The Living Waters Podcast

Today’s episode is all about providing encouragement for others, a topic which is often minimized yet we all know how much we love to be encouraged by other people. Ray opens up about the most discouraging seasons he has experienced in his own life, specifically when he was suffering from agoraphobia, and how he was able to overcome them. What is so inspiring about Ray’s story was that in his own times of discouragement, he was able to still encourage others and still does so today. 2 Corinthians 1 says “God comforts us in all our afflictions and we may be able to comfort others with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” In the day of self help and expressive individualism, there is often a right and a wrong way to encourage people. Encouraging people unto themselves leaves them feeling defeated, while encouraging them in their relationship with God and His glory to find Him as their one source of comfort. Today, many Americans living in densely populated areas don’t even know the names of their neighbors. God desires to save us out of isolation and into community so that we may lift each other up and remind ourselves of God’s graces in our lives.  For the gospel’s sake, we must continue to encourage unsaved people. The ministry of encouragement is open to Christians as it is to no others, because they have the power of the Holy Spirit to lead them to truth and a Father to protect and bless them eternally. Christians are ultimately motivated by the love of Christ. Though our words may encourage others, what people really need is to hear the Scripture. Three ways we may encourage others include being specific, intentional and give gifts. Christians are not exempt from their own needs for encouragement and we should all stove to life each other up. God commands us to look back at the cloud of witnesses who persevered through difficulties and forward at Jesus as the one we are moving towards. There is value in choosing our words and encouragement intentionally. We have an indescribable power to touch other people’s lives and lift them up. Thanks 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!  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!Check out The Evidence Bible. 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 most simple definition for the word hermeneutics is the art of interpretation, which is the practice of understanding God’s word for yourself and communicating His word to others in a manner that honors what He means to say. 2 Timothy 2:15 says “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word.” Hermeneutics is not just something our pastors should do. As Christians, we all need to be men and women of the Word. We need not be afraid of the complexities of the word, because the Holy Spirit shall teach us all things.  The best way to understand the word is by reading it continuously and avoid singling out just one verse. Good hermeneutics is recognizing, through all struggles, with a foundation in Christ you can persevere for all that lies before you. False religions all come back to improper interpretation of the Word. It is important for us believers to remember that the Bible was not written to us, but rather for us. The guys offer advice for listeners to better understand the Bible. First, start with a literal, face value meaning, then consider the historical setting and culture, customs and traditions. Next, take a deeper look at the grammar within which a word or phrase is found. Finally, synthesize how the passage compares with other parts of the Scripture to form a bigger meaning. The final action is the application of what we have read. We must bridge the gap between the original author’s context and our own context today to illuminate the Word.  The Bible consists of various types of literature, so it is important that we differentiate the techniques being used to understand the message of a passage. For new believers, the guys stress that many of these things are learned much later on in the progression of one’s faith. Rather than feeling condemned, we are all urged to press on in greater depths to understand the Scripture as deeply as we can. The more understanding we gain, the more your soul will feel lifted.  Thanks 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!  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!Check out Save Yourself Some Pain and The Evidence Bible. 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

Today's conversation centers on the question of how to combat doubts about the faith.  More specifically, it focuses on the struggle (which is more common than is often acknowledged!) of Christians facing doubts.  For these believers, their doubts are far different from the doubts of non-Christians looking to oppose the faith; the difference here is between honest questions joined with a longing for belief and obstinate refusal to believe.  Unfortunately, Christians are often ill-equipped for helping brothers and sisters wrestling with doubts.  Their willingness to help the one questioning may last the length of a conversation over coffee, while the Christian facing the painful struggle of doubt actually needs robust discipleship and to know he/she is not alone.  Struggling believers also need to realize that skepticism comes from too little rather than too much thinking.  If questions fester in their minds, these questions should be addressed.  Of course, we must trust what we know (namely, the God in whom we believe!) even in the face of doubt, but Christianity also offers answers to doubters and space for asking honest questions!   Experiences with doubt vary from Christian to Christian, and they relate to personality, spiritual warfare, trials, too much listening to the world, and other factors.  But whatever the doubters' specific circumstances, they are called to be bound up in a local body of believers with different strengths and experiences - a body called to mutual exhortation in the truth!  Not only should believers bring their doubts before God in prayer, but they should bring them to fellow believers in the church.  They should continue to step forward doing what is right (and thus showing their faith by their works no matter how they feel at the time), and examine themselves to see if any of their doubts may be rooted in sin rather than true questions.  They must keep themselves in the Word consistently and, perhaps surprisingly, may even be helped by simply getting enough rest!  And at the end of the day, the fact remains that God is willing to show grace to the person facing honest questions.  He is holding onto and will sustain even His doubting children! Thanks 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!  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!Check out The Evidence Bible. 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

Today’s topic, the second coming of Christ, is an issue which has really served to divide Christians. Eschatology is the theology concerned with end times, and the second coming to Christ remains at the heart of it despite the many different views. Though there is much controversy surrounding the topic, there ought not to be because it is a debate held among Christians. Listeners are encouraged to explore these ideas gracefully, with the understanding that you will have brothers and sisters in Christ with differing views. While it’s easy to get caught up in the how and when of Christ’s return, we need not miss the fact that He undoubtedly will, and that is our great hope. This reality that Christ will come again should affect the way we view the world, the way we go on missions, how we treat people and our views on pain and suffering. We are living in the space between His first and second coming, a state referred to as “the already, but the not yet.” Matthew 16:27 tells us that Jesus will come again with His father and angels and will draw everyone’s attention to Himself. Listeners are encouraged to think about the things you would change in your own life if you knew that Jesus was coming tomorrow. Scripture tells us that we should be organizing, celebrating and preparing because the second coming is near.  We should walk in the fear of what’s to come for nonbelievers as Noah did while building the ark. Heaven started out on Earth, and God’s plan is to bring it back to earth. He promises to restore and renovate earth to become a heaven again. As Christians, we should see our responsibility as beginning God’s renovation process through our own good works. In the wake of the second coming, God warns us not to be idle. We must remember that God is never in a hurry and He is the only one who knows the exact time he will return. To a young believer, the guys offer advice on how to live in light of the second coming. We are commanded to build a family, master a trade and further occupy ourselves until He does come. Even when it feels like the world is smoldering, we should rejoice because God has won the ultimate war and He will soon come again.  Thanks 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!  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!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

Our topic today, the resurrection, is foundational to our faith and accounts for half of the gospel. We often hear the phrase “Jesus died for you”, but that is only a partial understanding of the gospel. The resurrection was a declaration of victory and the solidification of the Apostles’ faith. The resurrection solidified and affirmed that Jesus was really who he claimed to be. It also proclaimed the impact it has on our eternal souls, because his resurrection is now our own resurrection victory. The Scripture tells us that it is through the resurrection of Christ that we are born again. Ultimately, everything lies and rests upon this very act.  For critics, there is ample historical evidence that Jesus rose from the dead. The guards themselves reported what they had seen, but were quickly paid off to keep quiet. We often make our choices on what we believe based on facts, but God didn't create us to be fact-based creatures. We are lovers first and foremost. The guys debunk many of the most popular arguments denying the resurrection. Even though we can’t rely on facts for our salvation, for the resurrection, historical facts are significant that it actually happened.  Romans 8:11 says “But if the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells within you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His spirit who dwells in you.”  This verse reminds us that the resurrection is something Christians should reflect on and realize that the same power is within us. The promise of the resurrection is that we will one day experience the same kind of resurrection ourselves. Christianity begins where all other religions end, at death and the resurrection. We celebrate the resurrection and our hope in the resurrected body. We have to remember that the resurrection was not some random event, but was prophesied and part of God’s eternal plan for the redemption of man. The cross should bring us to a place of humility and repentance, recognizing that it is our sins and the wrath we deserve which pins Him to the cross. The resurrection, however, brings us to a place of joy and hope. As the episode wraps up, the guys share a series of quotes from John MacArthur about the truth of resurrection.  Thanks 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!  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!Check out Ray’s new book, 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

On today’s episode, the guys tackle the touchy topic of money. There are a lot of ways to view your money, but this episode outlines three. 1) Capitalist - my money is mine to handle how I see fit. 2) Socialist - my money is the state’s to be distributed how they see fit. 3) Biblical - my money is God’s for me to steward how he sees fit. Some Christians make it their god, while others, including pastor’s, refrain from the topic entirely. A Biblical view of money is looking at only using what you need and giving the rest to God’s will to be used where it’s needed Your religion is not what you say you believe, it’s the way you act, behave, and spend here on the planet. What is in your possession doesn’t belong to you, rather to the Lord. Possessions can include money, but also talents and time, all things we should be good stewards of. The heart of those who have been given a lot of time, talents, or money from the Lord should move humbly and with gratitude that God blessed them with the treasures he’s given us. When we give, we should worship and do so sacrificially. There is never a “good time” to give, rather it’s a habit that should be cultivated at all times. Worshiping God should be our default. Making money as an idol and worshiping is a cruel master. It is fickle and can be lost at any time, and those who put money first will never be content or satisfied. Instead, our investment should be into the Heavenly Kingdom. We can do that while working and making money by being a witness and stewarding that money and time well.  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more.  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

Our call to honor our parents was so important to God that He even put it in the Ten Commandments. Generally speaking, there is a truism involved in which God blesses with longevity those who walk upright and honor their parents. We should honor our mother and father even when they are not worthy, because God commands us to do so. If our parents are non-believers, we as their children can honor them by preaching the gospel to them and serving them without sacrificing to them. We have the right to not honor or submit to authority when it goes against God’s commandments. The guys share their own experiences taking in and caring for their own elderly parents and the honor they felt by doing so. Ultimately, God gives us relationships, including our parents, to help us better understand Himself. By honoring our earthly father who is not great, we remember that there are times when we do not understand what God is doing, but still we place our trust in him anyway.  Honoring our parents goes deeper than just obeying them. Other ways we should honor our parents include recognizing the sacrifices they have made for us, being thankful for the things they do and blessing and serving them. As kids, we have the opportunity to honor our parents by hearing their stories and getting to know them. In comparison to our devotion to the Lord, our love for everyone and everything else must pale. 1 Timothy 5:8 says “If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for members of his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than a non believer.” For those reflecting on broken relationships or times they have not honored their parents, the good news is that there has been a son who has perfectly honored his father. He died on the cross so that we could die with him and, through his sacrifice, were given the freedom to honor our parents and God alike. What great news this is! We should teach our children to honor us the way God commands them to.  Thanks 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!  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!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

Today’s episode dives into a recent event on the cultural stage - the moment at the Academy Awards when Will Smith slapped host Chris Rock in the face because of a comment Chris made about Will's wife Jada's hair. Chris's joke was followed within seconds by Will walking onto the stage, striking Chris, and then returning to his seat with no response beyond shock from others at the event.  The Oscars went on, and Will won an award and received a standing ovation.  But the event was shaped by the earlier act of violence, and much backlash and debate has followed. The guys kick off the conversation by arriving at a foundational assumption that the conflict between Chris and Will was not staged, and only then turn to consider the significance of the event in the culture at large and for the Christian.  The lack of an immediate response to Will's action raises the question of what compels us to defend our cultural heroes.  The response to Will in the aftermath of the event has been mixed, and while the majority opinion turning against Will's action, criticism has been mixed with applause for Will's defense of his wife.  This applause confronts us with the contradictions of a society that can at the same time defend women and be rife with debate over what gender even means. For the Christian, the Will's situation calls to mind the value of self-control, the fleshly impulse to shirk it, and the way in which the gospel drives how we respond to offense.  There was, of course, something good in Will's desire to defend his wife; however, the action he took was wrong.  Will demonstrated fallen man's propensity to escalate, while the gospel teaches us to offer grace and forgiveness even as we defend the offended in ways that are just and good.  We are free to respond in this way because God is just, and we can relinquish judgment to Him.  We are called to self-control, and self-control allows us to see situations of offense as opportunities to witness to the gospel, and to respond to them wisely and with an aim to do good. Thanks 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!  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!Check out The Evidence Bible. 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

On today’s episode, the guys tackle the difficult topic of jealousy. They start by defining jealousy, envy, and covetousness. They all interrelate as issues of the heart that go back to wanting what others have. Our culture is designed to stroke jealousy and technology continues to fan the flames. Commercials, social media, targeted ads, they’re  all designed to make us desire. Envy makes us forget that we are stewards, we are not to keep the things we have. True joy doesn’t come from having things, it comes from God. If it does not come from God’s hand, we should remember we should not want it.  In the Bible, Paul likens envy to carnality. He reminds his readers that they are not mere men, they are Children of God, heirs to the throne who cannot be envious and content at the same time. Often our prayer life is a list of our wants, our jealousy. Instead we should focus more on gratitude to God and worshiping him. In Christ we have all things; He will never leave us or forsake us, this is directly related to jealousy. Ephesians 5:5 reminds us that no covetous man will have a place in the Kingdom of Heaven. Having many things but losing Christ will ultimately leave us empty.  Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider leaving us a 5-star review, and we’ll see you next time!  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more. 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

From Nike's "Just do it" to Mastercard's "There are some things money can't buy," company slogans highlight the reality that the guys discuss today: the tremendous power of words!  Words have the ability to shape and destroy people and relationships, and they pervade our lives.  As the book of James affirms, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it is also both untamed and mighty enough as a small flame to set an entire forest ablaze.  Our responsibility as Christians is to work at taming our tongues, using words (in person or even online!) with self-control.  In evangelistic conversations, Christians must guard against the pitfall of demonizing other people and debating without empathy.  In evangelism and in general, both what we say and how we say it matter; a tone of harshness pollutes even the best of words!  Gossip represents another major pitfall.  It is an affront to a person's status as an image-bearer, and we must guard against it even in conversations that concern public figures.   Since the tongue is the thermometer of the heart, not only can it showcase sin within, but it can also be a mighty tool for pointing people to the Lord.  We can use our words to build up other Christians with intentional encouragement, and to share the gospel with unbelievers.  The guys remind us that even our idle words will be judged, and that being a leader (in whatever spheres the Lord has placed us in this role) requires great care with words.  They also point out that communication takes both verbal and nonverbal forms, and we have the ability and responsibility to love in both areas.  In light of these realities and the fact that we so often fail in taming our tongues, it is crucial to remain centered on God and His words.  After all, His perfect words created life, and His perfect words continue to pour forth from the pages of the Bible and to create new life in Christ.  Even as we time and again fail in our use of words, we can remember with gratitude that God has spoken better words of freedo from condemnation! Thanks 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!  Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!Check out Ray's devotional on the book of Proverbs, Think on These ThingsSend 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