The Living Waters Podcast

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 Fan MailThanks 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 life.Send us Fan MailThanks 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 Fan MailThanks 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 Fan MailThanks 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, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar—devotees of the Christian walk—explore the transformative journey from sympathy to empathy. They share how personal experiences forge deeper connections, highlighting Christ's example of compassion. With humor and heartfelt stories, they reflect on biblical teachings that encourage community support. The importance of active listening and understanding others' struggles shines through as they underscore the power of sympathy leading to meaningful action. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the strength found in shared experiences.

"Judge not, lest you be judged" is often misunderstood. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about the criteria Jesus provided for judging by emphasizing the concept of being "measured." In ancient times, people used scales to measure grain, but tax collectors and Romans often tampered with these scales, leading to unjust measurements. Jesus warned against using unbalanced scales to judge others, implying we must hold ourselves to the same standard. It is impossible to make judgments without evaluating actions.When the guys talk about judging, they mean assessing someone's actions, not their motives. While it's essential to make judgment calls, Christians should be righteous and grounded in God's word. It's wrong to assume we know someone's internal motives, but believers can lovingly point out clear sins. Twisting scripture to avoid accountability is misguided. Chrisitains understand their own shortcomings and invite others to receive grace, rather than condemning them.Jesus clarified, rather than abolished, the law. God knows our hearts completely, and both believers and unbelievers must judge themselves before they stand in front of God. The Bible encourages us to discern good fruit from bad. Judging isn't about deciding someone’s eternal fate but evaluating their actions. This helps individuals recognize and correct their sins, fostering spiritual growth. Believers benefit from mutual accountability, as it helps produce good fruit. Spiritual stagnation often results from a lack of honest feedback. It's crucial to welcome constructive criticism and avoid hypocrisy, which requires an outside perspective to identify.Romans 10 illustrates improper judgment, advising against a judgmental spirit. Everyone's sanctification journey is unique, and non-sinful personal choices should be respected. Instead of criticizing, the guys encourage believers to ask questions and seek understanding. Judgmental attitudes are ugly and unproductive; we lack full knowledge and should mind our own business. There's only one true judge, and expecting others to conform to our standards is hypocritical.To close, the guys talk about some practical ways to avoid a judgeful spirit. Community provides counsel and support. Share opinions with humility and graciousness when asked, but avoid interfering in non-sin issues. Respect areas of liberty unless they lead to sin or stunt growth. Focus on your own sanctification and celebrate others’ strengths. Addressing personal shortcomings can keep us from meddling in others’ lives.Send us Fan MailThanks 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

This engaging discussion highlights the importance of cultivating a teachable heart. The hosts share insights on learning from everyone around us, emphasizing that pride often hinders our growth. Personal experiences illustrate the journey from overconfidence to humility. They stress the value of mentorship, genuine connections, and being open to feedback. The conversation also dives into the significance of prayer and scripture in gaining wisdom, urging listeners to actively seek opportunities for learning and embrace the lessons life offers.

Ray shares his insights on the joy of parenting, while E.Z. discusses effective guidance for children. Mark emphasizes preparing kids for adulthood with a strong spiritual foundation. Oscar lightly challenges contemporary parenting styles, advocating for open discussions about worldly lies. The group stresses the importance of engaging children in faith practices and teaching critical thinking. They unpack the significance of instilling work ethics and financial literacy, along with meaningful conversations about responsibilities, all rooted in biblical principles.

The podcast explores the impact of dreams in biblical times, how they can be influenced by cultural and personal factors, and the dangers of relying solely on dreams for guidance. It discusses the importance of keeping dreams in context and not giving them undue authority. Positive effects of dreams are highlighted, along with tips for dealing with impure dreams. The chapter descriptions include humorous anecdotes, discussions on magnets, book recommendations, and exploring dreams through a biblical lens.

The biggest problem in America isn't that people are overly healthy. The guys talk about how only a small percentage of Americans meet ideal standards for a healthy lifestyle. Most Americans live sedentary lives, but God designed us to be active. Historically, humans walked everywhere and engaged in physical labor, but modern conveniences mean we can meet our needs without leaving our homes, resulting in neglect of physical health.Health isn't just about weight, it's about the well-being of the body. Sometimes, society swings too far, suggesting that weight doesn't matter at all. Many theologians emphasize being embodied—caring for the body, mind, and soul to the glory of God. This holistic approach is part of our walk with the Lord. Our motives for physical activity also matter. We should aim to be our healthiest selves to bring glory to God. Our mental and physical well-being are interconnected; often, those struggling with mental illness are advised to get outside and exercise.E.Z. shares his personal experience of maintaining fitness into grandparenthood, highlighting the numerous benefits of exercise. Gluttony, which is a forgotten sin, is one that contributes to many health problems in America. If you know you need to improve your habits, start small. A morning walk, perhaps inviting your spouse to join, can significantly impact your health. Exercise helps prevent many medical conditions and offers stress relief. Oscar shares that he uses working out as a form of spiritual and mental therapy, focusing on the Lord during his sessions. Engaging in regular physical activity isn't just about personal gain; it enables us to fulfill our roles more effectively and live out our faith more fully. The connection between body, mind, and spirit underscores the importance of a holistic approach to health. Physical fitness enhances our ability to serve others and glorify God in all aspects of our lives. In conclusion, the pursuit of physical health is deeply intertwined with spiritual well-being. By recognizing our bodies as temples and taking steps to care for them, we honor the Creator and improve our quality of life. Simple changes, like choosing to be more active daily, can lead to significant improvements in health and well-being. Let's embrace a balanced approach to health, recognizing the profound connection between our physical and spiritual lives.Send us Fan MailThanks 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