How can we mimic or imitate that kindness to other people ? Well , what does that look like ? How do we carry that out in a very practical way ?
Speaker 2Yeah , I think you know . I mean , is it more than just being nice ? Well , yeah , I think time spent in the presence of God , in remembering his loving kindness toward us , is going to spur us to do that . I mean , Mark , we've talked about that . We never thought we'd ever open our preach and we started hanging out with Ray Comfort .
Speaker 1No , you opened our preach the first time . We went out to open our preach with Ray .
Speaker 2Because he called me up on the box . He put me on the spot , so , but you know what I'm saying . Like we got influenced by that right . We started watching the videos , we're reading the books , and then we went with him eventually and being in the presence of God and focusing , like Oscar said , you know what it's with length , depth and height , to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge . You may be filled with all the fullness of God and then it just begins to just seep out of you because it's like exploding in you . God has been so kind to me .
Speaker 1How can I not be kind toward others . And that's the kindest thing that I could do for my neighbor is to share the gospel , and the most unkindest or the most unloving thing that I could do is to not do that .
Speaker 2Welcome to Josiah and Lilac Day on the Living Waters podcast . And you can tell it's Josiah and Lilac Day , friends , because all of us have in front of us you can't see it if you're only listening the wonderful mugs that our brother and sister made for us . Guys , these are like uber cool U-Back , yeah . So let's describe them for those who can't see them . Josiah and Lilac are longtime listeners and fans of the podcast . They have been so gracious over the course of time . I mentioned in the last podcast that my father passed away and they sent me flowers , oh wow . And they sent a huge gift box with Harry and David goodies . I can't believe how much they expended and they've always sent us things , and Lilac is the one who did the artwork for us . Guys , remember a long time ago we described it on the podcast of the four of us in very fun and positive . I didn't know it was the same person until I saw your mug . Yes , so , yeah , so this is me Wheezy pounding the table For the listeners .
Speaker 3can you describe like what you're looking at ?
Speaker 2It's like a monster with tears coming out of it . I thought it was an actual picture of you . Yeah , tears coming out of my eyes with a ginormous mouth . And it does resemble me , though , and it says Wheezy , and I'm wearing a Wheezy T-shirt . And yeah , oscar , what do you got ?
Speaker 4Mine's pretty incredible . They must have used AI to figure out the things that I love . I have no idea how you know so much about me . I've got a mug here that has a list Chili , cheese , dog Lover , organic Sockwear , exotic Food Connoisseur and Logo File , which is like if I had a dating profile , that'd be it .
Speaker 2Mark's is much , much simpler .
Speaker 1Much simpler , because I'm a simple man Where's the Wintersnitzel ? Which is a valid question . Anytime I'm traveling , I see if there's a Wintersnitzel close to the hotel .
Speaker 2Yeah , that's about it Right
.
Speaker 3Mine's the glorified body at six foot six with a hairy chest and some guy pulling back his shirt and showing us forest on his chest His forest and I love the mullet Ray A mullet .
Speaker 2You don't see the mullet .
Speaker 3Oh , I thought there was a cat following me , yeah don't miss the forest for the chest . The six foot six with a hairy chest .
Speaker 2Yes , friends , this goes back to Ray's very famous saying at six foot six with a hairy chest , that's more like it right Talk like that . Yeah . So our dear friends , thank you . Oh and , by the way , two of us are very righteous . Godly and holy , oscar and I are wearing the t-shirts that Lilac and Josiah made . Mine says tea kettle swing . That's got a tea kettle with wheezing coming out of it .
Speaker 4Mine's got two coffee cups on , I think like a barbell for weight lifting , and it says do you even coffee , bro ? Which is a great question .
Speaker 1And what does my shirt say ?
Speaker 2I love cats . Yeah , I think it was something like that .
Speaker 1I love cats .
Speaker 3I can't eat a whole one though Seriously , and mine can only be seen by spiritual people .
Speaker 4Oh yes , I will say , over the Christmas break and just throughout our time doing this podcast , we like randomly get these boxes of gifts by these kind friends and others and it's always such a blessing to . I don't know just to see how you guys listen and they create inside jokes with people we've never even met before about our personalities , and so just you guys bless us with this kind of stuff . Thank you so much .
Speaker 3Speaking of that , received a gift this morning from Esther DeLong Thornton . Very sweet gift . She'd crocheted a whole stack of crosses which I gave out to the camera . Oh wow , and so thank you for that . And then the lady that gave me chicken socks , socks with chicken pictures on them oh , how cool is that .
Speaker 2Great , you can put your chicken thighs .
Speaker 3Chicken thighs . Leave my thighs out of this .
Speaker 2Yeah , thank you guys again , everyone who sent us gifts and Josiah and Lilac . You guys really blessed us and actually we have something else connected to them . But before that , I have an announcement to make my sunny boy , luke , is now engaged .
Speaker 4Man Wow he has a fiancee .
Speaker 2Isn't that cool . That's amazing . That's a fiancee channel . Yeah , I saw the picture from kneeling down .
Speaker 3I didn't kneel down when I proposed to Sue . Shame on you , right , really . I didn't have to . Kelly kneeled down , ray didn't have to Actually Sue proposed to me . That's true . Why don't we get married ?
Speaker 2That was very romantic .
Speaker 3Yeah , was that really how it went down ? That was the sudden .
Speaker 2The catch is why don't we get ?
Speaker 3married . It's just sound like you got our debt , or going to ask your dad , and how long did you wait before you guys got married ?
Speaker 1I can't remember . That's too long ago .
Speaker 2That was up to Ray , like three seconds , of course . Yeah , right , yeah , god's in it yeah , but anyhow , janelyn is a wonderful , wonderful , godly young woman and the Lord just divinely broadened our son . This kid is in love Like big boy , Love like big time . So we're excited to have her as a part of the family . Congrats , guys . Shout out , shout out . All right Back to Josiah and Lilac . Lilac sent this in Easy . There's a very important topic that must be discussed Homophones , aze making homophones and outbidblecone . Wait , aze , what's a homophone ?
Speaker 3That's homophonic .
Speaker 2Yeah , homophonic , all right , glad you asked the question , ray . What are homophones ? Homophones , according to this description I found online , are words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings , such as beat to hit or strike . Beat a type of root or vegetable . Eight , right Consumed . Eight the number . Bear , naked or to make naked Bear to carry or to give birth to . Buh , maybe . And bat bat . Don't talk about naked things , all right . So then Lilac goes on . To give an example , I thought it makes sense to buy scents with scents and I've smelled great ever since . That's good , all right . I found a few more guys . This is actually pretty cool . Police were called today . Wait , police were called to a daycare where a three-year-old was resisting arrest . Bakers trade bread recipes on a need to know basis .
Speaker 3Got it need .
Speaker 2Yeah , we get it . A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is too tired , too tired , oh yeah , anyhow . Oh , there's so many .
Speaker 3Now these file the jokes .
Speaker 2Well , they Filed jokes , Filed jokes to the rest of us Filed jokes . Yeah , here's a few more . These are good . With her marriage she got a new name and address . You feel stuck with your debt if you can't budge it . Once you've seen one shopping center , you've seen a mall .
Speaker 3So does this work in Chinese ? Do Chinese have this sort of thing on their podcast programs ? Or Japanese , or Russians ? I ?
Speaker 2doubt it , marathon runners with bad footwear suffer the agony of defeat . When we she saw her strands of gray hair , she thought she'd die . When fish are in schools , they sometimes take debate Two more the round is . The round is night at King Arthur's round table . Was Sir Comference Ray , you liked that one .
Speaker 3I did .
Speaker 2And finally , when the smog lifts in Los Angeles . You see LA . I love homophones .
Speaker 4This reminds me of the text I sent you guys on Saturday , which I get through enjoyment out of frustrating easy which one oh ah . Guys , I've got some news . Long story short Kelly's gonna need to be on assisted oxygen taint for the foreseeable future . And my heart's Long pause , easy heart sinks , and then I say it's my fault , I took her breath away .
Speaker 2That is the ultimate cheesy dad joke . Anyway , one last one , A canner exceedingly .
Speaker 3You said one last one already . Don't make this a flyer . I like it . You sound like a faster cop I'm keen to summon .
Speaker 2A canner exceedingly canny when morning remarked to his granny A canner can can anything that he can , but a canner can , can , can , can he ? Why does it tickle me inside ? It's a quick question . You guys aren't ticklish today . Forget you guys .
Speaker 3I sound like that spider one .
Speaker 2Yeah , all right , here's a comment from Jessa K Amazing . This podcast has been such an incredible blessing in my life , in more ways than just one . I grew up a very devout Mormon in a small town in Utah . Up until my early twenties when , by the grace of God , he pulled me from the grave of that religion , I had said I accepted Jesus into my heart , but I didn't really truly understand what that meant until I came across one of Ray Comfort's interview videos . I'd realized that I had been living my life for me and what made me happy , thinking I'm good enough and not loving truly for the living , truly for the Lord . So I ended up having to relearn everything . Unfortunately , growing up in a religion like that , words are the same but the meanings are polar opposites . So , true , thanks to this podcast , I have grown exponentially in my walk with Jesus and in that has turned into getting the opportunity to teach the Bible to fourth and fifth graders at our local Christian school , where I have gotten to teach them that you're never too young to spread the gospel message to everyone , and more proof that God calls and uses the least qualified for his work . So I thank you all so much for your faithfulness and time spent in this ministry . Through this podcast , god is doing amazing things and affecting more lives than you'll ever know . All glory to God and continual prayer for the whole team .
Speaker 3Wow , that's wonderful . Yes , we . I had a lady say like I don't know if I mentioned this to you guys , but at Huntington Beach Pier about six weeks ago a lady came up and she was just so thrilled about the podcast . She tells all her friends about it and she just says to them try and get through the first 10 minutes .
Speaker 2This is stupidity , I know Well . Hey , jesse , that really touched our hearts . Sister , thank you so much . Yeah , thank you , and you continue to grow . And thank you , thank God , it's great .
Speaker 4Thank you , Tina your cousin texted me the other day I said she was on approaching episode 200 from listening to the beginning . Yeah , she's like I've listened to all 200 for beginning into now , and I responded back why .
Speaker 2Because her cousin is on here . Yeah , she sent me a voice message and told me the same . I was so thrilled to hear that . That's wonderful . All right , friends . This podcast is brought to you by when a believer has doubts a 27 page booklet by Ray Tundo comfortundocom . Ray , we should start calling you that it's kind of a nice name Tundo . Ray Tundo comfortundo .
Speaker 3Ray Tundo , it sounds like I'm overweight .
Speaker 2I wrote Tundo Ray Tundo .
Speaker 4That sounds like his Tahitian brother .
Speaker 2Yeah , Ray .
When a believer has doubts , what do you do if you're a professed Christian but you have plaguing doubts about the existence of God or the inspiration of the Bible , or you have difficulty having faith in God ? This short booklet will answer these questions , these important questions .
Speaker 3It really does .
Speaker 2Yeah , yeah , give us an example of Ray .
Speaker 3Oh , the difference between faith and faith . Most people think belief in God and trust in God are the same thing , when they're not . Anyone believes in God because of creation . But when we talk about faith in God , it's talking about trusting his integrity , trusting his promises . That's the basis for salvation .
Speaker 1Yeah , I'm ordering one right now .
Speaker 2All right , friends , if you're going to check that out , don't forget the Living Waters mug . By the way , we got a new one coming . By the time this airs , it may hit Potentially .
Speaker 4This one says all right , France on it , along with our pictures .
Speaker 2We're getting creative , so collect them , friends . Make sure to get that one . Don't forget the evidence . Study Bible as always , all at Living Waters , yeah , I can . We went unplanned . We went country today . All right , friends Was that country .
Speaker 3I thought , it was punk rock yeah .
Speaker 2Living Waters ?
Speaker 4You don't know the facts in there right .
Speaker 2All right friends . So today we are talking about Nothing . The loving kindness of God . The loving kindness of God this is one of those topics that again recently like struck me and I stepped back and I thought you know , I used to think a lot more on the loving kindness of God when I was a younger believer . I think I was so enraptured by the fact that God had saved me , redeemed me and his kindness lovingly opened my eyes and gave me life , and so it was like it was constantly on my heart and mind , you know . But I think over time we just start kind of getting Sanctified yeah , we become the sanctified brawler , brawler , yeah , brawler and we start veering away from that . But the loving kindness of God is one of those things again that , if we meditate on constantly , I think will transform us as people you like . The loving kindness of God , right , it's a good idea . Look at the question , look at that . You never know with right , I didn't lie to anyone .
Speaker 3It's a good idea . I've been thinking a lot about the law of kindness spoken of in Proverbs 31 , 26 , speaking of the virtuous woman , a wonderful wife , or what I see as the bride of Christ . She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness . Kindness is a law . It's not negotiable . It's something that every Christian should manifest . We cannot , as Christians , walk across the other side . We've got to stop and pour in the oil and the wine . I think , something that I've noticed . I regularly have people turn down gift cards .
Speaker 4I won't .
Speaker 3I will never , especially if it's not me now . Give give , give , give , give . It's really funny . But I use the law of kindness by saying something to them . I'll say would you do an interview ? They say no , well , here's a $5 internet card . Anyway , some people will say no , like my auntie Bee . Remember , aunt Bee , when I was a kid , you give her a gift . I don't want that . It was pride . It was so distressing for a little kid to offer a gift to an aunt that you wanted to show your love for and she turned it down , but she was a proud lady . People like that , they don't want a gift , they don't deserve sort of thing , which is a paradox . Anyway , I just say to them there's not enough kindness in this world .
Speaker 2Please take it .
Speaker 3That immediately changes everything .
Speaker 2Really .
Speaker 3Yeah , that's a good one , right . Like 90% of the time , people will say sure , and that's the attitude that Christians should have . There's not enough kindness in this world , and so please take it . Please let me show you my love , because that's what loving kindness has to do . Love is love , but loving kindness is love in action .
Speaker 4You heard it here first , guys Love is love , oh no .
Speaker 3Oh , it sounds like a song . We can do this .
Speaker 2Yeah , oh , it's so good , right , you know . Isn't it interesting , though , that sometimes some of the most resistant people to receive loving kindness from others are those that seem to demonstrate it most Like ? Auntie Beat was extremely generous , Incredibly generous . She took you on a cruise . She would always give you stuff .
Speaker 3Oh , I can tell you if I ever got sick or hurt . As a little kid around she came with a gift and she used to bring me toys and candy , and all this always because they never had children in my aunt . So I was an adopted kid and she'd often take me to their cruiser up and they had a boat up in what was called Melbrose Sounds and take me fishing and that , and she so spoiled me . Every time they returned me to my family I ended up getting spanked because I became a smart little brat , because I'd been spoiled for three days , never told no , and it was always that way I'd get into trouble .
Speaker 2Wow , so you got sick quite often then .
Speaker 3All the every day , oh my God , every day .
Speaker 1I was ill , it was the Vegemite .
Speaker 2That was a raised little boy voice . Man mama , I'm so sick right now .
Speaker 3I remember once I put a hot water bottle on a thermometer to impress my mom on my temperature . Honey waddy buddy , I stayed away from school because my temperature was 118 .
Speaker 4That reminds me of ET . Little kid keeps putting the thermometer on the light bulb .
Speaker 3Oh really .
Speaker 4Oh yeah .
Speaker 2Yeah , so got there from me .
Speaker 3That's a lawsuit .
Speaker 2Yeah . So , guys , the thing that really got me thinking on the loving kindness of God was was when I was meditating on my life verse , and if anyone listening has ever asked me to sign something for them , I always , always , include Jeremiah 9 , 23 through 24 . Right , right , right , yeah , I expected that . Thus , says the Lord . Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom , let not the mighty man glory in his might , nor let the rich man glory in his riches , but let him who glories glory in this , that he understands and knows me that I am the Lord , exercising loving , kindness , judgment and righteousness in the earth , for in these I delight , says the Lord . And you know , just stepping back and thinking about that , it's like man . I want to know what delights God and I want to know what God wants me to understand about him . And , ray , I know you appreciate this , I don't have something to say as well , but how did you know I have something ?
Speaker 3How did you know ? Oh ? When your arms are flailing and your arms are folding and not my hands would be able to Like a whack on the table . Damn , and your beard hairs are perfectly it was my nostrils .
Speaker 2Ah , yeah , the nostrils . Nice drawing , but . But I love , I love the balance in this verse . This really speaks to in one sense what you always talk about , right , the law of God . You can't really understand the loving kindness of God and the grace of God until you understand the law of God , and I love here how it combines loving kindness , judgment and righteousness in the earth he exercises those , so yeah .
Speaker 3Yeah , what .
Speaker 2What you were going to say .
Speaker 3You know that's pretty similar to Psalm 107 , verse 43 . Yeah , it gives the list of things and so fields and plant vineyards so that they may yield fruitful harvest , and so blesses them they might multiply greatly , and he does not let their cattle decrease . And then , further down in verse 43 , it says whoever is wise , similar to what you're saying , and will observe these things , and they will understand the loving kindness of the Lord . And so if you observe , just just have an observing heart . I mean , nothing blows me away like a blue sky , especially after five days of rain , but the blue sky just takes my breath away . And so those big white puffy clouds and soda , bananas and peaches and apricots and apples , all these things , even a horse . Now we take horses for granted . Horses are magnificent beasts We've got .
Speaker 4like my wife would agree .
Speaker 3Yeah , I mean there is a groove for the where you sit in . It's shaped for a man and a woman .
Speaker 2I think that happens after time of people sitting on the poor horse . That's when the horse too heavy .
Speaker 3But just think of how magnificent a horse is . I mean , you just watch a cowboy movie and up the they come running in . The horse stops . When he tells it to stop , they put the brakes on . It turns the left , turns the right . They're courageous in battle . They've got strength in their neck and the power of their hooves . In fact , we have film what Stop horsing around Stop horsing around . That didn't go as high as it was expected .
Speaker 2It sounded like an Indian accent horse . Thank you , was that a Winnie ? Is that what you call a Winnie ?
Speaker 3What we have yet was it wasn't a Tim to the Winnie , but it was a floppy . We have film because of horse hooves . Do you remember how film began ?
Speaker 1No , no , well we weren't alive .
Speaker 2Ray , you don't have to lie to me .
Speaker 3One guy . He said he wanted to prove that horse hooves left the ground all at the same time .
Speaker 2I thought you meant film was made out of horse hooves oh , cut it .
Speaker 3There was glue , not films . Horse burger Mark .
Speaker 1That all four were off the ground .
Speaker 3Yeah , so we took multiple pictures to try and prove that horses hooves left . And when he ran the pictures together it went movement and that started film .
Speaker 2Wow , that's something that's amazing .
Speaker 3That's probably a podcast on the internet .
Speaker 2You know , ray , two things real quick on that . Note One is , as you were describing all those amazing things , as I was reading your booklet that we mentioned here at the beginning , you were describing in there all the amazing things and , keeping with creations , as you were saying , everyone knows , god is real , it's not this like . And you're going into Deton , and as I was thinking about all those things just like you kind of numbered some of them , we just we miss it , you know . And then , yes , just last night I slept here at the office . The shirt came in handy today . I know I stayed overnight Working , had a lot to do , but we heard the snoring . Yeah , but I happened to come across a video on a horse I said the most beautiful horse , and this probably was . This thing was so majestic , had like the long hair and then hairs or hair around the Hooves , and it was just prancing in this field and I'm like , oh , this is just Amazing .
Speaker 3The problem is a familiarity breeds contempt . I mean , you can't even remember when we got here . I mean you got first three years . Don't remember a thing . I'm quite pleased to remember us in the womb . They remember feeding and sleeping most of the day and having everything changed on me until it's about four and I start remembering little Glimmers . But horses have crept up on us . They're just there and so , as sort of flowers , birds , trees , sun , moon , the stars , the seasons , the blue sky , the sun rises , all these things , we just take them for granted . It's just part of life , yeah . But if we were just bang into creation , we'd fall in our face and say this is magnificent .
Speaker 2All of that comes from the loving kindness of God . Amen right mark . I mean scripture talks about how he he sends rain and and he lets his son rise on on the righteous in the wake . I mean , god's loving kindness in his common grace applies to everybody . Why you look so funny , mark ?
Speaker 4That's just Terry looks he's only got one face .
Speaker 3If you had , another face he'd wear , carry on .
No , I just for the last 20 some minutes I've been listening to you guys talk about a topic that I Didn't think we're talking about . I thought we're talking about the love of God , not the loving kindness of God . So I prepared for a message on the love of God and not the kindness of God . I don't know how I missed that .
Speaker 3I say I've been really big .
Speaker 1No , you did . I think you did like 500 . You can't help me . I sent them again and again , and again . No , it's really great . I don't remember what your question was , but I've been really blessed by what you guys have been sharing .
Speaker 3No , that was testing your grace . No , that's kind of you , oh yes .
Speaker 4Loving kindness speaking of horses , people always ask me why our horses name is easy for those who didn't know my wife we're the horse and her in the horse's name is easy and people ask why ? It's because their eyeballs are the same as easy size wise and don't you have a pig called mark . You know , I , as we talked about the loving kindness of God , I'm reminded of a very peculiar prayer that the Apostle Paul makes to God in Ephesians . When he says that he prays that Christ wouldn't dwell in the hearts of the people at the Ephesian church , he said that they would know Christ's love and they would be filled with all God's fullness . Why is that a peculiar prayer by Paul ? It's peculiar because it comes in chapter 3 and he spent the first three chapters essentially affirming that those things were already true about them . So , god , you , you are aware of God's love and yet he prays again that they would have a more full , rich view of the loving kindness of God . And Excuse me , I was thinking about this article that I read a few years ago by these scholars that you know . They emphasize this isn't , this isn't like biblical precedence , but they observed the , the route in which Christians would go , or people would take in regards to their faith , and they they spread it into like six different categories , and they said that most Christians don't pass category number three . And so the first three categories are the first one is your , your new discovery of a faith , a religion , and that is like your admiration , your affection , your love like this , this great aha , that moment when you , when you fall in love with Jesus , that so many people come to that place and then that so few less people move on to part two . Part two is that Journey in our sanctification process where we allow the truths of Christ to impact the totality of our lives . This is the phase where people start repenting of sin , applying their faith to their marriage , to their workplace , to their , to their Lives . When they're alone and no one else , is what looking like the time where they really start to apply Christ to the wholeness of their life ? Few people make it to step two . Step three they talk about as being the leader in which you You're now , you know a deacon , an elder or even nothing official . You're leading a Bible study , you're reading books , you're diving deep into the aspects of the goodness and the love of God . They argue that they think that many people get stuck there and they ask why . And one of the reasons why they assume why people get stuck there is because actually our , the church's , way in which we Disciple people doesn't disciple people past that point , like we think . Okay , they're on fire for the Lord , they've repented of sin and they're participating in the church . We're good , they're all set , they've they've max , we've maximized their Christianity , ism and and they point out that what generally happens is a crisis . A Crisis won't determine what happens after step three . Normally you end up in the crisis . You know someone passes away , you , you , you have a doubt about your faith and one of two things happens , either one they reset to step one , or they reset outside of the faith and they observe that people will actually take those same steps in another faith and another religion . They get on fire for activism , for for wokeness , etc . Etc . So these guys argue like one of the reasons that that people don't move from step three to step four , which is like a deep , rich , meaningful , soul searching Affection for the Lord , is because of what Paul is praying for . In Ephesians chapter , chapter , chapter 3 , he says this he prays that we would grasp all that God has for us , and that grasp is like this wrestle with this sack and plumbed or this overpower of our souls . And so , ultimately , what Paul is asking for is that , like that , our souls Would be overpowered with the loving kindness of God , that there's some aspect of our journey as believers where we really begin to know God's affection for his children . That's something that we all desperately need in our dream with Christ .
Speaker 1How can we mimic or imitate that kindness to other people ? Well , what does that look like ? How do we carry that out in a very practical way .
Speaker 2Yeah , I think you know , in a net , I mean , is it more than just being nice ? Well , yeah , I think time , time spent in the presence of God , in remembering his loving kindness toward us , is gonna spur us to do that . I mean , mark , we've talked about that . We never thought we'd ever open our preach and we started hanging out with Ray Comfort .
Speaker 1No , you opened our preach the first time .
Speaker 2we went out to open our preach with Ray , because he called me up on the box , he put me on the spot , so but you know what I'm saying . Like we got influenced by that right . We started watching the videos , we're reading the books , and then we went with him eventually and being in the presence of God and focusing , like Oscar said , you know what it's with length , death and night to know the love of Christ which passes , knowledge that you may be filled with all the fullness of God , and then it just begins to just seep out of you because it's like exploding in you . God has been so kind to me . How can I not be kind toward others .
Speaker 1And that's the . You know , the kindest thing that I could do for my neighbor is to share the gospel Absolutely , and the most unkindest or the most unloving thing that I could do is to not do that . I tell people all the time when I'm sharing a message . I have a message entitled creative ways to share your faith , and there's one point that I make in the midst of that teaching where I say if you find yourself in a rut where you're not handing out gospel tracks , you're not talking to people about the things of Christ , well , go to the grocery store and just be kind to people . Engage in a conversation with a person who's taking your order at a restaurant . Have a conversation because before you know , it's gonna well up inside of you to want to share with the person . When you're done talking to someone , naturally you're gonna be reaching that pocket , pulling out that gospel track , wanting to give it to them . But it starts with just an act of kindness and being there , preferring other people greater than yourself being kind . In fact , I remember one of the professors at Bible college . He was a pastor for many years and he wasn't a Christian . He knew he wasn't a Christian . His wife knew he wasn't a Christian and he was teaching . And then he got born again . His kids knew that he wasn't a Christian , so he knew that he was just a big hypocrite . His name was Les . When he became a Christian , his wife and kids didn't believe it because he was such a hypocrite and he knew how to talk the talk . But it was at Christmas time . They were at the mall and they were looking for a parking spot . And this was the turning point where the parent , his wife and the kids looked at each other and says he is a Christian because he went around to get this parking spot . It was his turn for that parking spot . Somebody zipped in and grabbed that parking spot that was due to him because he had been waiting , and he said you know , I'll just get the next one . He kept on going , but that act of kindness or preferring , this driver who stole it from him , resonated with his own family , because what he ordinarily would do is go out there and tell that person what he was really thinking and Well , just at least shoot out their tires . Shoot it , slash out the tires and then spray them with pepper spray . Yeah , but let's say kindness . It goes a long way , right , kindness . I read this just recently . Kindness is love in action . You know , my wife and I we were having a dispute the other day . I was telling you easy , you know a little bit about it , getting some insight from you . But I sent her this quote earlier today . I said it's from Spurgeon no matter what good truths you have to teach , no one will thank you if you do not speak kindly . Wow , right , it's like speak the truth . But you know we could speak it in love a little bit there .
Speaker 4Yeah , yeah , yeah , I love the way someone said it . They said speak the truth , but don't be a jerk about it . And yeah , I think that's like the message Bible .
Speaker 1You know , it's really well , word though ?
Speaker 4Yeah , no , it's true , cause so many and this is you know , often you'll hear people like there'll be a total jerk and they'll be like , oh well , you know , I'm just speaking the truth and love . It's like no man , you're kind of being a jerk Like you can do it the way , I think you do this really well , thank you . You bring the truth For those that weren't- . Yeah , that was easy . I was pointing easy .
Speaker 1I was pointing . Easy , Not in our sense . The easy is working on not being selfish . So you didn't say anything .
Speaker 4Yeah , yeah , but bringing the truth in a way that is loving and kind and gentle , with the hope that it has the same effect which has caused repentance , tell me about like are you , do you ever let me ask you this , do you ever go into a conversation , going ? Man , I really hope I don't speak the truth like a jerk , or is that just not even like ? Are you just totally done with ?
Speaker 2that All the time ? Yeah , because that's my propensity and , man , I've blown it so many times in my life . That's why you know I'm passionate to change , because you know again this whole thing that God's working in me on selfishness and stuff . Now you guys are gonna point at me . Every second I show self as just hey brother , I thought I'm so far from where I need to be , but it's about the selfish , though , yeah let me just say that , Shelfish , I've been realizing , like , what it is like when we speak to someone with harshness , when we speak to someone with frustration . That's self love . That's that again , wicked evil self embrace . It's an itch that I'm willing to scratch at the expense of violating love . Ouch , Right , I mean , that's what it is . It's an itch I'm willing to scratch at the expense of violating love , loving you and loving God . And it's disgusting , you know , and it's like you know how , when you get a certain vehicle , you start noticing that vehicle everywhere . We're before , same amount of vehicles were probably there . But you , just now , you notice it . I'm seeing Ferraris everywhere now , and so now I'm like just seeing selfishness everywhere and myself , and you know , I'm watching a YouTube . I'm watching a YouTube video and I'm like , oh , look at that , disgusting and it's just like that's what it is . It's all absorbed with self . It's think-raising , that what it is .
Speaker 3Oh yeah , that was yes , I'll change this up slightly because I've shared this before about 30 years ago on the podcast , but you guys would have forgotten it because we forget most of the things we're told , and Ivy probably said that
. But anyway , I was having my first operation at the age of 20 . I had two or three junior operations .
Speaker 1This wasn't the face lift .
Speaker 3No , it wasn't the face lift . Didn't need that then . But I was 20 years old , little nervous , hadn't been in the hospital before they gave me a shot of something that sent me feeling really good about everything . I said oh just cut mom's legs off . I don't care . It's called heroin right , yeah , yeah , I think it was something like . Anyway , it felt really good .
Speaker 4Anyway , I woke up , the name of the hospital was Botel Six yeah .
Speaker 3I woke up . Okay , I'm getting to this point . I woke up in the middle of the night covered in sweat . I was absolutely swimming in it pitch dark and a lot of pain . And in the darkness , suddenly I saw a flashlight right by my head and it was a nurse that just whispered do you want a cup of tea ? I will never , ever forget those words Just about brings me to tears .
Speaker 1Wow , did she know you were allergic ? Is that why no , no , no .
Speaker 3It really was . It was so meaningful and it was the tone in which you said it . Bedside manners it was yeah , it goes a long ways .
Speaker 2We notice like there's something in us right . It's what I call that universal matrix . We all know what good , loving kindness type of treatment is , because it's God's law written upon our hearts and we recognize what it should look like . That's why , when we don't get it , bells go off and sirens because we know that's not right . That's why we get upset and there's just something beautiful about that and , like I've been saying , it's been demonstrated by the Lord . The word loving kindness is the word kassad in the Hebrew and , as you can tell from the word , it cares whether the idea of love and kindness obviously , but it has at the heart of it a zeal toward the ones that it's being exercised toward . There's a zeal involved in it .
Speaker 3Amen .
Speaker 2It's not just , you know , a half hearted sort of mediocre . It's like zealous , passionate outpouring of loving kindness toward someone . You know , that's a sorry , god right .
Speaker 3So in my era of darkness , a light came on in the gospel . Wow , that's what produces gratitude in my heart that explodes because of the loving kindness that was given to me through the cross , wow . So I just wanted to mention that that's where I was going with that nurse .
Speaker 4I brought up Ephesians 3 , 17 . You quoted the back half of 19 . And you just reminded me of one aspect that sandwiched between the two things that we were quoting , which it says like this I pray that you , being brooded and established in love , may have the power , together with all the Lord's holy people , to grasp Amen . And so it's God intends to give us to one another to know the love of God , amen .
Speaker 2Yeah , and you think about about what Paul talks about in Ephesians 2 . He talks about how we were saved by that loving kindness of God . I mean , that's what it comes down to and oftentimes people will try to , they'll try to sort of sequester loving kindness to the New Testament , right ? No , that's the New Testament God . But listen to Jonah . He says this is after everything happened and Jonah fled from God , went to Nineveh or went to Tarshish . God brings them back , the fish swallows them . All that . And then , spoiler alert he preaches . He preaches to them to repent and they do repent . So now Jonah sitting there fuming and he says in Jonah 4-2 , so he prayed to the Lord and said ah Lord , I love that . It's one of my favorite parts of the scripture .
Speaker 3Well , when you made him , he might say , like I said , ah .
Speaker 2Ah , lord , was not this what I said when I was still in my country ? Therefore , I fled previously to Tarshish , for I know that you are a gracious and merciful God , slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness .
Speaker 3So what was Jonah's problem ?
Speaker 2He hated the Ninevites . They were evil , wicked people and he didn't want to see God's mercy on him . He wanted to see God's judgment on him and so he didn't want to be a part of that . It's like I know you're gonna , I'm gonna go , waste my breath and then you're gonna have mercy on them , lord . But he knew , he knew God was full of loving kindness , and so , man , we need to like Jeremiah 9 says you know , we need to understand that this is who God is , that he exercises loving kindness . And I think sometimes you know part of what you talked about , oscar . There's this desensitization that happens where what should be not just enough , but it should cause us to be paralyzed because of awe , we just overlook , like , okay , god demonstrated his own love toward us in that , while we were yet sinners , christ died for us . Cool , what more do you want God to do to show you his loving ? He doesn't have to do anything more . He didn't have to do that and he went in above and beyond and we're like , oh , what do you mean ? Loving kindness ?
Speaker 3Look at the full revelation of loving kindness is in Psalm 63 , verse three . David says because your loving kindness is better than life . I mean , what's better than life ?
Speaker 1Well , God's loving kindness . Yeah that's so good .
Speaker 4I love . You just did two amazing things . One you talked about like the reality that people are like , well , god is loving kindness , in the New Testament , but not in the old . And then you also quoted in New Testament where , while we were yet sinners , and just to add to that same love is in the Old Testament , genesis three , chapter eight they've sinned against God , they've turned their back at him , they're hiding , they've made themselves loincloths . It's the word . The fall has just happened . And the next verse is and they heard the sound of the Lord , God walking in the garden in the cool of the day . How is that Grace ? He saw after them in the midst of their sin , right after the fall , as they're hiding in shame . God goes after them . We do not pursue God , god pursues us . There is no . You know it's funny because I'll often say this man , they're so close , it seems like they're right there maybe and I think people know what I mean by that . But the reality too , from a theological perspective , nobody is pursuing after God . The loving kindness of God is that while we are still sinners Old Testament Adam and Eve fallen hidden in shame . They've destroyed everything in the coolness of night . He goes after them and calls for them .
Speaker 1I like it . You know , and let's point out the fact , you know , cs Lewis said that God doesn't love us because we're lovable , you know , but because he is love , because God is love , he loves to seek after us . His wrath can be subsided from someone , but his love cannot , right ? I mean , consider that for a moment that God's wrath can abide upon us one moment and they can be subsided because of his kindness and his love and the work that he did at the cross , but God's love will never be subsided towards us , that God's heart and his mind and his affection and his attention is set upon us because of what Christ did , and that will never , ever be removed .
Speaker 2That blows my mind . Amen , Mark , that's so good . Yeah , and look , here's some of these Psalms I've read . I'd love for you to touch on some of these , but Psalm 367 , how precious is your loving kindness , oh God . Therefore , the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings . How precious is your loving kindness .
Speaker 3That's like a chicken .
Speaker 1That's right . It's common . Everything's gonna be like a chicken to me .
Speaker 3That's like a hen on the shadow of your wings .
Speaker 2I'll have chickens . Psalm 40 , verse 10, . I have not hidden your righteousness within my heart . I've declared your faithfulness and your salvation . I have not concealed your loving kindness and your truth from the great assembly .
Speaker 3Wow , right Ray , this is right up your alley , right declaring yeah , Jesus preached righteousness in the great congregation and evangelism is just a spilling over of the loving kindness of God . In our own lives we cannot but speak that which we've seen and heard . I love the words . As Matthew Henry said , a desirable end proposed , and that is rightly to understand the loving kindness of the Lord . It is of a great use to us to be fully assured of God's goodness , to be experimentally acquainted and duly affected with it . That is this loving kindness , maybe before our eyes , and that's what we've always gotta keep before our eyes . God's loving kindness , it's all . All things work together for good to those that love God and accord according to his purposes .
Speaker 2Amen . Yeah , I love this one in Psalm 40 , 11 . Do not withhold your tender mercies from me , oh Lord . Let your loving kindness and your truth continually preserve me . You know , it's that preserving agent that that sustains us . I mean , I can't think of anything more helpful in times of distress than to pause and meditate on God's loving kindness .
Speaker 3You've got to .
Speaker 2Yeah , it sustains us , it preserves us , and even just thinking that he's given us eternity . He's given us forgiveness of sin . He's promised to cause all things to work together for good . He says blessed . Are we right when all these horrible things happen to us ? And he'll never leave us for sake us , he'll be with us always , even under the end of the age . Nothing will separate us from his love . No one could snatch us out of his hand . I mean , it goes on and on and on . And all of that ties back to his loving kindness . Amen , yeah . And so , friends , we hope that your hearts have been stirred and that you'll turn toward him in remembrance of the loving kindness that he's shown toward you , and then demonstrate it toward others . You know we often talk a lot about a lot of things on the program , but we want to stir you to action . We want you to go out and then imitate your God right Ephesians five . Therefore , be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love , as Christ has also loved us and given himself for us , and offering the sacrifice of God for a sweet , smelling aroma . And so he demonstrated it . He showed it , and now we can go out and we can demonstrate and I'm out of voice y'all and you guys are saying good .
Speaker 3I'm so to Priya .
Speaker 2Thank you , Lord .
Speaker 4He's hurt us .
Speaker 2All right , friends . Don't forget , though , when a believer has doubts . Mucklatt by Ray Comfort . Mucklatt , Mucklatt , Mucklatt , Mucklatt and the Living Waters mug . Look it out , we may have the new one up . Just check the Evidence Study Bible all at livingwaterscom podcast at livingwaterscom . Make sure to give us your comments and remember to like and subscribe and comment and rate and all that stuff on whatever platform you're listening on . And yeah , thank you , friends . We love you , our friends . God bless you . Thank you , we're joining those friends . We'll see you here next time on the Living Waters podcast . The ultimate cure Cure up , Cure up for insomnia . Don't do it . Yes , We'll see you next time .