Spiritual Food

A Conversation Between An Atheist Professor And His Christian Student

An atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his Class on the problem Science has with God, the Almighty. He asked one of his New Students, a Christian to stand and . . .

Professor: Do you Believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.
Professor: Is God Good?
Student:  Sure.
Professor: Is God all powerful?
Student: Yes.
Professor: My brother died of cancer despite him praying to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent)

Professor: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, Young fella. Is God Good?
Student: Yes.
Professor: Is Satan good?
Student: No.
Professor: Where did Satan come from?
Student: From…..God…
Professor: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.
Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.
Professor: So who created evil?

(Student did not answer)

Professor: Is there Sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?
Student: Yes, sir.
Professor: So, who created them?
 

(Student had no answer)
 

Professor: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son . . . Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.
Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student: No , sir.
Professor: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student: No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.
Professor: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.
Professor: Yes, faith. And that is the problem science has.

(Student thinks hard and then starts shooting questions at the Professor)

Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Professor: Yes.
Student: And is there such a thing as cold?
Professor: Yes.
Student: No, sir. There isn't,
 

(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events )
 

Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega Heat, white Heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is
only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
 

(There was pin-drop silence in the Lecture Theatre)
 

Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?
Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light . . but if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness cannot exist in and of itself. If that were possible, then you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?
Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student: Sir, my point is your Philosophical premise is flawed.
Professor: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the
opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.
Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going)

Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?

(The class was in uproar)

Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?

(The class broke out into laughter)

Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?

(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable)

Professor: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.
Student: That is it sir . . . exactly! The link between Man and God is faith. That is all that keeps things alive and moving.

That student was Albert Einstein.

 

The Story of Jonah

  

 

Churchgoers Ignored the Pleas of a ‘Homeless’ Man; An Hour Later They Cried From Shame.

You won’t believe how this homeless man was treated right outside of a church… what happened next will humble you.


 
A Pastor transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the 10,000-member church that he was to be introduced as the head pastor at that morning. He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for service, only 3 people out of the 7-10,000 people said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food – no one in the church gave him change.


 
He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was asked by the ushers if he would please sit in the back. He greeted people to be greeted back with stares, dirty looks, and people looking down on him. As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements and such.

When all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation. “We would like to introduce to you our new Pastor.” The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking down the aisle. 

The clapping stopped with all eyes on him. He walked up the altar and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a moment then he recited,


“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
 
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
 
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
 
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
 
After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry, and many heads were bowed in shame. He then said, “Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples. When will YOU decide to become disciples?” He then dismissed service until next week.
 
Following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ should be more than just talk. It ought to be a lifestyle that others around you can love about you and share in.” Be a Christian all you want, but at least follow the teachings of Christ if you’re going to claim the title.
(Matthew 25:35-45).

Courtesy: http://faithhub.net/homeless-man-gives-church-a-true-meaning

BIBLE STUDY

 

The word “WORD”

After Jesus’ baptism, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil. When He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was afterward hungry. The Devil, knowing how famished He was tempted Him to command stones to turn into bread if indeed He was God’s Son.

Of course Satan knew who Jesus was. In response to that temptation, Jesus answered:

“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, KJV)

At this point, it is important to ponder over what Jesus meant by every “Word” that proceeds out of God’s mouth. Could it be possible that the word “Word” has a deeper meaning?

Before going any further, let’s look at instances when words proceeded directly from the mouth of God. After that, we will try and ascertain whether those are the words that Jesus was talking about when He said “…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Baptism of Jesus

The first instance happened just after Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptist in river Jordan. 

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17, KJV)

Is there any evidence that these were the words that Jesus had in mind when He said “…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God?”

The Transfiguration

Let’s take a look at another instance whereby words proceeded directly from the mouth of God.  It was during the transfiguration and Jesus had brought with Him Peter, James and John to a high mountain. 

As Christ was being transfigured before His disciples, Moses and Elijah appeared to them and talked with Him. Peter, in his outspoken nature suggested to Jesus that three tabernacles be made: One for Jesus, one for Moses, and the third one for Elijah. And while Peter was still speaking:

“…behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Matthew 17:5, KJV)

It is worthwhile to note that although everyone present heard the words that God the Father spoke, the target audience was actually the three disciples. Peter, John and James were instructed to “...hear ye Him.”

 

Jesus’ Anguish

The last instance we’ll focus our attention on took place when Jesus spoke about the events surrounding His death. Although the Savior’s soul was troubled because He was about to face death, He understood perfectly well that it was for that reason He came to earth.  

“Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” (John 12:27-28, KJV)

Word as a Statement

Sometimes in the Bible, the word “Word” refers to a statement as illustrated in the following text:

“For all the law is fulfilled in ONE WORD, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Galatians 5:14, KJV)

When addressing Galatians under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul refers to 7 words (i.e Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself) as one word. He does the same when writing to the Hebrews. In Hebrews 12:25, he exhorts them to accept Christ and heed His voice.

“Whose voice then shook the earth but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.” (Hebrews 12:26, KJV)

In verse 27, Paul summarizes the above underlined 12 words into 3 words “Yet once more” and refers to them as “…this word” in verse 27.

“And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (Hebrews 12:27, KJV)

Interestingly, the commandments of God are at times referred to as “Word” in the Bible as evidenced in these texts: 

(a) “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” (1 John 2:4-5. KJV) 

(b)  “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, KJV) 

(c)  “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. (John 14:24, KJV) 

(d) “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” (John 15:10, KJV)

 

Conclusion

From the above illustrations, it’s clear that the words “Commandments” and “Word” are synonymous.

Therefore, we can conclude that when Jesus said that….“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, He actually meant that…. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by (every) commandments that proceed out of the mouth of God.”

When You Fall in Love

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Falling in love is one of the most precious gifts that God has granted to humanity. There is nothing anti-spiritual or inherently sinful about it provided it is subordinated to the higher pursuit of glorifying God. At the end of the day emotions (in and of themselves) are not evil.

In the beginning, God made Eve for Adam. He instituted marriage. The Lord took a rib from Adam’s side to make the woman. God did it whilst the man was asleep, and ever since, falling in love always has this dreamy and other-worldly feeling about it. In the Genesis account, there are a few useful gleanings which I have jotted down that will help you know the biblical standard for truly falling in love and finding a mate. Perhaps we have overlooked some of these vital truths.

1.  “God created man” (Genesis 1:27).

“God created man.” It seems like a rather strange verse to quote when dealing with falling in love, but we cannot fail to miss the value and depth of this insight. God created a “man”. Before God gave Eve to Adam, Adam was a “man” and not a “boy”. I preached at a convention in Madrid alongside a servant of God back in April 2010 who had just arrived from teaching in Italy. He informed me that two out of every three marriages over there end up in shipwreck. Why so many break ups? Because men no longer marry women; boys marry girls. When trouble strikes, these so-called men walk out! They cave in as quickly as a pack of cards. They never grew up; they have infantile attitudes and can’t stand the pressure when the heat is on. They have no principles and no convictions; so command no respect. A man that has to use violence to gain the respect of his wife is worse than an animal. He is no man; he’s a beastly coward and a slug. God made a “man” in Eden; one who was mature and trusted in God. Falling in love the biblical way is a thing of spiritual adults, not of novices. Make sure your partner is a grown-up and not a cry baby.

2. "God put the man in the garden" (Genesis 2:8).

Why did God put man in the Garden? The Bible answers us in Genesis 2:15, “To dress it and to keep it.” In other words, Adam was involved in the work of the Lord before he met Eve. He wasn’t out-and-about in pagan-style Christian nightclubs and single bars looking for a partner. He faithfully served God where the Lord had put him, and then the Lord took care of the rest. It says, “And God brought Eve unto the man” (Genesis 2:22). God put the woman in the right place at the right time. Adam didn’t have to go about trying to chat up half the available females, bombarding them with endless text-messages, phone calls and e-mails on into the early hours of the morning. There is nothing attractive about a person who just throws themselves at another with no self-respect. You wipe your feet with door-mats, you don't fall in love with them. Adam just had to occupy himself with serving God. If you seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, then all these other things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). Obedience was the grand virtue that characterized Adam’s pre-Fall existence; and that obedience is always met with the divine blessing. God gave Adam the perfect woman who would compliment the work unto which God had called him. They were not two heads going in two different directions; but one body, one unit, one flesh headed God’s way.

Let me be very bold for a moment. You young men reading this that are called to ministry: never ever settle for a girl that has no interest in spiritual matters; you need someone who is at your level, and who will encourage you and strengthen you in the things of God. Don’t throw your whole life away for a plate of lentils. If you marry a girl that doesn’t share the calling that is upon your life, then your whole existence will be one of constant affliction and frustration. You can share your life with a “good” girl, but that doesn’t mean she’s God’s best. You will not be able to go when God calls you to; you will not be able to do what God tells you to. Don’t sell yourself out to the first one that comes along; pray through to God and He will show you what to do. Many times we speak of not being unequally yoked with unbelievers; that is true. But the same rule applies to Christian marriage. You cannot marry someone that you will be a constant drag downwards in spiritual matters. The fire that God has put in your belly can become smothered by marrying the wrong person. So, beware! Cry out to God and He will answer.

3. “God commanded the man, saying…” (Genesis 2:16).

God had a verbal relationship with man; He spoke with him. There was God-man communication. A man of God, before ever thinking about marriage, must first enjoy intimacy with the Lord. Then from his relationship with God he will sow forth blessing and peace into his marriage. Men of God are faithful. They are not like today’s brand of rebels that marry a girl one day and then sleep with another one the next day. If there is no fruit in your prospective partner’s life, get out of the thing! Cut it off! I once heard the testimony about a young twenty-something year old in the States. She was living with her boyfriend, and one of her friends invited her to church. She came under conviction in the service, realizing that she was knee-deep in sin. She cried out to God for forgiveness. When she got home she told the lad what had happened and she asked him if he too wanted to follow Jesus. He laughed her words off and said no. She replied, “If you don’t want to go to heaven with me, then I sure don’t want to go to hell with you!” She packed her bags and left! She left her life of sin behind. A woman of God has godly convictions and does whatever the Lord says, no matter what the price may be.

4. Concluding

To fall in love, your mate must be an adult, and not a child; they must be a servant of God and have an intimate relationship with the Lord. Anything less falls short of the biblical standard. Ask God to guide you in these matters. These may be spiritual principles, but something I would like to add is that it is not a sin to be physically attracted to your mate. God will stir up a love in your heart for her. God hasn’t called you to marry a monkey!

Furthermore: avoid long relationships like the plague! Pre-marital relationships that go on for years are not wise; you are only inviting temptation to fornicate. You are flesh and blood; you have desires. And that is irrespective of the number of sermons you’ve listened to or preached.

And one last observation, lads that date one girl and then another and then another are practicing for divorce in the future. “If it doesn’t work out with this one, I’ll try another!” Girls are not sweets to be tasted and spat out! Be a man! Be mature! Be an adult! Seek God’s guidance in all of these matters, and He will show you the way forward. That way, you can rest in peace and enjoy the bliss of falling in love the way God ordained it.

 Three Kinds of Believers

 

Courtesy of: KingdomNomics

Are you spending completely on things that pass away like a vapor–or are you investing significantly in the things of God, which do not?

I’m something of a student of human behavior, and I’ve come to some conclusions about how most people in the world relate to God and His gifts. With regard to those who do make some kind of attempt to serve God, I’ve observed that there are basically three kinds of believers in this world.

They’ve compartmentalized the sphere of all their resources, whether time, talent, or treasure, and haven’t brought these under the Lordship of Christ.

1. Earthly-minded Believers

The first category of people I’ve identified is a large one, perhaps because it requires the least thought.

"These believers accept what God has given them and use their resources for their own comfort, pleasure, and personal gratification."

The Earthly-minded Believer sees money the way nearly everyone else does. He wants to keep as much of it as possible, and use it for his own personal enjoyment of life.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the financial fruits of our labor. God wants us to do so. The important question is this: Are you spending completely on things that pass away like a vapor—or are you investing significantly in the things of God, which do not?

2. Christian Philanthropists

The next category of believers is one that gives more attention to giving.

"These are believers who have come to the conviction that God has blessed them, and they should give back a portion of what they’ve received to help support ministry and missions."

For them, this is somewhat of a duty, an obligation to fulfill, like paying taxes. There’s an “oughtness” that guides them. They write a check or volunteer in some way, but there is no joy or purpose in it.

Perhaps it’s the way they were taught by their parents. Perhaps it is motivated by the sense of duty so that the church can fund some project overseas, or pay its budget, or provide some program. Perhaps it’s giving out of guilt. The important distinction is that it is “doing what I have to.” As a result, it’s not something particularly pleasant or enjoyable.

3. Kingdom Investors

There is one other kind of Christian giver and, as you might predict, this one is harder to find among us. The Kingdom Investors are people who grow in Christ, who dig deeply into his Word, and who come to see their resources in a brand new way.

"Kingdom Investors see all that they have and all that they own as their sacred trust, theirs to use strategically for the advancement of Christ and His eternal purposes."

Their time, talent and treasure is no longer an end in itself, but a medium, a palette to be used in the beautiful art of serving God.

Who are these people? You’ll find them across the spectrum.

Kingdom investors are motivated by the rewards that the Bible promises.

The Kingdom Investors deploy whatever time, talent, and treasure they have available, and it’s a pleasing truth that while not everyone can invest great sums of financial wealth, everyone can give their time and their personal talents.

These are all things that God has given so that we might find the unique joy of giving them back.

Do you merely see your giving as an obligation or duty, or does it give you joy?

We All Are The Creation of One God

In our contemporary world, much of what goes on leaves many of us increasingly despondent. Hardly a day goes by without hearing or reading news of death, hunger, strife, murder, perfidy, revenge, sickness and war, just to name a few. Terror attacks have become inherent in our society. Almost everyone is dealing treacherously with their neighbors. Iniquity continues to abound, making the love of many to wax cold.

It is ironic that despite the fact that we all are created by one God and thus have one Father, we find it extremely difficult to “do unto others as we would have them do unto us.” But even though this situation can be explained by partial fulfillment of the end times’ prophesy, it shouldn’t be lost on us that it is possible for individuals to go against the grain and show love for each other. Instead of hiding our hopelessness behind an air of insouciance, we should be exorcising the ghosts of belligerence, negative ethnicity, and racial prejudice among others, by focusing all our attention on faith, hope and love.

A deep study of the Scriptures reveals that despite our differences in race, class, language and creed, we actually are all one, and not that we should be one. The Revelation that the Lord Jesus Christ showed to John in the Book of Revelation affirms that we all are one. By shedding His blood on the Cross at Calvary, Jesus died for sins of the humankind and not for a selected few.

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10, KJV).

It is also interesting to note that the Everlasting Gospel, which forms part of the 3 Angels’ message in the Book of Revelation Chapter 14, is meant for everyone who dwells on the face of the earth regardless of their skin color, language, creed, or even kindred ties!

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” (Revelation 14:6-7, KJV).

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and many visions by night. Among the visions he saw was one of someone who looked like the Son of man and who came to the Ancient of Days to receive dominion, glory and a kingdom that every human being should serve Him.

“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14, KJV).

Before the builders of the Tower of Babel were scattered abroad by God upon the face of the earth, they had one language and one speech. This made them very powerful and according to God, nothing which they imagined would be restrained from them.   

“And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. (Genesis 11:6-7, KJV).

The above illustration underscores the value and power of language regardless of whether it is written, spoken, or sign language. Mark Twain once said that Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can read. It is true that language has the power to unite as well as divide. However, the faculty of choice to use language to divide or unite lies squarely on an individual. 

Considering that the end of the world shall come after the Gospel of the Kingdom has been preached in the entire world for a witness unto all nations (Matthew 24:14), individuals who, for instance, create divisions among people on the basis of language differences undoubtedly become God’s enemies.

“He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” (Luke 11:23, KJV).

Needless to say, anyone who creates enmity with God out rightly sets himself or herself up for destruction. Only an arrant fool can have the temerity to do that, bearing in mind that God is the Almighty.

“For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.” (Psalms 92:9, KJV).

Today if you hear God’s voice speaking to you saying that we all are one and that He is our sole Creator, harden not your heart. Otherwise, you will be like the bad fish which were cast away after being caught in the sea.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:47-50, KJV).   

  

 

God Works With Warriors And Not Cowards

 

Fear is Binding

Fear disables and cripples. It sits on people’s potential and completely blinds their vision. As a result, they never get to discover the unlimited abilities in their lives and therefore, they do not make use of them. As a corollary to this, they often find themselves leading unfulfilling, mediocre lives.

Today, multitudes of people are bound by fear. Interestingly, many of the things people fear do not exist at all, neither do they happen according to their anticipation. It is of utmost important to know that fear “is a spirit” which does not come from God.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 2:7 KJV)    

Kinds of Fear

Many kinds of fear exist. One such kind is fear of failure which has held many individuals from starting their own projects or participating in other people’s projects. Fear of rejection has hindered millions of people from initiating formidable relationships. The fear of death has and still continues to torment and paralyze many. Fear of speaking in front of people has suppressed the voices of many, forcing them to remain mum even when they have great ideas or opinions to share with others.

Sadly, fear has stopped many born again Christians from using their spiritual gifts. They have found it extremely difficult to witness and testify of their faith to others, especially those who are not of the household of faith. This has resulted into a lesser number of souls being won for LORD than it should be.

Gideon and his Army

After Gideon was commanded by God to save the Israelites from the hands of the Midianites, he had an army of 32,300 soldiers with him when he pitched beside the well of Harod. Since God wanted the Israelites to know it was Him who gave them victory and not their might or large numbers lest they boast, He commanded Gideon to instruct everyone who was fearful to return home. More than half of the soldiers did so.

“Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead.  And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.” (Judges 7:3, KJV).

According to God, the remaining 10,000 soldiers were still too many. Therefore, He ordered they be brought down to the river to drink water. 

“So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.” (Judges 7:5, KJV).  

Out of the 10,000 men, only 300 lapped, putting their hand to their mouths. These were the ones God used to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites.

“And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. (Judges 7:7, KJV).  

The Cowardly

The cowardly will not, together with a host of other people inherit God’s Kingdom. In fact, their ultimate end will be in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8, KJV).

Conclusion

An uneducated, untrained person with courage is more valuable to God than an educated, well-trained coward.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13, KJV).

 

Do people really go straight to heaven or hell after death? 

Are they sent to purgatory or even some other place? Is there anything like God resting the souls of the dead in eternal peace? These are some of the questions we will seek to answer in this brief study of the truth about death and what happens thereafter. But let us first look at the status of the dead:

“...For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5, KJV)

Solomon clarifies that the dead simply know nothing. If indeed they were already in heaven or hell, surely they would notice where they are! That notwithstanding, many people who profess to be men of God including those who preside over burial ceremonies console the bereaved by urging them to be strong hearted since their beloved is already in heaven with Jesus. In obituaries, some statements are directly addressed to the departed, probably with the hope that they will get to see and read them. At the same time, tales of near death and after death experiences continue to be chronicled in books which sell no less than millions of copies. One such book is 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper whereby he captures the “events” that followed his car crash in 1989. But what did the Lord Jesus tell Nicodemus when the latter visited Him at night?

“....And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” (John 3:13, KJV).

On the day of Pentecost, the same words were echoed by Simon Peter when he addressed his fellow Jews and those who lived in Jerusalem:

“...For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool.” (Acts 2:34-35, KJV).

Many Christians view Jesus' promise to the criminal during crucifixion as a justification that people do go to heaven straight after death. But let's analyze the Saviour's words objectively:

“...And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise,” (Luke 23:43, KJV).

“...Jesus answered him, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43, NIV).

The above statement would have a totally different meaning if we shifted the comma between thee and Today (KJV); and between truth and today (NIV). It is important to note that commas were introduced into the Greek manuscripts centuries after authors of the New Testament books had died. Thus, commas have no syntactical value in New Testament Greek. This means that if they are later introduced by an editor, they would serve only to make the text easier to read and not to clarify the meaning. In any edition of the Greek New Testament, they are intended only as a help to the reader, not as a means of safeguarding the correct understanding of a passage.

Therefore, if we placed the comma between Today and shalt (KJV); and between today and you (NIV), the statement would read:

“...And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee Today, shalt thou be with me in paradise,” (Luke 23:43, KJV).

“...Jesus answered him, I tell you the truth today, you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43, NIV).

It is the promise alone of being in heaven with Jesus that was made on the day of Crucifixion. The real act of going to heaven was not to happen the same day. This is supported by Jesus' own words to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection:

“...Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not ascended to my Father: but rather go to my brethren , and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” (John 20:17, KJV).

Death has truthfully and numerously been referred to as sleep in the Bible. This is more so because of the indisputable and inevitable fact that both the just and unjust will resurrect albeit at different times. While writing to Corinthians, Apostle Paul described what shall happen to both the living righteous and the dead righteous upon the second coming of Christ:

“...Behold I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53, KJV).

In his epistle to Thessalonians, Apostle Paul also told them of the events that would take place at the second coming of Jesus Christ.

“...For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18, KJV).

Even though Martha was sad she had lost her brother Lazarus, she knew that he would resurrect on the last day. Never did the thought of Lazarus being in heaven cross her mind because she knew the truth:  

“...Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11: 23-24, KJV).

But what will happen to the wicked dead?

“...But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."(Revelation 20:5-6, KJV).

The wicked dead will not rise until Christ has taken His Church to heaven and ruled for a thousand years. The living wicked will be killed during the second coming of Christ.

“...And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8, KJV).

After they resurrect, the wicked will be paid according to their deeds:

“...Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:28-29, KJV).

“...And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2, KJV).

It is more than evident that no one goes either to heaven or hell immediately after death. Both the just and the unjust sleep in their graves until the second coming of Christ after which they will be judged and rewarded accordingly. 

The coming of Jesus Christ is sooner that you and I think and we better be always ready since we know not the time nor the hour.

“...And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (Revelation 22:12, KJV).

  

 

The Uniqueness of God's Relationship with Man

      God's relationship with man is the most unique in all of His creation. Apart from man whom God created using His own Hands, everything else He created by Word of His mouth. Towards the end of creation, specifically on the sixth day, God is seen expressing His desire and plan to establish a relationship between man and Himself.

“...And God said, Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:26-27, KJV).

     Man's purpose was to reflect his Creator's character and rule over the rest of creation. While acknowledging the magnificence of the work of God's hands, David was amazed by the most superior position in which God had placed man.

“...When I consider your heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. (Psalm 8:3-5, KJV).

      The Almighty Creator held man in highest esteem. He put everything under man's feet, thus bestowing upon him a huge responsibility.

“...Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. (Psalm 8:6-8, KJV).

     But despite the fact that he had the monopoly of enjoying the greatest privilege, man fell short of showing appreciation and reciprocating God's love for him. He transgressed God's command when he ate the forbidden fruit. The consequences were dire for all the parties involved, that is, the serpent, the woman (Eve), and the man (Adam). Besides the serpent being cursed above all livestock and wild animals, enmity was put between its offspring and the woman's offspring.

To the woman, God said:

“...I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. (Genesis 3:16, KJV).

Adam was not spared either because of listening to his wife:

“...Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns and thistles, shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. (Genesis 3:17-19, KJV).

     In spite of what Adam and Eve had done, which made them realize they were naked, God's compassion for them did not diminish in any way.

“...Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. (Genesis 3:21, KJV).

Even after man had fallen, God still strongly desired to restore the initial relationship He had with the former. His unconditional love for mankind was manifest when He sent His only Son to die for man's sins in order to save the world. Whereas death came through Adam, life came through Jesus Christ.

“...Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Roman 5:18-19, KJV).

     Whoever believes in Christ shall pass from death into everlasting life.

“...For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17, KJV).

It would be foolhardy not to acknowledge, accept and receive in our hearts the only Mediator between God and man.

“...For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:5-6, KJV).

Christ alone has the power to give anyone the right to become God's child.

“...But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13, KJV).

     Being called children (sons) of God is not a slight thing! It is the greatest love that the Father can lavish us with!

“...Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1, KJV).

In a nutshell, God intended us to have a special Father-child relationship with Him. He takes no pleasure in the death of the sinner but rather desires that all men be saved.

“...For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have (desires) all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4, KJV).

     He calls everyone to repentance because He does not anyone to perish. This underscores the integral role that repentance plays in cementing our relationship with God.

“...The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9, KJV).

It is of utmost importance we realize that the basis of God's relationship with us is love. He is the one who initiated the process of saving us while we were still sinners. He loved us first before we even knew Him to the extent of loving Him.

“...Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:10, KJV).

     For our relationship with God to continually grow stronger, we must be willing to obey His commands, trust in Him wholeheartedly at all times, and let Him control every circumstance of our lives. We must also not forget that a formidable relationship is built on excellent communication. This means we must, on a daily basis and as many times as we can, speak to Him through our thoughts, meditation and prayers. He, in turn, will respond to us through His Word, His Holy Spirit and His true servants.

The Model For Relations Between Fellow Human Beings

      Harmonious relations between fellow human beings is an essential prerequisite for their very own existence. The world we are living in would be serene and beautiful if each of its inhabitants learnt to do unto others as he or she would like them do unto him or her. If every individual showed earnest solicitude for his or her neighbour, the universe would be a haven of love, unity and tranquility. Unfortunately, that is not the present case because many of a people's love grew cold long time ago.

We no longer care for each other, and when we do, it is only for our very close family members and friends, or we want something in return. The plight of others do not bother us at all, either because we are never interested in their affairs, or we ourselves already have too many problems to deal with. Regrettably, we are oblivious to the fact that we have contributed to many of the life's difficulties we are currently grappling with. We certainly do not understand that our predicaments can easily be consigned into oblivion if we ceased looking only for our own interests and developed a deep concern for the interests of others too.

      At one time when the Lord Jesus silenced Sadducees who disputed the existence of resurrection, the Pharisees got together and one of them, a lawyer, while testing Him, sought to know the greatest commandment. On being asked by Jesus what the Law said about the matter, he answered correctly,

“...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:34-40; Luke 10:25-27, KJV).

But wanting to justify himself, the expert in law further asked Jesus who his neighbour was. In reply, Jesus narrated the Parable of the Good Samaritan. 
 

      A certain man was going down from Jerusalem when he fell into the hands of robbers who stripped him of his clothes, wounded him and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance, a priest (whom many rightfully expect would rush to the man's side and help him) happened to go down the same road. However when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side and went away. Likewise, a Levite (whom many also expect to be at the forefront helping the needy and wounded) came to the place and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

But when a Samaritan came where the man was and saw him, he had compassion on him. He bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, set the man on his own donkey and brought him to an inn. The next day as he departed, he took out two silver coins (Greek: Two Denarii), and gave them to the inn keeper, requesting him to take care of the man. He also promised to cover all the expenses that the man would have used by the time he came back. The lawyer singled out the Samaritan when Jesus asked him which of the three was a neighbour to the wounded man. Then said Jesus unto him, “Go, and do thou likewise.”(Luke 10:37, KJV).

      Many a times in our daily lives, we, for one reason or another, hold ourselves back from giving succour to the poor, the sick, the wounded and the needy in general. We probably assume that it is not our responsibility to assist them or that they will definitely get help from somewhere or somebody else. In other instances, we obstinately refuse to forgive those who have wronged us despite knowing all too well that we are also prone to wronging others. Ironically, the Lord's Prayer, especially the part which implores God to “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” is continually in our mouths. What you and I need to realize is that any act of kindness or cruelty done to a fellow human being touches God's heart and He reacts accordingly, since we are created in His image. 
 

“...He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.”(Proverbs 19:17,NIV).

“...Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.”(Exodus 22:22-24, KJV).

Sadly, the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel (Proverbs 12.10). On the other hand, walking blamelessly, working righteousness and dealing well with our neighbors draws us closer to God.

“...LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. [He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.”(Psalm 15:1-3, KJV).

      When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, He shall sit upon the throne of His glory. And before Him shall be gathered all nations, and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats. And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand,

“Come, you who are blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, Naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me.”

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, 
 

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and fed you or thirsty, and gave you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger, and invited you in? or naked, and clothed you? Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and came to visit you?”

And the King shall answer and say unto them,

“Verily I say unto you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand,

“Depart from me, you who are cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger, and you did not invite me in, naked, and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison, and you did not look after me.”

Then shall they also answer him, saying,

“Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto you?”

Then shall he answer them, saying,

“Verily I say unto you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.(Matthew 25:31-46).

      In conclusion, let you and I fervently pray, seek and strive to always exhort old men as fathers and:

“...Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”(1 Timothy 5:1-2, NIV).

 

  The Nature of God

     It is true that many people, and especially Christians, who do acknowledge the reality of God and His existence hold to a great variety of ideas about who He is and what He is like. Each one of us has certain thoughts and ideas concerning God. However, some of these ideas often conflict, not only with each other, but also with the actual biblical teachings. But since God is One and eternally the same, it is absolutely imperative that our conception of Him be coherent. Simply, our knowledge and understanding of Him should jibe with what He has revealed about Himself both in the natural world but more so in the Scriptures. 

     It is certainly worthy to know that the more one meditates on God and subsequently fears Him, the more His majesty, greatness, loving-kindness and overall glorious nature is discovered.

“The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. ”(Psalm 25:14, KJV).

“For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.”(Ecclesiastes 2:26, KJV).

“...And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”(Psalm 1:3, KJV).

     The following are some of God's attributes which make His nature really intriguing:

God is eternal and self-existent

    God is an immortal and uncaused being, who remains the same forever without needing anything.

“LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.” (Psalm 90:1-2, KJV).

His eternal nature and self-existence are inextricably linked.

“Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end.” (Psalm 102:25-27, KJV).

 

Therefore, this obviously means that there is no god or anything else equal to the Almighty God, to whom all glory, honor, reverence and adoration belong.

“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.” (Isaiah 44:6, KJV). 

God is Omniscient

God is infinite in regard to knowledge. He knows perfectly, not only the minutest details of our lives, but also of all other things and beings including Himself! Our losing a single hair or a sparrow falling never escapes His attention.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Mathew 10:29-30, KJV).

He effectively knows the end from the beginning because He is, in fact, the one who makes things happen.

“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.”(Isaiah 42:9, KJV).

He is therefore fully aware of what will happen until the end of history.

“Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] noneelse; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”(Isaiah 46:9-10, KJV).

He knows and understands our thoughts, desires, needs, aspirations and hearts – simply our everything.

“Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted [with] all my ways. For [there is] not a word in my tongue, [but,] lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.”(Psalm 139:2-4, KJV).

     Jesus Christ, being God Himself, could read the mind of His audience, which really perplexed the audience itself.

“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?”(Matthew 9:4, KJV).

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom dividedagainst itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”(Matthew 12:25, KJV).

Since it is crystal clear that God knows us and everything about us, it is only prudent to implore Him, just like David to:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”(Psalm 139:23-24, KJV).

God Is A Spirit 

    The teaching that God is a Spirit is one of the most basic truths about Him found in the Scriptures. It was taught by the Lord Jesus Christ while conversing with a Samaritan woman. Interestingly, Jesus, on His way to Galilee from Judea had not taken the usual route for a Jew of His day – across the Jordan at Jericho, north along the east side of the river, then back into Galilee. The salvation of the Samaritan woman's soul and those of many other Samaritans was paramount to Him and that's why,

“...He had to go through Samaria.”(John 4:4, NIV).

“...he must needs go through Samaria.” (John 4:4, KJV).

That was typical of the Good Shepherd to leave the ninety-nine sheep and go seeking for the lost one. It is worth noting that there is no article in the Greek text before the word Spirit, which probably emphasizes the essence of the word.

      Having come to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph, Jesus sat at Jacob's well, having being wearied from His journey. It was about the sixth hour and His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water and Jesus requested her to give Him a drink, she was surprised since Jews and Samaritans had no dealings at that time. But that notwithstanding, Jesus had a soft spot for her and all Samaritans, just as He did for everyone else who was in need of salvation.

     His choosing a Samaritan to be the hero in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), besides healing a leprous Samaritan man and pointing out the fact that he was the only one who returned to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19), can vouch for that. However, the woman, being heavily prejudiced against Jews, neither knew the gift of God nor the One who asked her for a drink. Had she known, she would asked Him and He would have given her living water, which signified the Holy Spirit. 
 

      Right from the start, Jesus' conversation with the woman revolved around spiritual things, and this she did not grasp. When Jesus promised that the water He had would be, in the recipient, a well of water springing up into everlasting life, she right away asked for it as it would permanently end her trips to the well to draw water. She was completely taken aback by Jesus' knowledge of her past and present life, and perceived Him to be a Prophet. While responding to her statement regarding where people ought to worship, Jesus said unto her:

“...Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to

worship him. God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:21-24, KJV).

God being a Spirit means He is incorporeal – He does not have a body or form. Simply, He has none of the physical

constraints associated with matter – He can neither perish, decay or be killed nor can He be detected by our senses. When Jesus arose from the dead and stood in the midst of His disciples as they discussed events that followed His death,

“...they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet.” (Luke 24:37-40, KJV).

     As a Spirit therefore, God is invisible (Colossians 1:15) and immortal (1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15-16). Furthermore, He is not limited to any particular geographical place or spatial location (Acts 17:24). Apostle Paul describes Him in Hebrews 12:9 as a “Father of Spirits.”

In the same breath however, numerous Scriptural texts seem to indicate that God has a physical body:

“...Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne,and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye

build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?” (Isaiah 66:1-2, KJV).

“...Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.”(Isaiah 66:1-2, KJV).

“...And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which [are] in Egypt, and have

heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows.” (Exodus 3:7, KJV).

     It is imperative to understand that there is no contradiction. Such statements are anthropomorphic (they treat God as if He had human qualities) and only occur when God is interacting with His creation. They are symbolic representations used to make God's actions more understandable to our finite mind.