The Living Waters Podcast

Lukewarmness isn’t neutral—it’s dangerous and spiritually misleading. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar examine the powerful message to the church in Laodicea and encourage believers to examine their hearts. Has your passion diminished? In Revelation, Christ rebukes a self-reliant church that no longer depends on Him for strength or purpose. The call isn’t about striving more. It’s about surrender, trust, and returning to intimacy with the Lord who pursues us.The guys explain how Laodicea’s water supply often arrived lukewarm, making it unfit for drinking. That same unpleasant temperature reflected the church’s spiritual condition and lack of power. Lukewarm water, like lukewarm faith, served no purpose. It symbolized a church that had lost its spiritual vitality and didn’t even realize it. They explore how the church is called to be salt and light, a shining source of hope and truth in a dark, dying world. That mission requires zeal, not apathy or self-confidence. Good works don’t save, but they are the fruit of saving grace and evidence of transformed hearts. We are His workmanship, created in Christ for good works that bring Him glory. True zeal isn’t about chaos or hype; it’s steady, humble obedience flowing from a heart filled with gratitude for the gospel and shaped by the Word.Mark reflects on how God speaks to the heart, not through empty words or outward performance. Lip service doesn’t move Him. It’s in real, desperate prayer and sincere repentance that transformation occurs. Repentance is sweet, hope-filled, and full of promise. It’s not about guilt; it’s about turning fully toward Christ with open hands. Ray shares how, as a new believer, he was consumed with a desire to share the gospel with everyone around him. That same fire is available to all of us who ask.Zeal is contagious. When believers live fully devoted to Christ, the lives around them are changed. Many hesitate to apply that same passion to their faith. Some believers go all in for hobbies and careers, but when it comes to eternity, they pull back. The Christian life isn’t easy or casual. It demands endurance, discipline, and spiritual awareness. Christians must be grounded in Scripture, guided by truth, and surrounded by people who speak life into their walk. Oscar brings it back to Revelation. Salvation is not earned. It’s a gift of grace through faith alone. When you truly see the beauty of God’s mercy, your affections are reshaped, and zeal becomes the natural response. Christ is worthy of your whole life—every moment, every heartbeat, every ounce of devotion you have to give.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 unpack Christ’s sobering message to the church in Laodicea, highlighting the real danger of lukewarm faith and spiritual self-reliance. Drawing from Revelation, they explain how the church had lost its dependence on God, becoming ineffective—much like the lukewarm water brought into Laodicea that was neither refreshing nor healing. The guys challenge listeners to examine their hearts and consider whether their passion for the Lord has faded. They emphasize that true zeal doesn’t come from emotional hype or outward performance, but from a heart transformed by grace and marked by steady, grateful obedience. The church is called to be salt and light in a dark and broken world, and that calling requires repentance, humility, and a return to intimacy with Christ. When believers grasp the depth of God’s mercy, their affections are rearranged, and zeal becomes the natural, joy-filled response. Christ isn’t asking for part of our lives; He’s worthy of it all.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

Sharing the gospel with Catholics is an act of love because God loves them deeply. In this episode, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar delve into the implications of Catholic teachings on the role of the Pope and its significance for the Gospel. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, but Scripture makes it clear: Christ alone is the head of the Church, which consists of true believers. While the Catholic Church has played a significant role in preserving God’s word and has done much good worth recognizing, there are serious concerns regarding salvation.The Catholic Church has always taught faith, but not salvation by grace alone. The idea that grace follows all you can do stands in direct tension with the biblical message of imputed righteousness. Christ’s righteousness is credited to believers, not earned through merit. The guys make it clear they are not claiming there are no saved Catholics, but that salvation would be despite official Church teaching, not because of it. Oscar challenges the belief that Peter was the first pope, arguing that the early church resembled a presbytery, where multiple bishops served collectively. Historical evidence shows that the title and authority of the pope developed over time. Even papal infallibility was not formally declared until the 1800s and remains a topic of controversy among Catholics.A central concern is the tendency to elevate tradition above scripture. The guys urge believers to let the Bible speak clearly. William Tindale gave his life to make scripture accessible, and it remains the most effective tool in gospel conversations. Matthew 16 refers to the truth that Jesus is the Christ as the rock, not Peter himself. Peter was important, but not preeminent. He referred to all believers as a royal priesthood. Reassigning that identity to a single man misrepresents the biblical narrative.The guys also discuss doctrines that have been added over time, such as purgatory, the veneration of saints, and praying to the dead. These practices shift attention away from Christ. There is one mediator between God and man, and that is Jesus. Ray shares that many Catholics know Jesus died for their sins but cannot explain what that means for their salvation. He has found that they are often open and willing to engage in a deep way. Rather than argue, he focuses on walking them through the gospel and lets God work. Scripture remains the authority. The church is built on Christ, not Peter. Grace is God’s unmerited favor to the undeserving. Compassion must not lead to compromise. The gospel is simple, powerful, and straightforward. Christ alone is the head of the Church.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

This episode addresses the crucial question: Was Peter truly the first pope? The conversation centers on how Catholic claims about papal authority compare to both scripture and early church history. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar walk through the biblical foundation for church leadership, pointing out that the early church operated more like a group of regional bishops working together, rather than under a single central figure. They explain how, over time, as Rome gained political and religious influence, the bishop of Rome came to be seen as preeminent—a development not rooted in scripture but in historical circumstance. The guys also address related doctrines, such as papal infallibility, which was not formally defined until the 1800s and remains debated even among Catholics. Test all traditions against scripture, which consistently affirms that Christ, not Peter or any other man, is the true and only head of the Church.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 are joined by Dr. Greg Gifford, Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at The Master’s University and author of a new book that challenges the roots of modern psychology from a biblical perspective. As a counselor, Greg has noticed oddities in therapy methods that often fail to address the root of the issue for Christians. Instead of demonizing individuals or dismissing therapy completely, Greg encourages believers to explore how psychology and psychiatry differ, what Scripture says about the mind and soul, and how biblical counseling provides a Christ-centered alternative to mainstream therapeutic practices.Biblical counseling views the Bible as the ultimate authority, contrasting with secular therapy that places the self as the highest truth. A key issue raised is the confusion between mind and brain. The mind is connected to the inner person—the heart, thoughts, and soul—while the brain is part of the physical body. Using medication to treat the brain may relieve symptoms, but if no physical cause is identified, the believer should be open to spiritual self-examination and repentance. Greg urges listeners to seek out certified biblical counselors who base their guidance on the authority of God’s Word. Red flags in counseling include seeking advice from those who do not share a biblical worldview, as they could mislead rather than direct toward Christ.E.Z. raises the topic of shame, which is often avoided in today’s culture but is understood biblically as a way to guide one toward repentance. The aim is not to remove shame entirely but to let it serve its purpose in the process of confession, repentance, and restoration. Greg’s nuanced perspective recognizes that people can suffer deeply but challenges the modern labeling of it as a disease of the mind. Understanding the difference between brain and mind is essential. Christians are encouraged to consider whether their reliance on medication is covering up deeper spiritual needs. The Bible addresses restlessness, identity, and suffering, offering hope and healing that secular therapy cannot provide.Toward the end, Mark asks a bold question about the blind spots in biblical counseling. Greg responds by urging the church to focus not only on critiquing secular approaches but also on addressing the root causes of issues. The conversation ends with a reminder that Christians are not defined by their diagnoses or struggles—they are defined by Christ. Greg encourages listeners to be skeptical not of truth but of man-centered approaches that fail to rely on the sufficiency of Scripture.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

What if the root of your struggle isn’t in your brain but in your heart? In this compelling conversation, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are joined by Greg to explore how biblical counseling offers a radically different framework from modern psychology—one that places Scripture, not the self, at its center. Greg explains how the common confusion between the brain and the mind has led to a medicalized approach that often masks rather than heals the deeper issues of the soul. The group discusses how biblical counseling aims to reach the heart, highlighting the need for repentance, the purpose of shame, and the importance of viewing emotions and suffering through a gospel lens. They also examine the limitations of secular diagnoses, the dangers of over-relying on medication, and how expressive individualism has infiltrated both therapy and the church. Listeners are encouraged to seek wise, theologically grounded counsel that doesn’t affirm every feeling but lovingly redirects hearts back to the sufficiency of God’s Word and the hope only found in 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

In Christianity, decision-making is an often mystified topic. Life is full of choices, and sin complicates things. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how Scripture offers a much clearer way forward. Making God-honoring decisions isn’t about unlocking a secret code—it’s about confidence in God’s sovereignty. The heart of a believer is to walk in communion with God in every part of life, not just in moments of uncertainty. When someone fully surrenders to Christ, God will carry them. Walking in the fear of the Lord and having a reverent awe of who He is brings clarity. When someone lives for God’s glory, every decision filters through that lens.The wisdom of God isn’t hidden, it’s available in His Word. The guys emphasize how we often overcomplicate things when Scripture is always sufficient. The more time someone spends in the Bible, the more their decisions reflect God’s heart. The world may pressure and mislead, but the believer stays focused on Christ. Practically, decision-making often involves affinity (what someone loves), ability (what someone is good at), and opportunity (which doors are opening). The church plays a vital role here—believers need objective counsel. There’s wisdom in a multitude of counselors. The guys remind believers to avoid surrounding themselves with yes men. Everyone needs people who aren’t impressed by them and will speak the truth in love.Making unpopular decisions is difficult. That’s why it’s important to determine convictions before the moment comes. The more someone is in Scripture and community, the easier it becomes to stand strong. Even if alone, a believer is never truly alone- God stands with them. Knowing God’s Word also narrows options in a good way. Don’t ask God for direction while ignoring what He’s already revealed. If God seems silent, perhaps He’s already spoken and now it’s time for obedience. The Bible is the instruction manual. As leaders, especially husbands, decisions must reflect God's will, not self-interest. Husbands are called to lead, but not alone; wives are given to help discern God’s direction. Leadership is service- first to God, then to others.The world says to follow your heart, but the Bible says the heart is deceitful. God-honoring decisions come from God-saturated minds. Those who seek wisdom must ask God for it and saturate themselves in His Word. Surrounding oneself with praying, honest believers matters. As the guys remind Christians, faith is a refusal to panic. Wait on the Lord. Trust His ways over your own. Cry out to Him because He knows more than we ever will.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

Decision-making in the Christian life is often overcomplicated, but Scripture offers clear guidance rooted in God’s sovereignty and a believer’s daily communion with Him. Rather than treating God like a genie or seeking secret signs, Christians are called to live in reverent awe of the Lord, letting His Word shape their desires and choices. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar point to the importance of surrender, godly community, and Scripture as essential tools in making decisions that honor God. The guys emphasize that surrounding yourself with honest, prayerful believers—and avoiding yes men—can help bring clarity, especially when facing difficult or unpopular choices. Ultimately, wisdom comes not from following the heart but from seeking God through His Word and trusting that His way is always best.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 hosts discuss the true essence of a church as a loving community rather than just a building. They address the loneliness epidemic in modern society and stress the importance of genuine relationships within God's family. The conversation touches on accountability rooted in love, emphasizing that discipleship means inviting others into our lives. They share insights on the value of shared experiences and highlight the need for humility and authenticity in nurturing a healthy biblical community.

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