The Living Waters Podcast

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Ep. 133 - Can Women Be Pastors? Feb 09, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, the guys discuss why women may not be pastors. It is not that women don’t have the ability to be pastors, but that God has given the role of a pastor to men. The reality is that women are equally capable of understanding the Word of God and communicating it. In this episode, they don’t aim to diminish the value of women or their spiritual gifts. God commands women to teach other things, including how to serve their husbands and love their children. Today, we have seen a surge in women pastors as the church has become desensitized towards many things.

Rather than devaluing women and their contributions, it is important to recognize that Jesus elevated women in ways that had never been seen before. He was “pro women” to the max, but he simply didn’t choose them to be apostles. Women ought to be built up in their theological understanding of God’s Word and truth and should be equipped and guided in their spiritual gifts. However, the Scriptures make it clear that men have the role of a pastor. When it comes to God’s design for the church, the Bible does not miss a single word or point.

This is a topic which has caused the rest of the world to look confusedly at the church. There are some things in the Bible which are difficult to grasp, but we must be careful that the things which are plain and simple are widely accepted. The world’s culture really wants to blur the lines between men and women, but the Scriptures embrace the beauty and reality that men and women have specific roles in the church and the home. This should not be seen as a restriction, but rather an invitation to reflect the glory of God. There is beauty in God’s intent to make even the details of the organization of the church speak to His glory and the roles of the Trinity. Similarly, the public can tell when the church is not conceding to God’s commandments. In closing, they reiterate that God restricts women from serving in certain leadership roles and instead calls them to serve in equally important and complementary roles. We should rejoice over the fact that God has called different people to serve different functions.

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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

Ep. 132 - How Does a Woman Submit to Her Husband? Feb 07, 2023

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In today's episode, the guys discuss how women should submit to their husbands. This is a topic which makes many people feel uncomfortable, but is a legitimate question for many Christians. Many people write this topic off completely due to today’s culture. However, when the church becomes a reflection of the culture, we are in big trouble. Submission is not a reflection of inferiority. In fact, Christ consistently submitted to His own father.

Part of the reason why so many people cringe at this topic is because we have terrible examples of leadership in the world today. We should never look to modern times for examples of leadership, but rather to Christ and how He led the church. It is valuable to speak about servant leadership just as often as submission. It is pointed out that every good leader is just a follower of someone else. If our wives submit to us, this means that we are submitting to God first and foremost. We often forget how much God emphasizes oneness within marriage. Each of us has the responsibility to fulfill our roles and create the type of atmosphere that will be most conducive for our husband or wife to fulfill their role. The secret to a perfect marriage is for husbands to love their wives as God loved the church and for wives to submit to their husbands and love their children.

We are reminded that wives' disobedience to their husbands is nearly blasphemous to God’s Word. Next, the guys offer examples from their own marriages in which submission played a role. To men, submission and leadership should look like your wife joyfully growing and thriving to be more like her Savior. God has created your wife in His image, and she has a unique understanding of what she is bringing into the household. Many times, the husband and wife are working together to understand God’s will for your life and home. Listen as they run through the things which a wife’s submission is not. Submission means that a wife sees herself as part of her husband’s team, supporting his decisions and recognizing that her husband has the authority to make the final choice. Finally, sisters listening are reminded not to feel ashamed to submit to their husbands, but to live the truth of God’s word.

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Ep. 131 - What Does it Mean to Have Childlike Faith? Feb 02, 2023

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In today's episode, the guys discuss having childlike faith and Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:2-4, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus said this in response to the disciples arguing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom, which is a relief because the disciples are so relatable to us. Jesus displayed so much tenderness towards little children. We will always be there for our own children and never leave them, even if we are not pleased by their actions. We can trust in our Heavenly Father like kids trust in their earthly father. There is nothing that can be uncovered to be held against us that hasn’t already been covered by the grace of God. Scripture also tells us that you won’t even enter the kingdom unless you become like a child.

It's one thing to know what childlike faith is, but it’s also important to understand what having childlike faith is not. It’s not a rebuttal to answering tough questions. It is not meant to be an excuse to not go deeper into God’s word or with our relationship with God. Having a childlike faith is also not blind or ignorant—as a Christian, we need to always be ready to give an answer for our faith. Rather than remaining ignorant, we must be informed Christians who study God's word. This is where we will see growth and live in wonder of God and all He has done for us. Childlike faith is relational faith in God. Like the trust, care, and confidence children have in their earthly parents, we can rest assured in childlike faith in our Heavenly Father. When you catch a glimpse of God’s character, it is easy to trust in God and believe in His promises.

Finally, the guys discuss what childlike faith looks like and the qualities that children have. Children are teachable, trusting, carefree, loving, and have a humble heart. They talk about three qualities in particular: comfortable dependency on the Lord, reverence and respect for authority, and admiration and wonder. It is hard for some adults to respect authority because they want to be the only authority in their lives. Also, we have every reason to be in awe of the Lord. Taking a pause to enjoy God’s creation or contemplate all He has done can help you to keep that awe and wonder. Another reason to be in awe of God is to remember all the times that God has forgiven us and will still use us for His purpose. Our future is secure as Christians and we are forgiven by the only one who truly could condemn us. Children are also very forgiving and quickly forgive others. The last thing the guys discuss is how childlike faith all comes down to belief. We all believe in something, but belief in the Father and His love for us is the only one that will set us truly free.

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Ep. 130 - How to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts Jan 31, 2023

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In today's episode, the guys discuss spiritual gifts and how to discover yours. The Lord gives us gifts that are imperishable and irrevocable for the purpose of His kingdom. Our culture is enamored with the whole theme of purpose, but very few things indicate greater purpose than when God gives something. He gives us spiritual gifts for and with a purpose because He wants us to be a part of His epic story. He has created each one of us uniquely with His gifts for a specific role. God saves us and gives us a commission and the tools to go and complete that commission. Our spiritual gifts are given to us so that we can serve others. There are no unemployed Christians–everyone has a role and needs to be an active participant in the church. When we aren’t active with the gifts that God has given us, we stifle our spiritual growth and joy.

Next, the guys talk about how we need to use our spiritual gifts. Identifying our spiritual gifts might limit how, when, and where we serve. The better question is: how can I best serve the people around me? Sometimes, if we believe that we don’t have a certain gift, then we won’t use our abilities to play our part. We should not find identity in the gift, but our identity is in being a child of God. Also, we mistake our spiritual gifts for our fruitfulness. Just because you are good at your gifts, doesn't mean you’re growing in the Lord. The Lord gives us these gifts because He wants us to use them in a specific way. The use of our gifts should be shining His light for His honor, not for ourselves or our glory.

Finally, the guys discuss how to identify your spiritual gifts, and they first say you need to understand your own gifts in the context of the local church. There, you can exercise your gifts and try new things, and then receive affirmation on what your spiritual gifts are from preachers, family, and friends. We must not be selfish with our spiritual gifts or jealous of each other. We must be thankful knowing that God knows us and created us for this specific time in history, and to own the role that we get to play in His story. A question to ask yourself is: how can you be prideful of what someone gave you? Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Light. We are birthed into the Body of Christ and need to be in community with others. You will see fruit and results by operating that gift. Some of the spiritual gifts the Bible talks about include prophesy or “speaking forth,” ministry or servants of any kind, teaching, exhortation, giving, and leading. Lastly, God does not need us, but He invites us to work with Him because He loves us and wants us to participate in His good work. We can play a role and be on the front lines of His glory in using our spiritual gifts for His purpose.

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Ep. 129 - How Should Christians React to National Tragedies? Jan 26, 2023

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In today's episode, the guys discuss national tragedies and how Christians should react to these situations. As a culture, our world is news-fanatic and it’s in our sin nature to want to hear about the bad news. Social media and news outlets built an algorithm that fires us up in anger. They have figured out how to tap into our sin nature and make money off it. It is important to study all sides of the news because every piece of news could be portrayed differently depending on which outlet you are receiving it from.
Next, the guys discuss how we as Christians should respond to tragedies and news. First, we should respond with lament, which is a crying out and a longing for the return of Christ. We see countless times in the Bible where songs and poems show lament. It is also normal to ask questions and ask God why when tragedy occurs. They then pose the question: how do you know God’s faithfulness unless you’re put through the ringer? It is an act of worship to ask why, but also to say, “We trust you, Lord, and we simply don't understand.” If unanswered or unrecognized questions in someone's faith builds up, then they will pile up and will create outright doubt in God. Even though it is natural to ask questions, we also need to be careful not to put God on trial. Another good question to ask is: How did Jesus respond to tragedy? Tragedy is a reminder that this is not our home and there won’t be any tragedy in Heaven.
In addition, the guys talk about how to help nonbelievers as they walk through tragedy. First, we need to give people the gospel, or good news. You may not think it’s the right time or want to be sensitive to their needs, but it is always the right time to share the gospel. We also need to weep with those who weep. When tragedy happens, there is an invitation to speak into their lives and show sympathy toward their suffering. Constant prayer for wisdom is also key when tragedies happen. C.S. Lewis once said, “Pain is God’s megaphone to arouse a deaf world.” Pain insists on being attended to. When we feel discomfort over and over again, or it gets worse, we have to pay attention to it. This is the same thing with salvation and our soul cries out when we experience tragedies in our lives or witness it in others.
Finally, we all have hope as Christians that Jesus will come back and make it right. We need to be informed on the news and understand what's happening in the world, so we can pray for everyone. We are God’s representatives and light in this dark world. Tragedies remind people of their mortality and make them recognize their need for the Savior. Lastly, they discuss how we all need to be the hands and feet of Jesus, but also proclaim the gospel and give all the glory to God.

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Ep. 128 - What’s the Significance of Communion? Jan 24, 2023

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In today's episode, the guys discuss communion and how this practice is extremely central to faith. They talk about how communion is a sacred doctrine and how this sacrament symbolizes a recognition and renewal of a covenant with Him. Communion is also viewed differently in various denominations of faith. In Catholicism, they believe in transubstantiation, that the bread and wine physically change into the body and blood of Christ. Other denominations believe that the elements coexist with the real body and blood, but they don’t believe this actually changes into Jesus’ physical body or blood. There is also an orthodox or reformed view of communion, which says that the spiritual presence of Christ is in and with the elements of communion, but not His physical presence. As Christ followers, they believe they are saved and are continually being saved. This renewal of communion shows that the covenant is equally important today as it was on the first day.

Next, the guys talk about how communion has become flippant in some churches and this practice has lost its sacredness. They also discuss the frequency of communion in that we should be taking communion every Sunday. If we teach every Sunday in church, then we need to take communion every Sunday. In the scriptures, the disciples took communion regularly before a meal because that was the precedence that you met on Sunday for a meal, and the meal was communion.

Finally, the guys discuss what communion itself means. Communion is the breaking of the bread, which is the meal at the Lord’s table. There is a spiritual significance in that and a chance where you can examine yourself and your heart. Jesus says in regard to communion “do this in remembrance of me.” Communion is all about remembering what Jesus has done for us, what He is currently doing and what He will do in our lives. We also need to remember God’s second coming and what a beautiful privilege that communion is. They also say that communion is a testimony to unbelievers, and an invitation to someday join in this sacred practice.

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Ep. 127 - How to Experience Personal Revival Jan 19, 2023

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In today's episode, the guys discuss how to experience personal revival. Personal revival, E.Z. explains, is gained by coming back to the things that put you in the place of understanding that Christ is the center of it all. In this state, a person has integrated Christ into every area of their lives rather than living by compartmentalization. This comes from having a hunger and thirst for righteousness and being in the presence of God.

Simply put, there is no global or national revival without personal revival. Oftentimes, we can go about our Christian lives and duties but forget that the primary reason the church exists is to be a tabernacle of witness. If we want to be effective, we must present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God and not hold anything back. The miracle of personal revival is that we love doing the acts God wants us to do. Part of the challenge for many is the lack of obedience and short attention span. Discipleship, however, requires daily discipline and unwavering obedience. Once we begin to practice obedience despite how we feel or are being told, we begin to be revived.

Next, hear about some ways we as believers can stir up our own personal revivals. It is crucial for every Christian to understand that we would not be alive if not for God’s grace. Because God has given us this life, we owe Him everything. Despite its connotation, repentance is one of the most beautiful words because it is a sign of hope and the potential for forgiveness. Repentance is always connected to a change of behavior. A liturgy, for example, is a spiritually-forming habit. One of the main characteristics of historically great men of God is that they all had discipline. It is important to realize that the things we place the most value on will impact how we behave. One can obtain discipline by realigning our value system to coincide with God’s value system. Our daily habits are a way of realigning our compasses. Spending time in God’s word, prayer, and devotion will realign your compass and make sure you are pointing towards heaven. In closing, we are reminded that devotion is not just a daily ritual lasting a few minutes, but the act of submitting ourselves completely to God.

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Ep. 126 - How to Handle Criticism and Correction Jan 17, 2023

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In today's episode, the guys discuss how to handle criticism and correction. Though the word “criticism” often comes with a negative connotation, we are reminded that criticism can be constructive, too. When it does come our way, the very first thing we should do is slow down and consider the source. Coming from a loving friend or family member who cares for you, criticism should always hit deeper than when coming from someone you are not close to. We all need someone in our lives who is not impressed by us, who God can use to sanctify us and offer constructive criticism. When that person approaches you with loving correction, you should listen.

We can often find ourselves undone based on the criticism we have received. However, it is important to consider the substance and truth of the criticism. We should practice seeking truth rather than defending rights. The reason we usually don’t like criticism is a result of our pride, but as believers, criticism can be beneficial when we are in the right mindset to receive it. This can go the other direction, too, when it comes to giving constructive criticism to someone else. When we are correcting someone, we should do it with humility and gentleness because we don’t always have the full picture of what might be going on. These instances can be viewed as the opportunity to have a loving conversation with somebody so the truth may be revealed.

It is crucial to remember that everything in our life in terms of our conduct boils down to the fruit of the Spirit and of love. When we correct without seeking our own, it is out of consideration of 3 things: the person has sinned against God, hurt themselves, and hurt others from undermining the testimony of the gospel. In this case, we’re seeking the best not for ourselves, but for God and others. The only way to achieve this selflessness is through patience, time with the Word, and prayer. Finally, we are urged to be open and receiving of correction which comes from a place of love.

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Ep. 125 - How to Reach Those Who Have Strayed From the Faith Jan 12, 2023

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In today's episode, the guys discuss how to reach those who have strayed from the faith. The majority of people who have “backslidden” actually had a false conversion to begin with. This does not refer to the times in which a Christian struggles with his faith. There are many, unfortunately, who profess to know Christ but really do not. The longer we walk with the Lord, the more stories like this we will be able to recall.

There are gateway sins which open the door to stray further from God. Someone who has strayed may find themselves in the position of wondering how they got to the place in which they find themselves. In the book of John, Jesus speaks of sin as an addictive behavior. The way to put sin to death is by looking to the Cross. Only God can offer us the strength to write off the things which rob us of our everlasting joy. Research shows that 85% of Americans pray. However, most of these prayers tend to be selfish rather than giving glory to God. The prayers of the righteous, however, are angled towards the glory of God rather than the glory of man.

It is important to acknowledge that many people who stray from their faith have been hurt by their church. When a pastor falls, for example, it causes many people's faith to be rattled and confusing. For these people, we are called to be the rod of God and bring these lost people home by listening, understanding, and empathizing. We must go after people with the heart of Christ, welcoming others back to the faith. Similarly, we should be very careful of the judgmental spirit which may creep into us as the result of watching someone stray. Listeners are reminded that online pastors are not a replacement for having a local church of your own. The Bible often equates sin to not living. Then, listeners are offered points of self-reflection for consideration to determine if they are in danger of a backslide of their own. Finally, we receive valuable advice on how to avoid a potential backslide and reestablish our faith and relationship with God.

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Ep. 124 - The Life of John Bunyan Jan 10, 2023

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In today's episode, the guys discuss the English writer, John Bunyan. His most famous book, The Pilgrim’s Progress, has been printed 250 million times. He was born in 1668 in Elstow, England. Married at 21, and was brought to Christ through the Christian books his wife brought into their marriage. He recounts the many overwhelming temptations he felt to let go of his faith.

Charles Spurgeon was radically impacted by Pilgrim’s Progress and quoted it often in his own sermons. In Pilgrim’s Progress, Bunyan stresses that no matter who you are, you can exercise faith in God. For anyone listening who has the desire to create, there is an opportunity to reach out into the Heavenly realm and bring back something which displays the glory of God. This same calling which John Bunyan exercised to write his books is still prevalent in our lives today. He wrote 9 books while imprisoned. After four years of being saved and becoming a minister, his sermons began to draw huge crowds. Though he was a very poor man, Bunyan became popular during the restoration of King Charles II, during which time those who would not conform to the church of England were arrested. In January of 1661, Bunyan was thrown into jail with the opportunity to be released if only he stopped his preaching, which he declined. In a stunning reversal, by the age of 59, Bunyan had become one of England’s most famous authors. In 1688, while riding through heavy rain to reconcile a father and son, he became ill and died.

Much of the greatness Bunyan produced was born out of times of great difficulty and struggle. We are reminded that God has a plan for each of our lives. We must trust in Him and learn to not despise the difficulty He places before us. Then, the guys touch on prayer as one of the most difficult practices of Christians. We are reminded that God is a God who both listens and speaks. In closing, listeners are urged to run to Jesus and be forgiven.

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