The Living Waters Podcast

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

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 [email protected]. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro