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 idolatry, constantly producing desires that compete with God. The Christian life is like climbing an ice mountain, striving to glorify God in all things, while the world tempts us to fall back into its traps.

Success often ties a person to the world, but this world is fading. Contentment, however, is the key to true enjoyment of life. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." We entered this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing. Be content with the things of God, for the pursuit of worldly satisfaction will never fulfill. The American dream has shifted over time, from preparing for eternity, to building strong families, to now chasing self-fulfillment and consumerism. But satisfaction is never found in accumulating more things; the world is designed to make us want more, but true contentment only comes from God.

This drive for success is ultimately empty. Discontentment is often rooted in covetousness, but we can find peace in knowing that God will never leave us. Our identity is found in Christ, and we must remember to decrease so He may increase. Though Jesus was rich, He became poor for our sake, and He is the ultimate treasure. We gain everything in knowing Christ, and we must invest our hearts and lives in God’s kingdom.

True success is being consumed by the living God. If we devoted ourselves to prayer, meditation on God’s Word, and a deep relationship with Him, we would be transformed. Wealth alone doesn’t make a person carnal, but worldly success without God is ultimately meaningless. Whether you work in ministry or in a secular job, your work is sacred when done for the Lord. Invest your time, witness to others, make and save money, but also give generously. It’s not about us but about Christ’s work on the cross. Godliness with contentment is of great value. As Christians, we must live with an eternal mindset, pursuing Christ above all. No greater joy will be found than in being consumed with Christ, and He will care for you as you seek Him. Focus your week on glorifying the Lord in all that you do.

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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

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 has grown skeptical of authority, leading to a shift where people exchange one belief system for another—replacing Christianity with politics, entertainment, or other man made religions.

Hypocrisy within the church is often pointed out, and while it's important to acknowledge this, we are reminded that everyone will give an account to God. Christians, however, have the grace to admit their faults and repent. Integrity in God's eyes comes through repentance. There’s also the issue of the modern church’s frivolity. Millennials have high expectations for authenticity. While larger, entertainment-driven churches may be losing members, smaller traditional churches are growing, offering a more grounded, relational approach to faith. Millennials crave genuine community, but they often see the church as existing for itself rather than for others. True fellowship, as modeled in the early church, is a communal way of living that goes beyond a Sunday gathering.

One challenge for younger generations is that older generations often look down on them, which can drive them away. Instead, the church needs to engage millennials, offering them a seat at the table. They need to feel known, loved, and valued in a gospel-centered community, not just attend a service led by a polished preacher. Authentic leadership fosters a dynamic church community. Rather than waiting for Millenials to come to church, believers must take the church to them, proclaiming the gospel. Sound doctrine is essential, as it safeguards faith, and Millennials are hungry for it. Preachers should focus less on growing the church and more on being the church—leading by example and letting the word of God do its work.

For those who have left the church, it’s essential to examine why. You won’t find a perfect church, but look for one with authentic community and sound teaching. God doesn’t change—He is righteous. The heart of the church recognizes that we are all sinners in need of grace. Corporate worship is for God’s people, and it’s through this gathering that we grow in our faith.

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

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; it’s a pervasive issue that many try to escape by staying busy. However, busyness often worsens the problem, as true peace comes from deep reflection on God’s character.

Jonny argues that anxiety is like a ski lift that never reaches the top of the mountain—an ever-present tension beneath the surface. The guys along with Jonny talk about slowing down and contemplating God’s attributes to combat this. They suggest that believers often fill their lives with neutral things that offer no real help, leading to an underdeveloped view of God’s attributes. In Scripture, when God addresses the anxious, He reveals His character, reminding them that He is an ever-present help in times of trouble. Jonny emphasizes that God’s sovereignty cannot be separated from His character. For instance, when David was fleeing from Saul, he found comfort in knowing that God understood him deeply, which calmed his anxious heart. Jonny highlights that even Jesus, fully human, experienced deep sorrow and distress, showing empathy and tender care for the anxious.

When addressing those who feel condemned by their anxiety, Jonny advises starting with questions and acknowledging that fear is a human experience. Christians should lean on their community and cast their cares on God, who is stronger and wiser. Jonny also addresses the modern epidemic of loneliness, noting that anxiety often isolates people from what they need most—being known and loved. He encourages people to be open with God and the local church, reminding them that they don’t have to bear their burdens alone.

Jesus, who knew true grief, betrayal, and abandonment, identifies with us in our suffering. The group concludes that knowing God leads to experiencing the peace of God. This relationship is both a privilege and a foundation for hope. We can be confident that God will not leave us, because He forsook His own Son on the cross to secure our relationship with Him. This assurance, coupled with understanding the character of God, draws believers into a deeper intimacy and trust in Him.

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