The Living Waters Podcast

In today’s episode, the guys discuss the Garden of Gethsemane, which is where Jesus was praying after the Last Supper, right before He went to the cross. This moment in the garden was a dark, tumultuous scene in the Bible. Each of the gospels give their own account, and it was very likely frightening for the disciples. Jesus was sweating drops of blood and was trembling, but still said not for His own will, but God’s will to be done. Matthew 26:36 states, “Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ There is a time in every kid’s life where we see our dads cry or get sick for the first time. It’s a moment when we realize our dad is only human. This same moment happened with Jesus and the disciples. This moment puts the incarnation of Christ on display, much like trying to wrap your head around the reality that He had been a baby and needed care. Jesus was human every bit as much as He was God, and it is important for us to keep that balance.  Jesus doesn't say, “take this pain or suffering away from me”—he says, “take away this cup.” Jesus isn't talking about His physical death here, but looking at the fullness of the wrath of God that every human deserves. It states in the Bible that for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross. Jesus endured the cross for the fellowship and relationship that people would have with Him. It states that Jesus actually did sweat giant drops of blood, which is a real medical condition that happens in very rare instances of extreme anguish and distress. This highlights the reality of the humanity of Christ. In His prayer, He only prays—He does not demand, advance any claims, lay upon God any conditions, or reserve future obedience. This is the very heart of the believer when we are spiritually mindful. Trusting in the Lord doesn’t just mean doing the right thing, but maintaining composure and doing things with a heart that says “Lord, you are worthy of doing the right thing.”  Lastly, the guys talk about how Jesus finds His disciples sleeping, which is a reference to the Old Testament where God required the Israelites to stay awake during Passover.  Exodus 12:42 states, “Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the Lord for the generations to come.” In the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples did not keep watch, so the work of salvation was on God alone. These verses from Gethsemane remind us that it is so important to be watchful and pray preventative prayers to be on guard against temptation. 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 today’s episode, the guys discuss Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus in the third chapter of John and what it means to be born again. Some might think being “born again” means to be radically changed or have different views than our world, but this is not the case. Nicodemus, as a Pharisee and religious figure with political authority knew the Scriptures very well, and even he didn’t understand it. So Jesus took time to explain what it means to be born of the Spirit. At the beginning of the encounter we are told that Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, which could indicate that he didn’t want to be seen with Jesus. The apostle John also uses double meanings in his words, so “night” could represent spiritual blindness: Nicodemus is blind to the glory of God and initiates a conversation in that state.  Next, the guys state the importance of knowing the biblical context of what happened before this verse, so we can truly understand the motive behind Nicodemus’ heart. Right before Nicodemus approaches Jesus, there was the cleansing of the temple where Jesus challenges the political and religious authority of the Pharisees. Therefore, Nicodemus is trying to have a conversation about political power, but Jesus wants to have a conversation about his soul. The words in the Bible matter and are not insignificant. Nicodemus went to the physical, but he was missing the importance of the spiritual. Being born again makes you a new person, so everything is different. Ray likes to describe being born again as a Christian as a personal miracle. There is now a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Anyone born again in Christ is a new creation and is transformed. Ezekiel 36:25-27 states, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Being born again is to be cleansed from your sins with a new spirit within you. We cannot do this for ourselves, but only God will be the one to give us a new spirit. Lastly, the guys discuss that when you are born again, you need to read the love letter that God wrote to us, the Bible, and get plugged in at a church with other Christians to be rooted in God’s light. 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 today’s episode, the guys discuss finding calm in the midst of busyness. In our culture, we ask one another how we are doing, but we answer now with what we are doing. Busyness is almost a barometer for how important or successful you are. There is a healthy type of busyness, but the wrong type of busy makes you lose your composure and mix up your priorities in life. Jesus was busy, but never in a way that made Him frantic about lesser things. There is also an unspoken fear of what we may find when we slow down, so people keep themselves busy instead. This ultimately points to the fact that nothing apart from God can satisfy our desires. We need to be careful not to be so busy that we don’t focus on what truly matters: time with the Lord, our family, and our friends. Next, the guys talk about limitations, and how we need to be okay with having them. We need to recognize that we are by nature limited and that limitation is good and be able to say that we don't have the capacity to do something. Learning to say “no” is a relief and something we need to get back into the habit of practicing. We can also ask those that are closest to tell us if we have become busy in the wrong way. We need to keep the main thing the main thing—which is relationships with people. Our phone is one major distraction that keeps our mind relentlessly busy and often make us feel that we need something, while the only thing we truly need is time with Jesus. The solution is to focus on where our attention lies because that reflects our heart’s devotion. If you want to know what you’re devoted to, pay attention to what you pay attention to.Lastly, they talk about the way we view restfulness, which should be a gospel view and not a cultural one. Our world views rest as something that is needed so we can be a more effective worker, but God Himself rested on the seventh day after He created the world. He didn’t rest because He needed to be a more effective God, restfulness is a part of the beauty of God. Restfulness in our lives is to connect with the glory, goodness, and beauty of who God is. The purpose of rest is not to make us more effective, but it is intrinsic to being human. To not rest is to not be human. The byproduct of rest is refreshment, rejuvenation, and the fruits of the Spirit, like joy and peace. These are things that we miss when we allow ourselves to be busy in the wrong way, and that is not how the Lord called us to live. 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 today's episode, the guys discuss how Christians can serve like Jesus. We are reminded that everything that Jesus did while He was on this earth was tied to servanthood. In the final analysis, He showed the greatest form of love, which was giving His life and dying for the people. We also see His servanthood and love for people in His scathing responses to their fallacies because He truly cared for them. Just as Jesus did for us, there is no greater way we can serve people than by speaking truth to them. Sometimes, however, this inspires rebukes, which we should be open to listening to. Speaking truth to others requires sacrifice and humility. Sometimes, we are forced to choose between humbling ourselves or being humiliated.  To best understand the significance of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, we must first understand the role and rights of bondservants. The New Testament typically refers to slaves as bondservants. To wash a person’s feet was considered to be a task even below a servant. For Jesus to wash the feet of His disciples, He is showing to them that He is willing to give up His rights for them. This is just one of the many ways Jesus demonstrated His love for the people of the world. This kind of love should propel us to loving others in the same kind of way. In the final analysis, Jesus’ servanthood is His love. We are all called to be fervent in our love for others the way Jesus was, but we tend to shy away from it.  Many people assume that doing the right thing is a smooth process which presents very little difficulty or pushback. However, this is not usually the case as everything worthwhile requires labor and passion. Listeners are reminded that the only true escape from the mundanity of life is found through Christ, and that humility is always the way to go. On that note, we should be careful that our service is coming from a heart that is doing it before the Lord, not for the eyes of men. In closing, hear Romans 12:9-16, a great passage in connection to servanthood. 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 today’s episode, the guys discuss the Blaspheming of the Holy Spirit, which means that you create a horrible, heinous sin. Mark 3:28-29 states, “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” This states that whoever sins against the Lord will never be forgiven. This view has been held throughout history, but many people still believe this, especially in the Catholic Church. They also discuss dispensationalists, which believe that God works in special, specific ways at certain times in history. Many people are worried they denied Christ and therefore, won’t be saved. However, the Bible gives us examples of people who did commit great sins like Peter, David, and Paul, but all three have been forgiven and will be in heaven.  Next, they talk about the four different types of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that people believe. First, they talk about believing false things about the spirit. If you believe false truths about the Spirit, then that's also blasphemy toward the Spirit. This is too general, and many Christians have false beliefs, but through sanctification they get a right understanding with God. Another view of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is decisively rejecting a clear truth that the Spirit has revealed about Jesus and His mighty works. They clarify that one cannot claim ignorance, but it is a constant, persistent, lifelong rejection of Christ until death—even going so far as to saying He has demonic origins. The guys say if you are worried that you committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, then you probably haven’t, because the people who have are the ones who don't care. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is not accidental—it is deliberate.  Lastly, the guys discuss how to naturally talk about God in our conversations and friendships. There is often a yearning to connect with other Christians and talk about God, but it cannot begin without starting individually. They suggest being proactive about surrounding yourself with other Christians; even just asking someone what they are reading right now in the Word can open up conversation. They also recommend to always have someone in your life who is discipling you, someone who you yourself are discipling, and someone to encourage you. 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 today's episode, the guys discuss the lessons to be learned from the book of Esther. The book was associated with the Persian empire which had taken over after the rule of Babylon and the exile had taken place. Those who were exiled were Israelites who had thought they were going to live the rest of their days in the Promised Land, but were removed from the land and forced to live in a foreign country. However, God still called on His people to be faithful to Him while they wait to be returned to the Promised Land. Listeners are reminded that we too are now exiles as we live on the earth which is not our home as we wait for the Kingdom of God to come.  Esther was an Israelite woman who hid her heritage and was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai. In the beginning of the book of Esther, Mordecai saves the king from being killed. Meanwhile, Esther is being nominated to be the queen. In light of Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman, the guys discuss what Christians should do when we are in a position when there are consequences for our actions. The unknown author of Esther intentionally did not mention God’s name in the entire book because they wanted to show how God’s sovereignties are at hand in everything that happens. We can see through these stories how God is at work even when He is never mentioned.  We as humans are only here on this earth for a limited time. Will we do what is right? We are here right now at this time and this place for one singular purpose: to bring glory to God. Esther herself was called upon to be asked to be part of the plan of God. We are all asked this same question. God is going to do His work regardless, the only question is whether we will allow Him to do the work through us. Thus, we should step out in our faith and act as if God is going to use us. Then, the guys unpack the pride and ungratefulness demonstrated by Haman and the king. When we allow ourselves to divulge into the realm of ungratefulness, everything loses its value and we begin to miss the blessings of God in our lives. Though both Haman and Mordecai were sinners, it was Haman’s pride which led to his death and the humility of Mordecai that put him in the graces of God. If you are struggling with pride or sin, repentance is humbly submitting yourself to the sovereign grace of God and allowing Him to make you white as snow. Humility is the beginning of so many graces. 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

There are times when Christians find themselves seriously asking whether it is okay for them to cut a certain person out of their life. This may come in the form of abuse, disagreements, toxic relationships, non-believers and more. There are times in which it is time to take a step back from another person. Scripture clearly points out that there comes a point in which time is being wasted.Before discussing the circumstances in which it is appropriate to step back from another person, the guys detail the times in which it isn’t. On one hand, it is good to spend time with people who challenge us and don’t share the same opinions as ourselves. The beauty of the gospel is that God brings together different tribes, tongues, and nations. Sometimes, it is our own pride that makes us want to walk away from a relationship. We should approach differences amongst Christians with humility and grace, remembering that those differences will strengthen our understanding of who God is.God has given us the prescription for how to walk away from a relationship in Matthew 18. If someone sins against you who claims to know Christ, we are to take them aside and speak to them directly about what has happened. If they listen to you and acknowledge what they have done, you will have found a friend for life. There are some people who we should never cut out from our lives, like our family members. Even if a family member has committed an atrocious act, we can still love them with boundaries in place. There is a difference between forgiveness and consequence. 1 Corinthians 5 calls us out of intimate relationships with sexually immoral people, drunkards, and idolators who claim to be Christians. This is to protect ourselves, our family, and the church. For anyone listening who may have been turned away from themselves, you are reminded that the pain you feel is just a small glimpse of what it would be for God to turn away from you. You cannot be reconciled by friends and family until you have been reconciled with God. 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

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

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 today's episode, the guys talk about the story of Jonah, one of the stories of the Bible which is most mocked by atheists because it is seen as impossible. However, as Christians we know that with God nothing is impossible. Listeners are reminded that God created heaven and the earth out of nothing, therefore anything is possible. As students of God, we need to allow His Word to say what it says and be what it is. Jonah’s story is presented as history, not fiction. God is a miraculous, extravagant God who holds the whole world in His hands. When we begin to explain God’s Word away to make it more acceptable to the present culture, we are denouncing God’s truth.  The most fascinating thing about Jonah’s story is just how short the book of Jonah could have been. If he had obeyed God’s order to cry out against the wickedness of the city, he never would have endured the belly of the whale. Jonah’s sin was not disobeying God, but that he was angry with God for loving his own enemies. However, God loves everyone, enemy or not. As Christians, we must also go out to spread God’s Word with love in our hearts for our own enemies. Jonah’s story goes to show how blinding hatred can be that it dims our view of Christs’ love and compassion.  When talking about these figures from the Bible, we should remember that we have something they don’t: the cross, which serves as evidence of God’s love for us. Thus, we should be forgiving of our enemies and love them just as God does. While Jonah spent three days in the belly of a whale, Jesus spent three days in the tomb. It is the very same power of God which caused the whale to spit Jonah out which also resurrected Jesus from the dead. Jonah’s sin was what put him in his predicament, but it was our sin which sent Jesus to the cross. In this way, Jesus is the better Jonah. We should all aim to be men who God may use at all costs. 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