The Living Waters Podcast

The podcast discusses the difference between grace and faith, emphasizing that faith is a complete trust in Christ's finished work. They explore how faith is a free gift from God and examine the beauty of the gospel. The hosts highlight the role of God in salvation and the incompatibility of doubt and faith. They stress the importance of trusting God's promises and moving forward, sharing stories of fulfilled promises. The podcast concludes with reflections on faith and a playful discussion about a book title idea.

Grace, often confused with mercy, is an unmeasured and breathtaking favor from God, integral to Christian theology. Ray, Mark, E.Z., and Oscar recognize its transformative power, and encourage others to dare to be strong in God’s grace. Unlike human limitations, God’s grace is boundless and flows continuously. It’s an unmerited gift, with no strings attached, illustrated by the acronym “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” The Reformation emphasized salvation by grace alone, challenging the Roman Catholic Church’s teachings.The theological concept of “grace alone” takes center stage. The reformers, led by figures like Martin Luther, introduced a paradigm shift, preaching grace alone, faith alone, to the glory of God alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes salvation as a gift of God, not a result of human works. The challenge lies in understanding the sufficiency of grace—a balance between lawlessness and legalism. Scripture provides clarity on living in response to God’s grace. Titus highlights grace’s transformative power, saving those once hateful. Good works become imperative, reflecting grace’s impact.Grace, far from being a mere help, has the power to save. The guys discuss what it means to deny ungodliness and live soberly. Distinguishing the biblical view from that of a cult, Christianity offers true grace as a free gift. The rejection of grace alone stems from lies and ignorance of man’s sinful nature. God, not obligated, provides grace according to His nature.Why does grace alone make the gospel good news? It eliminates guesswork, anchoring Christians in God’s finished work. Christians find assurance solely in God’s grace, alleviating the fear of hell. Salvation, not law-dependence, finds assurance in Jesus who fulfilled the law.The guys discuss what it means for people to reject the teaching of grace alone. Law, wrath, and justice are served. Denying grace means presenting filthy works, reproaching Christ’s sacrifice. Everything, including God’s abounding grace, is recognized as a gift from the Lord, leaving no room for boasting.In a life governed by the law, fear prevails. Conversely, a life ruled by grace declares that everything needed is accomplished. Grace liberates from societal expectations, providing a foundation for righteous living. In conclusion, grace is an unmeasured favor integral to Christian theology. Emphasizing grace alone affirms its sufficiency, making the gospel good news. Grace liberates believers, providing assurance and acknowledgment that everything for salvation is accomplished.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 Ray, Mark, E.Z., and Oscar on their exploration of Jesus of Nazareth, emphasizing the inseparable connection between theology and worship. The incarnation, as expounded in John 1, emerges as a pivotal concept, symbolizing Jesus' profound act of taking on human flesh. This transformative event is not confined to the New Testament but extends seamlessly from the Old Testament, weaving a coherent narrative of divine purpose. Dispelling misconceptions about Jesus being only a historical figure, the guys elevate the understanding of Jesus as both a personal Lord and Savior and the eternal Christ who transcends time.Highlighting the importance of terms like incarnation and the Trinity, despite their absence in Scripture, becomes a crucial aspect of theological clarity. They clearly describe the nature of Jesus as the flawless mediator between God and humanity. The subsequent exploration of passive and active obedience delves into the intricacies of Christ's redemptive work, shedding light on the inseparable connection between His sacrificial death and righteous life. Imputation is expounded upon as a profound concept, depicting the transformative exchange of Adam's inherited sin for the full righteousness of Christ through divine grace. The guys also discuss propitiation and its role as a substitute for redemption and a choice between facing divine wrath or accepting Jesus' sacrifice. The advocacy of Jesus during times of human frailty and sin is highlighted, emphasizing the cleansing power of His sacrificial blood.Christ's comprehensive suffering is portrayed as a vital aspect of divine justice, culminating in the triumphant declaration, "It is finished." The beauty of the gospel, intricately tied to Jesus' suffering, is presented as the transformative force that brings an end to human suffering. The resurrection is positioned as the defining moment, setting Jesus apart from historical figures, with its impact on the redemptive narrative.The ascension, signaling the completion of Jesus' earthly ministry and the commencement of His role as high priest, adds another layer to the theological tapestry. This act of physical ascension solidifies Jesus' kingship, ongoing intercession, and preparation of a celestial abode for believers, underscoring the eternal significance of His work.In conclusion, the guys reflect on Jesus as the ultimate Savior and Redeemer, beckoning believers into a close and intimate relationship. This discussion unfolds the divine narrative, emphasizing Jesus' purposeful life and redemptive mission.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 fall of man in Genesis and its impact on humanity's relationship with God, the podcast delves into the concept of being created in God's image, the deepening depravity of humanity, and the need for redemption. The hosts also discuss the false gospel of expressive individualism and the practical application of theology in daily life.

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar kick off an eight-episode series, “What Is the Gospel?” with today’s discussion of the fundamental question of “Who Is God?”The guys start off by differentiating between the questions “Who is God?" and “What is God?” and emphasizing the personal attributes of the Lord. Doing so, the hosts warn against impersonal conversations that can lead to idolatry. The awe-inspiring nature of God, the Creator of the universe, is highlighted, urging believers to discard their idols.Understanding God as the Alpha and Omega, a title which denotes His all-inclusive, eternal nature, helps bridge the finite understanding of humans with the infinite nature of God. The importance of the Trinity in the gospel is underscored, with caution against using analogies that may lead to heresy. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet constitute one God, a truth derived systematically from scripture.The revelatory nature of God is discussed, emphasizing the Bible as a means of divine revelation. God reveals Himself in nature, through His people, and ultimately in Jesus Christ. Amid a truth crisis, God is portrayed as the ultimate Truth Teller. Distinguishing between communicable and incommunicable attributes of God, the guys note that some attributes, like love and goodness, are shared with humans but not to the same degree. Jealousy, a communicable attribute, is explained as God's rightful demand for praise.The importance of details in understanding God is stressed, citing the fear of the Lord as a deterrent from evil. In evangelism, knowing who God is becomes crucial, as the wrong understanding can distort the gospel. Representing the true and living God ensures an accurate portrayal of the gospel message, encouraging believers to intimately know and make God known.Embark on a captivating journey with Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar as they attempt to unravel the profound nature of God and His Word. This riveting discussion closes with a fervent call for believers to intimately know and accurately represent the true and living God. Tune in for an episode that promises enlightenment, depth, and a profound connection with the Creator.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 how to fight off discouragement in the Christian faith, exploring three fronts: the world, the devil, and the flesh. It emphasizes the importance of relying on the means of grace for encouragement. The hosts share personal perspectives and practical advice on maintaining physical health. Discouragement is viewed as a diagnostic tool, prompting reflection on the lies we believe. The chapter descriptions include discussions on knowledge, church discipline, finding security in God, inspiration, fighting against discouragement, taking care of the physical aspects of discouragement, and trusting God's sovereignty.

Today the guys dive into the intricate interplay between faith, politics, and controversial issues. Special guest John Root, a bold Christian voice in the world of media, brings his unique perspective to the table during the G3 Conference, discussing the challenges of maintaining faith in the tumultuous landscape of modern politics.One of the significant issues grappled with in today’s discussion is the concept of idolatry and its undeniable connection to the political landscape today. This is a delicate balance for many Christians, as individuals may prioritize certain policies over their Christian beliefs, leading to an idolatry issue.The alarming trend of biblical illiteracy among the younger generations is another concern. Lack of biblical knowledge can lead to confusion about what is good and evil, causing young people to align with a “lesser evil” for the sake of perceived eternal good. As Christians, it is essential to stand firm in our faith, prioritize God's Word above all else, and reach the lost with the gospel.The guys’ conversation with John prompts listeners to stand for the truth, even when it's against those on “our own side”—a lesson gleaned from Daniel in the Old Testament. Through Daniel’s story, Christians can observe that the decision of how to fight is not decided in the battle itself but is determined by the preparation beforehand. John also shares his own experiences surrounding the controversy stirred up by the Christian series, The Chosen's handling of LGBTQ+ issues and interactions with conservative media figures.The guys also tackle the compromise and misdirection that can occur when conservatism is packaged in a godly wrapping. Many individuals are so politicized that they feel conservatism will save this country, but this is a view which is eternally empty. While it is widely understood that liberalism is godless, we must also realize that conservatism can create an illusion of righteousness, which is often false as well.Christians must remember that this world is not our home, and we should not assimilate to the world's values. Instead, believers should always strive to show love and respect for others, while at the same time standing firm in our faith and refusing to compromise on biblical truth. The key takeaway from this discussion is the importance of having a biblical worldview and the courage to challenge idolatry where it is found while maintaining a loving and respectful approach to all.This episode was recorded at G3 2023 National Conference.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

Get ready for a riveting exploration of a Christian’s soldier-like journey, delicately balancing faith, food, and modern challenges. The guys are joined by Phil Johnson, the director of Grace to You and elder at Grace Community Church, to observe the portrayal of Christians as soldiers in scripture and discuss spiritual warfare against Satan and his false ideologies. It's a war, not against people, but against satanic strongholds, with the aim to liberate people from these lies.To begin the discussion, Phil shares the profound influence of John MacArthur on his own faith journey and the courage required in the modern church. With anecdotes and personal observations, the guys remind listeners that standing firm in biblical truth often leads to unexpected places.In an era where evangelism is often diluted to be more palatable, Phil emphasizes the importance of defending the truth and sharing the gospel. The role of courage and boldness in evangelism is highlighted, as is the importance of tearing down ideological strongholds to liberate people from lies. Mark Spence shares how Phil has challenged and helped him and Living Waters to grow, and Phil also expresses appreciation for the efforts of Ray Comfort and Living Waters’ bold approach to sharing the gospel.The cyclical nature of church history is examined, underscoring the importance of remaining faithful to God's will, even if it means being part of the faithful remnant rather than the easygoing majority. The significance of gathering as God's people during the pandemic is discussed, as well as the importance of face-to-face fellowship in the church.Lastly, the conversation steers towards the impact of John MacArthur's teachings on small church communities and the role of grandparents in supporting their children in today's challenging times. A sneak peek is provided into MacArthur's upcoming book, The War on Children, addressing the challenges of raising children in a culture that targets and confuses them. Book recommendations are also shared, including Holiness by J.C. Ryle as well as sermons of Charles Spurgeon, providing listeners with ample food for thought.In essence, this podcast episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the Christian’s journey, skillfully intertwining elements of faith, food, and modern challenges. It provides an enlightening perspective that balances the heaviness of faith with the lightness of human connection, ensuring an engaging and thought-provoking listen.This episode was recorded at G3 2023 National Conference.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

How dangerous is pride? Join Ray Comfort and the guys as they combat issues of pride with today’s guest; Virgil Walker, Executive Director of Operations of G3 Ministries and co-host of the Just Thinking podcast.Today’s episode highlights the foundational nature of pride in our lives and how cultivating a regular practice of spending time in the Word, prayer, and devotion can help maintain humility. This time doesn't need to be elaborate or complicated, but rather a simple routine of reading the Bible, praying, and starting the day with God. By being immersed in scripture and dedicating time to prayer, Christians gain perspective and learn from the examples of humility found in the Bible. This practice keeps believers grounded and reminds them of their own need for the gospel and its proclamation, just as much as the people they share it with.The conversation also delves into the dangers of social media and its potential to breed pride. The hosts address the blessing of being able to influence thousands, or even millions, of people worldwide with a simple click or tap. However, there are also inherent dangers, particularly when it comes to illuminating the unchecked pride in our hearts.One of the dangers highlighted is the lack of filters and buffers on social media. It is all too easy to impulsively share frustrations with the world without considering the consequences. This can lead to sinful behavior, as individuals may feel a sense of superiority or importance when their opinions or actions gain attention on social media.To guard against this, the hosts share the importance of cultivating true humility. They discuss the significance of being connected to a local church and caution against being more focused on ministry "out there" rather than being rooted in a community of believers. By staying connected to a local church, individuals can receive accountability, support, and guidance to help them remain grounded and humble in their actions and influence.Towards the end of the conversation, they explore how daily devotion with God is significant to Christian maturity. The more time you spend with God, the more you will be strengthened to resist the pride of life.This podcast episode offers a thoughtful discourse on how Christians can uphold faithfulness to God, combat pride, and utilize digital platforms to glorify God in our fast-paced digital world. It provides valuable insights for those looking to use social media for a higher purpose or those seeking to deepen their Christian walk.This episode was recorded at G3 2023 National Conference.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

Renowned expert in Islam, Dr. James White, shares his insights on understanding the Islamic faith. Topics include controversial Quran verses, the significance of hadith, clashes between Islamic theology and Christian faith, and effective strategies for sharing the gospel with Muslims.