The Living Waters Podcast

Jeff Morgan from Jews for Jesus joins Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar to share his testimony and insights into sharing the gospel with the Jewish community. Jeff grew up in a Jewish household, celebrating high holidays and occasionally observing Shabbat. As a young adult, he pursued fame in Los Angeles but quickly became disillusioned with the cost of success. In search of meaning, he turned to new age spiritualism. Though the experience began with spiritual highs, it soon led to depression and suicidal thoughts. His life began to shift after meeting his future wife, who stood firm amid his struggles. At his lowest, he admitted to her that he didn’t know what he was doing and was being spiritually tormented. Shortly after, Jeff met a pastor at the gym, which led to conversations and prayer. Another gym-goer prayed over him, and Jeff began to feel life return. He started seeing Jesus everywhere and was invited to a church men’s retreat where the message on Jesus’ transfiguration transformed him. He rushed home to tell his wife, only to find she, too, had been experiencing encounters with Jesus. In a powerful moment, they both surrendered their lives to Jesus and were filled with peace. Jeff dove into Scripture, eventually joining Jews for Jesus to share his newfound faith.Jeff, formerly the host of a vegan lifestyle channel, now uses his platform for evangelism, especially to reach fellow Jews. Sharing the gospel in Israel presents unique challenges—while religious freedom exists, insensitive evangelism (like megaphone preaching) can spark backlash due to the historical persecution of Jews in Jesus' name. Jeff emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and authentic care when speaking to Jewish people. He offers practical advice for evangelizing to Jews: understand the Jewish context of Scripture, use terms like Yeshua, emphasize that faith in Jesus fulfills rather than abandons Jewish identity, and highlight Old Testament prophecies. Quoting passages like Isaiah 53 often prompts thought-provoking discussions. Jeff points out that the New Testament is deeply Jewish, starting with Jesus’ genealogy, and urges Christians to learn rabbinical interpretations and be led by love, not fear.Despite occasional persecution—being spit at or having things thrown—Jeff sees increasing openness among Jewish people. Mark relates, sharing how his own Jewish in-laws have resisted the gospel but how he feels renewed conviction to persevere. The guys encourage believers: while the message of the gospel never changes, how we deliver it can make all the difference.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

Jeff Morgan, once deeply involved in new age mysticism and driven by a desire for fame, found true freedom after a powerful encounter with Jesus that began through unexpected conversations at the gym. A church retreat and shared spiritual experiences with his wife led them both to surrender their lives to Christ. Now part of Jews for Jesus, Jeff is passionate about reaching the Jewish community with the gospel in a way that’s culturally sensitive, compassionate, and rooted in the Jewish context of Scripture. He encourages believers to use terms like Yeshua, reference Old Testament prophecies, and emphasize that faith in Jesus fulfills rather than abandons Jewish identity. Despite occasional persecution, Jeff sees increasing openness among Jewish people and urges Christians to share with both courage and care. The guys offer encouragement and practical insight for anyone seeking to share the gospel with love and wisdom.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 discuss the controversial topic of capital punishment, highlighting its complexity and the wide spectrum of beliefs among Christians. While some believers stand firmly for the death penalty, others oppose it with equal conviction. Christians are called to seek biblical truth with humility, not pride, even in secondary issues where disagreement is allowed. Jesus often responded to difficult questions with another question, inviting deeper thought rather than debate. Ray supports the death penalty in principle but recognizes the flaws in the justice system, pointing out how false witnesses in Scripture and in history have led to unjust executions. The guys agree that capital punishment must be handled with care, remembering that each life involved—perpetrator or victim—bears the image of God.Genesis 9:6 and Romans 13:1-4 are cited as the strongest scriptural support for the death penalty, with God affirming the sanctity of life by requiring justice for the shedding of innocent blood. E.Z. emphasizes that those in authority are placed by God, whether as a blessing or judgment, and voters must be mindful of this truth. Still, the group stresses that decisions involving life and death should never be made flippantly. Oscar approaches the issue with humility, offering three lenses of hesitation: spiritual, philosophical, and practical. He references Augustine’s concern that executing someone may mar the image of God, though Augustine wasn’t completely opposed to it. Yet others in the group argue that removing someone who claims lives is actually honoring life and protecting society.The guys discuss the tension between grace and justice. Some argue capital punishment is mercy to the victims and society, preventing re-offense. Others say prolonging life on death row offers more time for repentance. This tension surfaces often: should mercy delay justice, or should justice be swift for the sake of the victims? There’s also the question of honoring the victim’s dignity and preventing additional harm to their families.Throughout, the group warns against personal retribution, reminding listeners that Scripture differentiates between personal responsibility and the role of government. They caution against cherry-picking verses and advocate for reading Scripture in context, letting Scripture interpret Scripture. True wisdom is found in seeking the Lord, studying His Word, and engaging in fellowship. While opinions may vary, the guys agree on one thing: may the Lord help us think deeply and biblically, with both compassion and conviction.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 conversation explores the complex and often divisive issue of capital punishment from a biblical perspective. The guys acknowledge the spectrum of Christian views, noting that while some support the death penalty as a form of justice, others question its place in a flawed system. Scripture like Genesis 9:6 and Romans 13:1–4 is examined, with emphasis on honoring the image of God in every person. They weigh the balance of justice and mercy, discussing the importance of accountability while also considering the value of repentance and the potential for redemption. Ultimately, the conversation encourages Christians to approach this issue with humility, careful study of Scripture, and grace for those who land on different conclusions.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

Chad Williams joins Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar to discuss how to protect children in an increasingly wicked world. The conversation begins with Chad’s powerful testimony. Though Chad completed Navy SEAL training, he was struck with a deep emptiness. Becoming a SEAL had been his life’s goal, but achieving it left him hollow. He realized no earthly accomplishment could satisfy the soul. It was through confrontation with Scripture that he began to understand the depth of human pride and sin. Only Christ can take away sin and cover His people with grace and mercy.Chad shares how, from the moment of his salvation, he was a changed man. He immediately began proclaiming the gospel and eventually crossed paths with Ray, who encouraged him to try open air preaching. That initial step was difficult, but it launched Chad into a bold and public faith. The guys talk about a clip of Chad engaging a skeptic with clarity and conviction. Mark recalls a humorous but intense moment when someone tried to steal Chad’s ID during a preaching event—only for Chad to chase the man down and recover it. Chad's faith would soon lead him into another kind of battlefield: local politics.Now a city councilman in Huntington Beach, Chad stepped into office after seeing how far the culture had shifted. Once elected, Chad focused on defending the defenseless, particularly children. He and the council took action after discovering sexually explicit books in the children’s section of the library. In response, they made plans to form a review board made up of community members to flag and relocate inappropriate materials; however, this initiative sparked backlash, with critics labeling it censorship and a book ban. One deeply disturbing organization sued the council over the committee’s formation.This legal battle has reached a critical point. On June 10, there will be a vote on whether to preserve or dissolve the committee. The opposition is determined to shut down any effort that brings community accountability to public content. The guys along with Chad emphasize that this is not just a local issue—it is a spiritual battle with eternal stakes. If parents are not discipling their children, the world will. He reminds believers that discipleship is lived out daily. If sin isn’t named, it will be renamed and rebranded as progress. He urges listeners to pray, support, vote, give, and reach out to those in Huntington Beach. The time to act is now. Children are watching, and their future depends on how boldly this generation stands.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 dive into the rise of Christ consciousness, a concept gaining popularity in New Age circles and even surfacing in some evangelical conversations. This belief system claims that Jesus realized the Christ, expressed it, but was not the same as Christ Himself. Christ, in this view, is seen as a universal state of enlightenment or highest being—a form of Christian consciousness or self-realization accessible to anyone regardless of faith tradition. It’s a rebranded version of Eastern mysticism, offering spiritual bliss and inner godhood. The guys warn that while it may sound spiritual, it denies the heart of the gospel.Christ consciousness redefines salvation as simply overcoming the illusion of separation from God, ignoring the reality of sin. But scripture presents sin as true rebellion against a holy and personal God. The gospel is about God stepping into time to rescue a lost people. Imago Dei speaks of our value and purpose, but the call is not to find ourselves—it is to lose ourselves and be found in Christ. The idea that Jesus is just an example overlooks His role as the only mediator between God and humanity. If He did not physically rise from the dead, then the Christian faith has no foundation.The guys emphasize the deceptive nature of Christ consciousness. Forgiveness is redefined as a vague awakening, the crucifixion becomes symbolic, and resurrection is reduced to ego transcendence. Yet without the resurrection, there is no power. Christianity, by contrast, is about God reaching down to save. Ray and E.Z. share personal stories of witnessing to those caught in New Age thought. These individuals often long for spiritual healing, but have been misled. The guys encourage believers to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with gentleness and respect. Remembering that we too were once lost, Christians are called to love people practically and persistently. Finding common ground can open doors to share the truth of the gospel. People searching for Christ consciousness are often longing for something real—something only Jesus can provide.The fullness of God dwells in Christ alone. New Age teaching fails to address sin, and no level of enlightenment can wash it away. Moral living may keep someone out of jail, but only the blood of Christ can rescue from judgment. The guys urge believers to stay grounded in scripture, recognize false teachings quickly, and never lose sight of the gospel. Any Christ that is not the incarnate Son of God is a counterfeit. Live in true awareness—not of yourself, but 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

Christ consciousness is a growing New Age belief that presents Christ as a universal state of enlightenment rather than the incarnate Son of God. It redefines salvation as merely overcoming the illusion of separation from God, dismisses the reality of sin, and turns the crucifixion and resurrection into symbolic metaphors. This belief system offers self-realization and inner divinity, but it ultimately denies the power of the gospel and the need for a Savior. The guys point out that while it may sound spiritual and even appealing, it leads people away from the truth of scripture. They encourage believers to stay rooted in God’s Word, approach conversations with grace and clarity, and remember that those drawn to these teachings are often searching for real hope—something only Jesus can provide.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

Join lively discussions on the essential nature of doctrine in the Christian faith, emphasizing that everyone has a belief system, even non-believers. The speakers highlight how sound doctrine fosters a deeper relationship with God and drives genuine gratitude. They warn against misleading teachings and the importance of discerning truth from deception. Historically, many have defended doctrine fiercely, underscoring its significance in spiritual growth and worship. With humor and insightful anecdotes, the conversation sheds light on the vital role of clear theology in everyday life.

Doctrine is foundational to the Christian life, not something to be feared or avoided. Everyone lives by doctrine, whether they recognize it or not—even nonbelievers. As soon as we start talking about who Jesus is, we enter doctrinal territory. The guys explore how many Christians shy away from doctrine due to a shallow view of the gospel or a desire for comfort over truth. But doctrine, rooted in theology, is how we know and love God more deeply. It shapes how we live, worship, and make decisions. The guys also stress the importance of discernment, the danger of false teaching, and the need for balance—neither rejecting helpful theological resources nor replacing Scripture with them. They remind us that sound doctrine leads to transformation, and it must be handled with humility, love, and a deep desire to reflect Christ well.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 dive into the topic of eternal security, offering an overview of how different traditions interpret the idea of being saved. They discuss how the Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation begins with baptism and must be maintained through participation in the sacraments. The Armenian view leans toward a conditional salvation. The guys touch on an antinomian view which claims once saved, always saved. This interpretation disconnects salvation from the transforming power of the gospel. In contrast, the reformed position teaches that salvation is entirely the work of God.If someone is genuinely saved, they will not turn back. Once the distinction between true and false conversions becomes clear, the parables take on new meaning. Those who fall away were never truly saved. Matthew 7 reinforces this, pointing out that some who thought they knew the Lord never actually belonged to Him—He never knew them. Christ saves to the very end, and the perseverance of the saints is a comfort that reminds us we are kept for Jesus, His treasured possession. If we could lose our salvation, we would, but we are not strong enough to fall out of God's grip.Christians need to base their beliefs on scripture, not feelings. John 10 reminds us that no one can snatch God’s children out of His hand. Many believers are stuck in spiritual immaturity because they live in fear. The answer is to look to the cross and what the Lord has done. Even churches with good doctrine sometimes default to spiritual moralism. The gospel must be preached clearly and consistently so that believers can find confidence in the security of their salvation.For the believer who is struggling, eternal security is not an excuse for laziness but a safety net. It frees you to live in gratitude, knowing that your salvation is not based on performance. Ray explains that God gives a new heart and new desires—He causes His people to walk in obedience. The guys discuss how even when we sin, Jesus is our advocate. A true believer grieves over sin and desires to obey. We belong to God and we always will. Philippians 1 says that God will complete the work He began. Salvation is His from beginning to end.When people walk away from the faith, they were never truly part of it. A healthy tree naturally produces fruit—it doesn’t have to strain. Hebrews 6 is not about true believers falling away, but about those who tasted truth and still turned away. If you hate your sin and long for righteousness, you are in the process of sanctification. He who calls you is faithful—He will hold you.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