The Living Waters Podcast

• How Roman Catholicism Altered Church History & Scripture’s Intent – Highlight Episode 351

  This episode addresses the crucial question: Was Peter truly the first pope? The conversation centers on how Catholic claims about papal authority compare to both scripture and early church history. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar walk through the biblical foundation for church leadership, pointing out that the early church operated more like a group of regional bishops working together, rather than under a single central figure. They explain how, over time, as Rome gained political and religious influence, the bishop of Rome came to be seen as preeminent—a development not rooted in scripture but in historical circumstance. The guys also address related doctrines, such as papal infallibility, which was not formally defined until the 1800s and remains debated even among Catholics. Test all traditions against scripture, which consistently affirms that Christ, not Peter or any other man, is the true and only head of the Church.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. 350 - The Unbiblical Errors of Psychiatry & Psychology

  Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are joined by Dr. Greg Gifford, Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at The Master’s University and author of a new book that challenges the roots of modern psychology from a biblical perspective. As a counselor, Greg has noticed oddities in therapy methods that often fail to address the root of the issue for Christians. Instead of demonizing individuals or dismissing therapy completely, Greg encourages believers to explore how psychology and psychiatry differ, what Scripture says about the mind and soul, and how biblical counseling provides a Christ-centered alternative to mainstream therapeutic practices.Biblical counseling views the Bible as the ultimate authority, contrasting with secular therapy that places the self as the highest truth. A key issue raised is the confusion between mind and brain. The mind is connected to the inner person—the heart, thoughts, and soul—while the brain is part of the physical body. Using medication to treat the brain may relieve symptoms, but if no physical cause is identified, the believer should be open to spiritual self-examination and repentance. Greg urges listeners to seek out certified biblical counselors who base their guidance on the authority of God’s Word. Red flags in counseling include seeking advice from those who do not share a biblical worldview, as they could mislead rather than direct toward Christ.E.Z. raises the topic of shame, which is often avoided in today’s culture but is understood biblically as a way to guide one toward repentance. The aim is not to remove shame entirely but to let it serve its purpose in the process of confession, repentance, and restoration. Greg’s nuanced perspective recognizes that people can suffer deeply but challenges the modern labeling of it as a disease of the mind. Understanding the difference between brain and mind is essential. Christians are encouraged to consider whether their reliance on medication is covering up deeper spiritual needs. The Bible addresses restlessness, identity, and suffering, offering hope and healing that secular therapy cannot provide.Toward the end, Mark asks a bold question about the blind spots in biblical counseling. Greg responds by urging the church to focus not only on critiquing secular approaches but also on addressing the root causes of issues. The conversation ends with a reminder that Christians are not defined by their diagnoses or struggles—they are defined by Christ. Greg encourages listeners to be skeptical not of truth but of man-centered approaches that fail to rely on the sufficiency of Scripture.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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• Counseling Red Flags. The Bible as the Authority. Growing in Nuance - Highlight Episode 350

  What if the root of your struggle isn’t in your brain but in your heart? In this compelling conversation, Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are joined by Greg to explore how biblical counseling offers a radically different framework from modern psychology—one that places Scripture, not the self, at its center. Greg explains how the common confusion between the brain and the mind has led to a medicalized approach that often masks rather than heals the deeper issues of the soul. The group discusses how biblical counseling aims to reach the heart, highlighting the need for repentance, the purpose of shame, and the importance of viewing emotions and suffering through a gospel lens. They also examine the limitations of secular diagnoses, the dangers of over-relying on medication, and how expressive individualism has infiltrated both therapy and the church. Listeners are encouraged to seek wise, theologically grounded counsel that doesn’t affirm every feeling but lovingly redirects hearts back to the sufficiency of God’s Word and the hope only found in 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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• Ep. 349 - How to Make God-Honoring Decisions in Life

  In Christianity, decision-making is an often mystified topic. Life is full of choices, and sin complicates things. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how Scripture offers a much clearer way forward. Making God-honoring decisions isn’t about unlocking a secret code—it’s about confidence in God’s sovereignty. The heart of a believer is to walk in communion with God in every part of life, not just in moments of uncertainty. When someone fully surrenders to Christ, God will carry them. Walking in the fear of the Lord and having a reverent awe of who He is brings clarity. When someone lives for God’s glory, every decision filters through that lens.The wisdom of God isn’t hidden, it’s available in His Word. The guys emphasize how we often overcomplicate things when Scripture is always sufficient. The more time someone spends in the Bible, the more their decisions reflect God’s heart. The world may pressure and mislead, but the believer stays focused on Christ. Practically, decision-making often involves affinity (what someone loves), ability (what someone is good at), and opportunity (which doors are opening). The church plays a vital role here—believers need objective counsel. There’s wisdom in a multitude of counselors. The guys remind believers to avoid surrounding themselves with yes men. Everyone needs people who aren’t impressed by them and will speak the truth in love.Making unpopular decisions is difficult. That’s why it’s important to determine convictions before the moment comes. The more someone is in Scripture and community, the easier it becomes to stand strong. Even if alone, a believer is never truly alone- God stands with them. Knowing God’s Word also narrows options in a good way. Don’t ask God for direction while ignoring what He’s already revealed. If God seems silent, perhaps He’s already spoken and now it’s time for obedience. The Bible is the instruction manual. As leaders, especially husbands, decisions must reflect God's will, not self-interest. Husbands are called to lead, but not alone; wives are given to help discern God’s direction. Leadership is service- first to God, then to others.The world says to follow your heart, but the Bible says the heart is deceitful. God-honoring decisions come from God-saturated minds. Those who seek wisdom must ask God for it and saturate themselves in His Word. Surrounding oneself with praying, honest believers matters. As the guys remind Christians, faith is a refusal to panic. Wait on the Lord. Trust His ways over your own. Cry out to Him because He knows more than we ever will.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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• Mysticism in Decision Making. Sanity in Scripture. Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice. – Highlight Episode 349

  Decision-making in the Christian life is often overcomplicated, but Scripture offers clear guidance rooted in God’s sovereignty and a believer’s daily communion with Him. Rather than treating God like a genie or seeking secret signs, Christians are called to live in reverent awe of the Lord, letting His Word shape their desires and choices. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar point to the importance of surrender, godly community, and Scripture as essential tools in making decisions that honor God. The guys emphasize that surrounding yourself with honest, prayerful believers—and avoiding yes men—can help bring clarity, especially when facing difficult or unpopular choices. Ultimately, wisdom comes not from following the heart but from seeking God through His Word and trusting that His way is always best.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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