The Living Waters Podcast

In John 4, an encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman unfolds at a well, offering profound insights into Jesus' character and the boundless nature of God's love. Against the backdrop of cultural tension between Samaritans and Jews, Jesus' decision to travel through Samaria defies societal norms, highlighting his intentional outreach to marginalized communities. The woman's visit to the well at an unconventional time hints at her social isolation, emphasizing her marginalized status within her community.Despite cultural barriers, Jesus engages the woman in conversation, demonstrating God's inclusive love and challenging societal prejudices. Ray, E.Z., and Mark reflect on the significance of this encounter, drawing parallels to their own experiences of encountering Christ. They emphasize the divine providence behind such encounters, underscoring God's sovereign plan for redemption.The woman's anonymity in the passage shifts the focus to God's redemptive power rather than individual identity or past sins, echoing Paul's acknowledgment of his own sinfulness. This underscores the universal nature of Christ's mission to offer salvation to all who recognize their need for a Savior. Jesus' offer of "living water" symbolizes spiritual nourishment and eternal life, addressing the woman's deeper existential thirst. Despite her initial misunderstanding, Jesus gently guides her to recognize her need for spiritual fulfillment, transcending mere physical thirst.The guys turn the discussion towards the mystery of God's ways, emphasizing trust and faith in understanding God's plan. Jesus' unparalleled teachings and divine nature set him apart from other spiritual leaders, illuminating the path to salvation and eternal life. The woman's immediate evangelism after encountering Jesus underscores the transformative power of authentic encounters with Christ. Her testimony becomes a catalyst for spreading the Gospel, demonstrating the impact of personal encounters with Christ on sharing the message of salvation.Believers are urged to remember their identity in Christ and to actively participate in sharing the Gospel, recognizing the transformative power of encountering Christ in their lives. The discussion underscores the importance of an eternal perspective and prioritizing the spread of the Gospel in all aspects 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., and Mark tackle a pivotal account in the New Testament, the conversion of Cornelius. The Jews had an arrogance regarding Gentiles which is seen in John 4 with the woman at the well. Through the example of Cornelius, God is confirming for us that the gospel is for everyone, not just the Jews.In Acts 10:1-8, we encounter Cornelius, a Gentile influenced by Judaism. His interaction with Jewish centurions instilled a healthy fear of God, emphasizing that salvation is not limited to a specific group. God's promise of grace to those who fear Him is evident, although Cornelius wasn't yet born again. Despite his religious devotion, Cornelius needed to be born again, a crucial aspect for entering the kingdom of heaven. The Jews' historical arrogance towards Gentiles underscores the need to break down walls surrounding the universality of the gospel. Acts 10:9 continues with Peter receiving a vision from the Lord, revealing a theme of Peter occasionally putting his foot in his mouth. The lesson is to be slow to speak and cautious in how we respond to God. Cornelius experiences God choosing earthly vessels, like Peter, to convey His word, emphasizing the importance of human agency in spreading the gospel. Every aspect of our lives is seen as preparation for future events, with no action deemed insignificant. Peter's vision prepares him for what lies ahead, challenging his preconceptions. Peter's initial reluctance, saying "Not so, Lord," teaches the importance of obedient and immediate responses to God's directives.In Acts 10:24-29, Peter arrives at Cornelius' home, encountering a bowing Cornelius. Peter, despite discomfort, emphasizes he is just a man and conveys God's guidance. This discomfort is a reminder that believers may feel uneasy while following God's calling, but they can seek Christ's help in those moments.Moving to verse 34, Peter shares the gospel with Cornelius and his gathered circle. The message centers on salvation from sins. The subsequent events in verses 44-48 mirror a mini-Day of Pentecost, astonishing the accompanying Jews. This event underscores God's resistance to the proud and grace to the humble. Notably, Cornelius' family and friends were saved before baptism, emphasizing salvation through grace rather than ritual. This account is a pivotal moment, demonstrating that the gospel transcends cultural and religious boundaries, making it accessible to all. It challenges believers to recognize their own sinfulness and share the gospel with humility, acknowledging the universal need for a Savior.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 thought-provoking conversation, Ray shares insights on the clash between self-help ideologies and Christian beliefs. E.Z. explores how self-help literature's focus on individualism diverges from the gospel's narrative of redemption. Mark dissects the limitations of self-improvement tales, while Oscar critiques the dangers of sermons devoid of gospel truth. The group emphasizes the need for discernment in self-help resources, urging listeners to find their identity in Christ rather than in personal achievements, all with a touch of humor and critical reflection.

In his lifetime, the apostle Paul likely reached thousands of people. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how in today’s age, one video can come across the screens of millions of people. Imagine how many people Paul could have reached if he had been able to access the internet.Digital evangelism can take many forms: posting Bible passages on Facebook, uploading YouTube videos, or posting a podcast. Each like, share, and comment is one more person that may hear the gospel. Even when dealing with negative comments, believers can engage in conversations that share Christ with the world.However, not everyone should pursue social media evangelism in this way. The feedback from society can easily sway someone when their identity is placed somewhere other than in Christ. Social media can draw out the worst in us. Oscar shares about a pastor who changed his outward presentation because engagement went up when he used strong rhetoric. Our souls are not meant for fame, so when we have an audience it can shape us in a way that is not beneficial. When we hand our souls over to audience capture, we are conforming to society rather than conforming to Christ.As a Christian, if you aren’t evangelizing privately, you may need to reflect before you evangelize publicly. The guys recognize that in the midst of sharing the gospel, believers may be holding a sinful attitude. Motive does come to play in this. Sometimes we get this idea that the only way to share the gospel is to be a missionary, but Christians should share the gospel with the people around them, not just those in another country.So how does one start sharing the gospel on social media? If you are bold, you can simply go ask people if you can interview them for YouTube. You may receive a lot of no’s, but just have open and honest conversations with those who say yes. Editing videos can be done using simple software like iMovie. Even memes can be used to reach people with the gospel. The Word of God is living and powerful, even simple messages can be evangelism tools. Podcasts are another way to reach people. At the start, the guys didn’t know what the result of starting a podcast would be and now it’s a means of reaching believers and unbelievers with the gospel.Remember that God’s Word doesn’t return void. Share scripture, gospel videos, sermons, and ask people what their thoughts are. There’s so much you can do, but the bottom line is that when your heart is set on obeying the Lord, God will give you creativity as you take steps to follow His call.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 approach the question of if it is right for Christians to attend a wedding when the union is not between one man and one woman. It is pointed out that any marriage that falls outside of what is outlined in the Bible is merely a celebration, not a true wedding. The argument centers on the sacredness of marriage being a union established by God between one man and one woman. The discourse critiques the societal trend of accepting diverse truths and advocates for unwavering adherence to what is considered absolute truth, which has been laid out for us in the Bible.The guys discuss the complexity faced by Christians who disapprove of gay marriage but desire to extend compassion to family members or friends. It highlights the dilemma of attending a wedding as an act of affirmation for a covenant that, from a Christian standpoint, should only be between a man and a woman. The challenge is framed within the broader societal narrative, where tolerance is deemed paramount, sometimes at the expense of absolute truths.A reference is made to Alistair Begg's advice on attending a wedding involving homosexuality, acknowledging that his counsel led to public division within Christian circles. The need for believers to handle controversy, whether privately or publicly, is emphasized. The narrative urges Christians to stand firm on truth, even in the face of societal contradictions and challenges.The discussion critiques societal paradoxes, such as smiling about abortion while reacting harshly to misgendering. The guys emphasize how important it is for believers to speak the truth with grace and love, recognizing that asserting something as true does not necessarily make it so. The discussion continues to remind Christians to prepare for situations that may challenge their convictions, navigating the complexities with love and adherence to their faith.The guys explore the possible tension that could arise between attending a gay wedding and maintaining relationships, asserting that abstaining from attendance doesn't signify the end of a relationship. It calls for Christians to be prepared to represent Christ in such situations, acknowledging the potential for differing convictions among believers.Christians are reminded of Jesus' role in bringing division, emphasizing the necessity of integrating the gospel into conversations. It argues that rejection may occur not due to individual behavior but because of Christ residing within believers. 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 episode, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into understanding God's patience. Man’s capacity to grasp the fullness of God’s patience remains limited, especially when contemplating our sins in the context of a holy God. The guys discuss the Book of Judges and how it illustrates God's enduring patience, despite the people doing what pleased themselves.God's patience is boundless, contrasting sharply with human limitations. Attempting to compare His attributes, such as patience, kindness, and love, to our personal experiences with the same attributes proves challenging. The guys discuss the Exodus narrative, and how God's patience is evident when the Israelites turn to false idols, yet He refrains from immediate destruction. In this passage is an example of how believers often take God's patience for granted, mirroring the Israelites' behavior. Gratitude should motivate Christians to emulate God's patience, adopting a slow-to-anger attitude and extending grace to others. Trials serve as building blocks for patience, a theme emphasized in James 5, where God's honor is associated with patience.God's patience extends to the refinement of believers. Love, grace, and patience are interconnected, fostering spiritual growth. Reflecting on past wrongs helps believers exercise patience when faced with transgressions from others. Even toward enemies, God demonstrates patience, delaying wrath for the sake of salvation.The ultimate manifestation of patience is seen in Jesus' death. Instead of summoning angels for protection, He patiently endured until death, underscoring the importance of maintaining focus on the Lord. Praying for patience invites opportunities to practice it, often through life's inconveniences. When dealing with unbelievers, Christians are encouraged to be patient, considering the diverse backgrounds from which individuals come. The guys talk about the life of Paul and how it serves as a compelling example of patience, tied to the remembrance of the pre-Christian state.Impatience is labeled as sin, representing a departure from God's love and gentleness. Remembering the grace received from Christ helps temper our impatience. While not every offense requires confrontation, speaking the truth in love remains an essential aspect of Christian interactions. Essentially, God’s patience serves as a model for believers, shaping their daily interactions and responses to various circumstances.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 exploring the distinct characteristics of God, theologians often define “grace” as receiving what one doesn't deserve, and “mercy” as not receiving what one does deserve. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind listeners that every breath is an unearned mercy, reinforcing the concept that grace is not guaranteed. Christians should be careful not to abuse God's mercy, as sinning because of mercy leads to judgment without mercy.Grace and mercy, intertwined, reveal God's kindness and love, yet justice remains a crucial consideration. Rejecting God's love, kindness, mercy, and grace invites justice without the cushion of grace. The crucifixion of Jesus on the Cross becomes the pivotal moment where grace, mercy, and God's justice harmonize, granting humanity what it doesn't deserve.The term "perfect" aptly describes God's flawless mercy, mirrored in Christ's atonement. The guys discuss Christ's substitutionary atonement, washing away sins and satisfying justice, and serves as a reminder that God doesn't deal with individuals based on their sins. Ungratefulness often stems from overlooking life's every breath as a gift from God, even trials and circumstances as opportunities for divine work.Ephesians 2:1-5 reminds believers of their shared past state, emphasizing God's rich mercy. Pride often clouds the memory of being equally deserving of wrath. Theologian John Calvin highlights the necessity of understanding indebtedness to God's mercy for sincere worship. Pastor and theologian John Chapell notes that gratitude, rooted in mercy, motivates enduring Christian service. Examining 1 Peter 1-3 emphasizes God's abundant mercy in spiritual rebirth, inseparable from the gospel.Reflecting on 2 Samuel 24:14, David acknowledges God's great mercy in distress, urging believers to repent and trust in God's character. To fully appreciate and extend God's mercy, acknowledgment of justified law, judgment, and wrath is vital.The guys underscore God's greater delight in mercy over wrath. Exodus 20:19 reveals a fear of God meant to prevent sin, a fear believers must cultivate, intertwined with the mercy saving them from wrath. Magnifying God's grace requires recognizing other components like discipline, an aspect of mercy.In conclusion, mercy's intricate interplay with grace, justice, and discipline reveals God's boundless love. Fostering a reverent fear and gratitude in response to God's mercy motivates a life aligned with His divine plan. Believers find themselves enveloped in the transformative power of God's unconditional and perfect love.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 a world hungering for kindness, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss Proverbs 31:26, highlighting kindness as a guiding principle for every Christian. The passage asserts that embracing the law of kindness is indispensable on the journey of faith, emphasizing that love, in its truest form, becomes action through loving-kindness.Turning to Jeremiah 9:23-24, the guys shift to God's multifaceted nature. Delighting in exercising loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, God invites individuals to comprehend and know Him. The passage contends that understanding God's loving-kindness is intricately tied to comprehending His divine laws.The guys take a contemplative turn towards the magnificence of creation, underscoring the role of a discerning heart. Amidst the wonders of life, familiarity is cautioned against, as the appreciation of creation becomes a poignant reminder of God's loving-kindness. It is noted that God's common grace, symbolized by rain and sunrise, extends to both the righteous and the wicked.Ephesians chapter 3 introduces Paul's prayer, shifting the focus to a plea for a deeper understanding of the love of Christ. Despite the clarity of God's love, Paul's prayer underscores the necessity for a profound and rich perception of God's loving-kindness. Scholars argue that the discipleship approach within the church might contribute to stagnation, where an assumed peak is reached, leading to potential crises.The journey through Paul's prayer continues, with the guys emphasizing the aspiration for believers to be filled with the love of Christ. Love, both in thoughts and actions, emerges as the key to this fulfillment in the Christian life. The narrative encourages the imitation of this loving-kindness, advocating for simplicity in sharing gospel teachings through conversations and acts of kindness that resonate with the universal matrix among humans.The reflection deepens with a call to consider Jonah 4:2, exploring Jonah's attempt to escape his divine task. His prayer reveals an acknowledgment of God's gracious and merciful nature, showcasing a powerful example of God's mercy. This serves as a steppingstone to the ultimate example of God's love through Christ.In essence, the conversation urges a collective meditation on God's love during times of distress and amid the awe-inspiring spectacle of His creation. This introspection becomes the wellspring from which individuals can draw, empowering them to extend kindness to others, mirroring the divine example of loving-kindness revealed through Christ.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 their contemplation of living within a litigious society, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar recount strange lawsuits that underscore the prevailing culture of litigation. Instances like a woman suing over repossessed gas and an individual suing himself for perceived religious rights violations highlight the extremes to which litigation has escalated. Yet, amidst these anecdotes, the group turns to scripture, particularly Paul's teachings in Corinthians, to explore alternative paths for resolving disputes within a Christian framework.The absurdity of cases becomes a backdrop for a deeper discussion on the scriptural foundation that allows for self-advocacy. Paul's strategic use of his rights as a Roman citizen becomes a case in point, emphasizing the compatibility of Christian principles with an awareness of and engagement with earthly laws.Recognizing the divine intent behind earthly legal systems, the guys advocate for a careful approach to dispute resolution. In the early days of the church, local communities navigated conflicts through mutual understanding. The guys propose a return to this communal approach, urging individuals to tap into the resources within their immediate reach, such as community networks, elders, and pastors.Through a biblical lens, the guys encourage prioritizing reconciliation over immediate legal recourse. Quoting from Corinthians 6:1-7, they express astonishment at Christians taking each other to court and underscore the importance of taking the higher road. This scriptural passage becomes a focal point for their discussion, emphasizing the willingness to endure material losses for the sake of spiritual gains and prompting a reevaluation of intentions behind the pursuit of justice.The guys advocate for a humble and intentional engagement with dispute resolution within the local church. They urge individuals to examine their motives and seek counsel from diverse perspectives within the community. The guys acknowledge the complexities inherent in certain disputes. They caution against a blanket rejection of legal intervention, recognizing situations where financial ruin could loom without legal redress.Overall, the guys emphasize the Christian principles of kindness and consideration in dispute resolution. Quoting theologian John Macarthur, they assert that settling disputes within the Christian community serves as a testimony of unity, harmony, and humility to the broader world, offering a stark contrast to the divisive nature of public court involvement.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

The podcast delves into the significance of the Sabbath for Christians, shifting from Saturday to Sunday observance post-resurrection. Emphasizing rest in Christ over legalism, it highlights the dual purpose of personal rejuvenation and evangelism on Sundays. The hosts also discuss practical topics like making whipped cream, modern conveniences, zip lock bags, and mixed perspectives on Amazon's convenience.