The Living Waters Podcast
Enjoy the ride with this hilarious new Podcast as hosts (Ray Comfort, Emeal “E.Z.” Zwayne, Mark Spence, and Oscar Navarro) and special guests explore the pressing questions of our day with sound theology and apologetics! We would love to
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hear from you. How has the podcast encouraged you? Are there any subjects you’d like the guys to cover or questions you’d like them to answer? Email us at Podcast@LivingWaters.com, and you may hear your feedback and questions quoted on the next episode!
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- 49Ep. 48 - How to Tame Jealousy, Envy, and CovetousnessOn 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
- 50Ep. 49 - Will Smith’s Slap and Self-ControlToday’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
- 51Ep. 50 - Honoring our Parents at Every Stage of LifeOur 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
- 52Ep. 51 - How to Handle Money BiblicallyOn 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
- 53Ep. 52 - The Power of the ResurrectionOur 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, Why Would Anyone Follow Jesus? 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
- 54Ep. 53 - The Second Coming of ChristToday’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
- 55Ep. 54 - How to Combat Doubts About the FaithToday'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
- 56Ep. 55 - Hermeneutics—How to Properly Interpret the BibleThe 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
- 57Ep. 56 - How to Be an Encouragement to OthersToday’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
- 58Ep. 57 - How to Fulfill the Two Greatest CommandmentsThis episode is all about the two greatest commandments found in scripture and how to fulfill them. They begin by pointing out how these commandments to love God and to love others are a foundational part of one’s walk with the Lord. These commands come directly from Jesus in the New Testament, and the hosts then spend some time to explain the connection between the two. In order to truly love others, it must come from a genuine love of the Lord. They speak about what it means to view others through the lens of all mankind being made in God’s image. A genuine understanding of God and desire to honor him will lead to a desire to honor him through loving those he has created. Next, the hosts then move on to talking about what it means to love. They speak about the different types of love, such as romantic love, brotherly love, and agape love. They focus on the agape love which is based upon the sacrificial love of serving others and putting others before yourself. This love is found first in out love for God through gladly obeying his commandments out of a heart that desires to honor him. They also point out how this love grows through spending time with God and making it a point to know him better daily. Additionally, they relate it to the kind of sacrificial and covenantal love between a husband and wife. Ultimately, we were made to love God and for this love to flow into how we treat and serve others. Finally, they conclude the episode by diving into the question of how to love God with all your heart. This is done through glad and ready obedience to his commands. Out of this will then flow a love for others- even those who may be hard to love. They then relate this to the story of the good Samaritan and the sacrificial love he showed. Additionally, they reference 1 Corinthians 13 and use this as the definition for what true love means and how we can be encouraged and strengthened in our pursuit to love God and others. They tie it all together in the end by speaking about the ultimate display of love Jesus showed through his death on the cross and 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 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
- 59Ep. 58 - Supreme Leak! Roe v. WadeThis episode is all about the recent leak of the Roe v. Wade opinion by the Supreme Court. They begin by discussing the shocking leak and its implications for our country, including how it could directly result in abortion being banned in dozens of states promptly. Next, they talk about what the Bible has to say about this sensitive topic, and how God is unashamedly pro-life from Genesis through Revelation. They urge us to understand that this is a spiritual war; there are demonic influences at play in this incredibly important battle for the unborn. Finally, they discuss how we as Christians should react to this news, including what we can do to help end legalized murder in America. They end by encouraging us to look to Jesus in all things, because in Him we find not only strength to continue to fight against the evils of this world, but we also find forgiveness that purges even the most vile of sins, including abortion. 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
- 60Ep. 59 - Why Evolution is ImpossibleToday’s episode is all about how we as Christians can address the topic of evolution when it comes up. The guys explain that unless someone is schooled in the reality of creation, they will typically drift to what they were taught in school. It is a tragedy that the idea of evolution is so widely adopted without much thought. When engaging in conversation with someone who holds an opinion different to yours, we are advised to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Furthermore, asking good questions inspires critical thinking. All things have been created for and designed by love. Creation was created out of the love that the Father has for Himself, and outflowing from that is the reason we exist. This speaks true to the longings of our heart. We must not divorce creation from the heart and intents of the Creator. Often we get so caught up in the argumentation to prove God created the earth that we forget the who, what and why of the ultimate creation. As we talk about the story of creation we see in Genesis, we need to keep these questions at the top of our minds: who created, what did He create, and Why? Then, in an effort to help prepare listeners to debunk evolutionist arguments, the guys share factual rebuttals of the most common points made by evolutionists including the ape-like creatures from which evolutionists claim humans came. Within the concept of Darwinian evolution, there simply isn’t enough time according to their own computations to go from the ape-like creature to a human being. World view and perspective is what we need to interpret the evidence we have. The ultimate answer to why evolution can not be true is simply because of the Bible, our ultimate source of authority. Asking deep questions to those who deny God’s creation can be used as a segway to direct a conversation towards the gospel. A Christian can not believe in evolution, because Matthew 19:4 tells us “In the beginning, God created the male and female.” In closing, we are reminded that Christians are by no means anti-science, but approach it subjectively. This determines the conclusions at which we arrive based on the information we receive. Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!Check out our video, Evolution vs. God and Ray’s book, Made In Heaven. 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
- 61Ep. 60 - Why Baptism Can't Save YouToday, the guys want to make an inroad to a topic that is surrounded by much confusion even among Christians: baptism! The confusion relates in part to the current trend of downplaying baptism. Not only does this indicate confusion about what baptism is, but it also causes the confusion to deepen and proliferate. The downplaying of baptism is rooted in a well-meaning course correction to theological errors that over-emphasized baptism, such as the doctrine of baptismal regeneration. But what Christians need at this point is not to over-correct their way into neglecting the rich truths surrounding baptism, but to construct a robust doctrine that values baptism while knowing how to respond to those who consider it necessary for salvation. This notion of baptism being necessary for salvation is at the heart of the theological error the guys want to zero in on today, namely, that of baptism regeneration. Baptismal regeneration is one of a few major views of baptism that are commonly held, and it maintains that the act of baptism is sufficient in itself (by conferring or completing grace) to save the soul. The Roman Catholic Church holds to this view, whereas Lutherans hold that baptism is a sign and seal of the New Covenant and those in a Reformed or Covenantal camp see baptism as a culmination of faith - expressing faith, bringing believers under the care of the church, and functioning in a way analogous to a royal coronation that decares rather than creating the reality of kingship. The guys have spent a lot of time discussing the doctrinal problems of baptismal regeneration not only with Roman Catholics, but also with members of the Church of Christ, who hold that baptism is necessary for salvation. This position, of course, has logical shortcomings; after all, what about those who are converted with no time or ability to be baptized? The position also contradicts the overall teaching of Scripture regarding both baptism and salvation, and the guys explain how to understand the true context of passages used in support of baptismal regeneration. Finally, they celebrate the beautiful whole-Bible threads of meaning that baptism picks up, baptism’s picture of the gospel, and the connection between baptism and the great commission! 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 Living Waters evangelism Starter Kit!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
- 62Ep. 61 - Why It’s Impossible to Lose Your SalvationTo be saved, to know you’re saved and to know that you can not become unsaved: That’s the question we’re dealing with today. The frantic fear that one may lose their salvation can become destructive in your walk with the Lord. On the flipside, there are people who boast in their salvation while living in flagrant sin. The guys discuss the controversial phrase “Once saved, always saved.” This can serve as comfort for those who are working out their salvation to know that once they are saved and God begins good work in them, he is faithful to carry it out. However, this does not mean that God’s grace allows us to do whatever we want and live an unrighteous life. Salvation is not a one and done thing, but rather the entrance into a transformative and eternal relationship with God. This is not to say that a Christian can’t struggle or fall into sin. However, a true, regenerate, born again believer who has been sealed by the Holy Christ will always return to God. When you become a Christian, you love righteousness and thirst off of it. You also have the fruit of praise and of thanksgiving, and the praise of God comes naturally from your humble heart. Hebrews 10:26 speaks to the Christian, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment.” We are all born compulsive sinners until the day we die, but it’s the person who sins wilfully, joyfully and pridefully who should be concerned for their salvation. There should be no sense of security for anyone living in sin. For a Christain to lose his salvation, God would have to go back on His word and undeclare what He previously declared. Though we should feel convicted by our sins which we will be corrected for, we will never be condemned for them. Jesus was punished so that we will never be punished. We must not forget that everything comes back to the Scripture. Furthermore, it is the unity and community of our church we come to know by being an active participant which God intends us to affirm our faith. What a joy it is to have security in Christ! Let us remember that our hope for salvation is in Christ. We have been sealed with the seal of the Holy Spirit of promise who is the guarantee of our inheritance. 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
- 63Ep. 62 - How to Walk in IntegrityWalking in integrity is a topic which most young people seem not to have a clue about. E.Z. defines integrity as the quality of heart by which an individual manifests and maintains a consistent decision-making pattern rooted in the key principle that they will, in no shape or form, to any degree, in any circumstance or situation, intentionally or deliberately compromise an obedience and allegiance to the ways, commandments and leading of their God. When broken down, this covers every area of life. In this day and age, integrity is especially in trouble. The supreme test of goodness is not in the greater, but in the smaller incidents of our character and practice. When talking about integrity, we are really talking about integrity. Social media has amplified our desire as humans to market ourselves as something we aren’t. However, when we try to pretend to be something we’re not, we destroy a piece of who we really are. The beauty of the gospel is that integrity does not mean we have to be perfect. Rather, it means we have to be honest about our entire selves, including weaknesses and shortcomings. The guys then share a message for those who want to be more integrous in their line of work. We have to remember that, eventually, integrity will cost us something. We should serve God with integrity and if you achieve no success, at least no sin will lie upon your conscience. There is freedom in honoring the Lord at all costs. In everything we do, we must remember that our children are watching and we are actively setting an example for them. Having integrity is not that we never do wrong, but that we are quick to repent when we do. Proverbs 20:6 says “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” Something that hinders us from integrity is the fear of what people might say or think, but it is so silly of us to compromise our convictions to the Lord. In closing, they share a list of characteristics of a person with integrity. Integrity is freeing, liberating, honoring to God and is ultimately a blessing to you and those around you. Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!Check out our new tract, 11 weeks. 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
- 64Ep. 63 - How to Honor God in the WorkplaceIn today’s episode of Living Waters, the hosts focus on the topic of how to honor God in the workplace. The majority of our time and effort is spent at work, and the hosts start out by focusing on some common misunderstandings when it comes to how work is viewed. Some view work to validate their existence or to place their identity in. However, the hosts take time to correct these views and how all work is meant to be done with integrity and with the aim to glorify God. This is done through integrating the Lord into all you do and putting him at the center. Additionally, they go one to discuss how God is our source of life and fulfillment, and work is the way we can serve and honor him in making it our mission field. The episode goes on to talk about how changing our view of work can change our attitudes towards it. Finding fulfillment in God and using work to honor him can change work from being a place of exhaustion and pressure to a place of glorifying God in all you do. They dive into this deeper and share how this can be done through loving and serving co-workers, doing everything to the best of your ability, and seeking for ways to be God’s hands and feet. Additionally, they also speak about making the goal of work be first and foremost to honor God rather than to please others or make ourself look good. We can be a testimony of the gospel through actions that reflect the respect and truth that God teaches. Next, the hosts speak about looking at work as more than a way to simply make money and instead as a calling and mission field from the Lord. This opens the door for work to be a place where the gospel is shared through having an attitude of working for the glory of God and being fully devoted and present in the place the Lord has you. They encourage listeners to be fully present and devoted to the work the Lord has them in. The hosts also point out the importance of taking time to rest and how it helps increase efficiency and refocus on what is important. Lastly, they encourage listeners to not let fear of failure stand in the way, but instead to focus on staying faithful in the circumstances God has them. 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
- 65Ep. 64 - What’s Up with Transgender “Women” in Sports?Join the hosts of Living Waters as they dive into the topic of transgender women in sports. They begin the episode by talking about the different views on this topic along with sharing some of their own personal experiences with this in their ministries. With today’s culture of promoting feminism, the hosts speak about the irony of allowing men who identify as women compete in women’s competitions, which ultimately results in an unfair playing field. They share some of the most recent stories of how this is true in women’s sports today and how it has created an unfair atmosphere in sports. They then dive in deeper to this topic and focus specifically on gender dysphoria and how this is a real struggle many people face. They define what gender dysphoria is and discuss how scripture offers a solution to those who struggle in this area. Many look to the world or sin to fulfill their longings, and the hosts point out the truth that only Jesus and his truths can truly satisfy those longings. They dive into Romans 8 and the truths it has to offer in our struggle with sin. These truths provide Christians with a way to communicate the gospel and its truths in a loving way to the LGBTQ community and help them find the fulfillment they are looking for that only Jesus can fill. Next, they focus on the topic of learning how to die to sin rather than feed it and allow it to grow. As Christians, we need to encourage others by confronting their sin in love and compassion. Affirming lies is not going to save people from their struggles and temptations. When it comes to gender dysphoria, the hosts encourage conversations filled with love and truth to be had rather than judgment and condemnation. They also discuss real case scenarios of parents who have been confronted with this by their children and how the response needs to be one of seeking to show them truth in a loving way. They conclude the podcast by talking about the purpose of gender in showing that we are each made purposefully by God. 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
- 66Ep. 65 - The Dangers of GluttonyThe driving topic for today's episode is the dangers of gluttony. Gluttony is one of the "respectable sins" in our culture today, but in spite of our efforts to laugh it off or treat it as no big deal, it is a serious sin. We must tackle this sin head-on for what it objectively is if we are to live in the temperance and freedom God calls us to, be the most winsome witnesses to the gospel that we can be, and honor God in how we engage with food. Food is a good gift from God, and He gave it to us not just for sustenance, but for enjoyment! But with food as with other gifts God gives us, we have a tendency to overindulge and turn the gift into an object of worship. We corrupt God's good gifts to us, and harm ourselves in the process. Gluttony may take the form of overeating (and is a main cause, though not the only cause, of people being overweight), but it can also take other forms of paying excessive attention to food. As it is an example of lacking self-control, it is a symptom of a larger disease that can spill into other areas of our lives. In light of the dangers of gluttony and its pervasiveness in our culture, what should we do? Ultimately, we should eat physical food in a way that tends to the satisfaction of our souls and the glory of God. Food is meant to point us to God and to eternity, and to be handled with self-control. Self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit, and relating rightly with food requires being led by the Spirit rather than controlled by the flesh. Some practical tips for leaning into self-control and fighting the fight against gluttony include pursuing accountability, avoiding food shopping while hungry, planning meals and tracking caloric intake, drinking a lot of water, and intentionally remembering what food is actually for. And the good news for those who have already failed in their relationship with food is that they can repent. The Lord stands ready to forgive and to give fresh grace to use and enjoy the gift of food in moderation rather than being controlled by it. Links:Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!Check out Ray's book, The Ultimate Health Foods (and stay tuned for a future recipe resource!) 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
- 67Ep. 66 - Why Fasting is So PowerfulToday's episode focuses on the topic of fasting, which is arguably as nebulous and misunderstood as it is crucial to the Christian life. Rather than the sort of seasonal recreation many Christians consider fasting to be, it is actually meant to be treated as a spiritual discipline. Fasting offers to be a restraint on the flesh, testimony of humiliation, and preparation for prayer. It provides a way to recall mortality, flee from sin, repent, and even grow in gratitude for gifts like food that the Lord provides. There is a profound spiritual dynamic to prayer and fasting, with fasting reminding us of the relationship between the physical and the spiritual and pushing us to feed on the Word of God and depend on the Spirit, rather than depending on the flesh. And since the Bible speaks of the"when" Jesus' disciples fast (versus "if"), it's clear that fasting is an expected practice in the life of the believer.While the Bible makes it clear that Christians are to fast, it doesn't prescribe a certain way of doing so. There is no legislation of time frame, regularity, etc. Of course, standard practice is to fast from food, but Christians can fast from other things, as well (and for some, medical necessity limits them to fasting from things other than food!). The guys talk through their own practices of fasting, and give an idea of how to get started with the practice. They suggest listeners looking to jump in invite friends for accountability, start small, and make fasting a regular practice. There are some people who hold to extremely long fasts, following the 40-day pattern of Moses' and Jesus' fasts. However, most hold to shorter fasts, and the guys can testify to the spiritual benefit of even trading a meal or two in a day for prayer and time in the Word. People's souls (and even bodies!) are helped, they are trained up in greater spiritual fitness, and they have opportunity to use time and money usually dedicated to food for other good things. And at the end of the day, since God has prescribed fasting, we must simply obey and see what He does!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!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
- 68Ep. 67 - Should Christians Even Get Involved in Politics?In today's politically charged climate, the guys have noticed that Christians are often confused and split on how to engage with politics. What is the proper role of the Christian in the political space? The foundational truth the guys want to convey is that God wants us involved in the public square - and this includes politics! And in the US, we not only have the responsibility to be involved, but the privilege of easily accessible ways of doing so. Voting is one way of engaging with politics, and it is both a gift and a responsibility; after all, not voting at all gives tacit approval to the status quo! Some Christians might argue that, since God is sovereign, we do not need to involve ourselves in politics. What these believers miss, though, is that God uses means to accomplish His ends, and our involvement in the politics of our nation is one of those means. God is advancing His kingdom in the world, and He has given His followers a moral, ethical, and spiritual command to engage in this work, willing the good of others through action. We obey, in politics and other areas, and trust that He is bringing His plan to completion. The real question, then, isn't whether or not Christians should be involved in politics, but how they should be involved. The guys discuss the importance of being aware of politics on a local level and loving nearby neighbors before centering attention on national issues. They also talk through the problem of hypocrisy in politics (and the disillusionment it brings) and work through the dynamics of being willing to partner with non-believers in politics while still holding to biblical values. Christians must, they explain, avoid the pitfalls of adopting secular expectations of the world around us, elevating politics such that it takes priority over our faith, allowing political engagement to crowd out spread of the gospel, and looking at others as merely conservatives or liberals. We must give to politics what belongs to it without making it the center of our identity, and we must encourage the presence of evangelistic Christians in politics. As the conversation ends, the guys talk about a healthy balance of news intake, the importance of praying for political leaders, and aiming to impact the world by raising godly 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!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
- 69Ep. 68 - What to Look for in a Future SpouseAs many people are opting not to get married at all, while others are quickly dissolving their existing marriages, the sanctity of marriage is currently in big trouble. On today’s episode, the guys offer advice for listeners who are not yet married on what to look for in a future spouse. They begin by sharing how long they have all been married to their wives: Ray for 51 years, Mark for 22, Oscar for 10 and E.Z. for nearly 26 years. What a joy it is for each of them to think about the beauty of a marriage rooted and grounded in the Lord. We are reminded that the institution of marriage was not man’s idea, but God’s. Beginning in Genesis, the first thing we look for in a future spouse is the opposite sex. It is when people redefine or reinterpret God’s word on the basis of current cultural trends that we get into great danger. Then, they share how to advise our kids on choosing a future spouse. We are reminded that beauty is vain and what is most important is that a person really loves the Lord and will push you, as their spouse, closer to Him. We often believe that falling in love will be this enchanted kingdom experience, but we need to love others in a gospel, rather than a selfish, way. We’re reminded that expectations can either be disappointment or a saving grace entering a marriage. Beginning with what a man should look for in a wife, the guys identify first and foremost that she should love and fear God no matter what. Proverbs 31:30 reads “Charm is deceitful, beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” In a world which has tainted every aspect of God’s original design, there is nothing better than to see a man and wife fulfilling their God given roles. We must help our daughters understand the importance of choosing a man who has a biblical understanding of leadership and masculinity. Other attributes for potential husbands is someone who is a hard worker in whatever he does. God calls for man to emulate the greatest love that this world has ever known. For the women listeners, you are told not to settle when choosing a husband. We must be satisfied in the Lord before we can ever be satisfied in our marriage. As the episode wraps up, the guys share some hard questions one should ask a potential spouse. 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 book 101 Things Husbands Do to Annoy Their Wives. 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
- 70Ep. 69 - Could You Be Committing Idolatry?If we love anything before or above God, we are setting our affection on the gift rather than the giver. The Bible refers to this as inordinate affection and is a direct violation of the first, second and tenth commandment. Our discussion today is centered around a topic which every Christian has found themselves in danger of: idolatry. Our call to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength is constantly something which makes us susceptible to idolatry. Idolatry is defined any time we love something more than we love God. In fact, you can never break any of the other commandments without breaking the first one. In today’s world, we see idolatry everywhere, from the cars we drive, the homes we live in, social media, our reputations and more. Idolatry can refer to idolizing good things, too. The human heart is an idol factory. We must be aware of our own hearts and identify the false idols all around us. Nothing dissipates the fear of the Lord like idolatry. The guys distinguish the three different types of idols: cultural, personal and religious. At the crux of the matter is the fabrication of Gods from things which are not. The two elements of idolatry are not worshiping God and worshiping God in the wrong way. There is only one Savior and only one God, and He sees the grand picture of everything. Therefore, we must surrender to him and trust His plan. It is in our nature to become what we worship and we have the choice to become more like our Creator or like our blind and mute idols. While it’s valuable to call out false idols, you are advised to be prepared for the backlash you will receive in turn. Cultivating a fear of the Lord will help keep us from falling into idolatry. Ways to identify our own idolatry is to get involved in a faith based community and ask yourself through prayer and meditation reflective questions on where your idols lie. Through the sovereignty and goodness of God alone can we understand our deepest desires. 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 book, World Religions In A Nutshell. 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
- 71Ep. 70 - The Hebrew Roots Movement: Their Dangerous Beliefs & Why You Need to Know ThemIn today’s episode, guest RL Solberg (Rob) joins the conversation in an interview at the NRB conference to discuss the Hebrew Roots Movement and what RL has termed as Torahism. They chat about Hebrew Israelites and distill the misunderstanding of where theological errors begin to form in their theology. Listen in to better be equipped to evangelize to these groups and gain resources for informed responses to fringe conversations that are becoming more prevalent through social media! RL shares about his new book, Torahism, that was spurred on through conversations he engaged in with people who were adamant about keeping the Old Law. Are Christians required to keep the Law of Moses? Rob is an author, apologist, and professor who shares here his definition of Torahism, and the story that started him down this journey. Learn about the Facebook conversations and blog articles that got turned into a book. Rob shares about the umbrella of belief systems that says Christians are required to keep the Law of Moses—a system often named Hebrew Roots, Messianic Christians, and a variety of other terms. Through street preaching, the hosts share their own experience of the importance of names used for Christ. Rob’s book helps people better know how to answer the difficult questions Torahists present. Learn where this error begins to form in their theology and how, while many may be sincere in their search for truth to go deeper into the roots of their faith, they often go too far. Rob explains that to understand a deep, rich, and theologically sound Christianity, you do have to understand the Jewish roots. So, where does the theological and exegetical error start? There is not just one “silver bullet” in scripture to address this, there are many verses! However, Rob touches on the complexity of the issue that this is not just an intellectual thing, there is a spiritual and emotional commitment of these people for what they’re doing. There is often a pre-commitment to thinking the law is still binding. Patience is necessary to approach the Word and get into it with Biblical literacy that steps back to look at the contact of the proof texts. As the episode draws to a close, listen to how RL suggests one might respond to an online post regarding these topics. Learn why it is so important to first emphasize where both sides do agree, before starting to tease things apart. RL discusses the work of the law and of Christ with the New Covenant, deciphering between principal and expression. While God is unchanging, His people do change. How do you properly and practically interact with the Old Testament laws? Rob talks about the “temple” concept and how it has changed over time and why Christ must be set as the rubric through which we understand the Old Testament. 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 RL Solberg’s book, Torahism. Learn more at RL Solberg’s website. 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
- 72Ep. 71 - The Power of Hymns and Worship MusicIn today's episode, the guys discuss music, something that is at one and the same time an amazing gift and the focus of huge controversy among Christians. Focusing first on the gift that music is, the guys discuss how it is powerful and embedded into the very fabric of creation and meant to bring joy. Music is also meant to honor and point us back to the Lord. Because of God's common grace, we can honor Him through music that is not overtly Christian. While there are examples of secular music that are improper for the Christian, and while discernment in what we listen to is crucial, the world is full of beautiful music to enjoy as a reminder of God's goodness. Of course, music can also be used to glorify God in more overt ways. This occurs when we engage with music that is explicitly God-worshiping; that is, music that directs praise and adoration toward God. True "worship music" is God-centered, focusing at heart not on the human response to God or petitions to bring before Him, but on God Himself. The frequent debates among Christians over music concern everything from what instruments may be used in a church service to whether a congregation should sing hymns or contemporary worship songs. The debates often involve a high level of subjectivity, rather than direct biblical command. The guys try to cut through the fog of debate and offer simple advice: look for music to sing in a church context (and even to use for personal edification and worship) that is biblically grounded, theologically sound, and centered on the Lord. Artists like Shane & Shane, Beautiful Eulogy, City Alight, and Sovereign Grace Music offer good examples of this kind of music. The guys also talk about the difference between hymns and contemporary Christian songs, the way in which Christian music reflects the state of the church, and how the rich history behind many of the most widely loved hymns demonstrates what Christian music, at its best, ultimately is. This music arises from a heart enamored with and trusting in God through the circumstances of real life, and draws others to worship, as well. 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 book Made in Heaven.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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