The Living Waters Podcast

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Ep. 23 - Christmas and Christianity Dec 16, 2021

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A lot of people make a big deal about Christmas every year, while others can't wait until it's over. The guys discuss the different dynamics fueling both the naysayers and the YAY!!! sayers, and then address the matter from a biblical perspective.

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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

Ep. 22 - Good Works and the Gospel Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

Today, the hosts talk amongst themselves about a topic that brings with it many common misunderstandings: the topic of good works. Some religious groups, such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses, teach that good works are a means by which a person can try to earn salvation. At the same time, it is all too common for Christians to embrace either legalism or antinomianism, placing either too much or not enough importance on good works. Thinking well about good works as a Christian requires keeping two theological categories in mind: justification and sanctification. When a person becomes a Christian, that person is declared “not guilty” before God once and for all; God saves the person monergistically, by grace through faith. However, the person is saved into the process of sanctification, the synergistic process by which one grows to be more like Jesus. As this process goes on, the Christian is able to do good works, and should be zealous to do so out of gratitude and a sense of the fittingness of doing good. As branches on the Vine (Jesus!), Christians will naturally produce grapes (good works!), and they will be driven by the worthiness of God to do the good works He has prepared for them.

These two categories of justification and sanctification must be linked, but not confused with one another. Otherwise, we lose sight of the glorious truth of the gospel! Not only that, but we lose a great tool in the work of evangelism. After all, as the hosts’ stories testify, Christians doing good works (especially not out of any need to earn something) has an effect on recipients. It silences the foolish talk of evildoers, and even draws people to glorify God.

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Ep. 21 - Pride Is More Dangerous Than You Think Dec 09, 2021

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On today’s episode, the guys talk about the extremely destructive sin of pride. Pride is “the silent killer,” the original sin, a self-deceiving foe. It is a form of idolatry present in all of us and driving much of the world. It is subtle and secretive, and while we often can’t see it in ourselves, we tend to be disgusted when we notice it in others. We all know what it feels like to notice pride in this way. We’ve been bothered by the athlete who is obviously full of himself or the self-proclaimed hero who claims praise for helping a person in danger. But how do we define what it is that bothers us in these moments? What is pride? To use the words of Charnock, it is “contending with God for preeminence.” Its opposite is humility, which entails seeing ourselves in truth and not being overly attentive to self. Getting into more practical outworkings of pride, it’s important to know that it often harms our evangelism as Christians by fueling fear of rejection and driving us to corner people with arguments. Given a Bible, pride can lead to phariseeism. Knowledge inflames pride if the antidote of humility isn’t applied. Pride can be low, disguising itself as humility. Pride clouds our witness by placing attention on ourselves rather than Jesus.

The stark truth is that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Because of this fact, we need to be the kind of people who try to root out and repent of pride. And since we may not always see it in ourselves, the input of others is tremendously helpful. We ought to humble ourselves, because God will not abide our foolish pride. And moreover, the gospel frees us from the need for pride! After all, we are accepted by God, and need no other approval.
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!

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Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to explore the Evidence Bible!

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Ep. 20 - How to Walk in Sexual Purity Dec 07, 2021

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In this episode of Living Waters, the hosts speak about how to walk in sexual purity and the battle of the mind. They begin by pointing out how sexual impurity has been present in our world since the Old Testament and has only grown in recent years with the accessibility of social media. They define sexual impurity as taking good gifts from the Lord and using them in ways that defile them. Because sexual impurity is such a prevalent stumbling block in our world, the hosts move on to discussing how to fight sexual impurity. First, it is essential to know that this is only a battle that the Lord can help us win. In order to put away the lusts of the flesh, we must instead put our focus on the Lord and pursue righteousness. They also encourage the use of accountability by surrounding yourself with other Christ seeking believers. Another way to fight sexual impurity is through having a holy fear of the Lord, which includes having a full view of what sin does and how it leads to death. On the other hand, the Lord offers us life and joy through Jesus, and He is the one who can truly fulfill us and lead our hearts in life and peace.

The hosts then speak directly to those who have struggled with sexual impurity and may have feelings of condemnation and think they can’t be forgiven. They remind the listeners that God is a God of love, and Jesus died on the cross to bring us forgiveness. When we come to him in true heart changing repentance, he moves us from shame and guilt into everlasting joy and forgiveness. God can redeem any past and free his children from any bondage of sin. They close by encouraging the listeners to seek the Lord and his righteousness and to walk in sexual purity.

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.

Watch the hosts YouTube video on how to overcome sexual impurity here

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Ep. 19 - False Conversion Dec 02, 2021

Show notes

Nobody likes talking about the reality that there are false converts in our midst... but the Bible does, so we must too. Listen to the guys talk about the rarely discussed reality that our churches could be full of non-believers and find out why so many fall away from the faith after accepting an altar call.

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Ep. 18 - Our Heavenly Hope Nov 30, 2021

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On today’s episode, the guys are back to discuss heaven and the hope of heaven in the midst of a perverse world we live in. As the conversation kicks off, they unpack some of the misconceptions people have about heaven. Many of these ideas come from medieval literature and art which depicts heaven as a far away place of leisure in the clouds. However, heaven is ultimately a renewed earth in which God has made right what humans have made wrong. Then, they each share some of their individual images of heaven as children. When we understand the end result of God’s plan, we are compelled to action. The hope of heaven is so important in the world we live in, where everything else is temporal. As Christians, we become more and more homesick with a home we have never been to. This hope is the ultimate consultation to carry us through until we reach Him at our final destination. In addition, Christ promised to prepare a place in which he will receive us back to himself. He urges us to set our minds on the things above, rather than be earthy minded.
Heaven is a place where Christ dwells, and therefore it is enough. You can’t divorce one from the other, because his presence makes heaven. As the discussion draws to a close, we are urged to remember the hope of heaven and a new earth.
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Ep. 17 - Made in God's Image Nov 25, 2021

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In today’s conversation, they discuss the imprint on someone that leads us to then to value what is inside and treat them accordingly. Learn about the imago dei—the image of God—and the far reaching implications this reality has for all of creation. Humans are beings, not “doings”, and we are called to image and reflect God in such a way that points attention to the glory of God. While the image of God in man was not destroyed at the Fall, it was defaced and marred.
The conversation shifts as they discuss the implications that an evolutionist perspective has in considering man’s value. What influence does evolution have in the abortion movement? While man might have instrumental value, find out what this view is missing. They discuss the value that George Floyd had intrinsically, that was missed by many who simply saw him for his instrumental value based on race.
They take a moment to step back and lay a foundation of what it means to be an image bearer. Taking a look at Genesis 1:26-27, listen to how man is called to reflect God’s image like a mirror. While this aspect is crucial to explaining what it means to be a human being, there is also necessary grace from God to renew us. Learn this implications this has on accurately understanding things like murder, child labor, justice, equality, abortion, and many more issues of honoring humans. Life is not all about the value someone has because of what he or she does or produces.
Breaking down what it means to be in God’s image, Ray addresses the constant need to always be gospel centered. It is hard to love people, but we must love the image of God in them. “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you” ― Corrie ten Boom. Lean in to understand the practical ramifications of being made in God’s image mentally, morally, and socially, and why we cannot accept evolution in Genesis.
Evolution is a “fairy tale for grownups”, and there is a constant call to discover and define yourself in this world, but God’s way is different. The intrinsic value our Creator gives us is far better than anything we could ever deserve from achievement—it is an immutable value. Do not be deceived like Eve into believing that you can go out and define yourself, and therefore be like God—you are already created in his very image!
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Ep. 16 - Cussing Christians??? Nov 16, 2021

Show notes

Welcome to Living Waters, a new podcast hosted by Ray Comfort, Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne, Mark Spence and Oscar Navarro. In each episode, they will guide discussions alongside various special guests to explore pressing questions of our day with sound theology and apologetics!

On today’s episode, the guys are back to discuss the controversial topic of swearing among Christians. Collasians 3:8 says “We are to put off filthy language out of our mouth.” Many people argue that there is no such thing as filthy language and words are what you make of them. However, a Christian does not talk like the world and there must be filthy language in order for God’s word to be true. The author Tim Shorey points out that we can curse and profane without even using a cuss word. For example, diminishing the image bearing qualities of another person by mocking them. We are profane when we fail to revere God’s holiness, honor His law, fear His justice, respect the image in others or gratefully enjoy His creation. Rather than certain words, profanity is how we treat, talk about or fail to have reverence or enjoy people God has created.

We chose this topic today because it is something happening within the church and among pastors. Not using filthy language is a perfect opportunity for us Christians to show that we are different from the rest of the world. Instead of attacking a new believer for their choice of language, God urges us to show them the way more accurately. Jesus said every idle word a man speaks, he will account for on judgement day. We should train our children to honor the Lord from the get go. Then, they discuss the profanity of using God’s name in vain.

In closing, we are reminded that being a Christian is a sanctifying process which sets us apart from the world. We should be patient with others and observe the progress which is happening with them. Our mouths are not meant to utter profanity and then praise.

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Ep. 15 – How Can Christians Overcome Peer Pressure? Nov 11, 2021

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Today’s episode focuses on peer pressure and the idea that “everyone’s doing it.” Being influenced by your peers is not part of the fall but rather part of the design. We were made for community, to know God and repent in community. When we get saved sometimes we lose the community we had before, it’s important to remember you’re not alone, God is with you.

When we reach out to former friends who are nonbelievers to let them know of our salvation we can be met with confusion and pushback. Becoming a Christian can free you from the need to receive validation from friends of the world. In the Bible, Peter reminds us we have spent enough time doing the will of the gentiles - or succumbing to peer pressure. When you are saved, you’re not joining a social club, you’re being regenerated in the image of God.

Early Christians did not hold back community or discipleship from nonbelievers. Today’s Christians should be opening nonbelievers to their community to show a witness with their day to day lives. This is an example of positive influence on your community and it’s important to remember that peer pressure and influence is not a childhood problem. Mob mentality, influence, and peer pressure are parts of our lives for as long as we live. Being close to Jesus means as our attraction to him grows our interest in the world wanes.

Thanks for listening and see you next time!

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Visit the Living Waters website to learn more.

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Ep. 14 - The Fruit of the Spirit Nov 09, 2021

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On today’s episode, the guys are back to talk about the fruit of the spirit. We find references to the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:16-26. The fruit of the spirit is the promise that God is at work through his spirit in us. In order for fruit to grow, it takes time. God at work in us isn’t an overnight thing, but takes time for the fruit of the spirit to grow and mature throughout the rest of your life. The fruit of the spirit possesses love, kindness, peace, forbearance, goodness, gentleness, self control and faithfulness. It can’t have one of these characteristics and not the other, it is all encompassing.

Temperance is an attribute of the fruit of the spirit which is often overlooked. In the world which says I’m free to do whatever I want, self control is an exercise of Godliness. They discuss the constant realization we all have as Christians that we still have so much to learn from God. The Scripture says to examine yourself and see if you are in the faith, and it’s the fruit we should be looking for. It’s not a measure for comparing ourselves to non-believers, but is a mirror for reflecting our need for a savior. Who you are in private is who you really were. God isn’t commanding you to give your life up, but rather to lay it down to him. Faith produces joy, and joy produces an energy otherwise known as the fruit of the spirit. Happiness is circumstantial, but joy is positional and can carry us through difficult circumstances. Scripture tells us to rejoice because our fate is written in Heaven. Finally, they discuss the attribute of gentleness. The ability to communicate truth in a kind and loving way and having restrained power mimics gentleness.

In life situations, there are two types of people: those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit of God and those who are controlled by the flesh. Scripture says to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Becoming eternally minded rather than earthly minded is how we change the code.

Thanks for listening and see you next time!

Links:
Visit the Living Waters website to learn more.

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