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Developing godly discernment is essential in navigating the complexities of truth and falsehood, particularly amidst the plethora of false teachings in modern times. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar bring up Psalm 119:66, and how it beautifully compares discernment to tasting, implying a gradual refinement of perception. Just as one's palate adjusts to appreciate the nuances of coffee beyond its initial bitterness, believers are encouraged to allow Scripture to shape their worldview, enabling them to distinguish what is good and true from what is deceitful or harmful.

Discernment encompasses both the use of senses and intellect, allowing people to perceive and judge rightly. In today's culture, where moral relativism often blurs the lines between good and evil, the need for discernment is incredibly important. This underscores the importance of humility before God, as pride can obstruct growth and hinder one's ability to receive correction or repentance. Humility fosters an openness to learning and a willingness to acknowledge one's blind spots, essential for spiritual growth.

Moreover, cultivating discernment is not a solitary endeavor but thrives within the context of community, particularly within the framework of a local church. A supportive community provides accountability and encouragement, aiding believers in their journey of discernment. The guys encourage believers to invest in relationships with fellow believers allowing for the sharpening of discernment through dialogue and mutual edification.

Love for others is deeply intertwined with discernment, as it enables believers to serve one another and strive for blamelessness before God. Effective evangelism also hinges on discernment, particularly in using the law to reveal sin, as exemplified by Jesus. By meditating on Scripture and seeking to understand God's will, believers deepen their discernment and align themselves more closely with His purposes.

Wisdom, often synonymous with discernment, often isn’t pursued with the same fervor that people often use to pursue material gain. Wisdom guides leadership and influences decision-making, helping individuals avoid folly and harm. Learning from the mistakes of others and seeking wise counsel are crucial aspects of cultivating discernment and avoiding pitfalls.

In conclusion, in an age marked by information overload but a scarcity of wisdom, prioritizing godly discernment is imperative for believers. By anchoring themselves in Scripture, humbling themselves before God, and fostering relationships within the body of Christ, believers can navigate the complexities of life with clarity and integrity.

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 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 podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

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Today Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are talking about the Old Testament prophet Elijah. Elijah, who emerges abruptly in the narrative of 1 Kings 17, was a prophet in a tumultuous time in Israel’s history. James later portrays him as a man of profound prayer, highlighting God's responsiveness to earnest supplication. His prayer for a drought, remarkably answered by God, stands as a testament to his unshakeable trust in the Lord’s provision. Despite the trials of obedience, God faithfully sustains His servants, using challenges to shape them in the likeness of His Son.

Elijah's confrontation with idol worship underscores his bold and unwavering commitment to God's sovereignty. The guys talk about Elijah’s challenge that he presented to the prophets of Baal. This showdown starkly contrasts false worship with the true power of the Almighty. While Baal's prophets resort to self-inflicted suffering in futile attempts to invoke their god's favor, Elijah demonstrates that the one true God requires no such sacrifices, for Jesus has already offered the ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

In response to the failure of Baal’s prophets, Elijah, in a dramatic display of God’s power, Elijah constructs an altar and calls upon God to consume it with fire. Despite digging a trench around it and dousing it with water, God's response is swift and undeniable, affirming His supremacy over all idols. This act of faith not only showcases Elijah's unwavering trust but also serves as a reminder of the limitless power of the God he serves.

However, Elijah's subsequent flight, prompted by Queen Jezebel's threats, unveils his humanity and vulnerability. Despite his triumph over the prophets of Baal, fear and despair got to him, leading him to plea with God for death. Yet, even in his darkest moment, Elijah acknowledges God's sovereignty over life and death, refusing to take matters into his own hands. His struggle serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of depression and the importance of clinging to hope in God's unwavering care.

Ultimately, Elijah's story encapsulates the ebb and flow of faith and human frailty. Through triumphs and trials, God remains steadfast, revealing Himself not solely in thunderous displays but in gentle whispers of grace. Elijah's journey exemplifies the enduring truth that our hope must rest in the Lord, who sustains us through every storm and strengthens us for every trial. In a world plagued by hopelessness, God stands as our beacon of hope, ever faithful and able to see us through.

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 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 podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Send us a Text Message.

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar, offer insights from their own experiences, recognizing both the profound joys and profound struggles that accompany marriage. They underscore a fundamental truth: in marriage, one is united with a sinner. Yet, there is a problem in the Christian community—an increasing trend toward entering into relationships with non-believers.

This departure from biblical guidance raises concerns, and the scriptures are clear on this matter. The guys caution against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, stressing the importance of shared faith as the foundation of a marital union. It's emphasized that if the purpose of a relationship is not oriented towards marriage, it becomes futile. This biblical injunction, contrary to common rationalizations, pertains solely to marriage. Hence, any union lacking this fundamental unity of faith risks spiritual compromise and conflict.

Marriage to an unbeliever can lead to stagnation in a Christian’s walk. The absence of shared beliefs may hinder spiritual growth and inhibit the establishment of a godly household. Additionally, it's highlighted that marrying outside the faith can pose significant challenges in practical aspects of the Christian life. Matters such as attending church together, engaging in family devotions, or adhering to moral standards become areas of potential contention.

The guys draw attention to the prevalent issue of pornography use among men, particularly among unbelievers. This serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of engaging in sinful behaviors and the potential consequences for marital relationships. They argue that unresolved problems existing prior to marriage often exacerbate afterward, impacting not only the spouses but also any children within the household.

The unity intended in marriage suffers when Christ is not at its center. The guys discuss how marrying someone who doesn't share a devotion to God undermines the very purpose of marriage itself. Thus, the guys urge Christians to prioritize God's will over personal desires and to trust in His guidance. Breaking off relationships with unbelievers is presented as necessary for honoring God and preserving the integrity of one's faith journey.

In essence, the message conveyed by the guys underscores the critical importance of aligning one's life choices, particularly in the realm of relationships, with the principles and teachings of Christianity. They advocate for a steadfast commitment to God's word, emphasizing that true fulfillment in marriage can only be found when both partners share a deep devotion to Christ.

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 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 podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro