The Living Waters Podcast

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian, is remembered as being deeply devoted to Christ. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk of Bonhoeffer’s life as being marked by bravery and love for God, making him an inspiring example for Christians wrestling with difficult moral questions. Bonhoeffer, born in 1906, was a key figure in the resistance against Nazism in Germany and ultimately sacrificed his life for his faith and involvement in resistance efforts.With Hitler’s influence in Germany growing to include the church, Bonhoeffer refused to align with the Riech’s beliefs. His courage was evident as he actively spread the message of resistance across Europe. Although a self-proclaimed pacifist, Bonhoeffer's conviction was tested with his involvement in resisting the Nazis. This moral conflict illustrates that some situations demanded extraordinary measures. He was eventually imprisoned and executed, but even in his death, Bonhoeffer exhibited a profound peace, knowing he had laid down his life for Christ.The discussion around Bonhoeffer extends to the ethical dilemmas Christians face. Two-thirds of German Christians initially supported Hitler, swayed by his promises to the church. Bonhoeffer, however, warned against nationalism and argued that Christians could not serve both the nation and Christ. His stance was unpopular, but he held firm, believing that truth is non-negotiable. For Bonhoeffer, consequences were irrelevant if they meant compromising his commitment to the Lord. He argued that love for Christ cannot remain silent in the face of tyranny.In discussing how to handle difficult moral situations, the conversation turns to God's sovereignty. Christians may face yes-or-no questions, but they must discern the deeper implications of their actions. Should one lie to save a life, for example? The guys talk about how lying is sinful, and argue that deception can glorify God if it protects the innocent, as seen in Rahab’s story. The guys offer various perspectives on this topic.The Bible doesn't provide easy answers to every situation, but it gives believers the guidance they need. Bonhoeffer's life shows that obedience to God often requires standing against the norms of society. Christians must find conviction, pray for guidance, and take action, trusting God with the consequences. Like Bonhoeffer, they are called to stand for truth, love the oppressed, and live without compromise. God’s sovereignty means Christians can trust Him even in the most difficult moral dilemmas, knowing that Christ is at the center of it all.Send us a text Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at [email protected]. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

The LGBTQ community has changed from something that was rarely seen to now something that is seen almost daily. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar jump into this topic by encouraging believers to not be scared to address sensitive topics with their kids. Be proactive. Kids are exposed to these issues as early as kindergarten, so it’s crucial to teach them before the world does. Tailor the conversation to their age, and frame it in light of scripture. Ray recalls when these topics weren’t an issue, sharing an experience of someone confused about their identity finding salvation. He emphasizes that repentance means turning over a new leaf.Teaching kids about these sensitive matters while fostering compassion is vital. Silence allows the world’s lies to take root, leading kids to believe sexuality is shameful or that God doesn’t care about their LGBTQ friends. The guys encourage Christians to avoid an us vs. them mentality, which can imply shame. All non-Christians are trapped in ideologies that promise freedom but deliver bondage, and LGBTQ neighbors need salvation too. The goal is to remind kids of the hope of the gospel and that we are all image bearers of God.The issue of whether or not to send your children to public school or homeschool comes down to conviction. Your children may have a strong relationship with the Lord if they go to public school, but E.Z. suggests evaluating whether they can withstand worldly pressures. Radical discipleship is necessary in any case, including daily devotions and biblically sound content. The guys suggest using any encounters with unbiblical ideas as teaching moments without reacting in shock, instead gently probing your children’s hearts.In this conversation, the guys address how Christian kids should be taught to interact with LGBTQ individuals. Teach your kids about God’s existence and accountability, instilling a healthy fear of the Lord. Emphasize that God is reconciling the world to Himself through grace. Remind kids they are created in the image of God, and His design leads to joy. Train kids to speak the truth in love. Focus on God’s commandments rather than individual sins.For non-Christians who wonder why believers are against someone living their life the way they want to, know that God isn’t withholding joy but offering greater joy beyond mere desires. All people were designed with purpose, meaning, and value. Don’t settle for less when God offers fullness of life in Christ. Parents must lead these conversations with their children, helping them see both the ugliness of sin and the beauty of God’s design.Send us a text Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at [email protected]. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Many say they need to find themselves, but what does that mean? Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about how when we look within ourselves for meaning, we walk away disheartened. The truth is, we find ourselves by losing ourselves in Christ. Believers don’t need to find themselves; they need to forget themselves. When we keep our eyes on the Lord, the opinions of others won’t bother us. Only when we realize that Jesus is all we have do we understand He’s all we need.What we think about ourselves dictates our entire lives. Historically, people found identity through those around them, but when society decays, this can fail. The world tells people to look, but our hearts make terrible gods. What happens when an entire generation looks inside and sees hypocrisy, lies, and brokenness? The gospel teaches Christians to look to the Lord for our identity. Before Ray was saved, he felt an inner cry that only Christ could answer. In Him, we find truth, and the truth sets us free. The call isn’t to discover ourselves, but to deny ourselves for God’s glory. Many people don’t know why they’re alive—that’s the horror of a life without God. We must return to the God who made our souls.The world tells us to love ourselves, but Scripture says to love our neighbors as ourselves because self-love comes naturally. Today’s culture sets us up as gods. This is why so many people, including celebrities, end up lost and lonely. Only when we understand what Jesus did and who He is can we find peace. The guys talk about a believer’s biblical identity as sons and daughters of the living God. We don’t need to find our identity—it was given to us in salvation. When our eyes are on the Lord, everything else falls into place. Even in uncertainty, we don’t question God’s love. The Lord is our foundation and salvation, and it is well with our souls. To be loved by God as His child is to be adopted into His family. As believers, our identity is found in being God’s prized possession. His love for us is deeper than any human love. Out of all creation, His adopted children are His favorite. We are His inheritance. When we possess the greatest treasure, nothing else matters. We’ve been touched by the living God, and we don’t need to search for meaning—we are His children. When the world comes against us, God defends us. Our worth is found in Him alone. Look to the cross, and you will never lose sight of His love. There's no greater cure for your soul than being consumed by the Lord.Send us a text Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at [email protected]. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

The American dream, often defined as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, has increasingly become intertwined with the pursuit of money and success. Many politicians refer to this idea, yet it doesn’t reflect the reality for much of the world, where many are just trying to survive. While it’s not wrong to be financially well off, the American dream often replaces God’s kingdom with idols. Success can become an idol competing with God’s rightful place in our lives. Our hearts are prone to idolatry, constantly producing desires that compete with God. The Christian life is like climbing an ice mountain, striving to glorify God in all things, while the world tempts us to fall back into its traps.Success often ties a person to the world, but this world is fading. Contentment, however, is the key to true enjoyment of life. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." We entered this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing. Be content with the things of God, for the pursuit of worldly satisfaction will never fulfill. The American dream has shifted over time, from preparing for eternity, to building strong families, to now chasing self-fulfillment and consumerism. But satisfaction is never found in accumulating more things; the world is designed to make us want more, but true contentment only comes from God.This drive for success is ultimately empty. Discontentment is often rooted in covetousness, but we can find peace in knowing that God will never leave us. Our identity is found in Christ, and we must remember to decrease so He may increase. Though Jesus was rich, He became poor for our sake, and He is the ultimate treasure. We gain everything in knowing Christ, and we must invest our hearts and lives in God’s kingdom.True success is being consumed by the living God. If we devoted ourselves to prayer, meditation on God’s Word, and a deep relationship with Him, we would be transformed. Wealth alone doesn’t make a person carnal, but worldly success without God is ultimately meaningless. Whether you work in ministry or in a secular job, your work is sacred when done for the Lord. Invest your time, witness to others, make and save money, but also give generously. It’s not about us but about Christ’s work on the cross. Godliness with contentment is of great value. As Christians, we must live with an eternal mindset, pursuing Christ above all. No greater joy will be found than in being consumed with Christ, and He will care for you as you seek Him. Focus your week on glorifying the Lord in all that you do.Send us a text Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at [email protected]. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro