Jun 142017
 
bible key

I was looking at a James Tissot painting of the Samaritan women at the well and I started to ponder about the account which is found in the “Book of John”, chapter 4. In Eastern Orthodox tradition this women was named “Photina”, which means something like, “luminous one”. I doubt if that was her actual name for several reasons. This lady possibly would visit the well at warmer times too avoid others, who generally came to fetch their water in the mornings or near sunset. She did not, evidently, have the best reputation as she has been living with several different men over time. She wished to avoid the gossips and so came to the well when less folks were around. The last thing she expected was to meet the Messiah and receive life giving spiritual water. Needless to say, her life changed for the better and, perhaps, she became a luminous one as she probably told people, for years to come, about her meeting the messiah at the well.  This water is available to all…

The words of Jesus, as found in verse 14, are nearly poetic, “those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”What is born of the flesh is flesh but what is born of the Spirit is Spirit.

pastor Zomok

Aug 102016
 
bible key

The Greek word translated “Comforter” or “Counselor” (as found in John 14:16) is parakletos. This word means “one called to the side of another”. Jesus is speaking about the Holy Spirit, who travels beside the Christian to guide, comfort, and to counsel. Ultimately speaking God’s spirit is our true Counselor. What we learn from the Holy Spirit also helps us help others too.

In the field of Christian Counseling, the good minister or believer has the spirit upon him (Isaiah 61~) and can go forth to further comfort, counsel, or to assist others. A Christian counselor can be fully equipped due to his or her textbook, the Holy Bible. It is completely adequate… “All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work.”–2 Timothy 3:17. Admittedly this is a presuppositional view but unless there exists a chemical imbalance or drug abuse, which may require medical help, Christian counseling motivated by the Spirit and Scriptures is fully adequate to do the job!
Pastor Zomok