The Living Waters Podcast

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar open the discussion by defining what sin is. Sin is rebellion against God's wisdom, often cloaked in deception and constantly evolving. It's the belief that we know better than God, though God's omniscience reigns supreme. Recognizing sin's deceptive allure is imperative; it lurks, patiently waiting like a lion crouching before pouncing, instilling a...

The church often finds itself grappling with the challenge of discerning true believers among a sea of professed believers. Like Adam in the garden, the prodigal son didn’t realize what he had until he was sitting in the pigsty. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar focus on two types of prodigals: those who have strayed yet remain under the umbrella of salvation, and those who have yet to find redemption. C...

Emotional pain parallels physical suffering and requires compassion from Christians. The guys discuss how through faith, we find resilience and healing, embracing gratitude while trusting in God's provision and presence amid life's trials. Emotional pain often goes unnoticed, yet its impact can rival that of physical suffering. While a gaping wound elicits immediate attention, the wounds...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar start in Luke 16, where Judas is described as a traitor. Despite witnessing the miracles performed by Christ and being among the privileged twelve disciples, Judas remained blind to Jesus' true identity and significance. His lack of genuine love and understanding is evident in his complaint about the expensive oil poured on Jesus' feet—an act motivated not by c...

Nehemiah played a pivotal role in the restoration of Jerusalem's walls. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into Nehemiah’s story when Nehemiah, a trusted cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, receives distressing news about the state of Jerusalem. His immediate reaction was to mourn deeply. In a world often characterized by apathy or complaining, Nehemiah's response stands out as a mode...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are diving into the nuanced topic of slavery in the Bible. Atheists like to point fingers at this and claim that the Bible supports slavery. While contemporary perceptions of slavery evoke images of the brutal Atlantic slave trade, the biblical context offers a different understanding.  In biblical times, slavery predominantly referred to a form of indentured servitude ...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how King Josiah stands as a stark contrast to King Solomon, offering a refreshing narrative of rediscovery and adherence to the law of the Lord. Amidst a lineage tainted by corrupt rulers, Josiah's reign showcases the redeeming power of God over legacies steeped in sin.  Josiah's ascent to kingship at a young age underscores the vital role of discipline...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss lessons from the life of this famous Old Testament king. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne and ruled over Israel for a prosperous 40-year reign. His legacy is marked by a duality of wisdom and tragedy. Amidst his achievements, Solomon's life serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the perils of succumbing to worldly desires an...

Hypocrisy creates a disparity between professed beliefs and actual conduct. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into this topic and encourage listeners in ways to avoid hypocrisy in their lives. Ray shares how his evangelistic fervor is fueled by a genuine desire to adhere to the standards set forth by God for Christians to share the gospel boldly and authentically. Yet hypocrisy remains a persistent...

Joshua, whose name translates to "Jehovah is his help," emerges as a central figure in the Exodus narrative, embodying courage, faith, and obedience amidst adversity. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar take a deep dive into the life of Joshua, highlighting lessons for every believer. Initially introduced during the battle against the Amalekites, Joshua's significance grows as he becomes ins...

In the account of Jesus walking on water, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar unravel lessons about prayer, faith, and the sovereignty of God. Jesus' solitary prayer on the mountain precedes this miraculous event, illustrating the role of prayer in the life of a believer. As Jesus found solace and communion with God through prayer, Christians are reminded of the necessity of cultivating a deep, conver...

Ray, E.Z., and Mark, alongside Vicki and Mike Zoradi, discuss Vicki’s incredible testimony. Vicki's 60th birthday celebration took an unexpected turn when she was struck by a kidney stone, unknowingly setting off a chain of events that would test her faith. What began as back pain gradually escalated into a life-threatening condition as Vicki slipped into septic shock, her organs failing one...

In John 4, an encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman unfolds at a well, offering profound insights into Jesus' character and the boundless nature of God's love. Against the backdrop of cultural tension between Samaritans and Jews, Jesus' decision to travel through Samaria defies societal norms, highlighting his intentional outreach to marginalized communities. The woman'...

Ray, E.Z., and Mark tackle a pivotal account in the New Testament, the conversion of Cornelius. The Jews had an arrogance regarding Gentiles which is seen in John 4 with the woman at the well. Through the example of Cornelius, God is confirming for us that the gospel is for everyone, not just the Jews. In Acts 10:1-8, we encounter Cornelius, a Gentile influenced by Judaism. His interaction with Je...

While self-help books may offer valuable practical tools and insights, their underlying worldviews can be fundamentally at odds with Christian beliefs. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how these resources promote the idea that individuals are the heroes of their own stories, emphasizing self-improvement and personal achievement. However, the Christian gospel presents a different narrative, under...

In his lifetime, the apostle Paul likely reached thousands of people. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how in today’s age, one video can come across the screens of millions of people. Imagine how many people Paul could have reached if he had been able to access the internet. Digital evangelism can take many forms: posting Bible passages on Facebook, uploading YouTube videos, or posting a podcast...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar approach the question of if it is right for Christians to attend a wedding when the union is not between one man and one woman. It is pointed out that any marriage that falls outside of what is outlined in the Bible is merely a celebration, not a true wedding. The argument centers on the sacredness of marriage being a union established by God between one man and one woma...

In this episode, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into understanding God's patience. Man’s capacity to grasp the fullness of God’s patience remains limited, especially when contemplating our sins in the context of a holy God. The guys discuss the Book of Judges and how it illustrates God's enduring patience, despite the people doing what pleased themselves. God's patience is boundles...

In exploring the distinct characteristics of God, theologians often define “grace” as receiving what one doesn't deserve, and “mercy” as not receiving what one does deserve. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind listeners that every breath is an unearned mercy, reinforcing the concept that grace is not guaranteed. Christians should be careful not to abuse God's mercy, as sinning because of m...

In a world hungering for kindness, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss Proverbs 31:26, highlighting kindness as a guiding principle for every Christian. The passage asserts that embracing the law of kindness is indispensable on the journey of faith, emphasizing that love, in its truest form, becomes action through loving-kindness. Turning to Jeremiah 9:23-24, the guys shift to God's multifacet...

In their contemplation of living within a litigious society, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar recount strange lawsuits that underscore the prevailing culture of litigation. Instances like a woman suing over repossessed gas and an individual suing himself for perceived religious rights violations highlight the extremes to which litigation has escalated. Yet, amidst these anecdotes, the group turns to scr...

The Sabbath, a topic often fraught with division among different Christian denominations, is deeply examined by Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar in this enlightening dialogue. At its core lies the Sabbath's anchoring within the Ten Commandments, suggesting a divine imperative for humanity to partake in rest. Notably, the absence of the customary evening and morning language on the seventh day of cr...

As devoted Christians, our core calling is to embody the role of peacemakers, actively cultivating harmony in relationships and advocating for reconciliation between individuals and with God. Today, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss life’s inevitable challenges that attempt to disrupt our peace, but remind listeners it is within our connection with the Lord that we discover a lasting and transcen...

In today’s episode, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are joined by Ken Ham, founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis (AIG), the Creation Museum, and the Ark Encounter. Accompanying him is Joe Boone, the president of AIG. The conversation delves into the rich history of AIG, a ministry devoted to biblical authority, the gospel, and upholding the authority of God’s Word. This ministry emphasizes the importan...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar conclude their eight-episode series, “What Is the Gospel?” with today’s discussion on God’s glory. The glory of God, much like the beauty of His holiness, is challenging to define. The guys kick off the discussion by examining how the glory of God is the manifestation of His infinite perfection through His works and attributes. The world itself was created with the prima...