The LGBTQ community has changed from something that was rarely seen to now something that is seen almost daily. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar jump into this topic by encouraging believers to not be scared to address sensitive topics with their kids. Be proactive. Kids are exposed to these issues as early as kindergarten, so it’s crucial to teach them before the world does. Tailor the conversation to their age, and frame it in light of scripture. Ray recalls when these topics weren’t an issue, shari...
Nov 28, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 310
Many say they need to find themselves, but what does that mean? Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about how when we look within ourselves for meaning, we walk away disheartened. The truth is, we find ourselves by losing ourselves in Christ. Believers don’t need to find themselves; they need to forget themselves. When we keep our eyes on the Lord, the opinions of others won’t bother us. Only when we realize that Jesus is all we have do we understand He’s all we need. What we think about ourselves d...
Nov 26, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 309
The American dream, often defined as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, has increasingly become intertwined with the pursuit of money and success. Many politicians refer to this idea, yet it doesn’t reflect the reality for much of the world, where many are just trying to survive. While it’s not wrong to be financially well off, the American dream often replaces God’s kingdom with idols. Success can become an idol competing with God’s rightful place in our lives. Our hearts are prone to...
Nov 21, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 308
Millennials leaving the church raises important questions. Some may wonder if their departure reflects a lack of genuine faith. Faith based on other people rather than a relationship with God can easily falter. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar encourage believers to stir one another up in the faith while many are becoming disillusioned with the church in our current culture. The failure of church leadership, fallen pastors, and hypocrisy have turned many against Christianity. At the same time, society...
Nov 19, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 307
Jonny Ardavanis joins Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar to discuss finding peace in the character of God, as explored in his book, Consider the Lilies. Though he never initially saw himself as a pastor, he now serves full-time in Tennessee, driven by a desire to offer hope in an anxious world. In full time ministry Jonny observed widespread struggles with anxiety and depression, prompting him to explore these issues from a biblical perspective. He emphasizes that anxiety isn’t limited to young people; ...
Nov 14, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 306
As election season approaches, it's important to reflect on how we should engage with politics. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind us that politicians are human and flawed, and while we may support certain candidates, it’s essential to remember a believer’s ultimate citizenship is in heaven. Israel was instructed to contribute to society while in exile but also warned not to assimilate with the culture. Likewise, we should engage but avoid political idolatry, as our hope lies in God’s kingdom, no...
Nov 12, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 305
Many church services are centered on entertainment, which opens the door for celebrity pastors. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about how the focus of many churches has shifted from preaching the gospel to getting more people in the doors. This man-centered approach leads churches to prioritize charisma over genuine spiritual leadership. The goal should be to live, preach, and be forgotten, magnifying the Lord rather than the individual. True pastoral leadership is about shepherding souls, not c...
Nov 07, 2024•52 min•Season 4Ep. 304
Jay Smith, a missionary with extensive experience ministering to Muslims, sits down with Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar to talk about how Christians can more effectively witness to Muslim people. Jay was born in India and initially had no interest in witnessing to Islam people.He learned that so few missionaries were reaching out to one of the largest religions in the world, and this spurred him to begin evangelizing to Muslim people. One issue he addresses is the Muslim claim that the Bible is corr...
Nov 05, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 303
Have you ever questioned the wisdom of following your heart? We venture into this profound inquiry, contrasting the cultural encouragement from figures like Steve Jobs and Oprah Winfrey with the cautionary tales from biblical teachings in Galatians and Romans. The discussion begins with a personal story of a spontaneous act of kindness during a flight from Ecuador, illustrating life's unpredictability and the spiritual battles we face daily. This episode invites you to reflect on the tension bet...
Oct 31, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 302
Singleness and marriage are both gifts from God, each offering unique opportunities. Ray has desired marriage ever since he was a young child and E.Z. always dreamed of marriage and kids, while Oscar was perfectly content to stay single for the rest of his life. Mark, on the other hand, saw his singleness as an opportunity to pursue his devotion to the Lord. Singleness isn't about waiting patiently for marriage; it's a gift from God to be used for His purpose. One challenge singles face comes fr...
Oct 29, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 301
God and hate are rarely associated together, yet understanding God’s nature reveals that He hates what opposes His love. God is a jealous God who desires our devotion. Sin, in many ways, represents hate because it separates us from Him. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk through Proverbs 6:16-19 which details what God hates, serving as a guide for what we should avoid. Sin is deadly serious, and though it leads to death, God extends mercy to those in Christ. The first thing listed that God hates is...
Oct 24, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 300
Arrogance is a very real issue, and King Nebuchadnezzar serves as a prime example. He was the wealthiest man on the planet, warned by Daniel about his pride, yet he refused to turn from it. We can all relate to the temptation of arrogance. There’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance, often found in the pathways of forgetfulness. Nebuchadnezzar took credit for his accomplishments rather than giving glory to God. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind Christians that in reality, everything we ...
Oct 22, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 299
Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar start this conversation by talking about Luke 7:34 and how it those mocking Jesus called Him a friend of sinners as an insult. Yet, as believers, we know this to be a blessing. Jesus being a friend of sinners is central to our hope—if He wasn’t, we would be doomed. There is a blindness in sin that leads people to view themselves through their own standard, not God’s. Some resist confessing their sin, but Jesus calls us to come as we are, not try to fix ourselves first....
Oct 17, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 298
God created men and women with equal value and early Christianity elevated women in a time when women were oppressed. Misusing scripture to dominate or oppress women is a sin, and believers are called to submit to one another out of love for Christ. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar start this conversation by highlighting an important biblical truth: God created both men and women in His image, giving them equal value. While some who claim Christianity have oppressed women, scripture itself uplifts wom...
Oct 15, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 297
Critics of Christianity often point to its many denominations to disprove it, wondering how Christianity can be true if there is division within it; however, these divisions arise from differences in secondary issues, not core beliefs. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into how denominations represent different facets of the same faith, unified under Jesus Christ. Some groups are labeled as denominations but fall outside orthodoxy, or true teaching, but this is an exception. Ray believes denominat...
Oct 10, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 296
The New Apostolic Reformation is a movement that is leading people astray. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar discuss how this movement emphasizes personal experiences over scripture, mysticism over doctrine, and elevates modern-day apostles above the Bible. The movement’s founder believed the local church should be under the authority of apostles rather than God's Word. However, the era of apostles has passed, and constantly seeking after signs misleads believers. The NAR’s emphasis on miracles and hea...
Oct 08, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 295
Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into Hinduism, a fluid belief system that has absorbed various ideas over time. Flourishing in the 60s and 70s, it has become more visible in modern times. Many people believe in reincarnation, rooted in Hinduism, which starkly contrasts Christian doctrines. Hindus often revere Jesus but see Him as one among many gods. To bridge this gap, it’s important to emphasize the Christian doctrine of creation, distinguishing between the Creator and the creature, and focusi...
Oct 03, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 294
Navigating relationships with adult children requires allowing space for growth while upholding biblical values. Parents must continue to guide their children with respect, responsibility, and love, even as their roles evolve. Navigating relationships with adult children is a unique stage in life. Ray, E.Z., Mark., and Oscar share their perspectives on this issue, starting with the fact that you no longer have the same authority but still play a vital role. Mark, having heard a preacher’s advice...
Oct 01, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 293
While the world was captivated by the Olympics, the Living Waters team saw an opportunity to share the gospel. Despite the controversy surrounding the event, particularly the mocking portrayal of The Last Supper in the opening ceremony amongst other things, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar focused on evangelism. Thousands joined in handing out tracts, seizing the moment when the world gathered in one place. The French Olympic organizers claimed to celebrate unity, diversity, and neutrality, yet their actio...
Sep 26, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 292
To avoid distractions and focus on living for the Lord, Christians should practice discipline by managing their time and immersing themselves with scripture and prayer. By doing so, believers can stay present with loved ones and prioritize sharing the gospel. Distraction from focusing on the things of the Lord is a common issue. Christians aim for eternity, and to live with such focus, we must practice discipline and time management. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar agree that society today was design...
Sep 24, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 291
It's crucial to discern emotions through the foundation of God's word rather than letting feelings dictate actions. The guys encourage Christians to renew their minds with God's truth, letting the reality of eternity motivate their actions. As a new believer, introspection becomes an essential action. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about the difference between unbelievers, who ride their feelings like a wave, and believers, who have a foundation with which to discern their emotions. Emotions an...
Sep 19, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 290
It's becoming more common to hear about pastors falling into sexual immorality, which should grieve believers for their families and the false leadership that misled many. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that every public failure stems from numerous private sins. God desires purity and will not allow His name to be marred, reflecting His jealousy and concern for His glory. He wants His bride to remain holy and will remove any stains. What if a pastor falls into sexual immorality? Pas...
Sep 17, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 289
Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are talking to Rachel Zwayne (Ray’s daughter and E.Z.’s wife), founder of Joyful Mothers on Facebook and Instagram, who created the platform to offer encouragement through various life seasons. Her passion is to support women in spiritual growth, echoing the historical reliance on older generations for guidance. She notes that today's social media often exacerbates loneliness and anxiety. Rachel suggests unfollowing unhelpful accounts or leaving social media altogether...
Sep 12, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 288
Many believe that Christianity and science are fundamentally at odds, but historically they have not been in conflict. The core difference often lies in how Christians and non-Christians approach evidence. Christians believe God created the world, while others subscribe to the Big Bang theory. To think that order could emerge from chaos without a guiding force seems unscientific. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about how in today’s world, ideas are often repeated without deeper thought, and this...
Sep 10, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 287
Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar recognize that when discussing the sovereignty of God, it's often seen as a high brow doctrine, but it's truly the foundation of maintaining our Christian walk. God's control allows us to rejoice in all circumstances. Even if prayers are answered with no, we can be thankful because He is sovereign and rules justly. God knows everything, down to the smallest detail. He has the final word because He is the Word. We can't fully grasp His splendor; even Moses couldn't see ...
Sep 05, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 286
Pornography is a big problem, destroying lives across the globe. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about E.Z. 's new book which dives into this topic, with Oscar pointing out that it discusses biblical manhood before addressing pornography. But why is understanding manhood so crucial first? Our culture has distorted the concepts of manhood and womanhood, leading to a catastrophic impact. Men in the Bible fought for their families and the gospel on many levels, not just physically. Men must confron...
Sep 03, 2024•56 min•Season 3Ep. 285
The Christian walk involves moving from sympathy to empathy, as exemplified by Christ's compassionate suffering and sacrifice. By actively listening, showing care, and trusting in God's presence, believers can better support and connect with others. The word sympathy originates from a Greek word meaning a shared feeling or a willingness to help because of shared feelings. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar share how the Christian walk involves fellowshipping with God first and then with others. In fello...
Aug 29, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 284
"Judge not, lest you be judged" is often misunderstood. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about the criteria Jesus provided for judging by emphasizing the concept of being "measured." In ancient times, people used scales to measure grain, but tax collectors and Romans often tampered with these scales, leading to unjust measurements. Jesus warned against using unbalanced scales to judge others, implying we must hold ourselves to the same standard. It is impossible to make judgments without evaluati...
Aug 27, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 283
We can learn from anyone—our enemies, kids, friends, and many others. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about having opportunities to learn from the people God places in our lives, but if we aren’t actively looking for these opportunities, we miss out on valuable lessons. If a person isn't worshiping the true and living God, they often end up worshiping themselves. A significant reason leaders fall is that they don’t believe they can. Believers often treat sin lightly but we should treat it with s...
Aug 01, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 282
Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar know through personal experience that having children is a profound blessing, despite societal messages that often portray them as inconveniences. Many people today grant children excessive freedom when they are young, which can lead to poor decision-making in adulthood. It’s essential for parents to appreciate the sweetness of raising children in the Lord, giving guidance when children are young so when they are older they love the Lord. To prepare children for the wo...
Jul 30, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 281
