The Living Waters Podcast

True virtue becomes visible only when the desire to walk faithfully before God outweighs the instinct to manage appearances for others. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar examine how virtue signaling has become a modern way of seeking approval, noting that the human urge to belong often pressures believers to display moral outrage or spiritual discipline without genuine conviction. The guys explain that people have always looked for safety in groups, and that this instinct can quietly influence the heart, even in Christian settings.The guys discuss how social media amplifies this struggle by rewarding the performance of virtue. They point out how easy it is to post a Bible verse, a devotional highlight, or a polished quote without allowing those truths to shape character. Christian leaders carry an added weight because their online presence serves as a form of shepherding, and the guys worry that many settle for shallow guidance rather than deep spiritual engagement. Mark recalls receiving a negative review simply for quoting someone unpopular, and the guys use that example to show how expectations can override thoughtful reflection.The guys turn to resisting the lure of appearances and returning to the steady work of communion with God. Virtue comes from God’s own righteousness, justice, and truth, and the guys emphasize that Christians need to slow down, detach from screens, and develop habits that shape the heart rather than the image. They encourage believers to reflect on whether frequent posting influences their behavior or simply reveals what already exists beneath the surface. The more people disconnect from quiet spaces, the easier it becomes to slip into spiritual performance rather than genuine spiritual depth. They suggest taking small steps, such as dedicating the first moments of the day to reflection rather than scrolling.In closing, the guys stress that holiness is demonstrated not through public declarations but through consistent, humble acts of repentance and love. They warn against overcorrecting by trying too hard to avoid virtue signaling, which can distract from the gospel. Instead, they urge believers to show real love, confess sin promptly, and accept correction without defensiveness. They remind listeners that the true mark of a Christian is a heart focused on God’s approval rather than human applause. The difference between virtue signaling and true virtue is the motive; when believers seek the Lord’s approval above all, it will change how they live, respond, and quietly grow.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 discussion dives into the difference between virtue signaling and true character. Hosts reveal how social media encourages superficial spirituality, leading believers to seek human approval. They emphasize that genuine virtue comes from deep study of Scriptures and personal transformation. The conversation highlights the importance of self-examination over outward performance. The team urges listeners to prioritize God’s approval and cultivate sincere spiritual habits to nurture real inner change.

The hosts reflect on the weight of persecution faced by believers in Turkey, highlighting the stark differences in sharing the gospel compared to the U.S. They discuss the unity that comes from hardship and how even the apostles felt nervous but chose obedience. The conversation emphasizes Christ's humble response to hostility and the early church's sacrificial nature. They also tackle the challenge of sharing the faith with family and the importance of empathy. Humility and reliance on prayer emerge as key elements in evangelism amidst opposition.

Delve into the realities of sharing the gospel in hostile environments, highlighting the courage of believers in places like Turkey. The hosts discuss the importance of humility and empathy when witnessing to resistant family members. They explore how Jesus responded to persecution with grace and how the early church exemplified sacrificial love. Practical tips on remaining calm and focused on God amid challenges provide a roadmap for navigating opposition with gentleness and authenticity.

Dive into the essence of true Christian love, where believers are encouraged to empathize with both joy and sorrow. The hosts tackle the tough balance between celebrating others' successes and confronting personal envy. They discuss Jesus' model of compassion, the importance of engaging with the lost without compromising truth, and how empathy must not overshadow the truth. With practical tips on how to rejoice authentically, they emphasize that every emotional journey can draw us closer to God and foster a unified faith community.

The hosts delve into how true Christian maturity means sharing in both joys and sorrows. They discuss the importance of empathy that aligns with truth, emphasizing that churches should confront sin with love. Jesus' weeping serves as a powerful model for emotional engagement, demonstrating the balance of joy and sorrow. The conversation also highlights the value of nurturing others' growth and the unity that comes from rejoicing together, challenging the trend of individualism in faith.

The discussion dives deep into the strength of biblical hope as an anchor for the soul, contrasting it with cultural nihilism that affects younger generations. Personal stories of loss highlight how faith can transform grief into testimonies of hope. The hosts explore how understanding God's character can provide peace in suffering. They challenge listeners to grow in knowledge of God to deepen their trust and view trials as part of a divine tapestry shaping their lives. Ultimately, the conversation reaffirms that true hope rests in Christ’s resurrection.

In a world often clouded by despair, the hosts delve into the essence of true hope. They distinguish biblical hope from mere optimism, emphasizing it as a confident assurance in God's character. The conversation touches on how real hope persists through pain and loss, anchoring the soul in God's promises. They explore the transformative power of the new birth and encourage listeners to deepen their knowledge of God to strengthen their hope. Ultimately, they inspire believers to thrive through faith, shining light in a weary world.

Brokenheartedness is a universal struggle in our imperfect world. The hosts emphasize that true comfort comes from Scripture, not just empty words. They explore how pain can deepen one's faith and lead to healing through Christ. By contrasting worldly distractions with spiritual hope, they highlight the importance of moving forward while embracing grief. Personal suffering can foster empathy, enabling believers to offer support to others. Ultimately, God transforms sorrow into purpose, reminding us that even in pain, there's beauty and redemption.

Heartache is universal, but for believers, it can deepen faith and reshape the heart. The hosts discuss how Scripture offers real comfort over temporary clichés. They emphasize that God uses pain to draw people closer and that Jesus understands human suffering. Brokenness can lead to repentance and a deeper longing for God, turning sorrow into spiritual growth. They encourage maintaining fellowship during tough times, advocating for the hope found in community and prayer, and reminding listeners that every trial serves a divine purpose.