Podcasts about Living Waters

What happens when a generation openly pursues the supernatural while turning away from God, searching for meaning and identity in everything but Him? Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into the rising tide of paganism, astrology, witchcraft, and spiritual experimentation among Gen Z, exploring why young people are so drawn to these practices and what this reveals about both the culture and the church. The guys emphasize that this hunger points to a deeper spiritual void that only Christ can fill, and that understanding it is crucial for anyone seeking to disciple this generation.The guys examine whether Hollywood, social media, and platforms like TikTok are driving this movement or merely amplifying what has been quietly growing for years. They describe a rudderless generation marked by shallow conversions, suppressed truth, and a tendency to credit themselves rather than God for meaning. When sin is never crucified with Christ, the Spirit is quenched, and practices like tarot, astrology, or alternative spirituality rush in to fill the vacuum. Some of the guys share personal experiences from before their salvation, recalling encounters with the spiritual realm that they once dismissed but now recognize as very real.Rather than responding with fear, the conversation moves to hope and practical discernment. Oscar notes that a pagan is often closer to conversion than a hardened materialist, because the longing for transcendence reveals a God-given hunger. As secularism flattens culture into monotony, people seek healing and purpose wherever they can find it. Paganism may offer a sense of community, empowerment, or entertainment, but only Christ provides true identity, restoration, and lasting transformation. Healing is never about managing energies or seeking control—it is found solely in the Savior who gave Himself fully for humanity.The episode concludes with a sober call to vigilance and faithfulness. Witchcraft and paganism promise freedom without moral restraint, yet scripture clearly warns that they defile and deceive, and these influences now touch the church as much as the world. The guys caution that counterfeit spirituality and emotionalism often center on man rather than God, making discernment essential. Studying scripture is the key to recognizing false teachings, because counterfeits constantly evolve. Jesus is not one spiritual option among many; He is the singular way, truth, and life, and genuine repentance requires turning away from every other doorway and following Him completely, embracing the hope and transformation only He can offer.Send us a textThanks 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

Experience a guided Reiki and shamanic journey to anchor your internal stability. This journey is the companion to our teaching on the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Fire Horse. As we navigate collective chaos and "disturbances in the field," this journey helps you align your Divine Mind with your human presence. We travel to the Third Heaven and the Hall of Gifts and Nourishments to release ancestral cords, receive spiritual nourishment, and awaken the "Tree of Life" within you. Use this practice to clear the fog of the world, activate your inner vision, and prepare for the new beginnings of 2026. Key Spiritual Transitions in This Journey Aligning your Multiple Minds We begin by using the Mental-Emotional symbol (SHK) to align the Divine Mind with your heart mind, gut mind, and earth mind. This creates the "Authentic Intellect" needed for clear discernment during chaotic times. The Hall of Gifts & Nourishment In the enlightened realm of the Third Heaven, we enter a great cathedral of spirit. Here, you receive specific gifts of Creativity, Curiosity, and Innovation. This is where we replenish the energy spent on "stability" so you have the fuel to manifest. Completing Ancestral Cycles We utilize the Distance Symbol (HSZSN) to bridge through time, completing ancestral histories that are ready to be let go. By releasing these cords, you claim the "love of thousands" while leaving behind the burdens that no longer serve your lineage. Eagle and Mouse Vision Integration As we return to the physical realm, we practice shifting between the high-level perspective of the Eagle and the immediate, detailed focus of the Mouse. This ensures that your spiritual insights become practical, daily actions. Navigating Spiritual Stability How can I stay stable when the world feels chaotic? Stability is found by aligning your core "Tree of Life" energy. This journey guides you to connect with the deep roots of the Earth and the branches of the Heavens, allowing you to stay present and kind even when external energies are "wobbly." What are the "Living Waters of Peace"? In this journey, the River of Life represents pure consciousness and creative flow. Drinking these waters helps wash away "collective static" and corded attachments to worldly worries. Connect with the Reiki Lifestyle Community Website: Reikilifestyle.com Listen to the Discussion: [Link to the companion teaching video/podcast] • • Classes: Join Colleen and Robyn Benelli for ICRT Licensed Reiki training. **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction, which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.

Gen Z is increasingly exploring paganism, astrology, and spiritual experimentation as they search for meaning, identity, and purpose. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how these practices reflect a God-given hunger for transcendence, but only Christ offers lasting transformation, true healing, and real community. The guys emphasize that the church must respond with discernment, grounded in Scripture, and faithful discipleship to guide young people away from counterfeits and toward the hope, truth, and life found solely in Jesus. They warn that secular influences, social media, and popular culture often amplify curiosity in the supernatural while promoting shallow or false conversions, leaving many spiritually rudderless. The guys highlight the danger of allowing counterfeit spirituality and emotionalism to define worship, noting that practices centered on self rather than God can mislead believers. Ultimately, they remind listeners that Jesus is not one of many spiritual options but the singular way to life, and that true repentance and transformation come only from turning fully to Him.Send us a textThanks 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

It's Friday, January 30th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Nigerian activists call for self-defense measures for Christians In the middle of the night, Islamic Fulani militias brutally killed seven Nigerian Christian men in a coordinated attack on a mining site in the Plateau State, reports International Christian Concern. The incident has reignited long-standing fears of targeted violence against Christian communities and intensified calls for lawful self-defense amid persistent insecurity. Military sources confirmed that the attack occurred at about 1 a.m. last Thursday when Islamic Fulani militias stormed the site, opening fire on miners who had remained overnight. At the graveside, grief gave way to anger, frustration, and an unmistakable sense of abandonment. Weeping relatives and neighbors spoke of fathers and sons lost — not in open combat, but while struggling to survive in an economy that has pushed many into mining at night which has been banned. Human rights advocate Alex Barbir said, “This is no longer just about illegal mining. It is about our people being hunted in the night, killed without mercy, and buried without justice. How long do we continue to die quietly?” He argued that communities must be empowered to defend themselves where the state has repeatedly failed to provide adequate security. Rev. Dachomo agreed, saying, “We preach peace, but peace must not mean surrender to slaughter.  The right to life is sacred, and protecting that life is not a crime.” Anglican pastor protests confirmation of woke female Archbishop of Canterbury The formal confirmation of Sarah Mullally as the new Anglican archbishop of Canterbury was interrupted when a bold pastor publicly objected and was forcibly removed from the service, reports LifeSiteNews.com. On Wednesday, during the Confirmation of Election service for Sarah Mullally at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, Anglican pastor Paul Williamson stood up and shouted his objection after the officiant falsely declared that no opposition had been presented, leading to his restraint and removal from the cathedral by security personnel. Listen. OFFICIANT: “Endorsed on this mandate is a certificate which verifies that public notice was duly given as required and that no person has appeared in opposition to the confirmation.” WILLIAMSON: “I did!” (rest of audio undiscernible) Williamson claimed he was "nearly pushed down the stairs" outside by "four heavies" during his removal from the cathedral on Wednesday. Williamson's protest highlighted ongoing divisions over Mullally's appointment within the Anglican Communion, which has been fracturing for years over sexuality and gender.  1 Corinthians 14:24 says, “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.” On January 26, 2015, during the consecration service at York Minster for Libby Lane, who was to become the Church of England's first female bishop, Williamson was the lone dissenting voice when the gathered clergy were asked whether she should be ordained. And, in 2005, Williamson protested against the legality of the marriage of Charles, Prince of Wales to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, reported The Guardian. Trump warns Iran 'time is running out' as US military builds up in Gulf President Donald Trump has warned Iran that "time is running out" to negotiate a deal on its nuclear program following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf, reports the British Broadcasting Corporation. The US president said a "massive Armada" was "moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose" towards Iran, referring to a large US naval fleet. In response, Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the country's armed forces were ready "with their fingers on the trigger" to "immediately and powerfully respond" to any aggression by land or sea. Trump's latest warning follows his promise that Washington will intervene to help those involved in the brutal and unprecedented crackdown on protests in the country earlier this month. Demonstrations began after a sharp fall in the value of the Iranian currency, but swiftly evolved into a crisis of legitimacy for the country's clerical leadership of the Islamic regime. Apple cider vinegar was sprayed on Rep. Ilhan Omar A man accused of attacking Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, a Somali-American, during a town hall event on Tuesday reportedly sprayed apple cider vinegar on her, reports Fox News. Anthony James Kazmierczak, age 55, was seen on video lunging at Congresswoman Omar while spraying an unknown substance on her shirt out of a syringe. Right before the attack, Omar called for the resignation or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, following two fatal shootings involving federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis. Listen to the lead up to the attack. OMAR: “DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment.” (audio of attack) At the time of the attack, Kazmierczak said, “She's not resigning. You're splitting Minnesotans apart,” according to The Western Journal. Man paints over heretical billboard to read 'Jesus is God' A viral video shows a man painting over a heretical billboard campaign in California, altering the message to read, “The Bible says … Jesus is ___ God,” reports The Christian Post. The undated video shows an unidentified man atop a billboard platform with the Los Angeles skyline behind it as he paints over the word “Not” in the ad which had initially stated “Jesus is Not God”, transforming the billboard into a proclamation of faith.  World's Last Chance, the group behind the billboard, claims the message is part of “four billboard themes that dare to shatter the chains of long-held misconceptions.” In addition to the Jesus billboard, which adds the text, “Jesus did not pre-exist in Heaven,” the group's website lists three others, including one that attacks Trinitarian theology and another promoting the so-called “flat earth” theory. In addition to the billboard campaign, the World's Last Chance website features several videos purportedly “debunking” the deity of Jesus and the Trinity.  The billboard campaign has been reportedly spotted in California, Georgia, and other states. In a January 21st video, author and Living Waters founder and CEO Ray Comfort responded to the billboard remodeling job with a stark warning about the impact of false teaching in the public square. Listen. COMFORT: “These signs have been erected by a strange sect that claims to believe the Scriptures, yet openly denies the deity of Christ -- a contradiction the Bible doesn't permit. “Scripture plainly teaches that God was manifest in the flesh [1 Timothy 3:16] and that Jesus Christ is ‘the image of the invisible God' [Colossians 1:15] and ‘the express image of His person.' [Hebrews 1:3] Jesus Himself said, ‘I came down from Heaven,' [John 6:38] and ‘Before Abraham was, I am' [John 8:58], a direct claim to deity that His hearers understood clearly. “He is not merely a moral teacher or a created being, but the Creator Himself. ‘For all things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made.' [John 1:3] The Bible warns that any teaching that denies the Son is not from God.  ‘Who is a liar? He that denies that Jesus is the Christ, he is the Antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son.' [1 John 2:22]. This is the spirit of antichrist, which John says was already active in his day and continues now.” [1 John 4:2-3] Updated link to children's book on Martin Luther's wife And finally, yesterday, as we noted the 427th anniversary of the birthday of Martin Luther's wife, Katherine von Bora, I referenced a beautifully illustrated children's book entitled Katharine von Bora: The Morning Star of Wittenberg. Written by twins Jenna and Shanna Strackbein, I initially linked to Amazon if you wanted to purchase it.  However, because they have not restocked the book, you can get a copy through Generations. Scott Brown, Director of Church and Family Life, wrote, “When I read it to my grandchildren, I choked up a few times encountering the beauty of marriage and the wonderful way Katy served the Lord in her generation. Now she was inspiring the rising generation of my own family. What a blessing!" Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, January 30th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

A growing hunger among young men is impossible to ignore, and many are filling it with voices that pull them away from Christ. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss the rise of secular influencers who offer fragments of truth about purpose and masculinity while remaining disconnected from God. The guys explain that while certain traits may be admirable, any worldview apart from Christ ultimately speaks from a fallen perspective. Young men are searching for meaning, and when that hunger is not met with the gospel, they will consume whatever is offered. Ears are always listening, and if the church does not disciple intentionally, other voices will gladly step in.The conversation turns to why this hunger exists in the first place. The guys point out that men have been steadily degraded and stripped of purpose, creating a vacuum that influencers rush to fill. At the same time, the church has often been content with shallow engagement. Cultural Christianity, political alignment, and surface-level conservatism are not substitutes for regeneration. Once someone has truly encountered Christ, there is nowhere else to go, yet many young men have never been shown the depth, authority, and beauty of Scripture. The masculinity they long for is not found in strength or dominance, but in the life and character of Christ.They then address how believers are called to respond. The guys emphasize that the answer is the gospel lived boldly and relationally. Discipleship requires presence, courage, and a willingness to speak into the lives God has providentially placed nearby. Churches cannot celebrate attendance alone but must labor for transformation. This includes engaging young men directly, intentionally investing in children, and recognizing that small moments of care and attention can leave lasting spiritual impressions. Influence is not limited to platforms; it is multiplied by faithfulness.Finally, the guys focus on the role of discipleship in the home and the church. Fatherlessness, whether physical or emotional, has left many young men without guidance, discipline, or example. The gospel restores order, purpose, and authority, calling men to repentance, leadership, and sacrificial love. Family devotion and sound teaching become foundations for generational change. Discipleship is framed as a mutual exchange of exhortation and growth, rooted in Scripture and oriented toward glorifying God. The episode closes with a call for men to lead with conviction, to invest deeply in the next generation, and to anchor identity and purpose in Christ alone.Send us a textThanks 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

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “Who Am I” with discussions about living in step with the Holy Spirit. We then turned to the phone lines to ask listeners the question, “What’s something about yourself that you couldn’t see until the Holy Spirit revealed it to you? We then had Ray Comfort join us to discuss how to differentiate between doing things out of stupidity and doing things out of faith and in obedience to God. Ray is the Founder and CEO of Living Waters, which is a ministry that exists to inspire and equip Christians to fulfill the Great Commission. He also cohosts the award-winning television program, “Way of the Master”, which airs in 190 countries and he is the producer of award-winning movies that have been viewed by millions. He has also written over 100 books, including his latest, “Idiotic Things People Did in the Bible.” We then had our weekly segment, “Ally Thinks It’s Funny.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Ray Comfort Interview [05:41] Listener Stories Interview [38:25] Ally Thinks It’s Funny [51:05] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2605 - Our team of bearded explorers journey to Solomon's Pools in the West Bank to uncover the mystery behind the Living Waters needed for the coming Third Temple. At Jerusalem, Dr. Christian Widener reveals the archaeological proof behind the Jewish claim to the Temple Mount.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “Who Am I” with discussions about living in step with the Holy Spirit. We then turned to the phone lines to ask listeners the question, “What’s something about yourself that you couldn’t see until the Holy Spirit revealed it to you? We then had Ray Comfort join us to discuss how to differentiate between doing things out of stupidity and doing things out of faith and in obedience to God. Ray is the Founder and CEO of Living Waters, which is a ministry that exists to inspire and equip Christians to fulfill the Great Commission. He also cohosts the award-winning television program, “Way of the Master”, which airs in 190 countries and he is the producer of award-winning movies that have been viewed by millions. He has also written over 100 books, including his latest, “Idiotic Things People Did in the Bible.” We then had our weekly segment, “Ally Thinks It’s Funny.” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Ray Comfort Interview [05:41] Listener Stories Interview [38:25] Ally Thinks It’s Funny [51:05] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A growing hunger for purpose and meaning among young men has left many susceptible to secular influencers who offer fragmented truths apart from Christ. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how the church must respond with intentional discipleship, presence, and bold engagement to guide this generation toward genuine faith. They emphasize that true masculinity, authority, and purpose are found not in cultural substitutes or political agendas, but in a life rooted in Christ. The guys highlight the importance of investing in relationships, speaking life into young men, and modeling godly leadership both in the church and at home. Through relational investment, family devotion, and faithful exhortation, believers can impact young men and set them on a path of lasting transformation that honors God and shapes future generations. They call the church to rise above cultural distraction, prioritize gospel-centered mentorship, and be unwavering in pointing this generation to the truth and life found only in Jesus.Send us a textThanks 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

Screens dominate modern life, quietly shaping habits, desires, and spiritual health in ways many people fail to recognize. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar examine how smartphones and social media have become powerful tools that amplify the heart's desires, often drifting from usefulness into addiction. While technology itself is morally neutral, the guys explain that human sinfulness and spiritual opposition twist good gifts into sources of distraction, dependency, and misplaced worship. Phones promise connection and reassurance, yet they often function as a substitute for stillness, prayer, and dependence on the Lord.The conversation turns to how social media platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive. Drawing parallels to slot machines, the guys discuss dopamine-driven engagement and the reality that free apps profit by turning users into products. This constant stimulation rewires attention and interferes with spiritual disciplines like reading Scripture and being present with God. They challenge believers to consider how often they check their phones compared to how often they examine their souls, warning that unchecked use reshapes how sin is perceived, normalized, and even celebrated.The guys then move into the personal and relational costs of excessive phone use. Social media provides comfort through distance, yet it fuels jealousy, gossip, and slander while deepening loneliness. Digital life replaces fundamental interactions with curated images, depriving people of everyday relational friction that builds maturity and resilience. They note growing social anxiety, loss of creativity, and diminished attention spans as consequences of constant engagement. Yet the discussion also highlights practical steps toward freedom, such as reading physical Bibles, setting boundaries, turning off notifications, limiting app access, and intentionally reclaiming attention from devices designed to control it.Finally, the guys address parenting and responsibility in a digital age. They urge courage, honesty, and accountability when it comes to children and screens, emphasizing that guidance and restriction are acts of love, not burdens. Parents are encouraged to replace screen time with creativity, outdoor play, genuine relationships, and hands-on experiences. The episode closes with a call to fight rather than surrender, to confess unhealthy habits, and to invite family accountability. True freedom comes not from rejecting technology entirely, but from examining the heart, setting wise boundaries, and choosing to let Christ shape attention, affection, and daily life.Send us a textThanks 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

Phones have become powerful shapers of attention, habits, and spiritual health in everyday life. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore how digital tools, while not inherently evil, can easily drift into addiction and function as substitutes for stillness, prayer, and dependence on God. They discuss how social media is intentionally designed to capture attention, rewire desires, and normalize sin through constant stimulation, comparison, and distance. The guys also examine the relational and emotional costs, including loneliness, anxiety, and the loss of meaningful face-to-face interaction. Throughout the conversation, they offer practical steps for reclaiming attention, setting boundaries, and modeling healthy habits at home. Ultimately, the call is to fight distraction with intentionality, examine the heart honestly, and choose to let Christ shape daily rhythms rather than a screen.Send us a textThanks 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

The modern world is louder than ever, and discernment has become both more difficult and more necessary. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how constant noise from social media, messages, and endless content has created a discipleship crisis in which believers are shaped by voices not grounded in truth. The guys note that never before have so many outside influences spoken so freely into everyday life. Without intentional care, people consume content that dulls awe, distorts reality, and weakens spiritual formation. E.Z. shares how constant exposure to artificial media has robbed him of wonder, echoing a deeper biblical problem rooted in deception rather than simple wrongdoing.The guys explain that true discernment is not merely choosing between right and wrong, but recognizing the difference between truth and almost truth. They return to Genesis, pointing out how Adam's awareness of shame revealed not new information but the consequence of believing a false voice. Forgetting God altogether is identified as one of the most dangerous spiritual traps, and the guys emphasize that worldly pleasure is fleeting, often disguising itself as fulfillment while quietly enslaving the heart. When sin is embraced, it is because deception has led people to believe that temporary pleasure is ultimate freedom.They then address how modern relationships have become frictionless through digital interaction. While people are knowledge-rich, they are wisdom-poor, and the guys stress that true sharpening requires presence, struggle, and conversation that cannot be replicated online. Wisdom grows through reading deeply, meditating slowly, and engaging scripture face to face with others. Social media algorithms are designed to keep attention captive. Still, the guys argue that believers must return to the simplicity of a relationship with God the Father and allow His word to shape how they think, discern, and live.Finally, the guys emphasize that discernment is a biblical command, not an optional skill. They warn that the loudest voices are often the most influential, not the most faithful, and that truth mixed with error is more dangerous than outright lies. Reading scripture daily trains believers to recognize the voice of God and reject counterfeits. E.Z. shares how personal evangelism fuels faith and reminds listeners that eternity outweighs emotion. The episode closes with a call to let God's word become the filter for all voices, to resist cultural rituals that mimic devotion, and to remember that while the enemy defines people by their scars, the Lord defines them by His.Send us a textThanks 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

Sometimes the most loving thing God can do is interrupt our plans and reroute our expectations. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore how divine disruptions are not accidents or setbacks but intentional moments in which God breaks into ordinary life to accomplish eternal purposes. The guys explain that trials and detours are not problems to escape but pathways God uses to shape trust, deepen faith, and redirect hearts. Ray shares how his own salvation was an unplanned interruption, reminding listeners that without Christ, humanity remains helpless and lost. Yet, God steps in at the precise moment to change everything.The guys reflect on how Scripture reframes interruptions as invitations rather than inconveniences. Drawing from the life of Jesus, they note that even when Christ sought rest, He responded to interruptions with compassion and obedience to the Father's will. E.Z. shares how unmet expectations challenged him to examine whether his worship depended on outcomes or on trust in God's character. The guys emphasize that God is not punishing His people in these moments but positioning them, and that believers often misunderstand their relationship with God as contractual instead of covenantal. True devotion flows from trusting that God directs every step, even when plans unravel.They move on to the reality that what feels like disruption is often providence unfolding. The guys highlight biblical examples such as Joseph, whose life spiraled from favor to suffering before God used him to preserve many lives. They stress that believers see only a chapter while God sees the entire story. Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of every faithful figure in Scripture, the true and better Adam, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and Job. These truths are meant to lead to worship, as theology rightly understood draws hearts toward awe and surrender, especially in seasons of chaos.Finally, the guys warn against resisting God's interruptions, pointing to Jonah as an example of obedience delayed by bitterness. They remind listeners that idols often hide behind expected outcomes and that God's primary work is to shape the heart, not to guarantee success. Every no from God is framed as kindness, every hardship as purposeful, and every interruption as an expression of grace. The cross itself stands as the ultimate divine disruption, reshaping eternity through suffering and redemption. The guys wrap up by calling believers to perseverance, gratitude, and trust, confident that God is for His people, too wise to be mistaken, and too good to be unkind.Send us a textThanks 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

Divine interruptions often feel like setbacks, but Scripture reveals them as invitations to deeper trust and worship. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore how God lovingly disrupts plans, trials, and expectations to accomplish purposes far greater than we can see. They explain that what feels like chaos is often God positioning His people rather than punishing them, and that faith is revealed most clearly when plans unravel. Drawing from biblical examples, they show how God uses suffering, detours, and delays to shape character and display His glory. The cross stands as the ultimate disruption, in which what appeared defeated became the means of salvation. Ultimately, believers are called to receive interruptions with gratitude, surrender expected outcomes, and trust that God is for them and working all things together for good.Send us a textThanks 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

Discernment is becoming harder to practice in a world saturated with constant noise and endless opinions. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar examine how digital overload, social media, and frictionless interactions have created a discipleship problem where believers are shaped more by algorithms than by Scripture. The guys explain that discernment is not just knowing right from wrong, but recognizing truth from almost truth, and that deception often works by dulling awe and distracting hearts from God's presence. They emphasize the need for genuine relationships, slow reading, and meditation on God's word as the antidote to shallow knowledge and spiritual confusion. The guys also warn that truth mixed with error can be more dangerous than outright lies, making daily engagement with Scripture essential. Ultimately, the guys call listeners to let Scripture become their filter, to learn the voice of the Shepherd, and to stay rooted in Christ amid a distracted and noisy age.Send us a textThanks 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

In this message, evangelist Ray Comfort talks about "Hells best kept secret." By using a variety of stories and Biblical passages, Comfort explains the importance of using the Law in evangelism and why we as believers need to not only evangelize but call sinners to repentance.To learn more about Ray Comfort, please visit Living Waters.Learn more about the Bravehearted Voices Podcast and how you can be discipled and grow spiritually by visiting braveheartedvoices.com

LJ Williams (they/she) is a queer African and Jewish ritualist and writer, pursuing an MDiv from Starr King School for The Ministry with a certificate in Entheogenic Justice Companioning. They are a longtime Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism community member, and served as a coordinator of a Chicago BLUUHaven. They were a Worship Learning Fellow at the Church of Larger Fellowship (2021-2023) and she received a B.A. from University of Illinois in Global Studies and Environmental Sustainability. She currently serves as board president of Young Adult Revival Network. She is interested in the intersections of land, religion, and revolutionary movements, embodied ritual and queer bodies. She loves arts, science fiction, and her family.

Send us a textGUEST: EMEAL “EZ” Zwayne, author, Fight Like a Man: A Bold, Biblical Battle Plan for Personal PurityThe Book of Proverbs was written to be profitable to all readers but is particularly directed to young men. One of the prominent exhortations and warnings for sons in Proverbs is on the issue of moral purity. Listen to Proverbs 5:18-23:Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice in the wife of your youth.As a loving hind and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be exhilarated always with her love.For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, And He watches all his paths.His own iniquities will capture the wicked, And he will be held with the cords of his sin.He will die for lack of instruction, And in the greatness of his folly he will go astray.God wonderfully designed us with the ability to procreate and to enjoy the one-flesh dynamic of sexual intimacy within the one-man one-woman marriage covenant, all to His glory. But what God beautifully designed is what the devil, the world, and our flesh relentlessly corrupts. God says, “rejoice in the wife of your youth.” Satan says, “Do whatever you want with whomever you want.”And the destruction that results from lust and pornography and fornication and adultery and homosexuality and every other kind of sexual sin are everywhere—bondage to sin, broken marriages, sexually transmitted diseases, and alienation from God. Because of the pull of sexual desire and the ubiquity of sexual sin, it's common to conclude that God's call for sexual purity—mentally and physically—is an impossible standard.In part 2 of this series on personal purity, Emeal Zwayne, president of Living Waters, a ministry which exists “to train the members of Christ's Body in the principles of biblical evangelism” will join us to discuss his excellent book, Fight Like a Man: A Bold, Biblical Battle Plan for Personal Purity.Fight Like a Man is our new featured resource and we will tell you how you can order a copy today for a donation of any amount to The Christian Worldview.

True freedom is often misunderstood as the ability to do whatever we desire. Still, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar examine how Scripture defines freedom as living to glorify God and walking in righteousness. The guys explain that the idol of freedom emerges when something good is taken too far, causing people to violate God's commands in pursuit of their own desires. They emphasize that without Christ, humans are enslaved to sin, passions, and self-righteousness, and that true liberty comes through surrender to Him. Freedom is not chaos or lawlessness; it is the disciplined ability to function within God's boundaries and enjoy Him forever.The guys explore how civil freedom can often be confused with spiritual freedom. Even in a society with many liberties, humans remain bound to sin unless Christ reigns in their lives. They describe sin as addictive, like a drug that offers pleasure but leads to bondage, and they challenge listeners to think about what they are worshipping. Self-rule cannot coexist with devotion to Jesus, and the guys encourage believers to seek God's will every day, align their desires with His, and develop contentment in the unique path He has planned. Freedom is not measured by what we can do, but by obedience to the Lord who governs all parts of life.The guys also discuss how personal freedom affects others. Using examples from universities and conversations with college students, they show how passions can enslave people and how sin acts as a dictator in life. True liberty means doing what is right regardless of others' opinions, yielding to the fruit of the Spirit rather than the flesh, and living without fear or hidden agendas. The guys encourage listeners to examine their lives, consider how they spend unstructured time, and evaluate whether they are genuinely free or secretly controlled by desires, habits, or societal pressures.Finally, the guys remind believers that freedom is relational and transformative. Walking in the light and desiring the Lord above fleshly pleasures reorients identity, repentance, and surrender. They challenge listeners to resist modern distortions of freedom, from self-mutilation to justification of sin, and to remember that God's commandments lead to life, not restriction. The pursuit of man often rejects God, but when the Son sets someone free, they are free indeed. The guys call believers to continually return to Him, yield to His authority, and embrace the true liberty that only comes through Christ. Send us a textThanks 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

True freedom is often mistaken for doing whatever we want, but Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore how Scripture defines it as living to glorify God and walking in righteousness. The guys explain that the idol of freedom arises when good things are taken too far, leading people to disobey God's commands and remain enslaved to sin, passions, and self-rule. They highlight that civil liberties do not equal spiritual freedom and that true liberty comes from surrendering daily to Christ, aligning desires with His will, and embracing the unique path He has for each believer. The guys also examine how personal freedom impacts others, showing that sin acts like a dictator and that genuine liberty is doing what is right regardless of opinions or circumstances. They urge listeners to review their lives, yield to the fruit of the Spirit instead of the flesh, and live openly without hidden agendas. Ultimately, the guys remind believers that freedom is relational and transformative, calling them to walk in the light, resist modern distortions of liberty, and continually turn back to the Lord, who alone sets them free.Send us a textThanks 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

Send us a text(originally broadcast 03/15/2025)GUEST: Emeal Zwayne (EZ), author, Fight Like a Man: A Bold, Biblical Battle Plan for Personal PurityThe Apostle Peter was inspired by God to write: “Be of sober spirit, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished among your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).The devil is the believer's great adversary and he has a singular mission—to devour the Christian by tempting us to sin against God. Satan uses the fallen world and our sinful flesh to great effect. One of his favored means of destruction is corrupting God's gift and design of sex for one-man one-woman marriage into a litany of perversions: fornication, adultery, lust, pornography, homosexuality, and more.Consistent victory in this never-ending war is not simply a matter of having an accountability partner or putting a filter on your device. No, this calls for transformation of the heart and comprehensive preparation and plans of action, from being born again to pursuing sanctification to employing the supernatural resources God provides.Emeal Zwayne (also known as E.Z.), president of Living Waters, has written an excellent book titled, Fight Like a Man: A Bold, Biblical Battle Plan for Personal Purity. He joins us this weekend for part one of a two-part series on this important topic of sexual purity.---------------------------------------------PROGRAM NOTES:Fight Like a Man

True virtue becomes visible only when the desire to walk faithfully before God outweighs the instinct to manage appearances for others. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar examine how virtue signaling has become a modern way of seeking approval, noting that the human urge to belong often pressures believers to display moral outrage or spiritual discipline without genuine conviction. The guys explain that people have always looked for safety in groups, and that this instinct can quietly influence the heart, even in Christian settings.The guys discuss how social media amplifies this struggle by rewarding the performance of virtue. They point out how easy it is to post a Bible verse, a devotional highlight, or a polished quote without allowing those truths to shape character. Christian leaders carry an added weight because their online presence serves as a form of shepherding, and the guys worry that many settle for shallow guidance rather than deep spiritual engagement. Mark recalls receiving a negative review simply for quoting someone unpopular, and the guys use that example to show how expectations can override thoughtful reflection.The guys turn to resisting the lure of appearances and returning to the steady work of communion with God. Virtue comes from God's own righteousness, justice, and truth, and the guys emphasize that Christians need to slow down, detach from screens, and develop habits that shape the heart rather than the image. They encourage believers to reflect on whether frequent posting influences their behavior or simply reveals what already exists beneath the surface. The more people disconnect from quiet spaces, the easier it becomes to slip into spiritual performance rather than genuine spiritual depth. They suggest taking small steps, such as dedicating the first moments of the day to reflection rather than scrolling.In closing, the guys stress that holiness is demonstrated not through public declarations but through consistent, humble acts of repentance and love. They warn against overcorrecting by trying too hard to avoid virtue signaling, which can distract from the gospel. Instead, they urge believers to show real love, confess sin promptly, and accept correction without defensiveness. They remind listeners that the true mark of a Christian is a heart focused on God's approval rather than human applause. The difference between virtue signaling and true virtue is the motive; when believers seek the Lord's approval above all, it will change how they live, respond, and quietly grow.Send us a textThanks 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

Many believers confuse the appearance of virtue with its substance. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explain how virtue signaling arises from fear, peer pressure, and the desire for approval, showing how social media rewards superficial displays of spirituality. They clarify that true virtue cannot be created through posts or outrage but develops through taking time, studying Scripture deeply, and allowing God's righteousness to transform motives. They warn that when believers seek visibility, they risk drifting from the quiet work of communion with God and settling for habits that enhance their image rather than strengthen the soul. The guys point out how easy it is to share spiritual content without letting it take root, leading to performance rather than genuine transformation. They encourage Christians to confess sin promptly, seek God's approval above human applause, and establish daily routines that shape the heart. In doing so, believers learn to live with sincerity, depth, and a consistent pursuit of true virtue.Send us a textThanks 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

It's Monday, December 22nd, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Five Iranian Christians sentenced to 10-year prison term Five Iranian Christians were sentenced to an average of 10 years in prison for “propaganda” and “collusion” for practices such as prayer and baptism, and for distributing Bibles and Christian literature, reports International Christian Concern. Matthew 5:10 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” Though the verdict was given on October 21, it was not communicated to any of the prisoners until late November and early December. They have been given 20 days to appeal their case before the Revolutionary Court of Tehran. US launches strikes on Syria in response to killing of 2 American soldiers Vengeance struck in Syria Friday as U.S. forces attacked Islamic State targets in retaliation for an attack that killed three Americans last week, reports The Western Journal. A U.S. military official said F-15 and A-10 warplanes, Apache attack helicopters, and HIMARS rockets struck multiple targets, according to the Wall Street Journal. On X, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth wrote, “Earlier today, U.S. forces commenced OPERATION HAWKEYE STRIKE in Syria to eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites in direct response to the attack on U.S. forces that occurred on December 13th in Palmyra, Syria. This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance.” Hegseth added, “The United States of America, under President Trump's leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people. As we said directly following the savage attack, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you. Today, we hunted and we killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue.” Netanyahu plans to brief Trump on possible new Iran strikes Israeli officials have grown increasingly concerned that Iran is expanding production of its ballistic missile program, which was damaged by Israeli military strikes earlier this year, reports NBC News.   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to brief President Donald Trump about attacking Iran again. Israeli officials also are concerned that Iran is reconstituting nuclear enrichment sites the U.S. bombed in June. But, they added, the officials view Iran's efforts to rebuild facilities where they produce the ballistic missiles and to repair its crippled air defense systems as more important. RFK Jr calls mutilating “sex-rejecting” trans procedures malpractice Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Thursday that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is taking steps to push back against what he described as "sex-rejecting" transgender procedures for minors, reports The Christian Post. During an hour-long press conference, he warned, "So-called 'gender-affirming care' has inflicted lasting physical and psychological damage on vulnerable young people. This is not medicine; it is malpractice." KENNEDY: “We're done with junk science, drive by ideological pursuits, not the wellbeing of children.” Kennedy said the proposed HHS rules, which are subject to a 60-day comment period, would bar hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid from performing transgender procedures on children, citing risks of irreversible harm such as infertility, impaired sexual function, bone density loss and altered brain development. He added, "Sex-rejecting procedures are neither safe nor effective treatment for children with gender dysphoria.” Abortions up as abortion pills flourish, Democrat states fund killing babies Last week, the Society of Family Planning released updated abortion data which documented over 591,000 abortions were performed in the first six months of 2025, reports LifeNews.com. This represents a 1.1 percent increase when compared to the first six months of 2024. Two state Medicaid programs have recently started to fund elective surgical abortions. Nevada's Medicaid program began covering elective abortions in mid-December of 2024, and Delaware's Medicaid program started covering elective abortions as of January 1, 2025. Not surprisingly, there has been an uptick in abortions in those states – an increase by 8% in Nevada and 10% in Delaware. However, the main takeaway from this new WeCount data is that the percentage of chemical abortions done via telehealth continues to increase. In the first six months of 2024, just under 20 percent of all abortions were done via telehealth. That figure increased to 27 percent for the first six months of 2025. Telehealth abortions are undermining the strong pro-life laws that many states enacted in the aftermath of the Dobbs decision. Isaiah 59:7 says, “Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways.” Preventing telehealth abortions needs to be a top priority for the pro-life movement. State attorneys general in Florida and Texas have recently sued the Food and Drug Administration over policy changes regarding chemical abortions. Kirk Cameron's follow-up podcast on annihilationism Kirk Cameron's recent 39-minute podcast in which he supported annihilationism has created quite a bit of controversy. In the opening to a 16-minute follow-up podcast, Cameron said this. CAMERON: “No doubt you've caught wind of the controversy that's swirling around. Let me ask you a question, and I want you to imagine that this question is not coming from me on a podcast, but from someone you love. “What if your son or your daughter looked you in the eye and said, ‘Dad, Mom, I know you believe in hell. I know you believe that God is just. I know you believe that sin is serious. And I know that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. “So, when a unrepentant person, who doesn't turn to Jesus, dies, what does the Bible actually say happens to them? Are they preserved forever and kept alive by God in a place of endless conscious torment, suffering forever, weeping and wailing and gnashing their teeth with no end? “‘Or is the judgment that Scripture describes something different? Is it still real, still just, still severe, but culminating in what the Bible calls death, destruction, or the second death, which is the lake of fire?' “What would your answer be? I'm not asking for what you've always believed or been taught, but what do you believe the Scriptures actually teach? That's the question that my son asked me, and that's the question that started this conversation.” Cameron's support for annihilationism has sparked debate in Evangelical circles. Longtime ministry partner Ray Comfort, founder of Living Waters and co-host with Cameron on The Way of the Master, responded thoughtfully. “While we believe Kirk is sincere, we believe that conditional mortality and annihilationism are erroneous views, and that the Bible's clear teaching on hell is known as eternal conscious torment,” according to GodReports.com. Other voices, including commentators Samuel Sey and theologian Owen Strachan, expressed concern, viewing the shift as departing from historic Christian teaching. Yet some see growing interest in annihilationism as a biblically grounded alternative that reconciles God's love with His judgment. Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, December 22nd, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

A sober look at global faithfulness serves as a mirror for believers who often forget the cost of following Christ. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar consider the weight of persecution as they reflect on how Christians in Turkey face real danger for sharing the gospel, a stark contrast to the ease of access in the United States. They note that believers in Muslim contexts live with constant questions about government intervention, yet persecution has unified the small Christian remnant. The guys affirm that it is understandable to feel nervous when sharing the gospel, since even Paul had concerns but still chose to obey God rather than man.The conversation shifts to what fuels courage, and the guys return to the cross where hostility met perfect love. They discuss how raising God's truths often sparks tension, which is why gentleness is crucial. Jesus warned that the world would hate His followers just as it hated Him, yet His response to persecution was marked by sacrifice and humility. The early church served instead of retaliating, but once Christianity was Romanized, this attitude changed; the guys encourage believers to recover a Christlike way of fighting for truth, especially when loving enemies feels unnatural.They then consider what believers should do when hostility comes from family. The call is to understand the other person's perspective while remaining faithful. Jesus delivered a perfect message and was still rejected, so modern believers should expect the same. The guys warn that Christians can invite ridicule by arguing instead of witnessing, forgetting that they, too, once stood opposed to the gospel. A humble heart aims to make the message clear so the lost might see their need for the Savior and trust God to bring salvation. Evangelism and discipleship go together, shaped by sincerity and reliance on the Lord.Finally, the guys note that many present-day atheists are less focused on the existence of God and more on social and cultural issues, which is why understanding cultural questions is important. Early believers lacked legal protection but relied on the Spirit, and the guys highlight prayer as the true source of strength. Oscar recalls moments when God made him feel incapable so he would depend on the Lord, while E.Z. often prays that unnecessary anxiousness would be removed. Authenticity cannot be faked, and believers should pray both before and after sharing the gospel. The call is to look to God's greatness, not the world's resistance, remembering that faithfulness often invites opposition rather than applause.Send us a textThanks 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

#bible #biblia #Jesus #JesusChrist #christmas #podcast #christianholidays Join Ric and Rob as they discuss the biblical roots and worshipful dimensions of Christmas. Rob explained how his book, “Full of Grace and Truth: The Bible Roots of Christmas,” and its study guide were developed to focus on worship and theology. They agreed that Christmas can be understood as thoroughly biblical and addressed common misconceptions about its supposed pagan origins. Ric also highlighted what he sees as an unprecedented level of attack on Christmas.

Courage in the Christian life becomes most evident when faith faces real pressure. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how believers in places like Turkey encounter genuine danger for sharing the gospel, prompting the guys to reflect on nervousness, sacrifice, and obedience in hostile environments. They stress the importance of looking to the cross for strength, responding to opposition with gentleness, and remembering that even Jesus was rejected despite delivering a perfect message. They encourage believers to approach resistant family members with empathy, avoiding arguments rooted in pride rather than witness, and to trust God to work through humility and clarity. The guys also emphasize the significance of cultural awareness, prayerful dependence on the Spirit, and genuine authenticity, reminding Christians that faithfulness may bring resistance instead of applause. In every situation, the call is to remain steady, compassionate, and anchored in the greatness of God.Send us a textThanks 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

True Christian love is seen when believers step into the lives of others with willingness and humility. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar reflect on Paul's call to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, explaining that this invitation requires believers to engage rather than sit on the sidelines. Oscar notes that Christian unity is central to the verse's context and that rejoicing with others can be harder than sharing in sorrow, especially when personal struggles make joy feel costly. Yet choosing to celebrate another's blessing reveals spiritual maturity and self-control. Every triumph, setback, and moment of weakness becomes a chance to draw near to the Lord and allow Him to shape emotions that may take time to follow.The guys consider how Jesus held joy and sorrow together, fully aware of human frailty while grieving the consequences of sin. E.Z. feels convicted to fast and focus more intentionally on unbelievers, asking how Christians can enter the world of the lost without compromising truth. They look to Paul's ability to understand cultural longings and failures, using them as bridges for the gospel. Ray explains that remembering his own lostness helps him understand the fear and uncertainty many experience. God has placed eternity in every heart, and recognizing this longing helps believers speak with compassion and awareness.They return to the call to weep with those who weep, affirming that empathy must not replace truth. Caring for someone in pain should include a willingness to point them toward the gospel gently and the reality of sin. Jesus models this balance as He weeps over Jerusalem and over Lazarus, entering real grief even while knowing the outcome. The group notes how often believers bypass lament and rush to quick answers, yet genuine compassion requires presence and patience. Followers of Christ are invited to meet others where they are and resist shallow comfort that avoids accountability.The guys then consider what it means to enter into another person's joy. Rejoicing may require facing inner barriers such as envy or disappointment, yet choosing celebration strengthens unity and encourages growth in others. Christian joy is rooted not in circumstances but in trust that God is working for good. Heaven rejoices when a sinner repents, and believers share in that unity of purpose. Joy and sorrow often coexist in the Christian life, forming a rhythm shaped by hope in Christ's return. Though coldness and criticism come easily, spiritual maturity chooses service, compassion, and unity for the glory of God.Send us a textThanks 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

True Christian maturity is revealed when believers dare to step fully into the joys and sorrows of others. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar reflect on Paul's call to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, emphasizing that this command invites real engagement rather than distance. They consider how Jesus held joy and sorrow together, how Paul used cultural understanding to reach the lost, and how remembering one's own lostness fuels compassion. The guys stress that empathy must never replace truth, that lament should not be bypassed, and that genuine celebration often requires confronting inner struggles. Through both grief and joy, believers display unity, love, and steady hope in the God who works for their good. This rhythm of entering another's world becomes a quiet testimony of faith, showing the world a love shaped by Christ's compassion.Send us a textThanks 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

Hope may sound fragile in a world filled with despair, yet biblically, it is a powerful anchor for the soul—steady, sure, and rooted in God's promises. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that hope is not mere optimism but confident assurance grounded in the finished work of Christ and the certainty of His return. Scripture presents hope as a strength that endures through pain, loss, and uncertainty. The men reflect on the hopelessness many feel today, particularly as younger generations wrestle with disillusionment and nihilism. Society's promises of progress have fallen short. Still, the Christian's hope rests not in worldly advancement or nostalgia, but in the eternal city of God and Christ's coming kingdom.E.Z. shares how his mother's battle with cancer tested his faith yet revealed God's sustaining grace. In the depths of grief, he chose to bless the name of the Lord, allowing his mother's eulogy to become a testimony of the gospel. Ray considers how differently such suffering might be faced without faith, like building a house on sand, destined for collapse. Mark remembers how the simple reminder that God knows brought him peace during his hardship, highlighting that understanding God's character is the basis of hope. Christians are called to be lights in the world, witnesses who demonstrate hope that does not depend on circumstance. For E.Z., this means being an off-the-grid believer whose joy and strength are not tied to external conditions but to trust in Christ alone.The guys affirm that when hope feels lost, it is often because it has been misplaced in something other than God. Genuine hope cannot be separated from trust, for both flow from the unchanging character of the Lord. Studying His attributes deepens confidence that He will keep His promises, and even when faith feels weak, the saving work of Christ remains secure. Whether one feels strong or faint, God's plan and character do not change. Like the disciples in the storm, believers can rest knowing that Jesus is in the boat and has the power to calm the chaos. Trials may come, but they are only temporary interruptions on the way to eternity.The conversation concludes with a call to live out hope as a consistent, visible practice—thriving, not just surviving, as ambassadors for Christ. The guys encourage believers to cry out to God for renewed hope and to remember that every act of faith impacts others for His glory. With eyes fixed on eternity, Christians can endure life's storms with confidence, knowing the final chapter is already written and ends in victory through Christ.Send us a textThanks 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

In a culture where despair often overshadows faith, the message of true hope shines with powerful clarity. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that biblical hope is not shallow optimism but confident assurance rooted in God's unchanging character and the finished work of Christ. Through honest reflections on pain, loss, and perseverance, the guys show that even in suffering, faith anchors the soul and strengthens trust in God's promises. They emphasize that when hope feels distant, it is often because it has been placed in something other than Christ, who alone sustains and restores. Hope, the guys explain, is not the absence of hardship but the presence of unwavering trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. Their conversation calls believers to live out hope as a daily testimony—thriving, not just surviving—as lights that point a weary world toward eternal victory in Him.Send us a textThanks 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

Welcome to our Thankful For Our Haters 2025 Thanksgiving Special. While we give the hosts and the crew some much deserved time off to spend with friends and family, we wanted you to have something to enjoy your holiday meal with. This year, because we were so outstanding, there weren't many hateful comments about us individually, so we decided to branch out and find out some of the hatful comments that were out there in general. Some of these you are undoubtedly familiar with, but we're hoping some of these will catch you by surprise. So enjoy!Attributions and references 1) George H.W. Bush https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/George_H.WBushand_the_Atheists 2) John Locke https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/historic-document-library/detail/john-locke-a-letter-concerning-toleration-1689-and-two-treatises-on-government-1690 3) Steve Harveyhttps://youtu.be/-dwwkWSyxUE?si=WgFCHBjU7CjH1MiM&t=813 4) Phil Robertsonhttps://time.com/3759113/duck-dynasty-star-atheists-controversy/ 5) Newt Gingrich2011 speech at the First Baptist Church of Dallas while promoting his book A Nation Like No Other: Why American Exceptionalism Matters (2011), Regnery Publishing. 6) Alice WalkerThe Globe and Mail (October 1, 2011) 7) Dinesh D'Souzahttps://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1121/p09s01-coop.html 8) Theodore RooseveltLadies' Home Journal (1917) 9) Oprah Winfreyhttps://youtu.be/iNhN9KHIi4o?si=66y_b14w6764HO1F&t=1661 10) Kevin Sorbohttps://www.podbean.com/site/EpisodeDownload/DIREE934C5CRJ49 11) Kirk CameronThe Way of the Master DVD Series, Living Waters 12) Rick Reillyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Ji77dolmA 13) Tyson Furyhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/04/tyson-fury-cocaine-live-anymore-boxing 14) Mark Driscollhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCmx2L-49Oc 15) Dolly PartonClose Up with Arthlene Rippy (January 2011) 16) Paul Walkerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf0qJanOnAM 17) John Hageehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYA5Ypak7Ko 18) Ben Steinhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ExpelledNoIntelligence_Allowed 19) Kenneth Copelandhttps://www.govictory.com/show/believers-voice-of-victory-daily/ 20) Chuck Norrishttps://www.wnd.com/2006/11/38960/ 21) Dennis Pragerhttps://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9904955-while-an-ever-increasing-number-of-people-consider-themselves-agnostic-the#:~:text=While%20an%20ever%2Dincreasing%20number%20of%20people%20consider%20themselves%20agnostic,atheist%2C%20belief%2Din%2Dgod 22) Frank Turekhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fd7bvruM8U 23) Ray Comforthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXLqDGL1FSgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-wanted--3195473/support.

Brokenheartedness is a reality because we live in a broken world, and every person carries unseen burdens. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that Scripture—not empty platitudes—offers true comfort. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and gives rest to those who turn to Him. The pain and trials believers face are meant to draw them closer to God and loosen their attachment to the world. While the world offers temporary distractions, Christ provides lasting hope. In Him alone can the believer find healing, purpose, and peace.The guys warn about the dangers that come with a broken heart, such as bitterness and self-pity. There is a time to mourn, but also a time to move forward, holding onto Christ's hand in faith. As ambassadors for Christ, believers are called to live in a way that reflects hope even in seasons of grief. When love leads to pain, they are reminded that Jesus Himself wept, showing that He cares deeply about human sorrow. God draws near to those who suffer, transforming their pain into something meaningful and purposeful. Mourning should also be for sin itself, leading believers to the cross where forgiveness and healing are found. Every person is a sinner, a sufferer, and a saint, and remembering this truth helps foster compassion for others who are dealing with brokenness without knowing the Savior.God never wastes sorrow. The guys discuss how suffering shapes believers, strengthens faith, and equips them to comfort others. When life brings us low, believers are reminded to look up and trust that God is working for their good. Oscar reflects on Christ's glorified body, which still bears the scars of the cross—now marks of redemption and glory. Similarly, the wounds believers carry on earth become part of their eternal testimony. Trials produce endurance, character, and empathy, enabling them to comfort others with the same comfort they have received from God. Joy is found not in circumstances but in knowing the promises of God, who is faithful and true.Through every season of heartbreak, believers are called to run to Christ, cry out in prayer, and anchor themselves in His Word. The Psalms exemplify a faith that seeks God while trusting in His goodness. Christians are also reminded not to isolate themselves, but to lean on the body of Christ for strength and encouragement. Within gospel community, believers find renewed hope and perspective. Finally, eternal-mindedness keeps our eyes fixed on heaven, where every wound and sorrow will be redeemed. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and in His presence, there is rest, healing, and everlasting peace.Send us a textThanks 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

Heartache touches every life, yet for believers, it becomes a place where God shapes the heart and strengthens faith. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that Scripture—not fleeting comforts or worldly distractions—offers lasting healing and peace in seasons of sorrow. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, using trials not to destroy but to draw His people closer to Himself. The guys warn against the dangers of bitterness and self-pity, encouraging believers instead to take Christ's hand, trust His goodness, and move forward in faith. They point out that Jesus Himself wept, showing that He understands human pain and cares deeply for those who suffer. Mourning should lead not only to comfort but also to repentance, bringing the heart back to the cross where forgiveness and renewal are found. Through prayer, gospel community, and an eternal perspective, believers can find hope even in the midst of hardship, knowing that God never wastes pain and that every trial serves a divine purpose.Send us a textThanks 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

Looking back at church history may not sound exciting to some, but it's vital to understanding how God has worked through time. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar reflect on the church as the story of believers, emphasizing that history reveals God's ongoing movement beyond the book of Acts. Though historians tell it in an exciting way, church history shows the evidence of faith lived out in different eras. Biographies of faithful men and women remind Christians of how the Lord worked through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, inspiring believers to live with the same devotion today.Oscar begins by discussing Paul's conversion, a pivotal moment in the spread of the gospel. The guys trace how the church grew organically from that point, not emerging centuries later as some assume. E.Z. focuses on the Council of Nicea, which addressed theological controversy and affirmed Christ's deity. While Constantine allowed Christianity to be practiced, he did not truly Christianize the empire. Oscar highlights Basil, credited as the father of the first hospital, whose compassion reflected the image of God in all people. His example shows that true faith always leads to action and care for others.The fall of Rome marks another turning point, when the church preserved art and literature but also took on roles it was never meant to hold. The guys note how pagan influences crept into traditions over time and stress that truth must come from Scripture alone. Ray points out that Acts remains the blueprint for the church, calling believers back to gospel proclamation and discipleship. The modern church, he warns, risks valuing entertainment over genuine transformation. The group agrees that true renewal comes from giving prominence to God's Word and from pursuing historical theology rather than trends or rituals.Finally, they explore the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther's stand against the Catholic Church, sparked by his 95 theses, ignited a call for revival rather than rebellion. Though the Catholic Church branded him a troublemaker, Luther sought to restore biblical truth through Scripture, faith, and grace alone. The Reformation was not about creating something new but recovering what had been lost. Reformers relied on Scripture and the writings of the early church fathers to return Christianity to its roots. Their courage paved the way for believers today to read God's Word freely and pursue authentic faith. Through these key moments, the guys remind listeners that understanding history deepens gratitude for the gospel and renews passion to live it out now.Send us a textThanks 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

The Western culture teaches us to live in the logic of our minds. However, here are ten pictures God uses in the Bible to tell us to live from the flow of the Holy Spirit within our hearts. Let's own the revelation of FLOW and live drinking from God's Fountain of Living Waters.Read more here.Support the show

What can the past teach believers about how God continues to move today? Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar walk through the story of the church, showing how each era reflects God's ongoing work beyond the book of Acts. From Paul's conversion to the Council of Nicea and the compassion of Basil, the guys highlight moments where faith inspired action and truth triumphed over compromise. They warn how the fall of Rome and the rise of worldly influence pushed the church toward roles it was never meant to hold, reminding believers that Scripture alone remains the foundation of truth. As they explore the Protestant Reformation, the guys point to Martin Luther's bold stand for Scripture, faith, and grace, which restored the heart of Christianity. Through these pivotal events, they encourage believers to see history as a reminder of God's faithfulness and a call to live out the gospel with renewed conviction today.Send us a textThanks 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

Today my friend Emeal “E.Z.” Zwayne from Living Waters joins me in the studio to talk about his powerful new book, Fight Like a Man. He shares his radical story—from gang life and near suicide to a life transformed by Christ—and we dive into what's eroding the strength of men today, how to reclaim integrity, and why this cultural moment demands courage. We also talk about how wives can support their husbands with truth and grace. This is a bold, hope-filled conversation you won't want to miss.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!BRAVE Books | heidibrave.comLifestone Ministries | Lifestoneministries.com/heidiEquipping The Persecuted Coffee | ETPcoffee.comShow mentions: http://heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @‌heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @‌heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Fan Mail Friday | heidistjohn.net/fanmailfriday

Mary welcomes Oscar Navarro of Living Waters Ministry to talk about winning for the right side, bringing the gospel and the message of the cross to whosoever might listen and be saved. Oscar is Vice President of Ministry Advancement and a host of Way of the Master TV program, now in its 11th year. In this installment of SUFTT, we chat about how he came to Christ, and what it means to work at Living Waters. We ask him about open air preaching, which is something that our human nature perhaps rubs against and yet moving forward despite our fears even when public speaking is involved is an important aspect of reaching everyday humans with the truth. What happens after that, well, we leave the results to God. Living Waters has been a blessing to so many for decades, and demonstrating how to share the gospel is as important of an aspect to what they do as it is actually sharing it because believers often need a little encouragement, inspiration and education on how best to do just that.   Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

The Bible did not appear by chance but was divinely orchestrated by God, whose wisdom ensured that His Word would stand as an indisputable authority through the ages. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how Scripture was formed, explaining that man did not grant the Bible's authority. Many believe the Bible was compiled centuries later by human decision, but in reality, its authority was immediate, and its recognition only confirmed what was already divine. Recognizing the Bible's authority is crucial because it affirms that it is free from error or contradiction, providing everything believers need for their walk with Christ. Unlike the constantly changing nature of science, the message of the Bible stays the same, bringing order where the world brings chaos.The Old Testament was confirmed with its three main divisions—the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings—by 132 BC. Josephus referenced twenty-two sacred books, and by 430 BC, around the time of Malachi, the Old Testament was considered complete. The Apocrypha was later added by the Catholic Church, but not as part of the confirmed canon. Although the original manuscripts no longer exist, Mark emphasizes how scribes took meticulous care in copying the texts, ensuring accuracy through precise measures. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls further demonstrated the reliability of Scripture, showing only minor differences that never changed the meaning.Jesus Himself affirmed the Old Testament, and the apostles understood that their own writings carried divine authority. Just as God made covenants in the Old Testament, Jesus established a new covenant, which required new writings. The apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, recorded teachings that matched Christ's promise to bring His words to mind. The detailed genealogies and honest portrayals of flawed heroes throughout scripture attest to the truthfulness of the writers' accounts. God's Word does not hide human failure but shows how He fulfills His perfect plan through imperfect people.The early church used clear and consistent standards to identify which writings belonged in Scripture. As authentic writings circulated among believers, false ones were naturally rejected. Scripture is described as God-breathed, meaning it comes from Him and has His authority. It is useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness, providing everything necessary for faith and life. The Bible remains a trustworthy revelation from the living God, divinely inspired and unchanging, guiding believers to the truth and grounding them in the gospel.Send us a textThanks 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

The Bible was not created by man but divinely orchestrated by God to stand as His unchanging Word through the ages. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explain that its authority was acknowledged, not granted, and that it has remained flawless and trustworthy from the start. They detail how the Old and New Testaments were affirmed, preserved, and confirmed through careful transmission and divine guidance, showing that even without the original manuscripts, God's Word has never lost its truth or power. The guys emphasize that Scripture was breathed out by God Himself, making it living and active, unlike anything written by human wisdom. They remind believers that the Bible exposes human weakness but reveals God's perfect plan, always pointing to Christ. The Bible endures as the inspired, accurate, and eternal Word of God—the ultimate authority and guide for every generation.Send us a textThanks 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

If you don't memorize Scripture, you won't be able to stand against the devil. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar each share how storing God's Word in their hearts transformed their faith and equipped them for spiritual battle. E.Z. didn't grow up with the Bible, and when he discovered it, he became captivated by its sweetness and power to guide his life. Oscar initially found the Bible confusing, but through memorization, he came to see it as the single, reliable source of wisdom. While God's law is written on our hearts and gives a general sense of right and wrong, conviction and clarity come when His Word is hidden within, ready to guide and correct in the moment.Memorizing Scripture allows truth to come to mind during temptation and conviction, shaping responses through godly wisdom rather than emotion. Without it, believers risk relying on the world instead of God's guidance. Sanctification is lifelong as the Spirit reveals sin, and as we grow, we become continual repenters, allowing Scripture to illuminate dark corners of the heart. The Word is living and active, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, providing strength and fruitfulness. Mark reflects that those who meditate on Scripture day and night are like trees planted by streams of water, deeply rooted and bearing fruit in every season.The Word equips believers as vessels of honor, ready for every good work. It is the sword of the Spirit—powerful only when known and applied. Believers are called to treasure scripture like hidden gold, rejoicing in its truth and prioritizing it above all else. Jesus upheld the authority of Scripture as the ultimate standard of truth that will judge the nations. Memorization fills minds with good things, yet it has become a lost discipline in the modern church. How valuable it would be to have Scripture ready to encourage a friend, for from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The more we store God's Word, the more we live by it.The early church eagerly gathered to hear Scripture read aloud, but today many settle for spiritual fast food instead of feasting on truth. Ray warns that the church often treats the Bible like a fragile artifact rather than a living guide meant to be used and marked. Jesus modeled memorization when He resisted Satan's temptations with truth. Memorizing Scripture takes time, but just minutes a day can transform your walk. Meditation means letting verses soak into the soul. Memorizing Scripture is coming face-to-face with God—shaping the heart and strengthening faith. The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.Send us a textThanks 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

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the readings for this week's Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica— including Ezekiel's eschatological vision of a temple and Jesus' cleansing of the Temple. This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology's Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program, where you can become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.Learn more at ai.edu/DMin-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 11:20Reading 1 - Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17Gospel - John 2:13-22 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Memorizing Scripture equips believers to stand firm against temptation and walk in God's truth. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar each demonstrate how storing God's Word in their hearts transformed their faith and helped them rely on divine wisdom instead of the world. As Scripture takes root, it brings conviction, clarity, and strength in moments of struggle, guiding believers to live according to God's will. The Word is living and active, a lamp to our feet that reveals sin and directs our steps. Through meditation, hearts are renewed and shaped toward godliness, producing lasting fruit. The more believers fill their minds with Scripture, the more it naturally flows in conversation, encouragement, and prayer. Though often neglected today, memorization fills the mind with truth, equips believers to encourage others, and builds a firm foundation of faith. Treasuring the Bible as a priceless gift keeps us close to God, guards us from sin, and draws us deeper into His presence.Send us a textThanks 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

Generosity encompasses time, energy, resources, and prayers, shaping how we live, serve, and influence the world around us. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that God is the ultimate standard of generosity and that everything we have comes from Him, from spiritual blessings to everyday provisions. The guys emphasize that giving is rooted in being fully satisfied in the Lord, recognizing that our most profound joy and fulfillment flow from His hand. When we hunger for Him, our time, talents, and treasures naturally become instruments to bless others, build community, and point people toward God's goodness.The guys explore generosity in daily life, encouraging believers to offer their skills, invest time in relationships, and give with grace and thoughtfulness. Giving is not limited to finances; it can mean lending possessions, offering gifts of service, mentoring the next generation, or using influence for the good of others. True generosity is sacrificial, not just a matter of convenience or abundance. It extends to sharing the gospel even in the face of rejection or persecution. The generous soul is made rich as it reflects God's heart, mirrors the ultimate gift of Christ giving His life for humanity, and points others to the joy of living under His provision.Generosity also shapes our finances, relationships, and daily choices. Money and resources amplify what is already in the heart, revealing whether we trust God or cling to security in material things. The guys explain that cheerful, sacrificial giving requires faith, humility, and awareness of the heart, going beyond money to include time, attention, and intentional priorities. Forgiveness is a vital expression of generosity, reflecting the gospel by offering mercy even without reconciliation or recognition. By esteeming others, freely giving of ourselves, and modeling grace, believers demonstrate the transforming power of Christ in both ordinary moments and extraordinary acts.The guys remind believers that generosity is central to the gospel and has historically distinguished Christians in the world. Early believers revolutionized society through radical giving, serving those who hated them, and standing apart through sacrificial love. Generosity continues to witness to both Christians and the unsaved, speaking volumes where words alone cannot reach. It is a freeing practice grounded in trust in the living God. True generosity flows from hearts devoted to Him, willing to give freely and abundantly because His love compels us to reflect His character in every aspect of life.Send us a textThanks 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

Generosity is not just about money but includes our time, talents, resources, and prayers, shaping how we live and serve. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that true giving comes from hearts that delight in the Lord and are rooted in His provision. When we realize that everything we have comes from God, generosity naturally becomes a way to show love, mercy, and trust. It goes beyond finances to investing in others, offering our gifts and skills, spending time in community, and sharing the gospel—even when it requires sacrifice or courage. Generosity also calls us to extend grace and forgiveness, reflecting the mercy we've received from God and breaking cycles of resentment and self-interest. By giving freely and sacrificially, we mirror God's character, bless those around us, and show the transformative power of Christ in everyday moments and extraordinary acts. True generosity points others to God, models grace, and reminds us that all we have belongs to Him, inviting believers to live as faithful stewards in every part of life and eagerly seek opportunities to bless others as God blesses them.Send us a textThanks 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

We live in a world obsessed with applause, where even our best intentions can quietly turn into performances for the eyes of others. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that the desire to be seen and celebrated is not a minor issue but a heart-level struggle rooted in idolatry. From the beginning, humanity has longed for affirmation apart from God, but Scripture teaches that proper approval comes only from Him. Until we become nothing in our own eyes, God cannot fully display His power through us. The temptation to seek the praise of men lurks in every heart, and even in ministry, it is easy to drift from pleasing God to performing for people.The guys reflect on how easily preaching can become a stage. When props replace Scripture or humor overshadows truth, the message risks becoming entertainment rather than exposition. While creativity, stories, and illustrations can be powerful tools, the heart behind them must be examined. If the goal is applause or attention, the focus has shifted from Christ to self. The battle against showmanship begins in prayer, as we ask God to cleanse our motives and align our hearts with His glory. A faithful preacher studies diligently, prepares with reverence, and views each sermon as an offering, a fragrant sacrifice before the Lord. The real question is whether God is pleased.Social media intensifies this struggle, conditioning us to equate value with likes, followers, and views. The guys urge believers to resist that mindset and to preach, teach, and evangelize, regardless of whether anyone sees it or not. Faithful ministry is rooted in love, love that does not seek its own recognition but points all glory back to God. Congregations also play a role; encouragement is a blessing when it magnifies Christ rather than elevates the preacher. Pride constantly waits to creep in, but humility keeps the heart centered on the truth that apart from God, we can do nothing. All wisdom, insight, and power belong to Him alone.The world, seen clearly in Hollywood, thrives on the praise of man, but followers of Jesus are called to live for a higher audience. Every believer must ask what their motive truly is. Freedom from approval-seeking flows from the cross, where God has already accepted us through Christ's sacrifice. In that security, we serve from devotion rather than desperation. A life of continual communion with the Lord, anchored in prayer and His Word, shifts our focus from applause to obedience. In the end, faithfulness is not measured by claps or comments but by love, humility, and a heart that seeks only the glory of God.Send us a textThanks 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

We live in a culture that constantly craves applause, where even sincere acts of faith can quietly become performances aimed at earning approval. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that this desire for recognition is deeply rooted in idolatry and must be surrendered to God. The guys encourage Christians to examine their motives, especially in ministry, and to serve out of love rather than a desire for recognition. Preaching should be centered on God's Word, not on entertainment or showmanship. While humor and illustrations can be helpful, they should never distract from the truth or shift the focus away from Christ. The rise of social media exacerbates this struggle, training hearts to equate value with attention; yet, the call of the gospel is to live for God's glory alone. True freedom comes through the cross, where believers are already entirely accepted by God. Rooted in that security, we can walk humbly, pray continually, and serve faithfully, knowing that obedience and love—not applause—are the marks of a life that pleases Him.Send us a textThanks 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

Atheism is often pointed out as a religion, and in many ways, the obsession with health and wellness has become its own secular form of legalism. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind listeners that while bodily exercise is valuable, it can easily become idolatry if it replaces worship of the Lord. Gluttony has long been a silent sin, rarely addressed in churches, yet food can just as easily become an idol as the pursuit of beauty or fitness. The guys emphasize the need for balance: a pastor should not be marked by obvious gluttony, but at the same time, believers must avoid falling into the opposite extremes. Humans are wired to worship—so the question is, what or who are you worshiping?There is nothing wrong with caring for the body, but when the motive is self-glorification rather than glorifying God, the line has been crossed. Historically, Christians have been known for fasting, generosity, and blessing others, rather than being consumed by self-care. When self-care becomes an idol, it often reveals a fear of death and a desire to earn immortality. The truth is that the outer man is wasting away, and eternal life is found only in Christ. Motivation determines whether health is pursued as an idol or as stewardship of the temple of the Holy Spirit. Oscar shares that he lifts weights to maintain strength and longevity, aiming to serve God and his family well as he ages. E.Z. adds that part of his drive is to avoid becoming a burden to his children and to maximize his impact for the Lord.The wellness industry has grown worldwide, but combining wellness practices with paganism introduces another possible danger. Practices like meditation or yoga often promise salvation through Eastern philosophies, but they are just another form of legalism that cannot defeat death. Eternal youth is a false hope; eternal glory in Christ is the true answer. Believers should desire to live fully until they die, striving to honor God with their bodies.The guys emphasize the practical benefits of activity, pointing out that humans were not made for a sedentary life in front of screens. Exercising strengthens both body and mind, and tackling tough challenges builds confidence and resilience. At the same time, they warn against being judgmental toward others who practice moderation. Rest, too, is part of God's design, and the Sabbath reminds believers that they are not machines defined solely by their productivity. Ultimately, the message is simple: avoid gluttony and laziness, reject the idolization of beauty, view health as stewardship, and above all, love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.Send us a textThanks 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

Health and wellness can be beneficial, but they often cross into idolatry when they become focused on self-glorification, fear of death, or cultural standards of beauty. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how Christians can navigate this tension, emphasizing that while caring for the body is important, it should never replace worship of the Lord. The guys point out that gluttony has long been overlooked in the church, yet food can become just as much of an idol as the pursuit of beauty or fitness. They also highlight the dangers of chasing eternal youth through the wellness industry or mixing health practices with pagan philosophies that promise salvation apart from Christ. At the same time, they affirm the value of exercise, rest, and discipline when pursued as stewardship of the body and a way to serve God and others. Ultimately, the guys encourage believers to examine their motives, avoid extremes, and treat their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit rather than idols, seeking to glorify God in all things.Send us a textThanks 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