The Living Waters Podcast

• Ep. 364 - The Bible's Origin and Nature

  The Bible did not appear by chance but was divinely orchestrated by God, whose wisdom ensured that His Word would stand as an indisputable authority through the ages. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how Scripture was formed, explaining that man did not grant the Bible’s authority. Many believe the Bible was compiled centuries later by human decision, but in reality, its authority was immediate, and its recognition only confirmed what was already divine. Recognizing the Bible's authority is crucial because it affirms that it is free from error or contradiction, providing everything believers need for their walk with Christ. Unlike the constantly changing nature of science, the message of the Bible stays the same, bringing order where the world brings chaos.The Old Testament was confirmed with its three main divisions—the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings—by 132 BC. Josephus referenced twenty-two sacred books, and by 430 BC, around the time of Malachi, the Old Testament was considered complete. The Apocrypha was later added by the Catholic Church, but not as part of the confirmed canon. Although the original manuscripts no longer exist, Mark emphasizes how scribes took meticulous care in copying the texts, ensuring accuracy through precise measures. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls further demonstrated the reliability of Scripture, showing only minor differences that never changed the meaning.Jesus Himself affirmed the Old Testament, and the apostles understood that their own writings carried divine authority. Just as God made covenants in the Old Testament, Jesus established a new covenant, which required new writings. The apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, recorded teachings that matched Christ’s promise to bring His words to mind. The detailed genealogies and honest portrayals of flawed heroes throughout scripture attest to the truthfulness of the writers' accounts. God’s Word does not hide human failure but shows how He fulfills His perfect plan through imperfect people.The early church used clear and consistent standards to identify which writings belonged in Scripture. As authentic writings circulated among believers, false ones were naturally rejected. Scripture is described as God-breathed, meaning it comes from Him and has His authority. It is useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness, providing everything necessary for faith and life. The Bible remains a trustworthy revelation from the living God, divinely inspired and unchanging, guiding believers to the truth and grounding them in the gospel.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 Bible Is Not Just a Book: How God Speaks Through His Word. – Highlight Episode 364

  The Bible was not created by man but divinely orchestrated by God to stand as His unchanging Word through the ages. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explain that its authority was acknowledged, not granted, and that it has remained flawless and trustworthy from the start. They detail how the Old and New Testaments were affirmed, preserved, and confirmed through careful transmission and divine guidance, showing that even without the original manuscripts, God’s Word has never lost its truth or power. The guys emphasize that Scripture was breathed out by God Himself, making it living and active, unlike anything written by human wisdom. They remind believers that the Bible exposes human weakness but reveals God’s perfect plan, always pointing to Christ. The Bible endures as the inspired, accurate, and eternal Word of God—the ultimate authority and guide for every generation.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. 363 - The Power of Memorizing and Meditating on Scripture

  If you don’t memorize Scripture, you won’t be able to stand against the devil. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar each share how storing God’s Word in their hearts transformed their faith and equipped them for spiritual battle. E.Z. didn’t grow up with the Bible, and when he discovered it, he became captivated by its sweetness and power to guide his life. Oscar initially found the Bible confusing, but through memorization, he came to see it as the single, reliable source of wisdom. While God’s law is written on our hearts and gives a general sense of right and wrong, conviction and clarity come when His Word is hidden within, ready to guide and correct in the moment.Memorizing Scripture allows truth to come to mind during temptation and conviction, shaping responses through godly wisdom rather than emotion. Without it, believers risk relying on the world instead of God’s guidance. Sanctification is lifelong as the Spirit reveals sin, and as we grow, we become continual repenters, allowing Scripture to illuminate dark corners of the heart. The Word is living and active, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, providing strength and fruitfulness. Mark reflects that those who meditate on Scripture day and night are like trees planted by streams of water, deeply rooted and bearing fruit in every season.The Word equips believers as vessels of honor, ready for every good work. It is the sword of the Spirit—powerful only when known and applied. Believers are called to treasure scripture like hidden gold, rejoicing in its truth and prioritizing it above all else. Jesus upheld the authority of Scripture as the ultimate standard of truth that will judge the nations. Memorization fills minds with good things, yet it has become a lost discipline in the modern church. How valuable it would be to have Scripture ready to encourage a friend, for from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The more we store God’s Word, the more we live by it.The early church eagerly gathered to hear Scripture read aloud, but today many settle for spiritual fast food instead of feasting on truth. Ray warns that the church often treats the Bible like a fragile artifact rather than a living guide meant to be used and marked. Jesus modeled memorization when He resisted Satan’s temptations with truth. Memorizing Scripture takes time, but just minutes a day can transform your walk. Meditation means letting verses soak into the soul. Memorizing Scripture is coming face-to-face with God—shaping the heart and strengthening faith. The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.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 Power of Scripture in Your Mind. Memorizing and Meditating on God’s Word Transforms the Heart. – Highlight Episode 363

  Memorizing Scripture equips believers to stand firm against temptation and walk in God’s truth. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar each demonstrate how storing God’s Word in their hearts transformed their faith and helped them rely on divine wisdom instead of the world. As Scripture takes root, it brings conviction, clarity, and strength in moments of struggle, guiding believers to live according to God’s will. The Word is living and active, a lamp to our feet that reveals sin and directs our steps. Through meditation, hearts are renewed and shaped toward godliness, producing lasting fruit. The more believers fill their minds with Scripture, the more it naturally flows in conversation, encouragement, and prayer. Though often neglected today, memorization fills the mind with truth, equips believers to encourage others, and builds a firm foundation of faith. Treasuring the Bible as a priceless gift keeps us close to God, guards us from sin, and draws us deeper into His presence.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 362 - How to Be Generous in All Things

  Generosity encompasses time, energy, resources, and prayers, shaping how we live, serve, and influence the world around us. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that God is the ultimate standard of generosity and that everything we have comes from Him, from spiritual blessings to everyday provisions. The guys emphasize that giving is rooted in being fully satisfied in the Lord, recognizing that our most profound joy and fulfillment flow from His hand. When we hunger for Him, our time, talents, and treasures naturally become instruments to bless others, build community, and point people toward God’s goodness.The guys explore generosity in daily life, encouraging believers to offer their skills, invest time in relationships, and give with grace and thoughtfulness. Giving is not limited to finances; it can mean lending possessions, offering gifts of service, mentoring the next generation, or using influence for the good of others. True generosity is sacrificial, not just a matter of convenience or abundance. It extends to sharing the gospel even in the face of rejection or persecution. The generous soul is made rich as it reflects God’s heart, mirrors the ultimate gift of Christ giving His life for humanity, and points others to the joy of living under His provision.Generosity also shapes our finances, relationships, and daily choices. Money and resources amplify what is already in the heart, revealing whether we trust God or cling to security in material things. The guys explain that cheerful, sacrificial giving requires faith, humility, and awareness of the heart, going beyond money to include time, attention, and intentional priorities. Forgiveness is a vital expression of generosity, reflecting the gospel by offering mercy even without reconciliation or recognition. By esteeming others, freely giving of ourselves, and modeling grace, believers demonstrate the transforming power of Christ in both ordinary moments and extraordinary acts.The guys remind believers that generosity is central to the gospel and has historically distinguished Christians in the world. Early believers revolutionized society through radical giving, serving those who hated them, and standing apart through sacrificial love. Generosity continues to witness to both Christians and the unsaved, speaking volumes where words alone cannot reach. It is a freeing practice grounded in trust in the living God. True generosity flows from hearts devoted to Him, willing to give freely and abundantly because His love compels us to reflect His character in every aspect of life.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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