In today’s episode, the guys discuss the Blaspheming of the Holy Spirit, which means that you create a horrible, heinous sin. Mark 3:28-29 states, “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” This states that whoever sins against the Lord will never be forgiven. This view has been held throughout history, but many people still believe this, especially in the Catholic Church. They also discuss dispensationalists, which believe that God works in special, specific ways at certain times in history. Many people are worried they denied Christ and therefore, won’t be saved. However, the Bible gives us examples of people who did commit great sins like Peter, David, and Paul, but all three have been forgiven and will be in heaven.  Next, they talk about the four different types of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that people believe. First, they talk about believing false things about the spirit. If you believe false truths about the Spirit, then that's also blasphemy toward the Spirit. This is too general, and many Christians have false beliefs, but through sanctification they get a right understanding with God. Another view of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is decisively rejecting a clear truth that the Spirit has revealed about Jesus and His mighty works. They clarify that one cannot claim ignorance, but it is a constant, persistent, lifelong rejection of Christ until death—even going so far as to saying He has demonic origins. The guys say if you are worried that you committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, then you probably haven’t, because the people who have are the ones who don't care. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is not accidental—it is deliberate.  Lastly, the guys discuss how to naturally talk about God in our conversations and friendships. There is often a yearning to connect with other Christians and talk about God, but it cannot begin without starting individually. They suggest being proactive about surrounding yourself with other Christians; even just asking someone what they are reading right now in the Word can open up conversation. They also recommend to always have someone in your life who is discipling you, someone who you yourself are discipling, and someone to encourage you. 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 [email protected] We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

In today's episode, the guys discuss the lessons to be learned from the book of Esther. The book was associated with the Persian empire which had taken over after the rule of Babylon and the exile had taken place. Those who were exiled were Israelites who had thought they were going to live the rest of their days in the Promised Land, but were removed from the land and forced to live in a foreign country. However, God still called on His people to be faithful to Him while they wait to be returned to the Promised Land. Listeners are reminded that we too are now exiles as we live on the earth which is not our home as we wait for the Kingdom of God to come.  Esther was an Israelite woman who hid her heritage and was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai. In the beginning of the book of Esther, Mordecai saves the king from being killed. Meanwhile, Esther is being nominated to be the queen. In light of Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman, the guys discuss what Christians should do when we are in a position when there are consequences for our actions. The unknown author of Esther intentionally did not mention God’s name in the entire book because they wanted to show how God’s sovereignties are at hand in everything that happens. We can see through these stories how God is at work even when He is never mentioned.  We as humans are only here on this earth for a limited time. Will we do what is right? We are here right now at this time and this place for one singular purpose: to bring glory to God. Esther herself was called upon to be asked to be part of the plan of God. We are all asked this same question. God is going to do His work regardless, the only question is whether we will allow Him to do the work through us. Thus, we should step out in our faith and act as if God is going to use us. Then, the guys unpack the pride and ungratefulness demonstrated by Haman and the king. When we allow ourselves to divulge into the realm of ungratefulness, everything loses its value and we begin to miss the blessings of God in our lives. Though both Haman and Mordecai were sinners, it was Haman’s pride which led to his death and the humility of Mordecai that put him in the graces of God. If you are struggling with pride or sin, repentance is humbly submitting yourself to the sovereign grace of God and allowing Him to make you white as snow. Humility is the beginning of so many graces. 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 [email protected] We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

There are times when Christians find themselves seriously asking whether it is okay for them to cut a certain person out of their life. This may come in the form of abuse, disagreements, toxic relationships, non-believers and more. There are times in which it is time to take a step back from another person. Scripture clearly points out that there comes a point in which time is being wasted.  Before discussing the circumstances in which it is appropriate to step back from another person, the guys detail the times in which it isn’t. On one hand, it is good to spend time with people who challenge us and don’t share the same opinions as ourselves. The beauty of the gospel is that God brings together different tribes, tongues, and nations. Sometimes, it is our own pride that makes us want to walk away from a relationship. We should approach differences amongst Christians with humility and grace, remembering that those differences will strengthen our understanding of who God is.  God has given us the prescription for how to walk away from a relationship in Matthew 18. If someone sins against you who claims to know Christ, we are to take them aside and speak to them directly about what has happened. If they listen to you and acknowledge what they have done, you will have found a friend for life. There are some people who we should never cut out from our lives, like our family members. Even if a family member has committed an atrocious act, we can still love them with boundaries in place. There is a difference between forgiveness and consequence. 1 Corinthians 5 calls us out of intimate relationships with sexually immoral people, drunkards, and idolators who claim to be Christians. This is to protect ourselves, our family, and the church. For anyone listening who may have been turned away from themselves, you are reminded that the pain you feel is just a small glimpse of what it would be for God to turn away from you. You cannot be reconciled by friends and family until you have been reconciled with God. 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 [email protected] We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

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 [email protected] We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

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 [email protected] We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro