The Living Waters Podcast

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Ep. 333 - That’s NOT in the Bible: Examining Verses That Don't Exist Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Today Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss things that are not in the Bible along with verses that are often taken out of context. Ray shares that as a new Christian, he wanted to know what wasn’t in the Bible. It’s easy to see what is, but harder to identify what isn’t. Many phrases sound biblical but aren’t. One common phrase is “God helps those who help themselves.” In reality, Christianity is about relying on God, not self-reliance. People like this phrase because they crave self-discipline, but true faith means trusting in God’s help, not our own efforts.

Another phrase is “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” In truth, God often allows overwhelming situations so we rely on Him. He isn’t looking to harm us but to draw us closer. When we come to the end of ourselves, we find the beginning of Him. Oscar shares a personal experience of realizing his reliance on himself and learning to trust in God’s strength. “Cleanliness is next to godliness” suggests outward cleanliness equates to righteousness. But morality alone isn’t enough—we need the gospel.

Many misquote “Money is the root of all evil.” The Bible actually says, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” Money itself isn’t the problem; it’s the trust people place in it. Wealth can be a snare, but true contentment comes from trusting Him, not accumulating wealth. “God wants me to be happy” is another misconception. The Bible prioritizes joy over happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances, but joy is rooted in Christ. God is more concerned with our holiness than our comfort. Jesus endured suffering, and if our ultimate pursuit is happiness, we will lose our way.

“Name it and claim it” theology is challenged by the story of the paralytic, who was healed because of his friends' faith, not his own declaration. Similarly, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is often misapplied. Paul’s message wasn’t that we can accomplish anything we desire, but that we can endure all situations through Christ. A verse commonly found on jewelry, spoken between Jacob and Laban, is often misunderstood. It was actually about distrust, not a general blessing. Likewise, “Judge not lest you be judged” is misinterpreted to mean Christians shouldn’t judge at all. However, scripture later says to “judge rightly.” Finally, “God causes all things to work together for good” is often quoted without the full meaning. The rest of the verse explains that God works through our circumstances to make us more like Christ. Even hardships serve a purpose in shaping our faith.

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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 Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Biblical Context. Handling Nervousness. Joy in Trials — Highlight Episode 333 Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar examine phrases often mistaken for biblical truths and verses taken out of context, emphasizing the need to rely on God rather than self-reliance. They discuss misconceptions such as “God helps those who help themselves,” highlighting that Christianity is about dependence on God, not personal effort. They also address the misinterpretation of “God won’t give you more than you can handle,” explaining that God often allows overwhelming situations to draw believers closer to Him. Other topics include the misquoted “Money is the root of all evil” (which actually warns against the love of money), the difference between fleeting happiness and true joy in Christ, and the misunderstood command to “judge not,” which actually calls for righteous judgment. They conclude that God works through every circumstance to transform believers into the likeness of Christ, using even hardships for His purpose.

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Ep. 332 - When the World Fights Against the Church and Christian Ministries Apr 03, 2025

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Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis (AIG), joins Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar to discuss the challenges Christian ministries face in an increasingly hostile world. Throughout his career, Ken has encountered opposition, yet he has seen God use these challenges to further the gospel. Protests outside The Ark Encounter are a regular occurrence, but instead of responding with anger, AIG staff members witness to protestors, demonstrating Christ’s love. Ken shares that stepping out in faith, such as building The Ark, often seems insurmountable, but God makes a way. Ken’s journey has been filled with trials, yet each step has reinforced his trust in God's provision.

Historically, faith thrived in times of persecution. Ken explains that Christianity's influence in the West was once dominant, but secularism has eroded the foundation of biblical belief. Generation Z is increasingly distant from faith, though many in the church are awakening to the need for a stronger biblical foundation. A key point in the discussion is the importance of biblical authority. Ken explains that all reasoning is circular, but the Christian worldview is based on a virtuous circle, where the Bible provides a foundation for understanding reality. Without absolute truth, morality becomes subjective, forcing even non-believers to borrow from Christian principles when making moral claims.

Ray reinforces the idea that opposition often fuels the spread of the gospel. The guys discuss how most non-Christians simply repeat arguments they have heard rather than forming well-reasoned objections. AIG equips believers with apologetics training, helping them defend their faith with clarity and confidence. Ken has written a devotional that merges apologetics with scripture, providing practical tools for engaging with a skeptical culture. Ken and the guys remind Christians that faith is not blind but responsible. Christians are called to step out in faith while using wisdom and discernment, trusting in God’s sovereignty. Ken reminds believers that the ultimate solution to society’s problems is the gospel.

The discussion closes with a challenge to Christians to live fully for Christ. Athletes push themselves to their limits for temporary rewards, yet believers often hesitate to give their all for eternal purposes. Ken urges Christians to be all in, recognizing that every person they encounter is someone who will spend eternity either with or without Christ. With this urgency in mind, he encourages believers to go into the world with love, sharing the gospel fearlessly and pointing others to Jesus

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Post Christian Generation. Purifying the Church. The Bible’s Authority. - Highlight Episode 332 Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Ken Ham joins Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar to discuss the growing opposition to Christianity and how challenges can strengthen faith and spread the gospel. He shares how AIG faces protests but uses them as opportunities to witness with love. Reflecting on building The Ark Encounter, he explains that stepping out in faith can be daunting, but God provides. The discussion highlights Christianity’s declining influence in the West, particularly among Generation Z, yet history shows faith thrives in times of persecution. Ken stresses the importance of biblical authority, as morality collapses without absolute truth. AIG equips believers with apologetics training to defend their faith confidently. The guys remind Christians that faith is not blind but responsible, and the ultimate solution to society’s problems is the gospel. Ken challenges believers to live fully for Christ, sharing the gospel boldly and recognizing the eternal significance of every soul.

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Ep. 331 - The Church’s Role in the Fight Against Human Trafficking Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Today Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are talking about human trafficking, a deeply troubling issue that must be recognized for its severity. More people are enslaved today than during the transatlantic slave trade, with an estimated 21 million victims being trafficked for exploitation. Traffickers profit from this exploitation, and it happens globally, every day. Addressing suffering is not enough; those responsible for the suffering must also be called out. The church has a responsibility to respond to oppression, but some Christians hesitate due to political divides.

Trafficking has existed for centuries, as seen even in the Old Testament. Christianity has often fallen into extremes—either prioritizing justice at the cost of faith or neglecting justice. However, God values biblical justice, and Christians are called to be salt and light. The church should actively educate its members about trafficking. Pastors can spotlight organizations, events, and significant dates like Super Bowl Sunday, when trafficking spikes. Churches have powerful media platforms to share information, as social media plays a major role in trafficking. Many victims are groomed online, manipulated, and blackmailed. Raising awareness, praying, and encouraging open conversations with family and church leaders are essential.

Indifference is the enemy of justice. Christians should take action, from something as extreme as covering inappropriate billboards to advocating for policy changes. The culture that enables trafficking must be confronted, including the over-sexualization of women. Men must be raised to be protectors. Feminism, in some forms, discourages men from stepping up, furthering the problem. Teaching boys respect and responsibility from a young age, like opening doors for their mothers, fosters protective instincts.

Justice requires more than charity—it demands active participation in relief, restoration, and reform. The gospel must be central, combining good works with spiritual teaching. The church should support organizations fighting trafficking, recognizing that love and giving go hand in hand. While financial giving is valuable, time and encouragement are equally crucial for those working in anti-trafficking ministries. Prayer is a powerful tool in this fight. Christians are called to pray without ceasing. Generosity should reflect gratitude for the grace received from Christ, the ultimate Good Samaritan who lifts the broken. The question is not just about giving money, but also whether we are willing to give our time to help.

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Sound of Freedom. Hidden Modern Slavery. Defending the Oppressed. - Highlight Episode 331 Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Human trafficking is a widespread crisis affecting over 21 million people, with traffickers profiting from exploitation. The church has a responsibility to confront this injustice by raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and addressing cultural factors that enable trafficking, such as the over-sexualization of women. Christians must move beyond indifference, engaging in relief, restoration, and reform while ensuring the gospel remains central. Men should be raised to be protectors, and families must have open conversations about the dangers of online grooming and exploitation. Financial support is valuable, but giving time and encouragement to anti-trafficking efforts is equally important. Through prayer, action, and biblical justice, believers can work to combat human trafficking and support those affected.

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Ep. 330 - Answering Tough Questions About Christianity Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Ray, Mark, and Oscar answer listener questions during a live Q&A, with Oscar appreciating the unfiltered nature of the discussion. When asked about the hardest questions to answer, Mark admits it's when he doesn’t know the answer and pretends he does. Ray recalls struggling with a man’s question about why God let his wife suffer before she died. On increasing laborers in evangelism, they stress the importance of pastors sharing their own experiences and making evangelism part of the church’s cultural DNA. Changing a church’s culture starts by finding a few passionate people and letting their enthusiasm spread.

Ray finds some evangelism encounters easier than others, often using the fear of death to gauge receptiveness. Oscar relates better to former atheists but struggles with cultural Christians. When considering missionary work abroad, they advise starting by evangelizing at home before seeking an overseas calling. The guys discuss pro-life vs. abolitionist views, with Mark arguing that being pro-life includes abolitionist principles—protecting life at all stages. The conversation shifts to Christian YouTube channels, with Oscar warning that notoriety can be dangerous. He urges potential creators to examine their hearts and build a foundation in ministry first. On where we go after death, Oscar believes we immediately enter heaven, though views on the specifics vary.

Turning to the topic of evangelism burnout, Ray advises pacing yourself and staying spiritually filled, while Oscar highlights Psalm 51, where David prays for the restoration of joy. To start witnessing conversations, Ray asks people about life after death, which he finds universally engaging. The discussion moves to ethical consumerism, with Mark sharing his struggle with boycotting certain companies while Oscar warns against complete detachment from culture. A Christian woman waiting for a godly man is encouraged to pursue God wholeheartedly rather than idolizing marriage.

Mark's favorite verse is John 17:3, while Ray favors Proverbs 19:23, and Oscar holds onto Romans 8:39. Their favorite quotes range from Charles Spurgeon to J.R. Packer’s thoughts on adoption as the greatest gift of the gospel. Should Christians should read the Quran? The guys caution against it unless one is called to reach Muslims, emphasizing the importance of knowing the Bible deeply. For witnessing to Mormons, the guys advise focusing on the gospel and defining terms clearly since Mormonism often uses Christian language with different meanings.

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Answering Tough Questions: Singleness, Mormonism, Apologetics, and Christian YouTube. - Highlight Episode 330 Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Ray, Mark, and Oscar engage in a live Q&A, tackling questions on evangelism, theology, and Christian living. They discuss the challenges of answering difficult questions, the importance of making evangelism part of a church’s culture, and starting missionary work at home before going abroad. Addressing burnout, they stress pacing oneself spiritually and drawing strength from Scripture. The guys explore ethical consumerism, the dangers of Christian notoriety on YouTube, and the balance between cultural engagement and faith. Other topics include pro-life vs. abolitionist views, witnessing to Mormons, and whether Christians should read the Quran, with an emphasis on deeply knowing the Bible first. Their favorite Bible verses and quotes reflect their passion for faith, encouraging believers to pursue God wholeheartedly.

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Ep. 329 - Discipling the Next Generation Mar 13, 2025

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Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries, joins Ray, Mark, and Oscar to discuss discipling the next generation. Oscar shares that Gen Z is the least religious generation but not due to atheism; instead, they wrestle with faith, loneliness, and purpose. They are more inclined to listen to Jordan Peterson than Richard Dawkins, revealing a hunger for something greater than what the world offers. Unfortunately, many churches have responded poorly by focusing on superficial changes instead of addressing deeper needs, leading some young people to seek transcendent experiences in liturgical churches. True discipleship involves welcoming young people into genuine community and guiding them toward a sense of purpose and connection.

Jeff emphasized the importance of creating spaces where hard questions can be asked without judgment. Ministries like Summit and Living Waters equip Christians to address these questions with grace, focusing on connecting people to Christ as the ultimate truth. Christianity uniquely bridges the gap between humanity and God, offering answers to life’s deepest questions.

Discipleship today should mirror biblical discipleship, where Jesus lived and worked alongside His followers. It’s about inviting others into daily life, asking and answering questions, and modeling faith authentically. In a time when many pastors fall publicly, seeing faith lived out in a genuine way is transformative. Jeff encourages older Christians to step up as mentors, reminding us that discipleship doesn’t require advanced theological knowledge—just a willingness to guide others in their faith journey. For those seeking mentors, Jeff advises identifying areas of need and praying for God to connect you with people who can help. This approach builds a network of mentors and fosters intergenerational relationships within the church. Oscar highlights the importance of vulnerability, sharing how one of his mentors asked for forgiveness, profoundly shaping his faith. Discipleship involves displaying humility and continually pointing others to Christ.

Jeff shared about Summit Ministries’ impact, particularly through its two-week programs where students learn from top Christian experts across various fields. These experiences equip students to discern truth, identify and turn from bad ideas, and recognize that everything in life falls under the lordship of Jesus Christ. By fostering this understanding, Summit sets young people on a path toward spiritual freedom and a deeper connection with God.

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Gen Z’s Spirituality. Finding an Older Mentor. Fear of Mortality - Highlight Episode 329 Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Jeff Myers highlights the need for authentic discipleship that meets Gen Z’s deep spiritual hunger by fostering real community, encouraging open discussions, and guiding young people toward Christ as the ultimate truth. Unlike past generations, Gen Z is not drawn to atheism but instead struggles with faith, loneliness, and purpose, seeking something more meaningful than what the world offers.

Unfortunately, many churches have responded with superficial changes rather than true discipleship, causing some young people to turn to liturgical traditions for a sense of transcendence. Myers emphasizes that discipleship should reflect Jesus’ model—living life alongside others, asking and answering questions, and displaying faith authentically, especially in an era when many Christian leaders fail publicly.

He encourages mentorship, advising individuals to identify areas of need and seek guidance from those more experienced in faith and life. Vulnerability is key in discipleship, as demonstrated when Oscar’s mentor profoundly impacted him by asking for forgiveness, showing the power of humility.

Summit Ministries plays a role in equipping young believers through curriculum and immersive programs, connecting students with top Christian experts who help them develop a Christ-centered worldview. By teaching young people to discern truth, reject harmful ideologies, and embrace faith as an all-encompassing reality, Summit empowers them to live boldly for Christ and impact the world.

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