The Living Waters Podcast

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive deep into the heart of what the church is meant to be—a community of believers called to love one another. In our modern age, this calling is often lost, with church being reduced to a building or a weekly event rather than a gospel-centered community. The guys highlight the loneliness epidemic plaguing our culture, noting that no other community can fill the void we feel except the one we were created for: God’s family. From Genesis 2:18 to the Trinity itself, we see that we were made for relationship. Yet even among churchgoers, loneliness persists. The early church, as seen in Acts, lived out their faith daily in fellowship, service, and mutual support—something far deeper than simply attending on Sundays.Humility and authenticity are crucial to a healthy biblical community. Church isn’t a performance but a place to be known and loved. Biblical accountability plays a key role—it means helping each other grow into Christlikeness, not with judgment but with grace. True accountability is self-initiated and rooted in love. Ray emphasizes the importance of vision and evangelism in unifying the church, sharing how physically building a church brought people together and how spiritually building the body of Christ does the same.The guys talk about how discipleship is more than reading a book—it’s inviting people into your life. Jesus called us to make disciples, not converts. Isolation is dangerous; the enemy targets those who are alone. Your spiritual health is directly tied to your spiritual circle. Believers should be both discipled and discipling. They challenge the older generation to stop criticizing younger ones and instead invest in them. Real discipleship is relational and transformational—it takes time and presence.They also touch on church discipline, noting it should be redemptive, not punitive. Accountability and restoration are key to a strong gospel community. Forgiveness is another hallmark—when we are hurt by the church, we are still called to extend grace and seek reconciliation. The gospel binds together people who might otherwise be enemies, creating a radically diverse and unified body. The apostles urged unity because the church is made up of natural enemies who now love each other because of Christ. There’s no such thing as a healthy, isolated Christian. Assembling together stirs up love and good works. Whether it's opening your home or speaking truth into someone's life, the call remains: step into the biblical community and live out the gospel together.Send us a textThanks 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 ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

The church is designed to be a gospel-centered community where believers live in authentic, loving relationships rooted in humility, accountability, and discipleship. Rather than simply attending services, Christians are called to live out their faith daily in fellowship, service, and mutual support. The guys point out that even within the church, many still experience deep loneliness, often because church has become more about performance than connection. True accountability means being both known and loved—helping one another grow into Christlikeness with grace rather than judgment. The guys emphasize that discipleship is not just about sharing information but about sharing life, inviting others into your everyday rhythms and walking together in faith. A healthy biblical community practices redemptive discipline, offers forgiveness, and fosters unity among people who might otherwise be divided but are now bound together by Christ. When believers open their hearts and homes, speak into each other’s lives, and share a common vision for reaching the lost, the church becomes the vibrant, transformative community it was always meant to be.Send us a textThanks 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 ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

E.Z., Mark, and Oscar set out on a journey to retrace Ray’s footsteps in evangelism, beginning in Tahiti. Though Tahiti is often viewed as an exotic getaway, the guys were reminded that it’s a land in spiritual need. On their first day, they encountered a group still out from the night before, and E.Z. boldly shared the gospel. Though one man started the conversation with a flamboyant demeanor, a visible change came over him as he listened. The guys emphasized the biblical principle of giving the law to the proud and grace to the humble. They stressed that salvation belongs to the Lord; their role is to remain faithful. From Tahiti, the journey continued to Fiji. Mark recalled starting to evangelize, only to be told by security guards they couldn’t evangelize there. The guys crossed the street and quickly found someone open to the message—Oscar shared the gospel with a man named Peeta who immediately began weeping and asked how to follow Jesus. Oscar encouraged him to start by sharing with his nearby family. Peeta, living near a local chief’s home, brought the guys there, leading to a touching moment where the chief’s wife teared up hearing the gospel. E.Z. was deeply moved by the humility and openness they encountered. Next, the team traveled to Australia, where they balanced fun—like visiting a zoo—with the challenges of open-air preaching. Mark used a heckler as an illustration, while Oscar encountered initial rejection from two women who eventually agreed to talk when he appealed to their values. By leveraging cultural touchpoints, they found ways to engage in meaningful gospel conversations. In New Zealand, the guys visited where Ray was saved and began evangelizing. For Mark, walking through Ray’s past was especially moving. They preached, connected with locals, and visited Ray’s childhood home. The trip concluded in Hawaii, where even more opportunities to share the gospel arose.During a final Q&A, the guys addressed topics like how The Way of the Master began, the importance of redeeming downtime, and practical evangelism tips. Ray encouraged solo open-air preaching if done safely, and the team emphasized using time wisely. They affirmed that women can and should share the gospel, citing biblical examples like the woman at the well and Mary Magdalene. For those sharing with atheist family members, they advised appealing to conscience and loving boldly, noting that prayer is vital in evangelism. They concluded by addressing feelings of unworthiness, reminding listeners that grace covers all, and it’s not about us—it’s about Christ. Send us a textThanks 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 ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

E.Z., Mark, and Oscar retrace Ray’s evangelism journey across Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii, experiencing both challenges and powerful encounters as they shared the gospel. From late-night partiers in Tahiti to a weeping man in Fiji, they saw firsthand how the message of Christ can reach hearts in unexpected ways. Along the way, they used creativity, cultural connections, and boldness to open doors for conversation. Visiting places significant to Ray’s faith journey made the experience even more meaningful. In a concluding Q&A, the guys offered practical evangelism advice, encouraged using downtime for spiritual growth, affirmed the role of women in sharing the gospel, and reminded listeners that God’s grace makes us worthy, not our past. Send us a textThanks 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 ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Deconstruction is the process of dismantling previously held beliefs which begins with the self as the final authority. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar warn that this posture can lead to a rejection of truth and, ultimately, to turning away from God. Many begin deconstructing in response to frustrations with the modern evangelical church, but in doing so, they sometimes discard core doctrines of the faith. The guys emphasize that Christianity doesn’t promise happiness, but righteousness. When the gospel is altered to appeal to comfort or culture, it creates false converts who have a false sense of assurance. The path is narrow; following Christ is not easy. While it is good for believers to examine their beliefs, that examination must be built on the foundation of Scripture. Deconstruction often strays from this by starting with self rather than God. The guys make a distinction between deconstruction and honest doubt—doubt that humbly seeks truth in God’s Word. Much of today’s church culture has endorsed blind faith or discouraged critical thinking. As a result, people don’t walk away because they think too much—they walk away because they haven’t thought enough, or they’ve thought apart from Scripture.The guys note that many who deconstruct focus on isolated issues and fail to see the bigger picture. Faith isn't about having all the answers; sometimes it’s simply trusting that God does. Referencing 1 John 2:19, the guys remind listeners that leaving the faith doesn’t bring freedom. Even John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus, still questioned near the end of his life. The hope isn’t in the strength of our faith but in the strength of Christ—the object of our faith.Doubt is often tied to unmet expectations. As the guys point out, fulfillment is found in Christ alone. We don’t resolve our doubts through deconstruction; we bring them to Jesus. Our hearts choose what to believe and our minds follow. Seeing the beauty of Christ realigns our thoughts. Faith is not abstract; it is grounded in the truth of the gospel and the Word of God. Scripture wasn’t given just for information—it was given to transform us. The guys discuss the role of modern culture, particularly social media, in shaping beliefs. The church has a discipleship problem; people attend on Sunday but are immersed in worldly rhythms by Monday. To the deconstructionist, the guys ask: what are your daily habits? Be honest about how you’re being shaped. Ask your questions, but ask them in the presence of God, with Scripture open. God is real. He is the prime reality. Run to Him—not away.Send us a textThanks 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 ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Deconstruction is described as a process that begins with placing the self as the final authority, which often leads to the rejection of biblical truth. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar caution that this mindset can result in abandoning essential doctrines rather than simply addressing church-related frustrations. The guys stress that Christianity promises righteousness, not comfort, and warn that altering the gospel to suit personal preferences creates false converts. While examining beliefs is healthy, the guys emphasize that such reflection must be grounded in Scripture and humility. Honest doubt seeks truth in God's Word, unlike deconstruction, which often isolates issues and leans on emotion. The guys highlight the dangers of modern influences like social media and the lack of true discipleship in the church. They encourage believers to be aware of daily habits, bring doubts to God, and remember that salvation rests not in the strength of one's faith, but in the strength of Christ.Send us a textThanks 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 ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar sit down to tackle a weighty and nuanced topic: war. This discussion isn’t about political sides—it’s about wrestling with the moral, spiritual, and personal implications of warfare in a fallen world. Oscar reflects on how perspectives on war evolve over time. He urges caution against jumping into the hype, especially as Christians. People on every side are made in the image of God. War isn’t something to relish. Mark agrees that war is never ideal, but believes it can be justified in certain cases. He points to Scripture and historical examples, including David and Nehemiah, as men who carried weapons while remaining faithful to God. He notes that sometimes war is necessary to establish peace and protect the innocent.The conversation explores the difference between civil and governmental responsibilities, along with the historic Christian approach to violence. The early church leaned toward pacifism, yet history shows that wasn’t a universal stance. Oscar introduces just war theory, grounded in principles like self-defense, proportional response, and the avoidance of cruelty. Just war never glorifies violence—it permits it under strict moral limitations.Would a preemptive strike against a hostile nation be justified if credible threats were discovered? Mark believes that standing against tyranny can be an act of love toward one’s neighbor. Oscar, however, questions whether such actions always align with just war principles. He points to past U.S. actions—like the tragic downing of a civilian plane—as reminders of how quickly moral clarity can blur. E.Z. underscores the danger of biased media by comparing contradictory headlines from CNN and Fox News, reminding listeners to seek truth from multiple sources. Ray shares how he deliberately checks both conservative and liberal news sources to challenge his own assumptions. Oscar shifts the conversation to the spiritual aspect of war—reminding listeners that violence is a consequence of sin. Defensive war may sometimes be necessary, but it must always be a last resort. Believers are called to be peacemakers because God made peace with them. Mark closes with a powerful story of the Christmas Day truce in World War I. For a brief moment, enemies laid down their weapons in recognition of something greater than the battle. The guys challenge listeners to do the same—raising hands in prayer instead of fists in anger. Scripture urges believers to love peace and pursue it. Before taking sides, one must ask: is there a heart that grieves the loss of life, or one that revels in destruction?Send us a textThanks 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 ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar sit down to tackle a weighty and nuanced topic: war. This discussion isn’t about political sides—it’s about wrestling with the moral, spiritual, and personal implications of warfare in a fallen world. Oscar reflects on how perspectives on war evolve over time. He urges caution against jumping into the hype, especially as Christians. People on every side are made in the image of God. War isn’t something to relish. Mark agrees that war is never ideal, but believes it can be justified in certain cases. He points to Scripture and historical examples, including David and Nehemiah, as men who carried weapons while remaining faithful to God. He notes that sometimes war is necessary to establish peace and protect the innocent.The conversation explores the difference between civil and governmental responsibilities, along with the historic Christian approach to violence. The early church leaned toward pacifism, yet history shows that wasn’t a universal stance. Oscar introduces just war theory, grounded in principles like self-defense, proportional response, and the avoidance of cruelty. Just war never glorifies violence—it permits it under strict moral limitations.Would a preemptive strike against a hostile nation be justified if credible threats were discovered? Mark believes that standing against tyranny can be an act of love toward one’s neighbor. Oscar, however, questions whether such actions always align with just war principles. He points to past U.S. actions—like the tragic downing of a civilian plane—as reminders of how quickly moral clarity can blur. E.Z. underscores the danger of biased media by comparing contradictory headlines from CNN and Fox News, reminding listeners to seek truth from multiple sources. Ray shares how he deliberately checks both conservative and liberal news sources to challenge his own assumptions. Oscar shifts the conversation to the spiritual aspect of war—reminding listeners that violence is a consequence of sin. Defensive war may sometimes be necessary, but it must always be a last resort. Believers are called to be peacemakers because God made peace with them. Mark closes with a powerful story of the Christmas Day truce in World War I. For a brief moment, enemies laid down their weapons in recognition of something greater than the battle. The guys challenge listeners to do the same—raising hands in prayer instead of fists in anger. Scripture urges believers to love peace and pursue it. Before taking sides, one must ask: is there a heart that grieves the loss of life, or one that revels in destruction?Send us a textThanks 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 ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Communism’s rise began with Karl Marx, who introduced the idea of class struggle and critiqued capitalism in response to industrial-era poverty. Marx envisioned a classless society but as Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar point out, his philosophy extended beyond economics—it was rooted in atheism. Oscar shares how his first introduction to atheism came through Marxist economic literature, which proposed a godless utopia. Communism eventually took root in Russia and China, spreading fear of lost democracy. The guys note that socialism is often viewed as a bridge to communism, but a pure communist society has never existed due to the corrupting nature of human power.The conversation emphasizes that capitalism, while often defended, is not flawless either. The gospel—not any man-made system—is the only sufficient answer to the world’s brokenness. Communism mimics Christianity in its pursuit of equality but rejects God’s sovereignty and misunderstands human nature. It promotes forced sharing instead of joyful stewardship. The guys agree: any ideology that excludes God becomes idolatry, offering a counterfeit redemption story. In contrast, the gospel leads people to good works driven by love, not compulsion. Scripture affirms the dignity of work and personal responsibility.Oscar walks through how communism promises a classless utopia but fails because of a flawed view of the human condition. Power concentrated in godless hands leads to abuse. Those at the top of communist regimes often live in luxury while preaching sacrifice. The guys stress that human-led systems can't fix spiritual problems—only Christ can. They caution against defending capitalism blindly and urge believers to examine economic systems through a gospel-centered lens, digging deep into these issues before taking a firm stance. Mark shares a powerful story of a prisoner in a communist regime who endured torture but clung to Christ, reminding us that no one can steal what we’ve surrendered to God. E.Z. recounts seeing the effects of communism in Cuba, yet witnessing thriving Christians. The guys remind us that God’s will is unstoppable. Even in North Korea where the gospel is not easily accessed, people have found ways to evangelize. Real change won’t come through politicians or ideologies but through Jesus. Love—the fruit of the gospel—is the answer to every societal dilemma. When we walk in love, we don’t seek loopholes or act out of greed. The only true solution to both capitalism’s flaws and communism’s promises is the gospel: Christ crucified, risen, and reigning.Send us a textThanks 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 ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

The guys discuss the rise of communism through Karl Marx’s ideas, highlighting its roots in atheism and its flawed view of human nature. They emphasize that while communism aims for equality, it rejects God’s sovereignty and replaces the gospel with a counterfeit hope. The guys point out that socialism often serves as a stepping stone to communism, but no true communist society has existed because power, when godless, leads to corruption. They also acknowledge that capitalism has its flaws and caution Christians against defending it without examining it through a gospel-centered lens. Ultimately, they stress that neither capitalism or communism can fix the human condition—only Jesus can. The gospel, rooted in love and personal responsibility, is the only true answer to society’s brokenness.Send us a textThanks 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 ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro