The Living Waters Podcast

Living Waters
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5 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 7min

Ep. 347 - Highlights From Our Pacific Rim Evangelism Adventure

E.Z., Mark, and Oscar set out on a journey to retrace Ray’s footsteps in evangelism, beginning in Tahiti. Though Tahiti is often viewed as an exotic getaway, the guys were reminded that it’s a land in spiritual need. On their first day, they encountered a group still out from the night before, and E.Z. boldly shared the gospel. Though one man started the conversation with a flamboyant demeanor, a visible change came over him as he listened. The guys emphasized the biblical principle of giving the law to the proud and grace to the humble. They stressed that salvation belongs to the Lord; their role is to remain faithful. From Tahiti, the journey continued to Fiji. Mark recalled starting to evangelize, only to be told by security guards they couldn’t evangelize there. The guys crossed the street and quickly found someone open to the message—Oscar shared the gospel with a man named Peeta who immediately began weeping and asked how to follow Jesus. Oscar encouraged him to start by sharing with his nearby family. Peeta, living near a local chief’s home, brought the guys there, leading to a touching moment where the chief’s wife teared up hearing the gospel. E.Z. was deeply moved by the humility and openness they encountered. Next, the team traveled to Australia, where they balanced fun—like visiting a zoo—with the challenges of open-air preaching. Mark used a heckler as an illustration, while Oscar encountered initial rejection from two women who eventually agreed to talk when he appealed to their values. By leveraging cultural touchpoints, they found ways to engage in meaningful gospel conversations. In New Zealand, the guys visited where Ray was saved and began evangelizing. For Mark, walking through Ray’s past was especially moving. They preached, connected with locals, and visited Ray’s childhood home. The trip concluded in Hawaii, where even more opportunities to share the gospel arose.During a final Q&A, the guys addressed topics like how The Way of the Master began, the importance of redeeming downtime, and practical evangelism tips. Ray encouraged solo open-air preaching if done safely, and the team emphasized using time wisely. They affirmed that women can and should share the gospel, citing biblical examples like the woman at the well and Mary Magdalene. For those sharing with atheist family members, they advised appealing to conscience and loving boldly, noting that prayer is vital in evangelism. They concluded by addressing feelings of unworthiness, reminding listeners that grace covers all, and it’s not about us—it’s about 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
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Jul 15, 2025 • 10min

Ray’s Homeland in New Zealand. Instructing Missionaries with the Law. Hecklers Are Positive. - Highlight Episode 347

E.Z., Mark, and Oscar retrace Ray’s evangelism journey across Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii, experiencing both challenges and powerful encounters as they shared the gospel. From late-night partiers in Tahiti to a weeping man in Fiji, they saw firsthand how the message of Christ can reach hearts in unexpected ways. Along the way, they used creativity, cultural connections, and boldness to open doors for conversation. Visiting places significant to Ray’s faith journey made the experience even more meaningful. In a concluding Q&A, the guys offered practical evangelism advice, encouraged using downtime for spiritual growth, affirmed the role of women in sharing the gospel, and reminded listeners that God’s grace makes us worthy, not our past. 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
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4 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 5min

Ep. 346 - Examining the “Deconstruction” Movement

Deconstruction is the process of dismantling previously held beliefs which begins with the self as the final authority. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar warn that this posture can lead to a rejection of truth and, ultimately, to turning away from God. Many begin deconstructing in response to frustrations with the modern evangelical church, but in doing so, they sometimes discard core doctrines of the faith. The guys emphasize that Christianity doesn’t promise happiness, but righteousness. When the gospel is altered to appeal to comfort or culture, it creates false converts who have a false sense of assurance. The path is narrow; following Christ is not easy. While it is good for believers to examine their beliefs, that examination must be built on the foundation of Scripture. Deconstruction often strays from this by starting with self rather than God. The guys make a distinction between deconstruction and honest doubt—doubt that humbly seeks truth in God’s Word. Much of today’s church culture has endorsed blind faith or discouraged critical thinking. As a result, people don’t walk away because they think too much—they walk away because they haven’t thought enough, or they’ve thought apart from Scripture.The guys note that many who deconstruct focus on isolated issues and fail to see the bigger picture. Faith isn't about having all the answers; sometimes it’s simply trusting that God does. Referencing 1 John 2:19, the guys remind listeners that leaving the faith doesn’t bring freedom. Even John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus, still questioned near the end of his life. The hope isn’t in the strength of our faith but in the strength of Christ—the object of our faith.Doubt is often tied to unmet expectations. As the guys point out, fulfillment is found in Christ alone. We don’t resolve our doubts through deconstruction; we bring them to Jesus. Our hearts choose what to believe and our minds follow. Seeing the beauty of Christ realigns our thoughts. Faith is not abstract; it is grounded in the truth of the gospel and the Word of God. Scripture wasn’t given just for information—it was given to transform us. The guys discuss the role of modern culture, particularly social media, in shaping beliefs. The church has a discipleship problem; people attend on Sunday but are immersed in worldly rhythms by Monday. To the deconstructionist, the guys ask: what are your daily habits? Be honest about how you’re being shaped. Ask your questions, but ask them in the presence of God, with Scripture open. God is real. He is the prime reality. Run to Him—not away.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
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Jul 8, 2025 • 9min

The Motives in Deconstruction. Examining What You Believe. What Is Your Doubt About? - Highlight Episode 346

Deconstruction is described as a process that begins with placing the self as the final authority, which often leads to the rejection of biblical truth. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar caution that this mindset can result in abandoning essential doctrines rather than simply addressing church-related frustrations. The guys stress that Christianity promises righteousness, not comfort, and warn that altering the gospel to suit personal preferences creates false converts. While examining beliefs is healthy, the guys emphasize that such reflection must be grounded in Scripture and humility. Honest doubt seeks truth in God's Word, unlike deconstruction, which often isolates issues and leans on emotion. The guys highlight the dangers of modern influences like social media and the lack of true discipleship in the church. They encourage believers to be aware of daily habits, bring doubts to God, and remember that salvation rests not in the strength of one's faith, but in the strength of 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
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5 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 2min

Ep 345 - Is It Wrong for Christians to Support War?

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar sit down to tackle a weighty and nuanced topic: war. This discussion isn’t about political sides—it’s about wrestling with the moral, spiritual, and personal implications of warfare in a fallen world. Oscar reflects on how perspectives on war evolve over time. He urges caution against jumping into the hype, especially as Christians. People on every side are made in the image of God. War isn’t something to relish. Mark agrees that war is never ideal, but believes it can be justified in certain cases. He points to Scripture and historical examples, including David and Nehemiah, as men who carried weapons while remaining faithful to God. He notes that sometimes war is necessary to establish peace and protect the innocent.The conversation explores the difference between civil and governmental responsibilities, along with the historic Christian approach to violence. The early church leaned toward pacifism, yet history shows that wasn’t a universal stance. Oscar introduces just war theory, grounded in principles like self-defense, proportional response, and the avoidance of cruelty. Just war never glorifies violence—it permits it under strict moral limitations.Would a preemptive strike against a hostile nation be justified if credible threats were discovered? Mark believes that standing against tyranny can be an act of love toward one’s neighbor. Oscar, however, questions whether such actions always align with just war principles. He points to past U.S. actions—like the tragic downing of a civilian plane—as reminders of how quickly moral clarity can blur. E.Z. underscores the danger of biased media by comparing contradictory headlines from CNN and Fox News, reminding listeners to seek truth from multiple sources. Ray shares how he deliberately checks both conservative and liberal news sources to challenge his own assumptions. Oscar shifts the conversation to the spiritual aspect of war—reminding listeners that violence is a consequence of sin. Defensive war may sometimes be necessary, but it must always be a last resort. Believers are called to be peacemakers because God made peace with them. Mark closes with a powerful story of the Christmas Day truce in World War I. For a brief moment, enemies laid down their weapons in recognition of something greater than the battle. The guys challenge listeners to do the same—raising hands in prayer instead of fists in anger. Scripture urges believers to love peace and pursue it. Before taking sides, one must ask: is there a heart that grieves the loss of life, or one that revels in destruction?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
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Jul 1, 2025 • 9min

Are Christians Warmongers? When War Is Just. Seeking Peace & Not Conquest – Highlight Episode 345

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar sit down to tackle a weighty and nuanced topic: war. This discussion isn’t about political sides—it’s about wrestling with the moral, spiritual, and personal implications of warfare in a fallen world. Oscar reflects on how perspectives on war evolve over time. He urges caution against jumping into the hype, especially as Christians. People on every side are made in the image of God. War isn’t something to relish. Mark agrees that war is never ideal, but believes it can be justified in certain cases. He points to Scripture and historical examples, including David and Nehemiah, as men who carried weapons while remaining faithful to God. He notes that sometimes war is necessary to establish peace and protect the innocent.The conversation explores the difference between civil and governmental responsibilities, along with the historic Christian approach to violence. The early church leaned toward pacifism, yet history shows that wasn’t a universal stance. Oscar introduces just war theory, grounded in principles like self-defense, proportional response, and the avoidance of cruelty. Just war never glorifies violence—it permits it under strict moral limitations.Would a preemptive strike against a hostile nation be justified if credible threats were discovered? Mark believes that standing against tyranny can be an act of love toward one’s neighbor. Oscar, however, questions whether such actions always align with just war principles. He points to past U.S. actions—like the tragic downing of a civilian plane—as reminders of how quickly moral clarity can blur. E.Z. underscores the danger of biased media by comparing contradictory headlines from CNN and Fox News, reminding listeners to seek truth from multiple sources. Ray shares how he deliberately checks both conservative and liberal news sources to challenge his own assumptions. Oscar shifts the conversation to the spiritual aspect of war—reminding listeners that violence is a consequence of sin. Defensive war may sometimes be necessary, but it must always be a last resort. Believers are called to be peacemakers because God made peace with them. Mark closes with a powerful story of the Christmas Day truce in World War I. For a brief moment, enemies laid down their weapons in recognition of something greater than the battle. The guys challenge listeners to do the same—raising hands in prayer instead of fists in anger. Scripture urges believers to love peace and pursue it. Before taking sides, one must ask: is there a heart that grieves the loss of life, or one that revels in destruction?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
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Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 2min

Ep. 344 - The Roots of Communism and Why It’s Unbiblical

Communism’s rise began with Karl Marx, who introduced the idea of class struggle and critiqued capitalism in response to industrial-era poverty. Marx envisioned a classless society but as Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar point out, his philosophy extended beyond economics—it was rooted in atheism. Oscar shares how his first introduction to atheism came through Marxist economic literature, which proposed a godless utopia. Communism eventually took root in Russia and China, spreading fear of lost democracy. The guys note that socialism is often viewed as a bridge to communism, but a pure communist society has never existed due to the corrupting nature of human power.The conversation emphasizes that capitalism, while often defended, is not flawless either. The gospel—not any man-made system—is the only sufficient answer to the world’s brokenness. Communism mimics Christianity in its pursuit of equality but rejects God’s sovereignty and misunderstands human nature. It promotes forced sharing instead of joyful stewardship. The guys agree: any ideology that excludes God becomes idolatry, offering a counterfeit redemption story. In contrast, the gospel leads people to good works driven by love, not compulsion. Scripture affirms the dignity of work and personal responsibility.Oscar walks through how communism promises a classless utopia but fails because of a flawed view of the human condition. Power concentrated in godless hands leads to abuse. Those at the top of communist regimes often live in luxury while preaching sacrifice. The guys stress that human-led systems can't fix spiritual problems—only Christ can. They caution against defending capitalism blindly and urge believers to examine economic systems through a gospel-centered lens, digging deep into these issues before taking a firm stance. Mark shares a powerful story of a prisoner in a communist regime who endured torture but clung to Christ, reminding us that no one can steal what we’ve surrendered to God. E.Z. recounts seeing the effects of communism in Cuba, yet witnessing thriving Christians. The guys remind us that God’s will is unstoppable. Even in North Korea where the gospel is not easily accessed, people have found ways to evangelize. Real change won’t come through politicians or ideologies but through Jesus. Love—the fruit of the gospel—is the answer to every societal dilemma. When we walk in love, we don’t seek loopholes or act out of greed. The only true solution to both capitalism’s flaws and communism’s promises is the gospel: Christ crucified, risen, and reigning.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
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Jun 24, 2025 • 11min

Communism’s Rejection of God. True Equality and Justice in Scripture. - Highlight: Episode 344

The guys discuss the rise of communism through Karl Marx’s ideas, highlighting its roots in atheism and its flawed view of human nature. They emphasize that while communism aims for equality, it rejects God’s sovereignty and replaces the gospel with a counterfeit hope. The guys point out that socialism often serves as a stepping stone to communism, but no true communist society has existed because power, when godless, leads to corruption. They also acknowledge that capitalism has its flaws and caution Christians against defending it without examining it through a gospel-centered lens. Ultimately, they stress that neither capitalism or communism can fix the human condition—only Jesus can. The gospel, rooted in love and personal responsibility, is the only true answer to society’s brokenness.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
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Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 4min

Ep. 343 - How to Reach Jews for Jesus

Jeff Morgan from Jews for Jesus joins Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar to share his testimony and insights into sharing the gospel with the Jewish community. Jeff grew up in a Jewish household, celebrating high holidays and occasionally observing Shabbat. As a young adult, he pursued fame in Los Angeles but quickly became disillusioned with the cost of success. In search of meaning, he turned to new age spiritualism. Though the experience began with spiritual highs, it soon led to depression and suicidal thoughts. His life began to shift after meeting his future wife, who stood firm amid his struggles. At his lowest, he admitted to her that he didn’t know what he was doing and was being spiritually tormented. Shortly after, Jeff met a pastor at the gym, which led to conversations and prayer. Another gym-goer prayed over him, and Jeff began to feel life return. He started seeing Jesus everywhere and was invited to a church men’s retreat where the message on Jesus’ transfiguration transformed him. He rushed home to tell his wife, only to find she, too, had been experiencing encounters with Jesus. In a powerful moment, they both surrendered their lives to Jesus and were filled with peace. Jeff dove into Scripture, eventually joining Jews for Jesus to share his newfound faith.Jeff, formerly the host of a vegan lifestyle channel, now uses his platform for evangelism, especially to reach fellow Jews. Sharing the gospel in Israel presents unique challenges—while religious freedom exists, insensitive evangelism (like megaphone preaching) can spark backlash due to the historical persecution of Jews in Jesus' name. Jeff emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and authentic care when speaking to Jewish people. He offers practical advice for evangelizing to Jews: understand the Jewish context of Scripture, use terms like Yeshua, emphasize that faith in Jesus fulfills rather than abandons Jewish identity, and highlight Old Testament prophecies. Quoting passages like Isaiah 53 often prompts thought-provoking discussions. Jeff points out that the New Testament is deeply Jewish, starting with Jesus’ genealogy, and urges Christians to learn rabbinical interpretations and be led by love, not fear.Despite occasional persecution—being spit at or having things thrown—Jeff sees increasing openness among Jewish people. Mark relates, sharing how his own Jewish in-laws have resisted the gospel but how he feels renewed conviction to persevere. The guys encourage believers: while the message of the gospel never changes, how we deliver it can make all the difference.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
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Jun 17, 2025 • 12min

Preaching the Gospel in Israel. Christianity’s Heritage in Judaism. - Highlight Episode 343

Jeff Morgan, once deeply involved in new age mysticism and driven by a desire for fame, found true freedom after a powerful encounter with Jesus that began through unexpected conversations at the gym. A church retreat and shared spiritual experiences with his wife led them both to surrender their lives to Christ. Now part of Jews for Jesus, Jeff is passionate about reaching the Jewish community with the gospel in a way that’s culturally sensitive, compassionate, and rooted in the Jewish context of Scripture. He encourages believers to use terms like Yeshua, reference Old Testament prophecies, and emphasize that faith in Jesus fulfills rather than abandons Jewish identity. Despite occasional persecution, Jeff sees increasing openness among Jewish people and urges Christians to share with both courage and care. The guys offer encouragement and practical insight for anyone seeking to share the gospel with love and wisdom.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

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