Ep. 213 - What It Actually Means to Have Purpose in Life
Episode · 51 min · November 16, 2023
About this episode
The question of our purpose is perhaps one of the most commonly addressed concerns posed to mankind, and it’s important to get the answer right. Today Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar examine common themes, personal experiences, and truths found in Scripture to answer this vital question.The guys observe that many of the
answers given for the purpose of individual lives—including business, success, and happiness—are fundamentally flawed. As a result, most of humanity spend their entire lives doing anything but loving and serving God, and only learn the futility of life spent in this way when they reach the end of it. Ray remembers his own experiences before becoming a Christian. A successful businessman, he had what would appear to be a perfect life. So why did he feel that something was missing, and that—as Ecclesiastes put it—life was vanity? Only after being born again did he come to realize that his true purpose should be rooted in love.Looking to the Westminster catechism, the guys expound on what it means that the “chief end of man” is to glorify God. This is also reflected in the family vision statement of E.Z.’s household, which is central to their family’s times of devotion and discussion. Making a conscious decision and effort to identify the purpose of their lives helps Christians to gain an eternal perspective, which will drive us to use our time wisely.The guys also observe an interesting shift from one generation asking, “What will happen when I die?” to the next wondering “What is my purpose?” It is helpful to remember this when talking to younger people today who feel lost simply because they do not know who they are or why they exist. Knowing that all of creation exists to glorify God and bring Him pleasure helps mankind to remember why they’re here. Our value is not rooted in what we do or who we are, but in whose we are, and our joy is found in knowing our Maker and being known by Him. Understanding this will equip us to live a fulfilling and focused life regardless of circumstances. Drawing inspiration from the resilience of Paul in the Bible, the guys emphasize how a divine purpose can provide stability during life’s storms.In conclusion, this episode provides a compelling exploration of purpose and faith, offering listeners unique insights into living a fulfilling life. It serves as a reminder that our worth isn’t tied to our achievements or abilities, but to the love of God. It’s a thought-provoking journey into faith, purpose, and everything in between.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
More from The Living Waters Podcast
View all- 1Episode 0: IntroductionsWelcome to The Living Waters Podcast. In this first episode, Ray Comfort, Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne, Mark Spence, and Oscar Navarro introduce themselves, give a history of how they joined Living Waters, and argue over the point of starting a Podcast. Ever wonder how Ray made it out to Southern California? You’ll find out!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
- 2Ep. 1 - What do you do when you’re witnessing, and your mind goes blank?Can you imagine officiating a wedding and calling the bride by the wrong name? Or preaching from the pulpit and blanking on the sermon? Or sharing the gospel and suddenly not having the words? It’s happened to each of our hosts. The guys discuss how they overcame those moments, and Mark Spence shares a story about why you should never ask him to officiate your wedding. 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
- 3Ep. 2 - Why don’t some preachers preach the hard things?Many preachers today avoid preaching about things like hell, repentance, and a God of judgement. In this episode the guys discuss the hard to preach topics, why preachers avoid them, and why it’s important.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
- 4Ep. 3 - RacismRacial tension is on the front pages and on every part of our news feeds. How can Christians pursue racial reconciliation in a way that is biblical and helpful? The guys look at these issues through a biblical lens.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
- 5Ep. 4 - PersecutionFrom the beginning of church history Christians have been persecuted for their faith. Today, Christians around the world are being kidnapped, attacked, and even beheaded for their faith. Here in the the United States, while we may not experience that same kind of persecution, there is an increased antagonism toward followers of Jesus. How can we honor our faithful brothers and sisters in the persecuted church around the world while faithfully proclaiming the gospel in our own country?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
- 6Ep. 5 - Raising KidsFor parents, raising godly children is a lifelong calling that can be hard. How can we sheperd our children to know God in an age where everything around them seems to be pulling them away from the Creator? The guys discuss their home life, family values, devotions, and leading their own families in the ways of the Lord.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
- 7Ep. 6 - The Danger of Christian Clichés“God won’t give you more than you can handle.” “God helps those who helps themselves.” “Washed by the blood.” Christianese or clichés can be harmful and untrue. And others can be true but weird-sounding to new Christians or nonbelievers. The guys discuss clichés to avoid and Christianese that often need clarification.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
- 8Ep. 7 - How do we share the gospel in this modern world?Drones. Augmented reality. Driverless cars. It seems that the world is changing every day with amazing technologies and inventions. Does that mean that the gospel also has to change? How can believers be effective in their witness in a modern world? Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about delivering the gospel in this day and age.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
- 9Ep. 8 - Obeying the law or obeying God—what should we do?Obeying the governing authorities. Obeying the laws of the land. As Christians we are to submit to those God has placed in authority, but what happens when we are being compelled to submit to ungodly laws? What is the Christian's responsibility?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
- 10Ep. 9 - The difference between laziness and restThere are two extremes we can fall into, laziness—the need to always be comfortable and served, and busyness—pursuing value in worth in our accomplishments. But the scriptures offer a better way that invites us to work for the Glory of God and to rest and be renewed by His presence.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
- 11Ep. 10 - Christian ContentmentMost people always want more in life, which unfortunately leads to living an unsatisfied life. Yet Jesus says that He is the bread of life, the source of satisfaction. Listen to Ray Comfort and the guys discuss living content and satisfied lives.Send us Fan MailThanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro
- 12Ep. 11 - What Is Faith?What is faith and what do we do with it? Ray Comfort and the guys talk about the difference between a living faith and a dead faith and how to grow our faith in 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
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