The Living Waters Podcast

In today's episode, the guys discuss Satan tactics and traps for us as Christians. In order to defeat your enemy, you must know who your enemy is, and one of the biggest tactics of the devil is to make us forget that he is the enemy. The devil desires to be like God, and since he can’t be he will imitate anything that God does. Therefore, things that Satan is associated with are made to seem good. For example, have you ever started to read the Bible or pray, but then you get distracted by your phone? Satan is at work to distract you with anything else so that you won’t seek righteousness. He lures you with desires that pull you away from the glory of God. This is illustrated in C.S. Lewis’ book, “Screwtape Letters,” which illustrates the devil’s demons and how they are called to distract and dismantle Christians in any way possible.  2 Corinthians 2:11 states, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Satan has schemes, methods, and devices to make us fail, but we are not to give him a foothold. Being aware of his schemes makes it easier to resist the devil so he flees from us. One of his traps is luring us away from the simplicity that is found in Christ. Simplicity is found in the gospel, but the devil has been studying man for thousands of years and knows what will trip you up. Charles Taylor points out that man was created to worship, and the devil wants us to shift our worship of God to other lowercase gods including our nation, family, politics, sex, or sexuality. These powers of the age lure us into thinking that the things of this world are the answer when the only answer to our fallen world is the gospel.  Next, the guys discuss the second trap of the devil, which is trying to look spiritual or godly. Our world and culture have this mindset that “It’s all about me.” But when you become a Christian, you are to give up all your rights and make your life about Jesus and others. We all have gardens in our hearts where we need to pull out the weeds and plant flowers of righteousness in their place. For example, if you have the weed of pride, you can plant the flower of humility. Planting the opposite flower will help you get rid of those weeds, and this is made possible by having God’s love in your heart. We focus so much on assuming a defensive posture, but when we go on the offensive instead and do righteousness, that will make the devil flee. When we are walking in the Spirit and on guard, we will more easily recognize his schemes. 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 today's episode, the guys discuss whether Christians should engage in self-defense. We read in Matthew 5:38-39, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Jesus was speaking to the issue of retribution when He said this. According to the Old Testament law, this was considered equal retribution. He was not being literal in this verse—he was talking about the principle. This “slap” could also be referred to as an insult and not a physical act. We need to be careful in thinking that the most loving thing we can do is to turn the other cheek. We must have wisdom and ask God for guidance in all situations, especially regarding insults or harm from other people.  When considering violence, we can look towards Jesus’ teaching and His reaction to persecution as examples. Christ rebuked Peter when he cut off the ear of a high priest because Peter was interfering with God’s ordained plan, and instead taught his disciples to be nonviolent in the face of persecution. The guys discuss Augustine’s theory of a “just war” and the concept that war can be waged for the protection of others. Modern-day pacifism calls for individuals to lay down and let others walk all over them, but the scriptures call us to carefully consider the image-bearing qualities of one another as well as ourselves in order to correctly measure our response to others. As Christians, we are not expected to be passive or unresponsive when someone is trying to insult or hurt us or our family. It is our responsibility to care for the needs of our family and ourselves, and to help those who have a need or are in a weakened position. Psalm 82:3 states, “Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.” We need to cautiously consider every situation and exercise discretion, since not all situations are the same.  Lastly, the guys share some practical advice. First, you should not put yourself in dangerous or tempting situations. If you are ever questioned by the police, you should never answer questions unless there is a lawyer present—even if you are innocent. When driving, just get into the slow lane and let other vehicles go by. We must use discretion in the context of persecution and seek the Lord on how to conduct ourselves.  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 today's episode, the guys discuss tithing. Unfortunately, it is a common misconception that Christian churches are money-hungry and selfish, but is it really true? We are commanded to tithe in Scripture, but for what purpose, and is it still required today? The guys share a story about a pastor who decided to stop passing around an offering plate because he saw that the majority of the congregation were giving either out of guilt or spontaneity. Then, they dive into the scriptural instructions for giving as Christians. This is a topic which is quite controversial within the church.  The first time we see tithing referenced in the Bible is in Genesis 14, when Moses tithes to Melchizedek. The American way of looking at money is very capitalistic and industrial. However, a Biblical way of viewing finances is that all the things we own belong to the Lord, and we are simply stewards of those things. The Lord gives us stewardship over His things, and we should rejoice in gratitude that He allows us to enjoy a portion of it. In the Old Testament, tithe was given to the priests for the upkeep of the chapel so that there were goods for offering, as well as charitable tithes every third year.  Many scholars would argue that tithing is no longer a requirement because it is a Mosaic Law. However, the New Testament calls us to give generously out of stewardship to the preaching of God’s word, the building up of God’s Kingdom, and to those in need. Our response for the love which God has shown us is to give back to Him without hesitation all that we have. God judges what we give by what we keep for ourselves. Giving is the best way to fully demonstrate our love for others, and God Himself loves the cheerful giver. The key is that our giving should reorient our hearts to the great Giver in Heaven. As the episode wraps up, they reiterate that there is not one set amount which believers are required to give. We are also reminded that the Biblical doctrine of generosity is completely antithetical to the customs of modern times. For anyone feeling shame around the fact that they have not been generous enough, you are urged to look towards God and understand that it was He who never held back a thing. 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 today's episode, the guys discuss why women may not be pastors. It is not that women don’t have the ability to be pastors, but that God has given the role of a pastor to men. The reality is that women are equally capable of understanding the Word of God and communicating it. In this episode, they don’t aim to diminish the value of women or their spiritual gifts. God commands women to teach other things, including how to serve their husbands and love their children. Today, we have seen a surge in women pastors as the church has become desensitized towards many things.  Rather than devaluing women and their contributions, it is important to recognize that Jesus elevated women in ways that had never been seen before. He was “pro women” to the max, but he simply didn’t choose them to be apostles. Women ought to be built up in their theological understanding of God’s Word and truth and should be equipped and guided in their spiritual gifts. However, the Scriptures make it clear that men have the role of a pastor. When it comes to God’s design for the church, the Bible does not miss a single word or point.  This is a topic which has caused the rest of the world to look confusedly at the church. There are some things in the Bible which are difficult to grasp, but we must be careful that the things which are plain and simple are widely accepted. The world’s culture really wants to blur the lines between men and women, but the Scriptures embrace the beauty and reality that men and women have specific roles in the church and the home. This should not be seen as a restriction, but rather an invitation to reflect the glory of God. There is beauty in God’s intent to make even the details of the organization of the church speak to His glory and the roles of the Trinity. Similarly, the public can tell when the church is not conceding to God’s commandments. In closing, they reiterate that God restricts women from serving in certain leadership roles and instead calls them to serve in equally important and complementary roles. We should rejoice over the fact that God has called different people to serve different functions. 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 today's episode, the guys discuss how women should submit to their husbands. This is a topic which makes many people feel uncomfortable, but is a legitimate question for many Christians. Many people write this topic off completely due to today’s culture. However, when the church becomes a reflection of the culture, we are in big trouble. Submission is not a reflection of inferiority. In fact, Christ consistently submitted to His own father.  Part of the reason why so many people cringe at this topic is because we have terrible examples of leadership in the world today. We should never look to modern times for examples of leadership, but rather to Christ and how He led the church. It is valuable to speak about servant leadership just as often as submission. It is pointed out that every good leader is just a follower of someone else. If our wives submit to us, this means that we are submitting to God first and foremost. We often forget how much God emphasizes oneness within marriage. Each of us has the responsibility to fulfill our roles and create the type of atmosphere that will be most conducive for our husband or wife to fulfill their role. The secret to a perfect marriage is for husbands to love their wives as God loved the church and for wives to submit to their husbands and love their children.  We are reminded that wives' disobedience to their husbands is nearly blasphemous to God’s Word. Next, the guys offer examples from their own marriages in which submission played a role. To men, submission and leadership should look like your wife joyfully growing and thriving to be more like her Savior. God has created your wife in His image, and she has a unique understanding of what she is bringing into the household. Many times, the husband and wife are working together to understand God’s will for your life and home. Listen as they run through the things which a wife’s submission is not. Submission means that a wife sees herself as part of her husband’s team, supporting his decisions and recognizing that her husband has the authority to make the final choice. Finally, sisters listening are reminded not to feel ashamed to submit to their husbands, but to live the truth of God’s word. 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 today's episode, the guys discuss having childlike faith and Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:2-4, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus said this in response to the disciples arguing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom, which is a relief because the disciples are so relatable to us. Jesus displayed so much tenderness towards little children. We will always be there for our own children and never leave them, even if we are not pleased by their actions. We can trust in our Heavenly Father like kids trust in their earthly father. There is nothing that can be uncovered to be held against us that hasn’t already been covered by the grace of God. Scripture also tells us that you won’t even enter the kingdom unless you become like a child.  It's one thing to know what childlike faith is, but it’s also important to understand what having childlike faith is not. It’s not a rebuttal to answering tough questions. It is not meant to be an excuse to not go deeper into God’s word or with our relationship with God. Having a childlike faith is also not blind or ignorant—as a Christian, we need to always be ready to give an answer for our faith. Rather than remaining ignorant, we must be informed Christians who study God's word. This is where we will see growth and live in wonder of God and all He has done for us. Childlike faith is relational faith in God. Like the trust, care, and confidence children have in their earthly parents, we can rest assured in childlike faith in our Heavenly Father. When you catch a glimpse of God’s character, it is easy to trust in God and believe in His promises.  Finally, the guys discuss what childlike faith looks like and the qualities that children have. Children are teachable, trusting, carefree, loving, and have a humble heart. They talk about three qualities in particular: comfortable dependency on the Lord, reverence and respect for authority, and admiration and wonder. It is hard for some adults to respect authority because they want to be the only authority in their lives. Also, we have every reason to be in awe of the Lord. Taking a pause to enjoy God’s creation or contemplate all He has done can help you to keep that awe and wonder. Another reason to be in awe of God is to remember all the times that God has forgiven us and will still use us for His purpose. Our future is secure as Christians and we are forgiven by the only one who truly could condemn us. Children are also very forgiving and quickly forgive others. The last thing the guys discuss is how childlike faith all comes down to belief. We all believe in something, but belieSend 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 today's episode, the guys discuss spiritual gifts and how to discover yours. The Lord gives us gifts that are imperishable and irrevocable for the purpose of His kingdom. Our culture is enamored with the whole theme of purpose, but very few things indicate greater purpose than when God gives something. He gives us spiritual gifts for and with a purpose because He wants us to be a part of His epic story. He has created each one of us uniquely with His gifts for a specific role. God saves us and gives us a commission and the tools to go and complete that commission. Our spiritual gifts are given to us so that we can serve others. There are no unemployed Christians–everyone has a role and needs to be an active participant in the church. When we aren’t active with the gifts that God has given us, we stifle our spiritual growth and joy.  Next, the guys talk about how we need to use our spiritual gifts. Identifying our spiritual gifts might limit how, when, and where we serve. The better question is: how can I best serve the people around me? Sometimes, if we believe that we don’t have a certain gift, then we won’t use our abilities to play our part. We should not find identity in the gift, but our identity is in being a child of God. Also, we mistake our spiritual gifts for our fruitfulness. Just because you are good at your gifts, doesn't mean you’re growing in the Lord. The Lord gives us these gifts because He wants us to use them in a specific way. The use of our gifts should be shining His light for His honor, not for ourselves or our glory.  Finally, the guys discuss how to identify your spiritual gifts, and they first say you need to understand your own gifts in the context of the local church. There, you can exercise your gifts and try new things, and then receive affirmation on what your spiritual gifts are from preachers, family, and friends. We must not be selfish with our spiritual gifts or jealous of each other. We must be thankful knowing that God knows us and created us for this specific time in history, and to own the role that we get to play in His story. A question to ask yourself is: how can you be prideful of what someone gave you? Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Light. We are birthed into the Body of Christ and need to be in community with others. You will see fruit and results by operating that gift. Some of the spiritual gifts the Bible talks about include prophesy or “speaking forth,” ministry or servants of any kind, teaching, exhortation, giving, and leading. Lastly, God does not need us, but He invites us to work with Him because He loves us and wants us to participate in His good work. We can play a role and beSend 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 today's episode, the guys discuss national tragedies and how Christians should react to these situations. As a culture, our world is news-fanatic and it’s in our sin nature to want to hear about the bad news. Social media and news outlets built an algorithm that fires us up in anger. They have figured out how to tap into our sin nature and make money off it. It is important to study all sides of the news because every piece of news could be portrayed differently depending on which outlet you are receiving it from. Next, the guys discuss how we as Christians should respond to tragedies and news. First, we should respond with lament, which is a crying out and a longing for the return of Christ. We see countless times in the Bible where songs and poems show lament. It is also normal to ask questions and ask God why when tragedy occurs. They then pose the question: how do you know God’s faithfulness unless you’re put through the ringer? It is an act of worship to ask why, but also to say, “We trust you, Lord, and we simply don't understand.” If unanswered or unrecognized questions in someone's faith builds up, then they will pile up and will create outright doubt in God. Even though it is natural to ask questions, we also need to be careful not to put God on trial. Another good question to ask is: How did Jesus respond to tragedy? Tragedy is a reminder that this is not our home and there won’t be any tragedy in Heaven. In addition, the guys talk about how to help nonbelievers as they walk through tragedy. First, we need to give people the gospel, or good news. You may not think it’s the right time or want to be sensitive to their needs, but it is always the right time to share the gospel. We also need to weep with those who weep. When tragedy happens, there is an invitation to speak into their lives and show sympathy toward their suffering. Constant prayer for wisdom is also key when tragedies happen. C.S. Lewis once said, “Pain is God’s megaphone to arouse a deaf world.” Pain insists on being attended to. When we feel discomfort over and over again, or it gets worse, we have to pay attention to it. This is the same thing with salvation and our soul cries out when we experience tragedies in our lives or witness it in others. Finally, we all have hope as Christians that Jesus will come back and make it right. We need to be informed on the news and understand what's happening in the world, so we can pray for everyone. We are God’s representatives and light in this dark world. Tragedies remind people of their mortality and make them recognize their need for the Savior. Lastly, they discuss how we all need to be the hands and feet of Jesus, but also 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 today's episode, the guys discuss communion and how this practice is extremely central to faith. They talk about how communion is a sacred doctrine and how this sacrament symbolizes a recognition and renewal of a covenant with Him. Communion is also viewed differently in various denominations of faith. In Catholicism, they believe in transubstantiation, that the bread and wine physically change into the body and blood of Christ. Other denominations believe that the elements coexist with the real body and blood, but they don’t believe this actually changes into Jesus’ physical body or blood. There is also an orthodox or reformed view of communion, which says that the spiritual presence of Christ is in and with the elements of communion, but not His physical presence. As Christ followers, they believe they are saved and are continually being saved. This renewal of communion shows that the covenant is equally important today as it was on the first day.  Next, the guys talk about how communion has become flippant in some churches and this practice has lost its sacredness. They also discuss the frequency of communion in that we should be taking communion every Sunday. If we teach every Sunday in church, then we need to take communion every Sunday. In the scriptures, the disciples took communion regularly before a meal because that was the precedence that you met on Sunday for a meal, and the meal was communion.  Finally, the guys discuss what communion itself means. Communion is the breaking of the bread, which is the meal at the Lord’s table. There is a spiritual significance in that and a chance where you can examine yourself and your heart. Jesus says in regard to communion “do this in remembrance of me.” Communion is all about remembering what Jesus has done for us, what He is currently doing and what He will do in our lives. We also need to remember God’s second coming and what a beautiful privilege that communion is. They also say that communion is a testimony to unbelievers, and an invitation to someday join in this sacred practice. 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 today's episode, the guys discuss how to experience personal revival. Personal revival, E.Z. explains, is gained by coming back to the things that put you in the place of understanding that Christ is the center of it all. In this state, a person has integrated Christ into every area of their lives rather than living by compartmentalization. This comes from having a hunger and thirst for righteousness and being in the presence of God.  Simply put, there is no global or national revival without personal revival. Oftentimes, we can go about our Christian lives and duties but forget that the primary reason the church exists is to be a tabernacle of witness. If we want to be effective, we must present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God and not hold anything back. The miracle of personal revival is that we love doing the acts God wants us to do. Part of the challenge for many is the lack of obedience and short attention span. Discipleship, however, requires daily discipline and unwavering obedience. Once we begin to practice obedience despite how we feel or are being told, we begin to be revived.  Next, hear about some ways we as believers can stir up our own personal revivals. It is crucial for every Christian to understand that we would not be alive if not for God’s grace. Because God has given us this life, we owe Him everything. Despite its connotation, repentance is one of the most beautiful words because it is a sign of hope and the potential for forgiveness. Repentance is always connected to a change of behavior. A liturgy, for example, is a spiritually-forming habit. One of the main characteristics of historically great men of God is that they all had discipline. It is important to realize that the things we place the most value on will impact how we behave. One can obtain discipline by realigning our value system to coincide with God’s value system. Our daily habits are a way of realigning our compasses. Spending time in God’s word, prayer, and devotion will realign your compass and make sure you are pointing towards heaven. In closing, we are reminded that devotion is not just a daily ritual lasting a few minutes, but the act of submitting ourselves completely to God. 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