has made us and what He has allotted for our lives. 

Joseph’s story is not dissimilar to the story of Adam in the garden. As Adam was given stewardship over the garden and everything in it but one tree, Joseph was given stewardship over the entirety of Potter's property except for his wife. Though Adam was tempted and fell, Joseph resisted the temptation. Through Joseph’s faithfulness, God provided a way of saving the land from famine. The story of the Bible is not a collection of individual stories, but rather one sovereign story of God sovereignly saving a people for His glory. Genesis 50:20-21 and Genesis 45:5 are the two verses which help us fully understand the story of Joseph. These verses show Joseph’s belief that God was intimately involved in everything that happened to him. He understood that he had no right to vengeance because he was not God. 

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Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro