The Living Waters Podcast

On today’s episode, the guys discuss unity and the idea that it is time to stop fighting with other Christians. Unity is extremely important and the Scripture speaks of it in very explicit terms. Paul speaks of the sensitivity we, as Christians, are to have towards believers who have different perspectives and convictions. We are to set aside anything that can be set aside in order to keep the peace among brothers.  How can we walk in love if there is no unity among us? The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the prime examples of what unity looks like. When Adam and Eve rebelled against God, their sins brough division not only between man, but between each other. God offers us the power to become unified with him and with one another through the power of the Gospel. While there is a time and place for clarification and explanation, it is usually best to nullify conflict with others with care, humility and an apology.  As Christians, one of our biggest tools is our unity with one another. Again, the guys mention the idea of primary vs. secondary convictions and how to determine when an issue is crucial enough to advocate for. There is an undeniable part of the wicked human heart which likes to see fights between people. However, God commands us the meekness and discretion to resist this urge and advocate for unity instead. Good conflict is extremely healthy because it brings things to the forefront to be addressed. In good conflict, the rules are set ahead of time in a loving and respectful way. It’s incumbent that we consistently invite people with a welcoming spirit to be open and honest with us.  Unity is designed to unify us with Christ and with each other, then becomes an evangelistic tool to speak of the truth of God. We can’t simply be unified for unity’s sake, and should still be able to challenge each other to a certain degree. Confrontation should come from attributes of love such as patience and kindness. Speaking truth is true love.  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

On today’s episode, the guys tackle the topic of holiness. While we know it is extremely important for Christians to pursue and live in holiness, it remains a word which often raises a red flag. To begin, they share the Christian definition of holiness compared to the dictionary definition. When we try to define the word in the English language, we often oversimplify its nuance. Holiness encompasses separation and morality as a communicable and incommunicable attribute. When God decides to use you, He separates you from the rest and uses you as a holy instrument with His own hand. Thus, holiness is recognizing our identity and value as instruments in God's hands to fulfill His will.  What things prevent people from going hard after God in the pursuit of holiness? Often, it’s a love of worldly pleasures, money, or praise. Holiness is the hardest attribute to fully comprehend. You are encouraged to stretch your imagination and realize fully the all encompassing holiness of God. God has given us our imagination for us to use to have a better understanding of reality. It is not something we are called upon to do to become something else, but rather something we are to do because of what we already are. It is a practical pursuit of sanctification. The Scripture calls on us to pursue holiness with others and with God.  Then, the guys contrast legalism and holiness. By definition, legalism is a weight we put upon ourselves which God never intended for us to bare. God has freely given us things to enjoy, aside from sin, in His glory. Pursuing holiness is loving the Lord and wishing to grow in His eyes. Our ultimate goal should be pleasing and glorifying God, and being set apart from the rest of the world.  Practice of Godly disciplines brings about the holiness and purity of a true child of God. There are little incremental steps we can take to pursue righteousness and grow in our holiness. Finally, they share other disciplines which are helpful to bringing us closer to God, including fasting and prayer. It’s never enough to remove the sin in our life, but we must replace them with Godly desires. In closing, they offer reminders of the beauty and promise of the Gospel for those unsure if they are embodying true holiness.   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

On today’s episode, the guys discuss what they have been reading in the Word lately. Before jumping into that, Mark offers advice for having a rich devotional life. Currently, he is reading one chapter of the Bible per day alongside his wife, daughters and friends. He prefers to have devotion in the morning, to ensure meditation on the Scripture for the remainder of the day. Jesus doesn’t want to just be part of our life, but the totality of our life. He advises listeners to choose a verse from your morning scripture to meditate on for the day. The number one key when reading the Bible is simply to slow down.  The first verse discussed is 2 Corinthians 7:11, in which Paul speaks of Godly sorrow and repentance. This is a demonstration that our repentance should be as notorious as our sin. When studying God’s word, Oscar analyzes it with a magnifying glass to unpack every sentence. However, sometimes looking too closely can lead you to miss the big picture, so it’s important to find that balance. We are so prone to looking at Revelation within the frame of today’s world. However, the best way to understand Revelation is by reading the First Testament. The book should actually give us hope for God’s capabilities.  There are no bounds to the depth of God’s Word. Ray has been reading the Bible every day for 49 years and is always finding new things. Being in the Word together with someone you love connects you in ways beyond what we could imagine. If you have sin in your heart, the Word can and should make you uncomfortable. They share the quote “Seven days without the Word will make one weak.” Being together in the Word with our children brings us closer to them and ensures they have a strong foundation. When you become vulnerable and open your own heart, people around you will begin to do the same.  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

On today’s episode, the guys tackle the topic of unity, division and how we as Christians can avoid it. In the age of social media, division is more apparent than ever. While it’s important that we speak the truth when there are evident and definite errors, we must be very careful about the spirit in which we do so. There are times in which God’s word does divide, but we should take our cues from the Scripture, not the culture, to determine which issues are primary and which are secondary. Romans 16:17 urges us to watch out for those who cause divisions and avoid them. A large factor in the division of today is the fact that many people have become lazy thinkers, often turning to the opinions of people they admire to form their own opinion. However, the first place we should turn to for wisdom authority is the Bible, and then to our local church. There is a way to have open dialogue about differing views while remaining brothers and sisters in Christ. It is the spirit of divisiveness which God truly hates.  Then, they break down the difference between primary essential, secondary essential, primary nonessential, secondary nonessential and heresy. In the midst of it all, we speak the truth in love and graciousness, because a lot of these things we learn in the progression of our faith. It’s not at all about having convictions and sharing them in the proper context, but rather about maintaining the right heart and attitude. Ultimately, we are the army of Christ and should strive together for the faith of the gospel. We must realize that we are being provoked by demons to create disunity to lose sight of our purpose. Satan’s biggest weapon is misunderstanding and he delights in the division of God’s people. Communication, humility, listening and open dialogue are key elements for unity. There is wisdom in learning to yield.  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

The podcast explores the power and effectiveness of prayer, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the relationship with God. The hosts share personal anecdotes and provide practical tips for improving prayer. They discuss different settings for prayer and the impact it has on their lives. Additionally, they explore various analogies and illustrations related to prayer and highlight the importance of praying for others.

On today’s episode, the guys tackle the topic of the fear of the Lord. The Bible is soaked in promises to those who fear the Lord. Through this fear of the Lord, men depart from evil. Today, the distinction between the creature and the Creator is falling apart, and many people have a nonchalant attitude towards God as their casual friend.  Ultimately, fear is not a bad thing. It is recognizing that something has power over us, and finding comfort in that fact. How do we distinguish fearing God vs. fearing damnation? For the Christian, fear of God does not involve terror or dread, but rather awe, respect, wonder and reverence. The first mention of the fear of God is in Genesis 22. When we fear God, we are actively putting him first above all else. In the culture we live in now, some people may argue that we can’t have a healthy relationship with a God we’re supposed to fear.  However, God saw the fullness of our sins, and still he loved us and made us His own. Our relationship with him is based on the reality of that, what we deserve and how He responded. The beginning of our relationship with God is not fear, but grace, as he made the ultimate sacrifice for us.  As Christians, it’s not just about the fear of God alone, but uncovering how to put the fear of God in the unGodly. Law without punishment is nothing but good advice. It’s crucial that we fear God in order to prepare ourselves for the wrath to come at the cross. It is the realization of who God is and the kindness he has exhibited. As we grow in our relationship with God, we realize that we are smaller than we ever thought, and his power is even greater. We can tell if someone fears God by what they do in private and how they react when they sin. While our fear should hold us back in times of temptation, it shouldn’t end there.  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

Returning guest, Dr. Owen Strachan, joins us for today’s conversation in answering the question, what is the problem with transgenderism? What is at stake here? After chatting about beards, they jump into their conversation with guest Dr. Strachan, the Provost and Research Professor of Theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary in Arkansas, along with being a Senior-fellow with Family Research Council (FRC). Dr. Strachan has written a number of books, with one being particularly applicable to today’s conversation—What Does the Bible Teach about Transgenderism?How big of an issue is this facing the church today? Learn about the broader issue of destabilizing the divine design God established in Genesis and where the sinful heart of man ends up. Is there a culpability in silence on this issue? What is the responsibility of pastors and shepherds in considering and addressing this issue? They address all these issues and more.Taking a step back, Ray asks Dr. Strachan to explore how we got to where we are. They chat about Truman’s The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. While rejecting the doctrine of creation and embracing ungodly beliefs, the normalization of different things like homosexuality and transgenderism has become reality. Listen to their explanation of what the theological problem is with transgenderism. God is above and beyond man, but man is constantly seeking to be on the level of God. Learn about God’s glory in our manhood and womanhood, and the created-creature distinction—the stakes are high, this is not a trivial issue.Ray asks Dr. Strachan to get practical with how this looks in real-life issues. What do you say to the parents dealing with this? How do you walk through children grappling with these issues? They address the shame and self-discrimination that can surround these issues. Learn about the wild, rebellious heart that is always an offense to God. Rejecting the will and design of God brings an appropriate level of grief. Pray and work to live in grace and truth. Learn about what it means to truly love your neighbor. Mantra is a powerful tool to shift one’s outlook. Listen as they discuss the impacts and effects of mantra as conveyed through repetition of practice. Unfiltered entertainment is impacting the next generation and the repetition of what is being seen is determining what the people believe is normal and right. They touch on the underlying worldview in movies like Frozen. Learn to teach discernment to your children for both movies and music. Who is catechizing your children?As the conversation draws to a close, Ray asks, "Where does society go if we continue in thSend 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 featuring guest Dr. Owen Strachan, the guys tackle a subject which is a major issue confronting the church today: homexuality. Many of us have become desensitized in terms of the severity of this problem and have adopted the mentality of the world towards it. Owen is coauthor of the book What Does the Bible Teach About Homosexuality?, and is here to discuss his perspective on the matter. Homosexuality is not just a sin that people commit, but has become a highly honored identity in our society. This identity, however, leads to destruction and everlasting judgment. They denounce the idea that the attraction is not the problem, but rather the action on it. The desire for somebody of your same sex is profoundly anti-God, anti-creation and anti-Divine Design.  God gave us our sexual identity as part of our human nature, but it is not the biggest factor in our identity, as society often makes it out to be. There is no shame in divine design. Owen explains that when you take image of the human person, and replace God with sexual preference, you have effectively tried to remake the human person. The agenda of Christians should be to prepare others for their meeting with God. As Christians, we are urged not to attack someone’s homosexuality right away, but rather address a different sin which they are more willing to discuss. A Christian who truly wants to walk with God takes His whole inventory without pointing fingers. It’s important for us to realize where non-Christians come from.  Listen as the guys stress the importance of instilling the Scripture in our own children before they go off into the world on their own. Owen shares how people who experience same sex attraction can cease their sin and align themselves with the Word of God. Crucify your ungodly desires and pray for godly desires to take their place. Finally, he retells a successful conversation he had with a pro-homosexual pastor and highlights the fact that our proclamation of the truth to people who hate what we share is the ultimate act of love.  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.  Find out more about What Does the Bible Teach About Homosexuality?. 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 topics of Critical Race Theory and Wokeness. Dr. Owen Strachan is the author of Reenchanting Humanity: A Theology of Mankind. A systematic theology professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he is the director of the Center for Public Theology, director of the Residency PhD program, and host of the City of God podcast. Critical Race Theory is the academic theory that seeks to uncover racial power dynamics in a community and how they can be solved through social justice. This thinking comes out of a Marxist framing of oppression. Owen believes it’s coming back to the forefront because of big tech and social media. Acts 17:26 shows us we come from one man, Adam. We all have far more in common than we have differences. When you come to know Christ, you are one family, united under him. Christians can create a framework for themselves to see injustices through Biblical justice. Owen says this is through advancing the equality of opportunity and holding evil doers to account. The world thinks differently than we do, and Christians believe that humans have intrinsic value because they are image bearers.  Ultimately, wokeness teaches you that oppression is inherent in our society and we are at odds with each other. You cannot achieve peace under this theology. Owen argues that the only way to achieve peace and unity is through Christ. He explains that under the Gospel, we are all equally liable for sin and what we need is absolution through Christ. Christians should be a group of people offering costly forgiveness to their communities. What others should see from our witness is a transformed heart and life.  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.  Lear more about Dr. Owen Strachan 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 a topic which was suggested by a listener: anxiety and how to grow in our relationship with God. They begin by discussing the realm of trials as believers, or the moments when we feel our life is falling apart because of anxiety, stress, financial problems, health issues, etc. We are living in a world full of difficulties and trials, but still can grow with the Lord regardless. Maintaining our composure is not just about surviving but thriving.  We start off hearing the verse Romans 8:28. As a believer, we know that things are not falling apart, but rather falling into place. If God is not worried, we should not worry either. Ray shares his own experience of having panic attacks and how he healed himself by trusting in God. It's important to recognize where our anxiety comes from and why it happens when it does. To rest our anxiety, we need to rest in God. Sometimes, we are so fearing the future and regretting the past, that we are paralyzed by the present. We should remember that all we have is the present, which we can always handle. If we focus on sin and failure, we are not proactively walking with the Lord. Grief and lament are important to experience at the outset of a traumatic situation, and God has given us this as means of release. However, pressing on and learning to look to the Lord in those moments allows him to work within our spirit. Godly lament never leads to sin.  Wrapping up today’s episode, the guys answer questions sent in by listeners. Don’t miss their advice on being single, God’s intent when creating us, the spiritual realm as it relates to negative emotion, when to share the gospel, what to look for when joining a church and more!  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