The Living Waters Podcast

• Ep. 342 - What Does the Bible Say About the Death Penalty?

  Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss the controversial topic of capital punishment, highlighting its complexity and the wide spectrum of beliefs among Christians. While some believers stand firmly for the death penalty, others oppose it with equal conviction. Christians are called to seek biblical truth with humility, not pride, even in secondary issues where disagreement is allowed. Jesus often responded to difficult questions with another question, inviting deeper thought rather than debate. Ray supports the death penalty in principle but recognizes the flaws in the justice system, pointing out how false witnesses in Scripture and in history have led to unjust executions. The guys agree that capital punishment must be handled with care, remembering that each life involved—perpetrator or victim—bears the image of God.Genesis 9:6 and Romans 13:1-4 are cited as the strongest scriptural support for the death penalty, with God affirming the sanctity of life by requiring justice for the shedding of innocent blood. E.Z. emphasizes that those in authority are placed by God, whether as a blessing or judgment, and voters must be mindful of this truth. Still, the group stresses that decisions involving life and death should never be made flippantly. Oscar approaches the issue with humility, offering three lenses of hesitation: spiritual, philosophical, and practical. He references Augustine’s concern that executing someone may mar the image of God, though Augustine wasn’t completely opposed to it. Yet others in the group argue that removing someone who claims lives is actually honoring life and protecting society.The guys discuss the tension between grace and justice. Some argue capital punishment is mercy to the victims and society, preventing re-offense. Others say prolonging life on death row offers more time for repentance. This tension surfaces often: should mercy delay justice, or should justice be swift for the sake of the victims? There’s also the question of honoring the victim’s dignity and preventing additional harm to their families.Throughout, the group warns against personal retribution, reminding listeners that Scripture differentiates between personal responsibility and the role of government. They caution against cherry-picking verses and advocate for reading Scripture in context, letting Scripture interpret Scripture. True wisdom is found in seeking the Lord, studying His Word, and engaging in fellowship. While opinions may vary, the guys agree on one thing: may the Lord help us think deeply and biblically, with both compassion and conviction.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

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• False Accusations. Innocent Death Penalties. Divided Beliefs. - Highlight Episode 342

  The conversation explores the complex and often divisive issue of capital punishment from a biblical perspective. The guys acknowledge the spectrum of Christian views, noting that while some support the death penalty as a form of justice, others question its place in a flawed system. Scripture like Genesis 9:6 and Romans 13:1–4 is examined, with emphasis on honoring the image of God in every person. They weigh the balance of justice and mercy, discussing the importance of accountability while also considering the value of repentance and the potential for redemption. Ultimately, the conversation encourages Christians to approach this issue with humility, careful study of Scripture, and grace for those who land on different conclusions.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

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• Ep. 341 - How to Protect Your Kids From a Wicked World

  Chad Williams joins Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar to discuss how to protect children in an increasingly wicked world. The conversation begins with Chad’s powerful testimony. Though Chad completed Navy SEAL training, he was struck with a deep emptiness. Becoming a SEAL had been his life’s goal, but achieving it left him hollow. He realized no earthly accomplishment could satisfy the soul. It was through confrontation with Scripture that he began to understand the depth of human pride and sin. Only Christ can take away sin and cover His people with grace and mercy.Chad shares how, from the moment of his salvation, he was a changed man. He immediately began proclaiming the gospel and eventually crossed paths with Ray, who encouraged him to try open air preaching. That initial step was difficult, but it launched Chad into a bold and public faith. The guys talk about a clip of Chad engaging a skeptic with clarity and conviction. Mark recalls a humorous but intense moment when someone tried to steal Chad’s ID during a preaching event—only for Chad to chase the man down and recover it. Chad's faith would soon lead him into another kind of battlefield: local politics.Now a city councilman in Huntington Beach, Chad stepped into office after seeing how far the culture had shifted. Once elected, Chad focused on defending the defenseless, particularly children. He and the council took action after discovering sexually explicit books in the children’s section of the library. In response, they made plans to form a review board made up of community members to flag and relocate inappropriate materials; however, this initiative sparked backlash, with critics labeling it censorship and a book ban. One deeply disturbing organization sued the council over the committee’s formation.This legal battle has reached a critical point. On June 10, there will be a vote on whether to preserve or dissolve the committee. The opposition is determined to shut down any effort that brings community accountability to public content. The guys along with Chad emphasize that this is not just a local issue—it is a spiritual battle with eternal stakes. If parents are not discipling their children, the world will. He reminds believers that discipleship is lived out daily. If sin isn’t named, it will be renamed and rebranded as progress. He urges listeners to pray, support, vote, give, and reach out to those in Huntington Beach. The time to act is now. Children are watching, and their future depends on how boldly this generation stands.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

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• Ep. 340 - What is Christ Consciousness?

  Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into the rise of Christ consciousness, a concept gaining popularity in New Age circles and even surfacing in some evangelical conversations. This belief system claims that Jesus realized the Christ, expressed it, but was not the same as Christ Himself. Christ, in this view, is seen as a universal state of enlightenment or highest being—a form of Christian consciousness or self-realization accessible to anyone regardless of faith tradition. It’s a rebranded version of Eastern mysticism, offering spiritual bliss and inner godhood. The guys warn that while it may sound spiritual, it denies the heart of the gospel.Christ consciousness redefines salvation as simply overcoming the illusion of separation from God, ignoring the reality of sin. But scripture presents sin as true rebellion against a holy and personal God. The gospel is about God stepping into time to rescue a lost people. Imago Dei speaks of our value and purpose, but the call is not to find ourselves—it is to lose ourselves and be found in Christ. The idea that Jesus is just an example overlooks His role as the only mediator between God and humanity. If He did not physically rise from the dead, then the Christian faith has no foundation.The guys emphasize the deceptive nature of Christ consciousness. Forgiveness is redefined as a vague awakening, the crucifixion becomes symbolic, and resurrection is reduced to ego transcendence. Yet without the resurrection, there is no power. Christianity, by contrast, is about God reaching down to save. Ray and E.Z. share personal stories of witnessing to those caught in New Age thought. These individuals often long for spiritual healing, but have been misled. The guys encourage believers to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with gentleness and respect. Remembering that we too were once lost, Christians are called to love people practically and persistently. Finding common ground can open doors to share the truth of the gospel. People searching for Christ consciousness are often longing for something real—something only Jesus can provide.The fullness of God dwells in Christ alone. New Age teaching fails to address sin, and no level of enlightenment can wash it away. Moral living may keep someone out of jail, but only the blood of Christ can rescue from judgment. The guys urge believers to stay grounded in scripture, recognize false teachings quickly, and never lose sight of the gospel. Any Christ that is not the incarnate Son of God is a counterfeit. Live in true awareness—not of yourself, but of 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 [email protected]. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

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• The Snake Oil of New Age Beliefs. Receiving a Different Gospel - Highlight Episode 340

  Christ consciousness is a growing New Age belief that presents Christ as a universal state of enlightenment rather than the incarnate Son of God. It redefines salvation as merely overcoming the illusion of separation from God, dismisses the reality of sin, and turns the crucifixion and resurrection into symbolic metaphors. This belief system offers self-realization and inner divinity, but it ultimately denies the power of the gospel and the need for a Savior. The guys point out that while it may sound spiritual and even appealing, it leads people away from the truth of scripture. They encourage believers to stay rooted in God’s Word, approach conversations with grace and clarity, and remember that those drawn to these teachings are often searching for real hope—something only Jesus can provide.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

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