The Living Waters Podcast

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into the importance of doctrine in the Christian life, challenging the idea that doctrine is cold or unnecessary. They emphasize that doctrine isn’t exclusive to Christianity—everyone has a belief system, even atheists. As soon as you begin to answer questions about who Jesus is, you’re entering doctrinal territory. Christians are called to meditate on the Word of God because without sound doctrine, it's easy to believe a lie. The guys talk about how many believers avoid doctrine due to a misunderstanding of the gospel. When you understand the gospel as adoption into God’s family, gratitude drives you to know your Savior more.  There’s no divide between deep love for God and sound theology. Doctrine is rooted in theology, which is the knowledge of God—and you can’t love someone you don’t know. Each truth learned about God is another reason to love Him. Mark reminds us that good doctrine leads to doxology—right worship. The way you live spiritually and physically will catch up with you, and without sound doctrine, decisions lack a foundation. Discernment is knowing the difference between right and almost right, which can be the difference between truth and deception. As Ray mentions, a sign of the end times is people turning from sound doctrine to what suits their desires, following prosperity preachers who don’t teach the true gospel. Church history also reminds us of the weight of doctrine—people have died for it. While unity is important, the truth should never be sacrificed. Unsound doctrine often stems from a lack of seriousness about sin. The guys discuss how peace should be pursued where possible, but not at the expense of truth. Essential doctrines—like the authority of Scripture, the nature of God, the Trinity, the person and work of Jesus, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the church, and Christ’s return—are non-negotiable. Secondary issues, though important, are not hills to die on. The group also warns against extremes—those who read only the Bible and reject all theological resources, and those who rely solely on commentaries without reading Scripture. Doctrine should be both understood and lived out. Truths like the doctrine of creation remind us we are made in God’s image, and eschatology offers comfort in a chaotic world. When confronting false doctrine, we must do so with humility, remembering Philippians 2 and esteeming others higher than ourselves. Doctrine isn’t just information—it’s transformation, guiding how we live, worship, and walk with Christ daily. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1853108/open_sms] 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 [https://www.livingwaters.com/] to learn more and to access helpful resources! You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com [https://biblicalcounseling.com/]. Check out The Evidence Study Bible [http://store.livingwaters.com/books/evidence-study-bible.html] and the Basic Training Course [https://livingwaters.com/store/video/basic-training-course/]. You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com [podcast@livingwaters.com]. We're thankful for your input! Learn more about the hosts of this podcast. Ray Comfort [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/ray-comfort/] Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/emeal-zwayne/] Mark Spence [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/mark-spence/] Oscar Navarro [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/oscar-navarro/]

Doctrine is foundational to the Christian life, not something to be feared or avoided. Everyone lives by doctrine, whether they recognize it or not—even nonbelievers. As soon as we start talking about who Jesus is, we enter doctrinal territory. The guys explore how many Christians shy away from doctrine due to a shallow view of the gospel or a desire for comfort over truth. But doctrine, rooted in theology, is how we know and love God more deeply. It shapes how we live, worship, and make decisions. The guys also stress the importance of discernment, the danger of false teaching, and the need for balance—neither rejecting helpful theological resources nor replacing Scripture with them. They remind us that sound doctrine leads to transformation, and it must be handled with humility, love, and a deep desire to reflect Christ well. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1853108/open_sms] 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 [https://www.livingwaters.com/] to learn more and to access helpful resources! You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com [https://biblicalcounseling.com/]. Check out The Evidence Study Bible [http://store.livingwaters.com/books/evidence-study-bible.html] and the Basic Training Course [https://livingwaters.com/store/video/basic-training-course/]. You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com [podcast@livingwaters.com]. We're thankful for your input! Learn more about the hosts of this podcast. Ray Comfort [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/ray-comfort/] Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/emeal-zwayne/] Mark Spence [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/mark-spence/] Oscar Navarro [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/oscar-navarro/]

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into the topic of eternal security, offering an overview of how different traditions interpret the idea of being saved. They discuss how the Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation begins with baptism and must be maintained through participation in the sacraments. The Armenian view leans toward a conditional salvation. The guys touch on an antinomian view which claims once saved, always saved. This interpretation disconnects salvation from the transforming power of the gospel. In contrast, the reformed position teaches that salvation is entirely the work of God. If someone is genuinely saved, they will not turn back. Once the distinction between true and false conversions becomes clear, the parables take on new meaning. Those who fall away were never truly saved. Matthew 7 reinforces this, pointing out that some who thought they knew the Lord never actually belonged to Him—He never knew them. Christ saves to the very end, and the perseverance of the saints is a comfort that reminds us we are kept for Jesus, His treasured possession. If we could lose our salvation, we would, but we are not strong enough to fall out of God's grip. Christians need to base their beliefs on scripture, not feelings. John 10 reminds us that no one can snatch God’s children out of His hand. Many believers are stuck in spiritual immaturity because they live in fear. The answer is to look to the cross and what the Lord has done. Even churches with good doctrine sometimes default to spiritual moralism. The gospel must be preached clearly and consistently so that believers can find confidence in the security of their salvation. For the believer who is struggling, eternal security is not an excuse for laziness but a safety net. It frees you to live in gratitude, knowing that your salvation is not based on performance. Ray explains that God gives a new heart and new desires—He causes His people to walk in obedience. The guys discuss how even when we sin, Jesus is our advocate. A true believer grieves over sin and desires to obey. We belong to God and we always will. Philippians 1 says that God will complete the work He began. Salvation is His from beginning to end. When people walk away from the faith, they were never truly part of it. A healthy tree naturally produces fruit—it doesn’t have to strain. Hebrews 6 is not about true believers falling away, but about those who tasted truth and still turned away. If you hate your sin and long for righteousness, you are in the process of sanctification. He who calls you is faithful—He will hold you. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1853108/open_sms] 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 [https://www.livingwaters.com/] to learn more and to access helpful resources! You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com [https://biblicalcounseling.com/]. Check out The Evidence Study Bible [http://store.livingwaters.com/books/evidence-study-bible.html] and the Basic Training Course [https://livingwaters.com/store/video/basic-training-course/]. You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com [podcast@livingwaters.com]. We're thankful for your input! Learn more about the hosts of this podcast. Ray Comfort [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/ray-comfort/] Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/emeal-zwayne/] Mark Spence [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/mark-spence/] Oscar Navarro [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/oscar-navarro/]

Eternal security means that those who are truly saved will persevere to the end because their salvation is the work of God from start to finish. It’s not about our strength or performance, but about God’s faithfulness. The guys emphasize that fear of losing salvation often stems from focusing too much on ourselves rather than the finished work of Christ. They explain that a true believer will show signs of transformation—a changed heart, godly desires, and grief over sin. Even when we fall short, Jesus is our advocate. If someone walks away from the faith, they were never truly part of it. God will complete the work He began, and nothing can snatch His children from His hand. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1853108/open_sms] 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 [https://www.livingwaters.com/] to learn more and to access helpful resources! You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com [https://biblicalcounseling.com/]. Check out The Evidence Study Bible [http://store.livingwaters.com/books/evidence-study-bible.html] and the Basic Training Course [https://livingwaters.com/store/video/basic-training-course/]. You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com [podcast@livingwaters.com]. We're thankful for your input! Learn more about the hosts of this podcast. Ray Comfort [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/ray-comfort/] Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/emeal-zwayne/] Mark Spence [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/mark-spence/] Oscar Navarro [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/oscar-navarro/]

Temptation is as constant and real as gravity—a daily battle that every believer faces. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind Christians that they are never alone in this struggle, and the enemy wants them to believe otherwise. Isolation is one of Satan’s strongest tools, but God calls believers to live in the light and walk in community. When one believer confesses a struggle, another can offer encouragement, reminding them that being tempted is part of the Christian journey. A fear of the Lord becomes a shield against compromise. Every time Jesus was tempted, He responded with Scripture. In the same way, when believers store the Word in their hearts, the Holy Spirit brings it to mind at crucial moments, arming them with truth that weakens the power of temptation. Prayer is to be ongoing. Even Elijah, who shared the same human nature, prayed earnestly and witnessed the power of God. The model of praying to be delivered from temptation and evil is not optional—it is essential. Spiritual discipline plays a critical role in a believer’s strength. Fasting, once a common practice in the early church, has been overlooked by many today. In avoiding legalism, many have also rejected discipline, but Scripture teaches that while salvation is a gift of grace, Christians are created for good works. Discipline, when motivated by love for God, helps conform believers to the image of Christ. Resisting temptation is not about earning favor, but about growing in Christlikeness. God has predestined His people to be conformed to His Son, and resistance is a part of that transformation. Humility is key—recognizing that apart from God, nothing is deserved but judgment. Gratitude flows from this awareness. The best way to flee temptation is to have somewhere better to run. Redirecting desires toward Christ changes the battle entirely. Believers are the reward of Jesus’s obedience, and understanding His love is stronger than any willpower. Standing strong also means running with the right people. Christians grow when they walk with others who are running the race well. Community, scripture, prayer, evangelism, and fellowship all strengthen the soul. Ephesians teaches that the real battle is spiritual and that the armor of God is essential. Believers must be aware of their weaknesses, seek counsel, pursue repentance, and embrace accountability. Like Joseph before Potiphar’s wife, believers must refuse, reason, resist—and then run. Those who believe they cannot fall are often the first to do so. Temptation is real, but so is the strength found in Christ. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1853108/open_sms] 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 [https://www.livingwaters.com/] to learn more and to access helpful resources! You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com [https://biblicalcounseling.com/]. Check out The Evidence Study Bible [http://store.livingwaters.com/books/evidence-study-bible.html] and the Basic Training Course [https://livingwaters.com/store/video/basic-training-course/]. You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com [podcast@livingwaters.com]. We're thankful for your input! Learn more about the hosts of this podcast. Ray Comfort [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/ray-comfort/] Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/emeal-zwayne/] Mark Spence [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/mark-spence/] Oscar Navarro [https://www.livingwaters.com/team/oscar-navarro/]