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 fel...

"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 evalu...

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 wit...

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 fo...

Dreams have a profound impact on many people, and the Bible offers numerous examples of dreams being used for guidance and prophecy. In the Old Testament, dreams were often a medium through which God conveyed wisdom and direction. Today, we still experience various types of dreams, but their nature and significance can differ greatly from biblical times.One common type of dream involves subconscious processing. Our brains process repressed thoughts and experiences, with imagination taking ove...

The biggest problem in America isn't that people are overly healthy. The guys talk about how only a small percentage of Americans meet ideal standards for a healthy lifestyle. Most Americans live sedentary lives, but God designed us to be active. Historically, humans walked everywhere and engaged in physical labor, but modern conveniences mean we can meet our needs without leaving our homes, resulting in neglect of physical health.Health isn't just about weight, it's about the well-being of t...

In today’s ever-turbulent political climate, the intersection of faith and politics has become a topic of intense debate. Today’s conversation delves deep into this complex interplay, combining humor and heartfelt reflections to offer listeners a comprehensive exploration of how spirituality can thrive even in the most chaotic times. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar address political violence in light of the recent attempted assassination of Donald Trump. The hosts share personal anecdot...

In today's society, we rarely talk to our neighbors, missing opportunities to show warmth and kindness. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about how God has placed us where we are to be intentional in our kindness. The early church thrived in a corrupt society by living amongst their neighbors and being intentional about their community. Christians today should emulate this, combating the modern issue of loneliness by reaching out to their neighbors.Many aspire to be missionaries abroad but over...

It's tiring to constantly get worked up about other people's lives, trying to control their actions and beliefs. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar encourage believers to become disciplined in knowing when to keep quiet. The concept of leading a quiet life, minding our own business, and working with our hands serves as a witness to the gospel. Increasing knowledge can lead to sorrow, as Solomon experienced, surrounded by less wise people. When our children don't heed our advice, they often learn...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar jump into the nuances of perfectionism and negligence. Perfectionism can be a challenging hurdle to overcome. Conversely, negligence can be equally harmful. There's a false doctrine of sinless perfectionism where a person craves holiness, beats themselves up over sin, and misinterprets scriptures, missing the full picture of what sin truly is. Sinless perfectionism suggests that one is no longer in need of God's grace, but striving for excellence is essential. Ray s...

Today Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar tackle the topic of feminism. It began as a movement for gender equality, initially seeking equal rights for women, such as voting, owning property, and having bank accounts. The second wave included the normalization of men participating in domestic tasks and introduced the sexual revolution. Third-wave feminism emphasized sexual empowerment, viewing sexuality as a tool for achieving personal goals. Currently, in the fourth wave, there is a push for women to ...

Ray, E.Z., and Oscar jump into the controversial topic of Taylor Swift’s music. Secular music is not completely off the table for Christians, but caution and conviction are essential. There’s latitude within the faith that allows for engagement with secular music, yet it’s crucial to examine the foundations of these choices and be open to sharpening each other’s understanding.The devotion to Taylor Swift is a phenomenon. Humans are inherently worshipful, and for the secular world, concerts ca...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore the relationship between psychology and Christianity. It is controversial, primarily due to the humanistic roots of modern psychology. While psychology aims to understand the inner person, some argue it often conflicts with scripture, suggesting self-reliance rather than reliance on the Lord. Psychology can lead to conclusions that contradict Christian beliefs, particularly when it emphasizes human intuition and denies human nature’s inherent sinfulness.Mode...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar help listeners understand healing through the context of scripture. The Lord provides healing through natural means, illustrated by a story where a man’s voice was miraculously restored while he was reading a passage from Psalms, despite having a permanent condition. This contrasts sharply with the disillusionment caused by fake healings, where charlatans exploit people’s hopes. Such practices lead some to deny the possibility of healing altogether. However, healing...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar start this conversation by talking about 1 Timothy 3, which points out that mankind are lovers of themselves rather than God. All generations have sins, and today’s social media makes this more apparent. Oscar is intentional about discipling young people, noting that our culture today pales in comparison to the Greco-Roman culture that the early church faced, where Christianity still boomed. Today, there’s a lack of respect for authority and discipline, with too muc...

The Bible emphasizes honoring and learning from our elders. The guys talk of society’s tendencies to isolate the elderly, but their wisdom and experiences are invaluable, reminding us of our shared mortality and the importance of intergenerational connections.A society's treatment of the elderly often reflects its moral standing. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar have an honest conversation about the treatment of elderly people in our current society. Deuteronomy criticizes Israel for its lack of re...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into the life of John the Baptist, His life is one of profound humility, unwavering faith, and a steadfast commitment to God's purpose. John the Baptist, a humble man clothed in camel hair, was a voice in the wilderness, pointing out people's transgressions and preparing the way for Jesus. He exemplified humility, saying he must decrease so the Lord could increase.John’s ministry pointed to Jesus, showing us our role in doing the same. In the Old Testament, hig...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into the life of Lot. Despite his failures, 2 Peter calls Lot righteous, highlighting the need to understand the gospel. Abram and Lot parted ways because the land couldn't support both of them. Lot chose the plain of Jordan, settling in Sodom, known for its wickedness. This decision reflects the danger of being drawn away from the Lord by our desires. Wise decisions and heartfelt prayer are crucial, and trusting God's wisdom over our own is essential. Lot comp...

Diligence, defined as constant and earnest effort, is increasingly rare today. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about how past generations exhibited more diligence due to fewer distractions; news came from stagnant newspapers rather than incessant digital media. Modern distractions are leading us into a state of spiritual oblivion, making it crucial to prioritize goals and establish systems to achieve them. Proverbs warns against laziness, underscoring the connection between diligence and frui...

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are talking about Samuel, the last judge and first prophet of Israel, who stands as a figure of profound significance in biblical history. Born to Hannah, who had fervently prayed for a child due to her infertility, Samuel's very existence was a testament to the power of prayer and God's faithfulness in answering it. Dedicated to temple service from infancy as a result of his mother's vow.One of the most recognizable stories from Samuel's life is his initial encount...

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 ...

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...

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...

Send us a Text Message.Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are stepping into the world of virtual reality (VR). VR is a technology that transports users into digital worlds. Mark's enthusiasm for his experience with the new Apple Vision Pro exemplifies the excitement surrounding this emerging technology. However, alongside the excitement, concerns have been voiced, expressing both a fascination with technology and reservations about its potential consequences.One of the primary concerns the guys raise...

Send us a Text Message.Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar open the discussion by defining what sin is. Sin is rebellion against God's wisdom, often cloaked in deception and constantly evolving. It's the belief that we know better than God, though God's omniscience reigns supreme. Recognizing sin's deceptive allure is imperative; it lurks, patiently waiting like a lion crouching before pouncing, instilling a false sense of security until it strikes. This realization is the first step towards combating...