The Living Waters Podcast

Today Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are talking about the Old Testament prophet Elijah. Elijah, who emerges abruptly in the narrative of 1 Kings 17, was a prophet in a tumultuous time in Israel’s history. James later portrays him as a man of profound prayer, highlighting God's responsiveness to earnest supplication. His prayer for a drought, remarkably answered by God, stands as a testament to his unshakeable trust in the Lord’s provision. Despite the trials of obedience, God faithfully sustains His servants, using challenges to shape them in the likeness of His Son.Elijah's confrontation with idol worship underscores his bold and unwavering commitment to God's sovereignty. The guys talk about Elijah’s challenge that he presented to the prophets of Baal. This showdown starkly contrasts false worship with the true power of the Almighty. While Baal's prophets resort to self-inflicted suffering in futile attempts to invoke their god's favor, Elijah demonstrates that the one true God requires no such sacrifices, for Jesus has already offered the ultimate sacrifice on the cross.In response to the failure of Baal’s prophets, Elijah, in a dramatic display of God’s power, Elijah constructs an altar and calls upon God to consume it with fire. Despite digging a trench around it and dousing it with water, God's response is swift and undeniable, affirming His supremacy over all idols. This act of faith not only showcases Elijah's unwavering trust but also serves as a reminder of the limitless power of the God he serves.However, Elijah's subsequent flight, prompted by Queen Jezebel's threats, unveils his humanity and vulnerability. Despite his triumph over the prophets of Baal, fear and despair got to him, leading him to plea with God for death. Yet, even in his darkest moment, Elijah acknowledges God's sovereignty over life and death, refusing to take matters into his own hands. His struggle serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of depression and the importance of clinging to hope in God's unwavering care.Ultimately, Elijah's story encapsulates the ebb and flow of faith and human frailty. Through triumphs and trials, God remains steadfast, revealing Himself not solely in thunderous displays but in gentle whispers of grace. Elijah's journey exemplifies the enduring truth that our hope must rest in the Lord, who sustains us through every storm and strengthens us for every trial. In a world plagued by hopelessness, God stands as our beacon of hope, ever faithful and able to see us through.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 challenges of being in a relationship where one is unequally yoked with a non-believer. They emphasize the importance of shared faith in marriage to avoid spiritual compromise and conflict. The guests highlight the dangers of marrying outside the faith, such as hindering spiritual growth and causing practical challenges in living a Christian life. They also address the issue of pornography and its impact on relationships, stressing the need to prioritize God's will over personal desires.

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are stepping into the world of virtual reality (VR). VR is a technology that transports users into digital worlds. Mark's enthusiasm for his experience with the new Apple Vision Pro exemplifies the excitement surrounding this emerging technology. However, alongside the excitement, concerns have been voiced, expressing both a fascination with technology and reservations about its potential consequences.One of the primary concerns the guys raise is the possibility of VR leading to increased isolation. The worry is that instead of going out into the world, people may retreat into the confines of VR, substituting human connection with digital experiences. This poses a challenge for Christians, who are called to engage with the world and share the gospel. Ray draws parallels between the rise of social media and the potential pitfalls of widespread VR adoption. While social media has its merits, facilitating global connectivity and communication, it has also been associated with increased feelings of loneliness and detachment from real-life relationships. VR, with its heightened immersive qualities, has the potential to exacerbate these issues. The guys discuss some pitfalls of VR, the first being the allocation of time. VR can consume time that could otherwise be spent serving the church and spreading the gospel. This raises questions about priorities and discernment in the use of technology. In VR, users have the freedom to customize avatars, representing themselves in digital form. While this offers a level of freedom and creativity, there's a danger of individuals becoming emotionally attached to these virtual personas, leading to a disconnect from their true selves and the identity given to them by God. Additionally, in VR, users can engage in activities that would be socially unacceptable in the real world, without fear of consequence. This anonymity fosters a culture of hidden sin, where individuals may indulge in destructive behaviors without accountability.Ray acknowledges that VR could be used as a tool for evangelizing. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a discerning approach. Churches may explore VR outreach initiatives, but they must be vigilant in safeguarding against spiritual detachment and prioritizing genuine human connection. Ultimately, the key lies in exercising discernment and accountability in the use of VR technology. By approaching VR with wisdom, individuals and communities can navigate its complexities and harness its benefits while safeguarding against its potential pitfalls.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 podcast discusses the definition of sin as rebellion against God, its deceptive allure, and the importance of recognizing and combating it. It emphasizes the need for community in identifying blind spots and standing firm against false teachings. The core of sin lies in disordered love, redirecting affections towards Christ for true transformation. The chapter highlights the ongoing battle with sin, the deceptive nature of sin, and practical strategies to resist its lure through seeking accountability and engaging with supportive communities.

The church often finds itself grappling with the challenge of discerning true believers among a sea of professed believers. Like Adam in the garden, the prodigal son didn’t realize what he had until he was sitting in the pigsty. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar focus on two types of prodigals: those who have strayed yet remain under the umbrella of salvation, and those who have yet to find redemption. Central to this discussion is the doctrine of eternal security, and the guys unanimously assert the irrevocability of salvation.Generally the cause of drifting away from the faith is in the heart, not the brain. This introspective journey confronts believers with the reality of their devotion, urging them to move beyond mere cognitive acknowledgment toward a genuine, transformative relationship with Christ.A poignant dilemma plaguing many congregations today is the absence of church discipline— a practice rooted in biblical illiteracy and a reluctance to confront sin. This reluctance is compounded by the perception of discipline as a punishment rather than a restorative act. True biblical discipline is a manifestation of love, seeking the repentance and restoration of the soul. Scripture states that sparing your child from discipline will spoil them, and this serves as an analogy for the nature of discipline within the church. Just as a loving parent disciplines their child, the church discipline its members out of love and concern.The process of church discipline is imbued with grace—a concept often misunderstood in contemporary Christian discourse. It is not an act of condemnation but a redemptive endeavor aimed at guiding individuals back into the fold of God's grace. At the heart of effective church discipline lies a profound understanding of grace. Grace confronts sin yet extends mercy, and disciplines yet restores. It is a grace that mirrors God’s, seeking to emulate God's redemptive love in every aspect.Ultimately, the church's mission extends far beyond the walls of its sanctuaries. It encompasses the pursuit of prodigals, both within and beyond its fold. It is a mission grounded in love, propelled by grace, and animated by the unwavering conviction that no soul is beyond the reach of God's saving grace. In summary, the church's pursuit of authenticity in discipleship, coupled with a commitment to biblical discipline rooted in love and grace, serves as a beacon of hope in a world rife with spiritual uncertainty. It is a call to embrace the transformative power of grace and extend it to all who stand in need of redemption.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

Emotional pain parallels physical suffering and requires compassion from Christians. The guys discuss how through faith, we find resilience and healing, embracing gratitude while trusting in God's provision and presence amid life's trials.Emotional pain often goes unnoticed, yet its impact can rival that of physical suffering. While a gaping wound elicits immediate attention, the wounds of the heart often remain hidden, leading to isolation and deep distress. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind us that as Christians, we're called to recognize the significance of emotional pain and respond with compassion and support. In the journey of faith, trials and tribulations serve to refine us. Despite an inclination to avoid pain, the guys discuss how all things work together for our good, aligning with God's divine purpose. When faced with emotional anguish, believers are encouraged to lean into their faith, seeking solace at the foot of the cross. Jesus himself experienced profound emotional pain, offering us an example of resilience and trust in God's plan. As His followers we are not exempt from the trials of life. Rather than withdrawing in times of distress, we're challenged to reach out for help as well as extend a comforting hand to those in need.One of the most significant sources of emotional anguish is rejection, exacerbated by the pervasive nature of social media in today's society. The constant exposure to others' lives can breed feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, prompting us to question our worth and identity. However, as Christians, we find our truest identity in Christ, whose love and acceptance is the only thing that matters. When dealing with emotional pain we must allow God to search our hearts, revealing any sin or bitterness that may hinder our healing process. The guys discuss surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers who can offer empathy, encouragement, and prayer. Gratitude as a powerful antidote to despair, shifting our focus from our pain to God's abundant blessings. By cultivating a spirit of thankfulness, we guard against entitlement and discontentment, recognizing the goodness of God in every circumstance.God's grace extends to all aspects of our lives, including our mental and emotional well-being, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of courage and wisdom. Ultimately, our hope lies in the promise of God's provision, even in the midst of our deepest pain. Through Christ's sacrifice, we find healing and restoration, knowing that God is close to the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. As we journey through life's trials, may we cling to the hope that 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 start in Luke 16, where Judas is described as a traitor. Despite witnessing the miracles performed by Christ and being among the privileged twelve disciples, Judas remained blind to Jesus' true identity and significance. His lack of genuine love and understanding is evident in his complaint about the expensive oil poured on Jesus' feet—an act motivated not by concern for the poor but by greed and a failure to recognize Jesus' worth.The Bible's candid portrayal of Judas serves as a stark reminder of human frailty and the dangers of self-serving behavior. Mark shares a sermon excerpt that underscores the consequences of such spiritual blindness, depicting Judas as dying thirsty by the well of living water—a poignant metaphor for the spiritual emptiness that results from turning away from Christ. Despite knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus still chose him as a disciple which is a testament to God's patience and grace even towards those destined for betrayal. Oscar's insight into Jesus' non-salvific choice of Judas reflects on the complex dynamics of faith and the distinction between outward affiliation and true spiritual belonging.The scene at the Passover meal, where Jesus confronts Judas about his impending betrayal, mirrors the biblical motif of God’s judgment and redemption. This pivotal moment serves as a call to self-examination and repentance, similar to when God questioned Adam and Eve in the garden. Jesus' response to Judas' betrayal, though ultimately tragic, also embodies the transformative power of obedience and sacrificial love. Judas' subsequent remorse, while lacking true repentance, reveals the hollowness of worldly regret and the despair that ensues without genuine reconciliation with God. His tragic end, marked by suicide, highlights the futility of a life devoid of Christ's redemption.Yet, amidst the darkness of Judas' betrayal and demise, there remains a glimmer of hope within the gospel narrative. It is a hope anchored in the transformative power of the cross, which offers redemption even to the most fallen of souls. Judas' story serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to heed the call to repentance and to turn away from the path of self-deception and spiritual betrayal. In conclusion, the narrative of Judas prompts contemplation on the complexities of faith, the consequences of spiritual blindness, and the boundless depths of God's mercy. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and to embrace the transformative power of Christ's sacrificial love, even in the face of betrayal and despair.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

Nehemiah played a pivotal role in the restoration of Jerusalem's walls. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into Nehemiah’s story when Nehemiah, a trusted cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, receives distressing news about the state of Jerusalem. His immediate reaction was to mourn deeply. In a world often characterized by apathy or complaining, Nehemiah's response stands out as a model of godly sorrow. For Nehemiah, the condition of Jerusalem's walls was not merely a physical concern. The city walls symbolized not only the strength and security of the inhabitants but also the honor and glory of the God they served. Nehemiah's distress over the walls mirrored his concern for the spiritual well-being of his people. In recognizing the correlation between the physical decay and spiritual decline, Nehemiah demonstrated humility by acknowledging his own sin in the collective sin of his people.Amidst his distress, Nehemiah turned to prayer. His prayer was an active engagement with the Lord. Nehemiah approached God with humility, seeking not just personal deliverance but the restoration of Jerusalem for the glory of God's kingdom. His prayer exemplifies selflessness, reflecting a genuine concern for the welfare of others. Nehemiah's story is not merely a historical account of leadership but a profound testimony to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Nehemiah’s ultimate allegiance was to God and His kingdom. His commitment to rebuilding Jerusalem's walls was not just a civic duty but a spiritual calling—an expression of his desire to see God's kingdom established on earth.Throughout the narrative, prayer remains a constant thread. In the face of adversity, Nehemiah did not waver in his faith or determination. His example challenges believers to persevere in prayer and action amidst opposition and uncertainty. Moreover, Nehemiah's response to threats serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in spiritual warfare. While trusting in God's protection, Nehemiah and his companions also took practical measures to defend themselves against potential attacks. Their readiness to defend the work of God's kingdom illustrates the necessity of combining faith with action in the face of adversity.Nehemiah's story offers timeless lessons on repentance, prayer, perseverance, and trust in God's sovereignty. His example challenges believers to respond with godly sorrow to the brokenness of the world around them, to pray fervently for the advancement of God's kingdom, and to persevere in faith and action despite opposition. 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 diving into the nuanced topic of slavery in the Bible. Atheists like to point fingers at this and claim that the Bible supports slavery. While contemporary perceptions of slavery evoke images of the brutal Atlantic slave trade, the biblical context offers a different understanding. In biblical times, slavery predominantly referred to a form of indentured servitude  where individuals voluntarily entered service as a means of survival or economic gain. Unlike the race-based slavery prevalent in history, biblical bondservants had certain rights and protections under Mosaic law. Moreover, the Bible unequivocally condemns the dehumanization and mistreatment of others, emphasizing principles of love for one's neighbor and equitable treatment of all individuals. The guys reinforce the inherent value and dignity of every human being, created in the image of God.Critics often point to instances in the Bible where slavery is mentioned, such as taking prisoners of war as slaves, as evidence of its endorsement. However, these objections overlook the historical and cultural context in which these practices occurred. The Bible does not necessarily endorse all practices it records but presents them within the broader framework of the times. Importantly, figures like Hagar, a slave girl, play significant roles in shaping God's redemptive plan, emphasizing the inclusivity and universality of God's love and grace.Christianity has historically been a driving force behind social reform and the abolition of slavery. Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to rescue hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad, gained the nickname of Moses. In the exodus of Israel from Egypt, Moses was the great emancipator. The absence of a specific commandment against slavery in the Ten Commandments does not imply its endorsement. Instead, the principles of justice, compassion, and human dignity woven throughout the biblical narrative provide a moral framework that condemns oppression and upholds the inherent worth of every individual.In summary, the Bible's portrayal of slavery requires nuanced understanding within its historical context, emphasizing principles of justice, compassion, and human dignity. Christianity, far from endorsing slavery, has historically laid the moral framework that atheists and others borrow from when trying to find flaws in scripture. Christians should use their example as encouragement to deeply study God’s word. The guys encourage everyone to walk as bondservants to Christ, willingly submitting to Him and His word. 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 podcast delves into the contrast between King Josiah and King Solomon, highlighting Josiah's rediscovery of God's law and his efforts to lead Judah back to the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of discipline in upbringing, the transformative nature of repentance, and the inclusive nature of God's grace. The discussion includes amusing anecdotes about chocolate-covered bacon, amusement park experiences, and reflections on the impact of the law on understanding grace.