The Living Waters Podcast

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss lessons from the life of this famous Old Testament king. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne and ruled over Israel for a prosperous 40-year reign. His legacy is marked by a duality of wisdom and tragedy. Amidst his achievements, Solomon's life serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the perils of succumbing to worldly desires and straying from the path of wisdom rooted in the fear of the Lord.At the onset of his reign, Solomon receives an offer from God in a dream: he may request anything from God, and it will be granted. In a display of apparent wisdom, Solomon asks for discernment. However, Mark posits a deeper reflection: Solomon could have sought what the Lord desired to grant him. This subtle distinction speaks volumes about the nature of true wisdom–not merely seeking knowledge or understanding but aligning one's desires with God's will.Solomon's wisdom is depicted as deriving directly from God, contrasting sharply with the allure of worldly treasures or fleeting pleasures. It serves as a reminder that authentic wisdom begins with reverent awe of the Lord and seeking His guidance above all else. This fundamental principle underscores the narrative of Solomon's life, emphasizing the dangers of allowing worldly desires to eclipse devotion to God.Despite Solomon's initial dedication to the Lord, he allows idolatry to infiltrate his heart. He indulges in the worship of foreign gods. This gradual descent into spiritual compromise serves as a sobering reminder of the insidious nature of sin and the importance of guarding one's heart against its allure. Solomon's downfall is further compounded by his choice of pagan wives, who lead him astray from his devotion to God. Solomon's errors extend beyond personal consequences, as his actions sow seeds of discord within the kingdom, culminating in civil unrest and strife.Despite being endowed with divine wisdom, Solomon's tragic narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over fidelity to God. His life parallels the redemptive mission of Christ, who came to eradicate false idols and restore humanity's communion with God.For Christians, Solomon's life urges vigilance against the allure of idolatry and the subtle erosion of spiritual integrity. It underscores the need to humbly acknowledge one's susceptibility to sin and the imperative of seeking God's wisdom above all else. True wisdom emanates from a heart surrendered to God, grounded in the fear of the Lord, and guided by His divine counsel. 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

Exploring the concept of hypocrisy among Christians, the podcast highlights the struggle to avoid being labeled a hypocrite. It delves into the dangers of hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of genuine repentance and living authentically. The impact of hypocrisy on individuals and society is discussed, with a focus on the need for humility and integrity in one's beliefs and actions.

Central figure Joshua, embodies courage, faith, and obedience. Lessons on trust in God's promises. Moses to Joshua leadership transition. Dependence on God in pivotal moments. Importance of prioritizing spiritual communion.

Exploring the significance of prayer, faith, and God's sovereignty through the account of Jesus walking on water. Emphasizing the vital role of prayer in aligning believers with the Lord. Delving into the symbolism and power of Jesus' miracles over nature, showcasing the profound courage and trust displayed in the Gospel of John.

Vicki Zoradi shares her miraculous testimony of surviving a life-threatening medical crisis. Her husband, Mike, faced the devastating prospect of losing her, but they found strength in faith and community support. Vicki's recovery from septic shock was marked by a vision of angels protecting her. The podcast delves into the power of prayer, divine intervention, and finding meaning in suffering. It explores the journey of faith, gratitude, and resilience in the face of adversity, emphasizing the role of faith in overcoming life's trials.

In John 4, an encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman unfolds at a well, offering profound insights into Jesus' character and the boundless nature of God's love. Against the backdrop of cultural tension between Samaritans and Jews, Jesus' decision to travel through Samaria defies societal norms, highlighting his intentional outreach to marginalized communities. The woman's visit to the well at an unconventional time hints at her social isolation, emphasizing her marginalized status within her community.Despite cultural barriers, Jesus engages the woman in conversation, demonstrating God's inclusive love and challenging societal prejudices. Ray, E.Z., and Mark reflect on the significance of this encounter, drawing parallels to their own experiences of encountering Christ. They emphasize the divine providence behind such encounters, underscoring God's sovereign plan for redemption.The woman's anonymity in the passage shifts the focus to God's redemptive power rather than individual identity or past sins, echoing Paul's acknowledgment of his own sinfulness. This underscores the universal nature of Christ's mission to offer salvation to all who recognize their need for a Savior. Jesus' offer of "living water" symbolizes spiritual nourishment and eternal life, addressing the woman's deeper existential thirst. Despite her initial misunderstanding, Jesus gently guides her to recognize her need for spiritual fulfillment, transcending mere physical thirst.The guys turn the discussion towards the mystery of God's ways, emphasizing trust and faith in understanding God's plan. Jesus' unparalleled teachings and divine nature set him apart from other spiritual leaders, illuminating the path to salvation and eternal life. The woman's immediate evangelism after encountering Jesus underscores the transformative power of authentic encounters with Christ. Her testimony becomes a catalyst for spreading the Gospel, demonstrating the impact of personal encounters with Christ on sharing the message of salvation.Believers are urged to remember their identity in Christ and to actively participate in sharing the Gospel, recognizing the transformative power of encountering Christ in their lives. The discussion underscores the importance of an eternal perspective and prioritizing the spread of the Gospel in all aspects of life.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., and Mark tackle a pivotal account in the New Testament, the conversion of Cornelius. The Jews had an arrogance regarding Gentiles which is seen in John 4 with the woman at the well. Through the example of Cornelius, God is confirming for us that the gospel is for everyone, not just the Jews.In Acts 10:1-8, we encounter Cornelius, a Gentile influenced by Judaism. His interaction with Jewish centurions instilled a healthy fear of God, emphasizing that salvation is not limited to a specific group. God's promise of grace to those who fear Him is evident, although Cornelius wasn't yet born again. Despite his religious devotion, Cornelius needed to be born again, a crucial aspect for entering the kingdom of heaven. The Jews' historical arrogance towards Gentiles underscores the need to break down walls surrounding the universality of the gospel. Acts 10:9 continues with Peter receiving a vision from the Lord, revealing a theme of Peter occasionally putting his foot in his mouth. The lesson is to be slow to speak and cautious in how we respond to God. Cornelius experiences God choosing earthly vessels, like Peter, to convey His word, emphasizing the importance of human agency in spreading the gospel. Every aspect of our lives is seen as preparation for future events, with no action deemed insignificant. Peter's vision prepares him for what lies ahead, challenging his preconceptions. Peter's initial reluctance, saying "Not so, Lord," teaches the importance of obedient and immediate responses to God's directives.In Acts 10:24-29, Peter arrives at Cornelius' home, encountering a bowing Cornelius. Peter, despite discomfort, emphasizes he is just a man and conveys God's guidance. This discomfort is a reminder that believers may feel uneasy while following God's calling, but they can seek Christ's help in those moments.Moving to verse 34, Peter shares the gospel with Cornelius and his gathered circle. The message centers on salvation from sins. The subsequent events in verses 44-48 mirror a mini-Day of Pentecost, astonishing the accompanying Jews. This event underscores God's resistance to the proud and grace to the humble. Notably, Cornelius' family and friends were saved before baptism, emphasizing salvation through grace rather than ritual. This account is a pivotal moment, demonstrating that the gospel transcends cultural and religious boundaries, making it accessible to all. It challenges believers to recognize their own sinfulness and share the gospel with humility, acknowledging the universal need for a Savior.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 this thought-provoking conversation, Ray shares insights on the clash between self-help ideologies and Christian beliefs. E.Z. explores how self-help literature's focus on individualism diverges from the gospel's narrative of redemption. Mark dissects the limitations of self-improvement tales, while Oscar critiques the dangers of sermons devoid of gospel truth. The group emphasizes the need for discernment in self-help resources, urging listeners to find their identity in Christ rather than in personal achievements, all with a touch of humor and critical reflection.

In his lifetime, the apostle Paul likely reached thousands of people. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how in today’s age, one video can come across the screens of millions of people. Imagine how many people Paul could have reached if he had been able to access the internet.Digital evangelism can take many forms: posting Bible passages on Facebook, uploading YouTube videos, or posting a podcast. Each like, share, and comment is one more person that may hear the gospel. Even when dealing with negative comments, believers can engage in conversations that share Christ with the world.However, not everyone should pursue social media evangelism in this way. The feedback from society can easily sway someone when their identity is placed somewhere other than in Christ. Social media can draw out the worst in us. Oscar shares about a pastor who changed his outward presentation because engagement went up when he used strong rhetoric. Our souls are not meant for fame, so when we have an audience it can shape us in a way that is not beneficial. When we hand our souls over to audience capture, we are conforming to society rather than conforming to Christ.As a Christian, if you aren’t evangelizing privately, you may need to reflect before you evangelize publicly. The guys recognize that in the midst of sharing the gospel, believers may be holding a sinful attitude. Motive does come to play in this. Sometimes we get this idea that the only way to share the gospel is to be a missionary, but Christians should share the gospel with the people around them, not just those in another country.So how does one start sharing the gospel on social media? If you are bold, you can simply go ask people if you can interview them for YouTube. You may receive a lot of no’s, but just have open and honest conversations with those who say yes. Editing videos can be done using simple software like iMovie. Even memes can be used to reach people with the gospel. The Word of God is living and powerful, even simple messages can be evangelism tools. Podcasts are another way to reach people. At the start, the guys didn’t know what the result of starting a podcast would be and now it’s a means of reaching believers and unbelievers with the gospel.Remember that God’s Word doesn’t return void. Share scripture, gospel videos, sermons, and ask people what their thoughts are. There’s so much you can do, but the bottom line is that when your heart is set on obeying the Lord, God will give you creativity as you take steps to follow His call.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 approach the question of if it is right for Christians to attend a wedding when the union is not between one man and one woman. It is pointed out that any marriage that falls outside of what is outlined in the Bible is merely a celebration, not a true wedding. The argument centers on the sacredness of marriage being a union established by God between one man and one woman. The discourse critiques the societal trend of accepting diverse truths and advocates for unwavering adherence to what is considered absolute truth, which has been laid out for us in the Bible.The guys discuss the complexity faced by Christians who disapprove of gay marriage but desire to extend compassion to family members or friends. It highlights the dilemma of attending a wedding as an act of affirmation for a covenant that, from a Christian standpoint, should only be between a man and a woman. The challenge is framed within the broader societal narrative, where tolerance is deemed paramount, sometimes at the expense of absolute truths.A reference is made to Alistair Begg's advice on attending a wedding involving homosexuality, acknowledging that his counsel led to public division within Christian circles. The need for believers to handle controversy, whether privately or publicly, is emphasized. The narrative urges Christians to stand firm on truth, even in the face of societal contradictions and challenges.The discussion critiques societal paradoxes, such as smiling about abortion while reacting harshly to misgendering. The guys emphasize how important it is for believers to speak the truth with grace and love, recognizing that asserting something as true does not necessarily make it so. The discussion continues to remind Christians to prepare for situations that may challenge their convictions, navigating the complexities with love and adherence to their faith.The guys explore the possible tension that could arise between attending a gay wedding and maintaining relationships, asserting that abstaining from attendance doesn't signify the end of a relationship. It calls for Christians to be prepared to represent Christ in such situations, acknowledging the potential for differing convictions among believers.Christians are reminded of Jesus' role in bringing division, emphasizing the necessity of integrating the gospel into conversations. It argues that rejection may occur not due to individual behavior but because of Christ residing within believers. 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