Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into Hinduism, a fluid belief system that has absorbed various ideas over time. Flourishing in the 60s and 70s, it has become more visible in modern times. Many people believe in reincarnation, rooted in Hinduism, which starkly contrasts Christian doctrines. Hindus often revere Jesus but see Him as one among many gods. To bridge this gap, it’s important to emphasize the Christian doctrine of creation, distinguishing between the Creator and the creature, and focusing on Jesus as the Lord of all. Repentance and putting away the worship of other gods is central to understanding the Christian message of salvation. Using stories like that of Hosea may help Hindus grasp the exclusivity of Christ’s saving work.Hinduism doesn’t have a single set of rules, leading to a relativistic view of truth. However, contradictions arise, such as the persecution of Christians by Hindus. Despite this, Hinduism remains appealing to many because of its focus on self-purification. It is often considered true due to its antiquity, believed to trace back to the earliest human religions, all of which seem to seek ways to avoid death. As Christians, we understand that fear of death exists in all people, whether Hindu, Buddhist, or Muslim, until they come to know the Lord. Belief in many gods leads to worship of creation rather than the Creator. This focus on self can distort one’s view of God, yet God desires a personal relationship with us. When sharing the gospel with Hindus, it’s essential to communicate God’s love for us and His desire to be known. Christians don't need to master Hinduism; they need to be grounded in scripture. There’s much uncertainty in Hinduism, but Jesus spoke with absolute authority. Hinduism, which often involves idolatry, can hold real power, but that power is demonic.The caste system in Hinduism is linked to reincarnation, as one’s karma determines their place in society. Those outside the caste system, deemed untouchable, are denied dignity, a concept opposed to God’s word. Christianity elevates all people, teaching that each person is worthy of respect because they are made in God’s image. Jesus stood against inequity, elevating women and respecting children in ways that were revolutionary at the time. When advocating for justice and equality, one is essentially upholding Christian beliefs. Jesus brought freedom from the bonds of deception, offering truth that sets people free from inequity and spiritual bondage.Send us a text Thanks 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

Navigating relationships with adult children requires allowing space for growth while upholding biblical values. Parents must continue to guide their children with respect, responsibility, and love, even as their roles evolve.Navigating relationships with adult children is a unique stage in life. Ray, E.Z., Mark., and Oscar share their perspectives on this issue, starting with the fact that you no longer have the same authority but still play a vital role. Mark, having heard a preacher’s advice, tells his adult children they are always welcome home for holidays and special occasions but are not expected to come. The absence of expectations can sometimes draw people closer. Putting pressure on relationships can make things awkward. Oscar, who isn’t quite there with his own children but mentors young adults, often hears their hesitation in stepping into adulthood. He encourages them to recognize the blessing of having Christian parents that care, noting that honoring your parents is commanded by God. He emphasizes that respecting parents isn’t about their perfection but rather honoring the office of parenthood.Getting children to value honoring their parents begins with early teachings of the fear of the Lord. When children grow in their love for God, they will honor their parents out of obedience to His word. For young children, parents should be diligent in correcting disrespect right away, ensuring their kids understand that rebellion is a serious matter. Disciplining with focus ensures children learn the importance of obedience and respect. As children grow older and make choices you may not like but aren’t sinful, trusting God’s plan becomes crucial. Parents should learn to let go if it’s not sinful and recognize that their children are being sanctified in the image of God. The goal of parenting is to raise young adults who are equipped to be salt and light in the world. This often means stepping back and letting them be adults, allowing them to make mistakes and grow.If the relationship with adult children has deteriorated, humility is essential. Be willing to admit mistakes and seek reconciliation. At the end of the day, young adults make their own choices, and sometimes they pull away. Oscar shares a story of a friend whose parents want to reconnect, and though it feels awkward, Oscar reminds him that his parents are meeting him where he is in life like they did when he was younger. This continued love mirrors how God pursues us. For those with adult children still living at home, maintaining respect, responsibility, and righteousness is key. Parents should continue to honor the Lord and set boundaries while acknowledging that theirSend us a text Thanks 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

While the world was captivated by the Olympics, the Living Waters team saw an opportunity to share the gospel. Despite the controversy surrounding the event, particularly the mocking portrayal of The Last Supper in the opening ceremony amongst other things, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar focused on evangelism. Thousands joined in handing out tracts, seizing the moment when the world gathered in one place.The French Olympic organizers claimed to celebrate unity, diversity, and neutrality, yet their actions, like banning the hijab, mocking Christianity, and injecting the LGBT agenda, contradicted this message. This reflects a broader issue: mankind's attempts to create a utopia on earth always fail when God is excluded. True unity and a world without discrimination cannot exist without God at the center.Ray observed the blasphemy in Paris from the United States, noting the hypocrisy in how neutrality was claimed while promoting specific agendas, such as homosexuality, without anyone speaking out. This fear of standing against popular opinions highlights an important value that is hard to put into practice. When we fear God, we don’t need to fear man. The double standard is clear—if a church mocked the LGBT community, it would be labeled hatred. This raises questions about the true meaning of tolerance. Genuine tolerance, as a gift from God, allows for disagreement while respecting the image of God in every person. However, in today’s world, tolerance is often confused with acceptance and celebration, where disagreement is not allowed.A video produced by Mark’s sons in Paris garnered millions of views, showing the incredible reach of the gospel message. The team's like-mindedness and spontaneity in sharing the gospel demonstrated their unity, a gift from God. Despite the overwhelming support for the controversial Last Supper performance, some people were open to discussing the hypocrisy it represented, showing that even in a world desensitized to numbers, individual hearts can still be reached. The guys share some of their personal experiences with the outreach. As Christians, we must capitalize on current events to share the gospel, responding not with outrage but with truth and love. The world expects Christians to be offended and outraged, but our response should be marked by righteous indignation, which stems from love for the lost, not hate. We must be humble, advocating for beauty and goodness because we serve the God of truth. Even when evil seems to prevail, we trust that God has a plan, and the gospel will not return void.Send us a text Thanks 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

To avoid distractions and focus on living for the Lord, Christians should practice discipline by managing their time and immersing themselves with scripture and prayer. By doing so, believers can stay present with loved ones and prioritize sharing the gospel.Distraction from focusing on the things of the Lord is a common issue. Christians aim for eternity, and to live with such focus, we must practice discipline and time management. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar agree that society today was designed to distract us. While apps promise to save time, social media is designed to keep us engaged, often leading to wasted hours. Though taking breaks is fine and sometimes needed, being defined by activities like watching movies can be problematic. Your attention is valuable; what you focus on shapes you. Those who devote their attention to the Lord and live for Him benefit greatly. Many things can distract us across different areas of life. The root of distraction is often problems with delayed gratification. Our brains seek dopamine hits, which we used to be commonly obtained through hard work. Nowadays, our phones provide a quicker source of this satisfaction and tend to seek it out more since it’s easier. To help combat this, we can give ourselves rewards after hard work to train our brains. We must be determined to deny immediate gratification for the greater good, much like following Jesus' example of determination toward the cross. We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices and prioritize sharing the gospel.In the light of eternity, a distraction-free life leads to no regrets. We must fully commit to living without distraction and be wholehearted in our efforts. This applies to evangelism and managing distractions. Being present is a gift from God, and distractions can rob us of this gift. They not only affect us but also those around us. On the other hand, being present with loved ones sends a powerful message to unbelievers and opens opportunities for sharing the gospel.Practically, start by turning off most notifications. You should decide when to engage with your apps, not the other way around. You could designate a specific place in your home for phone use to minimize distractions and remind yourself of your purpose. Discipline yourself not to make your phone the first thing you check in the morning. Instead, begin your day with scripture and prayer, immersing yourself in God’s word. This practice sets a positive example for your children and reinforces the importance of living in the moment. Discipline involves avoiding distractions from tasks you are not called to do, helping you stay focused on your God-given purpoSend us a text Thanks 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 engaging discussion, Ray, a faith advocate, E.Z., an introspective speaker for new believers, Mark, who contrasts the emotional lives of believers and non-believers, and Oscar, emphasizing a solid faith foundation, tackle the complexities of emotions. They stress the importance of grounding feelings in God's truth rather than letting them dictate actions. The conversation highlights how many chase feelings amid cultural pressures, ultimately encouraging listeners to discern emotions as God-given tools to navigate faith and relationships.

It's becoming more common to hear about pastors falling into sexual immorality, which should grieve believers for their families and the false leadership that misled many. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that every public failure stems from numerous private sins. God desires purity and will not allow His name to be marred, reflecting His jealousy and concern for His glory. He wants His bride to remain holy and will remove any stains. What if a pastor falls into sexual immorality? Pastors can fall from various sins, not just sexual immorality. God instructs us to respect our calls and take them seriously. The fall of a trusted pastor can impact people for a lifetime. Some excuse the pastor’s behavior out of loyalty, while others discredit them entirely. As Christians, we need to separate the virtue of theology from the virtue of the theologian. The good a fallen pastor did isn't negated by their sin. Our ultimate Shepherd is the Lord, and we should look to Jesus for guidance.Understanding God's gifts and callings to repentance is crucial. A pastor can be a great teacher but still fall into sin. Ray shares an experience where his pastor, despite being a great teacher, had an inappropriate relationship with his secretary. This pastor's fall caused chaos, highlighting that sins have widespread consequences, affecting the testimony of the gospel. To pastors on the brink of sin: humble yourself. The Bible should be more than a teaching tool. Honestly assess yourself and seek the Lord's guidance. Confess your sins and let Him cleanse you. Prioritize your relationship with the Lord and avoid identifying in your vocation. A pastor can be restored to the Lord and to his family, but restoration to the pulpit should not be made an idol.  Church leaders must uphold God’s standard. Christians are called to be blameless. Sexual sin can linger in minds for years, so leaders must be blameless before the Lord. How do we handle information about a leader’s sin? Sinning leaders need their sins exposed for church discipline. Be impartial and exhort your brother.  The guys express love for these brothers and desire their restoration. Pastoring is hard work and can lead to sin due to exhaustion. If you’ve fallen, remember you are God’s child, and He offers true spiritual freedom. Like David in Psalm 51, recognize your sin, repent, and accept the gift of freedom. If you are hiding sin, humble yourself. Confessing and forsaking your sin brings compassion and grace from the Lord and others. The Lord wants you to come to Him.Send us a text Thanks 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 talking to Rachel Zwayne (Ray’s daughter and E.Z.’s wife), founder of Joyful Mothers on Facebook and Instagram, who created the platform to offer encouragement through various life seasons. Her passion is to support women in spiritual growth, echoing the historical reliance on older generations for guidance. She notes that today's social media often exacerbates loneliness and anxiety. Rachel suggests unfollowing unhelpful accounts or leaving social media altogether and emphasizes the importance of being involved in the church.Daily engagement with God’s word is crucial. Prioritizing scripture allows for fulfilling roles and ministries God assigns. Trust in the Lord grows from feeding on His word, leading to a sense of fulfillment and security. Rachel acknowledges the challenges of maintaining devotional time, especially with young children, but stresses that investing in scripture nourishes the soul. She advises against rigid expectations for devotionals and encourages moms to remember their identity in Christ, which brings confidence and peace. Comparing oneself to others is unfruitful as it ignores the full picture. Walking in truth ensures security in the Lord. Rachel highlights that parents can't impart an identity in Christ to their kids without having it themselves. Demonstrating a genuine fear of the Lord at home influences children profoundly, as they can see through facades. Speaking truth to oneself, especially in weakness, and continually returning to scripture reinforces identity in Christ. While resting in His grace, believers must still take sin seriously, maintaining conviction to honor God in private. The fear of God leads to living for Him, and modeling a righteous life for children involves humility and faithfulness, recognizing the importance of each day. Rachel and E.Z. share insights on growing within marriage. Wives should understand and prioritize what is important to their husbands, frequently refocusing and reflecting on their roles. Rachel shares personal experiences from their early marriage, emphasizing the ease of making amends and the importance of apologizing if communication goes awry. She advocates for connecting with other women and church involvement, which may vary through different seasons but should remain transparent. Rachel advises smiling and laughing often, even amid life’s challenges. Scripture provides the encouragement needed to find joy. She also stresses the importance of self-care for moms who are constantly caring for others. Send us a text Thanks 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

Many believe that Christianity and science are fundamentally at odds, but historically they have not been in conflict. The core difference often lies in how Christians and non-Christians approach evidence. Christians believe God created the world, while others subscribe to the Big Bang theory. To think that order could emerge from chaos without a guiding force seems unscientific. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about how in today’s world, ideas are often repeated without deeper thought, and this pattern applies to the supposed conflict between science and faith as well.Early scientists were frequently Christians who sought to understand nature in the light of their faith. They believed that science would reveal how God’s creation worked. Studying nature was a way to glorify God and align scientific discoveries with the Bible. Even today, many leading scientists believe in God or at least a higher power. Research indicates that around 50% of scientists hold some form of belief in God. The idea that all scientists are anti-religion is a stereotype that doesn’t reflect reality. Many recognize the complexity of the universe as pointing to some kind of design, even if they don't fully adhere to religious teachings.Ray often engages non-believers by keeping his discussions simple and grounded in basic principles. The uniformity of nature, the laws of mathematics, and the predictable patterns of the world all suggest a Creator. Secular scientists struggle to explain these constants because they point to something beyond nature—a God who is constant and unchanging. These laws, which have existed since the beginning of time, are foundational for understanding the natural world, yet science alone cannot account for them. While intellectual debates and scientific explanations can be valuable, they do not lead to a deeper change of heart and an awareness of sin. God works in people’s hearts in ways that go beyond human arguments and persuasion.Critics of Christianity often raise objections that are inconsistent with their own positions. For example, many secular thinkers struggle to explain the origins of the universe or moral laws, yet they criticize Christianity for its perceived inconsistencies. When engaging with non-believers, it’s often more effective to appeal to their conscience rather than get stuck in endless debates over Bible verses or scientific facts. People reject Christianity not necessarily due to a lack of intelligence but because of deeper issues of the heart.  Faith bridges the gap between human understanding and divine knowledge, providing a worldview that accounts for both the physical and the spiritual realities of lifSend us a text Thanks 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 recognize that when discussing the sovereignty of God, it's often seen as a high brow doctrine, but it's truly the foundation of maintaining our Christian walk. God's control allows us to rejoice in all circumstances. Even if prayers are answered with no, we can be thankful because He is sovereign and rules justly. God knows everything, down to the smallest detail. He has the final word because He is the Word. We can't fully grasp His splendor; even Moses couldn't see all His glory.Systematic theology, while valuable, can sometimes oversimplify the sovereignty of God. Scripture shows God reconciling the world to Himself. He is the king over the cosmos, and we are the rebels against a good king. Misunderstanding God's character or our position can lead to a wrong view of His sovereignty. When we recognize His character as right and true, we can celebrate it. Our discomfort often comes from realizing we are the rebels, not the king. God, in His love, seeks out His rebellious people to bring them back to Himself.God's sovereignty is paired with His righteousness. Even bad things can serve His purposes. Trust in God's sovereignty is crucial; without it, we rely on ourselves and fall short. Both believers and unbelievers face suffering, but believers have the Lord's support. Christians can take comfort in knowing that God understands deep loss, having been separated from Jesus on the cross. He could have saved His innocent Son but chose not to, showing that even suffering is under God's control. God's sovereignty is constant. The guys discuss how the Lord holds the cosmos together, yet we often try to take control of our lives. If we don’t repent, God may let us follow our destructive desires. Like deep-sea fish thriving under pressure, we are designed to flourish under Christ's lordship but unravel without it.A common misconception about God's sovereignty is that He doesn't care about the tiny details, but scripture shows He does. Trusting in God's sovereignty alleviates our worries. A child trusts their loving parents on a trip; similarly, we can trust God’s character and rest in Him. God cares about the minutiae of our lives, even when others don’t. The guys talk about how anger and bitterness often indicate a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. Like Job, we must recognize God's compassion amidst suffering. Believers and unbelievers alike face hardships, but we all have a choice: become bitter or better. Trusting in Christ allows us to rely and rest on Him and submitting to His sovereignty brings peace and assurance.Send us a text Thanks 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

Pornography is a big problem, destroying lives across the globe. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about E.Z. 's new book which dives into this topic, with Oscar pointing out that it discusses biblical manhood before addressing pornography. But why is understanding manhood so crucial first? Our culture has distorted the concepts of manhood and womanhood, leading to a catastrophic impact. Men in the Bible fought for their families and the gospel on many levels, not just physically.Men must confront this issue head-on. It's easy to think you're the only one facing this struggle, but it's a battle that finds many. Sin is like a lion seeking to destroy, and it’s crucial to be vigilant and proactive in resisting temptation. Some young men have never encountered this struggle, but once you step into that arena, it can be overwhelming. The average Christian doesn’t desire to fall into sin, but you can’t hesitate to resist temptation. Lust is a serious issue, a bedfellow of death, with the wages of sin being death and damnation. Falling into pornography betrays your wife, friends, and the Lord. The example of Joseph is powerful; he had the opportunity to indulge in sin but chose to resist and physically run away.Realize that God isn’t fighting against your joy, but for it. He created sex as a gift within marriage, a built-in protection. Understanding God’s will and choosing to live it out is crucial in this battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The enemy uses tactics like discontent, but walking in the Spirit is key. The world often talks about pornography's destructiveness, but it’s more than that—it’s a sin against God. Recognizing God’s love for you can ignite a renewed passion for the Lord. For the young man living a double life, remember that the power that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside you. Value the gospel, meditate on God’s greatness, and remember you will stand before the Lord. Jesus paid for your sin so run to Him and obey Him.Today, pornography is more accessible than ever. Men are constantly in the crosshairs. Don’t believe the lie that you can’t quit. If you were promised 100 million dollars for six months without looking at pornography, you’d find a way. The issue isn’t that you can’t stop; it’s that you won’t. We are called to a pure relationship with the Lord. Engage with God—read your Bible, use your spiritual gifts, witness to others, and cry out to the Lord in prayer. God is our source of help. This is a cancer destroying the glory of God. As you distance yourself from these things, you will grow in holiness.Send us a text Thanks 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