The Living Waters Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 328 - E.Z.'s Crazy Testimony Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

E.Z. shares a powerful testimony of transformation through God’s grace. Born in Lebanon, his life nearly ended before it began, as his mother attempted to abort him but was stopped by her doctor. In 1980, Emeal moved to America, where he struggled to adjust. Unable to speak much English, he faced challenges in school, frequently fought, and stole, leading to a troubled childhood. Raised in a culturally Catholic home, he sought to reform himself after his first Holy Communion at eight years old but remained a practical atheist, living a life far from God.

In high school, Emeal succumbed to peer pressure. Elected freshman class president, he was expelled for bad behavior and later joined one of the most notorious gangs in the United States for acceptance and belonging. His life spiraled further out of control, leading to expulsion from another school and self-harm. Despite knowing something was missing, he clung to sin, believing he lacked the power to change.

One night, while still entrenched in his old life, Emeal reluctantly attended an evangelistic event. There, the worship and message touched his heart. Hearing the gospel of grace for the first time, he realized salvation was a free gift. Overwhelmed, he surrendered to Christ, and his life was instantly transformed. Burdens lifted, Emeal became a new man, and his joy was undeniable. He confessed his sins to his family and began living for Christ, leaving behind his rap career, gang ties, and sinful habits.

Emeal’s new found faith brought dramatic change. Once an angry and rebellious teenager, he became gracious and forgiving. He returned to school, excelled academically, and led Bible studies, using every opportunity to glorify God. His zeal for evangelism grew, leading him to connect with Ray Comfort, whose ministry inspired him. This connection sparked a new chapter in Emeal’s life, eventually leading to his leadership at Living Waters ministry. God also blessed Emeal with a wife. After praying for a partner to comfort him following the passing of his mother, he met Rachel, Ray Comfort’s daughter, and knew she was the one. They fell in love, married, and have since celebrated 27 years together with children and grandchildren.

Today, Emeal reflects on God’s incredible work in his life. From a rebellious youth to a leader in ministry, his story is a testimony to God’s grace and power. Emeal sees it as an honor to serve as an ambassador for Christ, using his story to inspire others and glorify God.

Send us Fan Mail

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!
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

Gang Member to Christian. Expelled Twice from High school. God's Radical Saving Grace. - Highlight Episode 328 Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

This Tuesday, don’t miss a special highlight episode as we gear up for an unforgettable conversation dropping this Thursday.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep. 326 - The Silent Crisis: Christians Living in Secret Sin Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Secret sin is an oxymoron—there is no such thing. Every sin, even those we think are hidden, is exposed before God. Today, Ray, Mark, and Oscar talk about lust, particularly pornography, and how it plagues many, with statistics revealing that 7 out of 10 men and 2 out of 10 women are caught in this so-called secret sin. Society often normalizes pornography, but it is a trap that ensnares and destroys. Many wrongly think that once they get married, their sin won’t plague them anymore, but sin doesn’t disappear with marriage; it must be addressed and defeated now, or it will continue to control you.

Lust offers fleeting pleasure but leaves lasting damage. It distorts intimacy, leading individuals to compare their spouses to unrealistic fantasies. God’s laws do not withhold joy but invite us into a fuller, joy-filled life. As science confirms, pornography sets people up for relational failure. When you indulge in sin, it’s like removing the batteries from a smoke detector—complacency blinds you to the danger. Sin desires to have you, but God’s grace is always available. Mark emphasizes the importance of addressing sexual sin openly and honestly with children and their significant others. Shying away from these conversations does more harm than good. Similarly, Ray, in his evangelism, confronts this issue by calling people to repentance. Lust is not something to struggle with but to reject outright.

Scripture shows the seriousness of sin. Lust is equated with adultery in the heart, and sin will take you further than you want to go. It is a lion crouching at your door, ready to devour. David’s sin with Bathsheba began with a look, proving that flirting with sin leads to destruction. You must hide God’s Word in your heart and instill the fear of the Lord. When secret sin comes to light, the Bible provides the way to healing. Confess your sins to a trusted pastor, brother, or sister in Christ. True repentance comes from a love for God that expels false loves. Emotional maturity requires humility to confess and turn to Christ. Repentance isn’t about avoiding consequences but aligning with God’s love and experiencing His transforming power.

If you’re struggling with lust or pornography, take action. Quote scripture out loud, flee from temptation, and seek accountability. God grants repentance and offers freedom through confession. Though uncomfortable, confession brings healing and restoration. God sees you as precious and desires your repentance and renewal. Turn from sin, embrace His love, and live in the freedom He provides.

Send us Fan Mail

God Sees Everything. Graphic Adult Industry Statistics. Get to Know True Joy in God. - Highlight Episode 326 Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

This Tuesday, don’t miss a special highlight episode as we gear up for an unforgettable conversation dropping this Thursday.

Secret sin is never truly hidden, as all sin is exposed before God. Lust offers fleeting pleasure but causes lasting damage, distorting intimacy and leading individuals to compare their relationships to unrealistic fantasies. The guys discuss how many believe marriage will resolve these struggles, but sin doesn’t disappear—it must be confronted and defeated before it takes a deeper root.

Scripture equates lust with adultery in the heart and warns that sin seeks to ensnare and destroy. True freedom comes through repentance, which requires turning away from sin and embracing God’s love. Healing begins with confession to a trusted pastor, brother, or sister in Christ, allowing accountability and support in the battle against sin.

The guys remind believers that God’s laws are not meant to withhold joy but to guide us into a fuller, joy-filled life free from sin’s grip. By hiding God’s Word in our hearts, fleeing temptation, and seeking His grace, we can overcome the destructive power of lust. Though uncomfortable, confession brings healing, restoration, and the freedom that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep. 325 - How To Strengthen Your Marriage Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Tony and Bre Wood, hosts of the Date Night with the Woods podcast, join E.Z., Mark, and Oscar to discuss their new book on marriage and family. The idea for the book came after a publisher, inspired by their podcast, suggested they put their insights into writing. Writing the book deepened their understanding of marriage’s sanctifying nature, allowing them to laugh at past challenges and reflect on how God uses marriage for holiness rather than just happiness.

The guys, along with Tony and Bre, talk about marriage as a tool for sanctification, fulfilling God’s call for companionship and mutual growth. They encourage couples to view marriage as a lifelong friendship, prioritizing the needs of their spouse and embracing selflessness over personal gain. Bre highlights the importance of discipleship for wives, urging women to seek guidance from older, godly mentors. Feminist ideals often conflict with biblical roles, creating competition instead of support within marriages. Bre and Tony share how scripture and discipleship transformed their own relationship.

Selfishness undermines marriage. Couples are encouraged to say something encouraging to their spouse daily, celebrate small victories, and build a framework for forgiveness. Intentionality is key—valuable relationships require work, prayer, and scripture. Tony shared a personal practice of writing thoughts about his day on his arm to share with Bre, illustrating the importance of thoughtfulness. They also stress the importance of conflict resolution, addressing issues like finances or resentment constructively and without delay.

For wives who feel their efforts won’t matter unless their husband changes, Bre advises looking to Christ’s example of love. Husbands should model sacrificial leadership, laying down their lives in small ways to reflect Christ’s love. Obedience to God is central. Repentance, confession, and grace can heal even deeply strained marriages, with the gospel at the center of reconciliation. Tony and Bre highlight how marriage impacts parenting and family life. A gospel-centered marriage provides a solid foundation for raising children. Bre shares how modeling forgiveness and scriptural authority has positively shaped their children’s understanding of family and faith. Apologizing to children when wrong demonstrates what it means to live with God at the center.

God’s grace will sustain through weaknesses, and the guys, along with Tony and Bre, encourage couples to lean on the gospel, community, and Christ’s transformative power in every aspect of marriage and family life.

Send us Fan Mail

Biblical Marriage. Bonded Companionship. Built on the Gospel in a Relationship. - Highlight Episode 325 Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

This Tuesday, don’t miss a special highlight episode as we gear up for an unforgettable conversation dropping this Thursday.

The guys along with Tony and Bre talk about marriage as a tool for sanctification, fulfilling God’s call for companionship and mutual growth. They encourage couples to view marriage as a lifelong friendship, prioritizing the needs of their spouse, and embracing selflessness over personal gain. Bre highlights the importance of discipleship for wives, urging women to seek guidance from older, godly mentors. Feminist ideals often conflict with biblical roles, creating competition instead of support within marriages. Bre and Tony share how scripture and discipleship transformed their own relationship.

God’s grace will sustain through weaknesses, and the guys along with Tony and Bre encourage couples to lean on the gospel, community, and Christ’s transformative power in every aspect of marriage and family life.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep. 324 - The Dangers of Over-Spiritualizing Everyday Life Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

Over-spiritualization in the Christian life can lead to misunderstanding scripture, misapplying biblical truths, and disconnecting from both believers and non-believers. E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about how this often begins with a lack of sound teaching from the pulpit, emphasizing interpreting Scripture in its proper context rather than projecting personal desires or hopes onto the text. Misunderstandings of God’s word can hinder relationships, as pride resists correction or feedback from others. A wise approach is seeking mentorship and evaluating constructive feedback, whether it concerns faith or practical matters.

Another issue arises when Christians use overly spiritualized language with non-believers without explanation, creating barriers instead of connections. For example, E.Z. shared how his initial zeal as a new Christian led him to equate outward expressions with holiness. Witnessing involves wisdom, discretion, and authenticity, showing others that Christians have struggles too. Genuine faith connects with others by embracing vulnerability, not projecting perfection. Christians are called to engage with and redeem what is good in the world while rejecting evil. Acting shocked when the world behaves as expected creates unnecessary division. Instead, believers should care for the lost without judgment, trusting God to work in their lives.

Engaging with the world doesn’t mean compromising faith. For instance, Oscar uses basketball as a way to model Christian values naturally, showing how actions can be a witness without overt preaching. Living with excellence reflects God’s glory in practical ways. Balancing God’s sovereignty and human responsibility is also crucial. All work, whether secular or sacred, is valuable when done for God’s glory. Christians are called to work diligently, redeeming time and resources while trusting in God’s guidance. Misunderstanding God’s will can lead to overthinking or waiting for divine signs in every decision, yet God works supernaturally through ordinary means.

Over-spiritualizing can lead to neglecting common grace. Money, work, and daily responsibilities are spiritual matters, and neglecting them can harm one’s witness. Even the disciples balanced their ministry with rest, work, and enjoyment, modeling a holistic Christian life. Ultimately, Christians are called to walk in grace, avoiding self-imposed burdens and judgmental attitudes. By living authentically in the world, believers can be effective witnesses for Christ, reflecting His redemption in every area of life.

Send us Fan Mail

Context in Scripture. Common Sense. Conscience Shaped by Truth. - Highlight Episode 324 Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

This Tuesday, don’t miss a special highlight episode as we gear up for an unforgettable conversation dropping this Thursday.

Send us Fan Mail

Ep. 323 - Different Ways to Share the Gospel Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss various approaches to sharing the gospel. They highlight Ray Comfort's creative methods and his intentionality in evangelism. For introverts hesitant to share the gospel, the key is being authentic to who God made them to be. Psalm 139 emphasizes that each person is intentionally designed by God, and every personality type is equipped to evangelize. Believers should explore their unique ways of fulfilling the call to share the gospel, remembering the same Holy Spirit that empowered the disciples resides in them.

Declaration evangelism involves intentionally proclaiming the gospel through open-air preaching, one-on-one conversations, or passing out tracts. Bringing someone along for accountability can help, as intentionality is vital. God delights even in small efforts. Begin by incorporating evangelism into everyday activities, such as handing out tracts before a movie. Family is an excellent evangelism team; children can watch and learn as parents hand out tracts. Initiating small steps can build confidence and consistency. For those interested in open-air preaching, starting small is key. One-on-one conversations are another great method, starting with questions about life and purpose. Creativity is essential: go door-to-door, give out tracts, or visit places where people are open to discussions.

Confrontational evangelism focuses on engaging others with the intent of confronting, often involving apologetics. This approach might include visiting specific groups, like Mormons or Muslims, to witness. Preparation is crucial—knowing why you believe what you believe and being ready to answer common questions. Admitting when you don’t know something is okay, as humility resonates. Online evangelism is another significant avenue. Social media offers a vast mission field, but it’s vital to remember there’s a person behind every screen. Oscar suggests transitioning online connections into real-life conversations, such as inviting someone for coffee.

Lastly, relational evangelism focuses on building relationships with coworkers, friends, and neighbors. Acts of service, like sharing baked goods or helping neighbors, can open doors to share the gospel. Living out the gospel authentically in daily life allows others to see its transformative power. Holidays provide natural opportunities to evangelize, whether by hosting gatherings or sharing the gospel during celebrations. The key is taking intentional steps to share the gospel in ways that align with one’s personality and circumstances.

Send us Fan Mail

Ray’s Crazy Ideas. Replacing Fear. Readiness for Evangelism. - Highlight Episode 323 Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

This Tuesday, don’t miss a special highlight episode as we gear up for an unforgettable conversation dropping this Thursday.
E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss various approaches to sharing the gospel. They highlight Ray Comfort's creative methods and his intentionality in evangelism. For introverts hesitant to share the gospel, the key is being authentic to who God made them to be. Psalm 139 emphasizes that each person is intentionally designed by God, and every personality type is equipped to evangelize. Believers should explore their unique ways of fulfilling the call to share the gospel, remembering the same Holy Spirit that empowered the disciples resides in them.

Send us Fan Mail

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected