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.

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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

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 text

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

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 text

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