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When Muhammad gained power and began asserting his authority, the Muslim creed’s first article became “La-ilaha illa-Llahu, meaning “there is no god except the one you already know as Al-ilah. So Islam and Al-ilah was derived from heathen Arabian worshippers of idols. Muhammad later prohibited worship of “The Daughter’s of Al-ilah” and any of the other 359 pagan gods of Arabian tribes.
Since Muhammad came from the tribe of Quraysh in Mecca and their god was Al-ilah, he denounced all the other gods. He chose Al-ilah as his own god out of the 360, which was his assertion of his newly gained power
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and Paul chose Roman/Greek gods like Asteroth (Easter), Salutarius (Sunday) and other pagan rites like the winter soltice (December 25) to induce the Romans/Greeks to follow his religion. This was verified by the committee of Nicea in 325 which decided by a vote to adopt the Roman/Greek way over the Eastern way and was ratified by the Roman Emperor Constantine. ALL Christian religious holidays, from Sunday dedicated to the sun god, Thursady to Thor the god of war, to the trinity has Roman/Greek/pagan origins, so who are you really praying to?
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Christianity and Paulinity Christianity is a Semitic religion, which claims to have nearly 1.2 billion adherents all over the world. Christianity owes its name to Jesus Christ (peace be on him). The Holy Bible is the sacred scripture of the Christians: a) The Bible is divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is the Holy Scripture of the Jews and contains records of all the prophets of the Jews that came before Jesus (pbuh). The New Testament contains records of the life of Jesus (pbuh). b) The complete Bible, i.e. the Old Testament and the New Testament put together, contains 73 books. However, the Protestant Bible i.e. the King James Version, contains only 66 books as they consider 7 books of the Old Testament to be apocrypha, i.e. of doubtful authority. Therefore the Old Testament of the Catholics, contains 46 books and that of the Protestants, 39 books. However the New Testament of both these sects contains 27 books.
CHRISTIANITY and JESUS - AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE Christmas holidays come and go each year with a shopping frenzy, hustle and bustle, Santa Clauses, Christmas trees, decorations and lights. This is the time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. This article addresses the following questions relying mostly on quotations from the Holy Quran: What are the origins of Christianity? Was Jesus (pbuh) born without a father? Is Jesus (pbuh) a son of God? Did Jesus (pbuh) speak as a baby? Was he crucified?
THE ORIGINS OF CHRISTIANITY Historical facts reveal that Jesus (peace be on him) did not use the word Christianity. He and his followers used to worship in the temple which other Israelites used. The message of Jesus was to call people back to the religion of Abraham and Moses from which they had gone astray. After Jesus, Paul declared that belief in Jesus sufficed for salvation. The Jewish scholars of that time called the followers of Jesus the misguided sect of Nazarene or Galilaens. In 43 C.E., when Paul and Barnabas went to Antioch to preach, they were ridiculed and were called Christians by the masses. The ones who were called Christians felt that if they are being given a name in reference to Jesus, there is nothing wrong in accepting it. Westerners have used the similar concept in labelling Muslims as Mohammedans. Oddly enough, literature on "Mohammedans" is still in abundance in the Western libraries.
PAUL ALTERED THE MESSAGE At the beginning, Paul was a staunch opponent of Jesus and remained so for many years after his ascension. When he did join the followers of Jesus later on, he initiated many alterations in the teachings of Jesus in hopes of winning over the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). He introduced the following concepts into Christianity: the concept of Jesus as son of God; Jesus died on the cross to wash eternal sins of Adam's children through his blood; and the Law of Torah was renounced. Paul eliminated all regulations concerning food and abrogated the injunctions of circumcision. The real followers of Jesus opposed these blatant misrepresentations of the message of Jesus. Their struggle to reject the notion of divinity of Jesus continued for about two hundred years. Since these alterations were very appealing to the Gentiles, the true believers were unable to stop the misguidance. In 325 C.E., a council of Christian leaders met at Nicaea and officiated Paul's beliefs as their religion. The Roman empire declared Paul's religion as the religion of the state and all those books which denied these beliefs were banned. In 367 C.E., the state announced a list of books acceptable to it and fifteen years later, a council held under the presidency of Pope Damasius gave its approval to these books. At the end of the fifth century, Pope Galasius published a list of unauthorized books (Apocryphal) to further conform with Paul's religion of Christianity.
JESUS BORN WITHOUT A FATHER The true story of Jesus' birth from Mary is narrated in the Holy Qur’an. We are told that he was born without a father by the command of God. Mary was single and a chaste woman. (21:91) And (remember) her who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our Spirit, and We made her and her son a Sign for all peoples. 19:16 Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East. 19:17 She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them: then We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. 19:18 She said: "I seek refuge from thee to (God) Most Gracious: (come not near) if thou dost fear God." 19:19 He said: "Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son." 19:20 She said: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?" 19:21 He said: "So (it will be): thy Lord saith, `That is easy for Me: and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us': it is a matter (so) decreed." 19:22 So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place. 19:23 And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree: she cried (in her anguish): "Ah! would that I had died before this! Would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!" 19:24 But (a voice) cried to her from beneath the (palm-tree): "Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee; 19:25 "And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee. 19:26 "So eat and drink and cool (thine) eyes. And if thou dost see any man, say, `I have vowed a fast to (God) Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into no talk with any human being.' "
JESUS SPOKE AS A BABY 19:27 At length she brought the (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms). They said: "O Mary! truly an amazing thing hast thou brought! 19:28 "O sister of Aaron! thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!" 19:29 But she pointed to the babe. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?" 19:30 He said: "I am indeed a servant of God: He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet; 19:31 "And He hath made me Blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live; 19:32 "(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable; 19:33 "So Peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the Day that I shall be raised up to life (again)"! 19:34 Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. 19:35 It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, "Be," and it is. 19:36 Verily, God is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that is straight. 19:37 But the sects differ among themselves: and woe to the Unbelievers because of the (coming) Judgment of a momentous Day!
HE BEGETS NOT! We note that the Holy Qur’an refers to Jesus as 'Jesus ibn Maryam', i.e., Jesus son of Mary. It is in contrast to the common usage in which children are referred to by their father's name and not by their mother's name. He is not a son of God. The following chapter from the Holy Qur’an explains the position of Islam in absolute terms: SAY: "God is Unique!! God, the Source [of everything]. He has not fathered anyone nor was He fathered, and there is nothing comparable to Him!" (Qur’an 112)
JESUS WAS NOT CRUCIFIED The Holy Qur’an also rejects the claim that Jesus was killed on the cross. 4:157 That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Apostle of God"; but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow for of a surety they killed him not. 4:158 Nay, God raised him up unto Himself; and God is Exalted in Power, Wise. 4:159 And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Judgment He will be a witness against them. Based on the statements of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), Muslims believe that Prophet Jesus will return to earth at a time when Muslims will be in a dire need of a leader. He will not initiate a new religion but rather obey the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and lead Muslims to victory over the disbelievers. We hope that this short essay will help our readers understand the origins of Christianity and Islam's position on Jesus. We encourage everyone to read the Holy Quran to obtain a better understanding of Jesus and Islam. The Holy Quran also gives a detailed account of the mission and lives of "Jewish" prophets like Moses and Zakarea. Altogether, twenty-five prophets are mentioned by name in the Quran, including prophet Abraham, who was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but a devout Muslim and a friend of Allah. Further readings: Jesus son of Mary- A Messenger of Allah
CONCEPT OF GOD IN CHRISTIANITY by Dr. Zakir Naik
Position of Jesus (peace be on him) in Islam: (i) Islam is the only non-Christian faith, which makes it an article of faith to believe in Jesus (pbuh). No Muslim is a Muslim if he does not believe in Jesus (pbuh). (ii) We believe that he was one of the mightiest Messengers of Allah (swt). (iii) We believe that he was born miraculously, without any male intervention, which many modern day Christians do not believe. (iv) We believe he was the Messiah translated Christ (pbuh). (v) We believe that he gave life to the dead with God’s permission. (iv) We believe that he healed those born blind, and the lepers with God’s permission.
CONCEPT OF GOD IN CHRISTIANITY: Jesus Christ (pbuh) never claimed divinity One may ask, if both Muslims and Christians love and respect Jesus (pbuh), where exactly is the parting of ways? The major difference between Islam and Christianity is the Christians’ insistence on the supposed divinity of Christ (pbuh). A study of the Christian scriptures reveals that Jesus (pbuh) never claimed divinity. In fact there is not a single unequivocal statement in the entire Bible where Jesus (pbuh) himself says, "I am God" or where he says, "worship me". In fact the Bible contains statements attributed to Jesus (pbuh) in which he preached quite the contrary. The following statements in the Bible are attributed to Jesus Christ (pbuh): (i) "My Father is greater than I." [The Bible, John 14:28] (ii) "My Father is greater than all." [The Bible, John 10:29] (iii) "…I cast out devils by the Spirit of God…." [The Bible, Mathew 12:28] (iv) "…I with the finger of God cast out devils…." [The Bible, Luke 11:20] (v) "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgement is just; because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." [The Bible, John 5:30]
The Mission of Jesus Christ (pbuh) – to fulfill the Law Jesus (pbuh) never claimed divinity for himself. He clearly announced the nature of his mission. Jesus (pbuh) was sent by God to confirm the previous Judaic law. This is clearly evident in the following statements attributed to Jesus (pbuh) in the Gospel of Mathew: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the Prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." [The Bible, Mathew 5:17-20]
God Sent Jesus' (pbuh) The Bible mentions the prophetic nature of Jesus (pbuh) mission in the following verses: (i) "… and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me." [The Bible, John 14:24] (ii) "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent." [The Bible, John 17:3]
Jesus Refuted even the remotest suggestion of his divinity Consider the following incident mentioned in the Bible: "And behold, one came and said unto him, ‘Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?’ And he said unto him, ‘Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.’ " [The Bible, Mathew 19:16-17] Jesus (pbuh) did not say that to have the eternal life of paradise, man should believe in him as Almighty God or worship him as God, or believe that Jesus (pbuh) would die for his sins. On the contrary he said that the path to salvation was through keeping the commandments. It is indeed striking to note the difference between the words of Jesus Christ (pbuh) and the Christian dogma of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus (pbuh).
Jesus (pbuh) of Nazareth – a man approved of God The following statement from the Bible supports the Islamic belief that Jesus (pbuh) was a prophet of God. "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know." [The Bible, Acts 2:22]
The First Commandment is that God is One
The Bible does not support the Christian belief in trinity at all. One of the scribes once asked Jesus (pbuh) as to which was the first commandment of all, to which Jesus (pbuh) merely repeated what Moses (pbuh) had said earlier: "Shama Israelu Adonai Ila Hayno Adonai Ikhad." This is a Hebrew quotation, which means: "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord." [The Bible, Mark 12:29] It is striking that the basic teachings of the church such as trinity and vicarious atonement find no mention in the Bible. In fact, various verses of the Bible point to Jesus’ (pbuh) actual mission, which was to fulfill the law revealed to Prophet Moses (pbuh). Indeed Jesus (pbuh) rejected any suggestions that attributed divinity to him, and explained his miracles as the power of the One True God. Jesus (pbuh) thus reiterated the message of monotheism that was given by all earlier prophets of Almighty God.
CONCEPT OF GOD IN OLD TESTAMENT: God is One The following verse from the book of Deuteronomy contains an exhortation from Moses (pbuh): "Shama Israelu Adonai Ila Hayno Adna Ikhad". It is a Hebrew quotation which means: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord" [The Bible, Deuteronomy 6:4]
Unity of God in the Book of Isaiah The following verses are from the Book of Isaiah: (i) "I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour." [The Bible, Isaiah 43:11] (ii) "I am Lord, and there is none else, there is no God besides me." [The Bible, Isaiah 45:5] (iii) "I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me." [The Bible, Isaiah 46:9]
Old Testament condemns idol worship (i) Old Testament condemns idol worship in the following verses: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me." "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:" "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God." [The Bible, Exodus 20:3-5]
A similar message is repeated in the book of Deuteronomy: "Thou shalt have none other gods before me." "Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that in the earth beneath, or that is in the water beneath the earth." "Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God." [The Bible, Deuteronomy 5:7-9]
Did Jesus and Isaiah PROPHESY the coming of MUHAMMAD? Note: The following is written in a language that is intended as an `Invitation' (Daw'ah) to Christians, who have confused the concept of "Spirit of Truth" (a Paraclete) with "Holy Spirit". Moses and Isaiah PROPHESIED the coming of JESUS. Did Jesus and Isaiah PROPHESY the coming of MUHAMMAD? To understand the prophecies made by Jesus on the subject, one has to begin with the First Epistle of John, Chapter 2, Verse 1. Here, Jesus Christ is called a "Paraclete" (Parakletos, Advocate, Comforter, Helper) by apostle John. The same term "Paraclete" is used by the apostle in his Gospel, in connection with a portentous prophecy made by Jesus Christ, before the end of his ministry upon this earth, for the coming of "another Paraclete". Prophet Moses also made a similar prophecy, before the end of his ministry, for the coming of his successor. Jesus Christ declared; "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you into the age (to come)." John 14:16 Note: We often read the verse ending as; "with you for ever". However; "into the age" is the literal translation of the Greek phrase; `eis ton aiona', used by John. These two verses by John clearly demonstrate that Jesus Christ, while speaking of "another Paraclete", was speaking of the coming of "another male figure" like himself, some time in the future, after his departure. The passage quoted below also confirms that the original concept among the noted Christian scholars and populace, for the "Paraclete" was for the coming of a "male figure", but that concept was later confused with the "Holy Spirit". Here is an extract from the world renowned and distinguished Anchor Bible Volume 29A: "The word parakletos is peculiar in the NT to the Johnannine literature. In 1John ii1 Jesus is a parakletos (not a title), serving as a heavenly intercessor with the Father. ...Christian tradition has identified this figure (Paraclete) as the Holy Spirit, but scholars like Spitta, Delafosse, Windisch, Sasse, Butlmann and Betz have doubted whether this identification is true to the original picture and have suggested that the Paraclete was once an independent salvific figure, later confused with the Holy Spirit." (page 1135). The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ, besides being a "Messiah" was also a prophet like Moses, by his own admission. Please see John 5:46 and 9:17. Hence to say that the coming of "another Paraclete" was similar to the coming of "another Prophet" like Jesus and Moses, would not be inaccurate. OTOH, the concept of "Holy Spirit" is unequivocally negated by the following verse: "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Paraclete shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." John 16:7 This verse clearly tells us that the coming of the Paraclete was subject to the departure of Jesus. Whereas, the "Holy Spirit" was already present. It was in existence since the day of the Creation and was hovering upon the surface of the earth (Genesis 1:2). It was also present with the prophets of the Old Testament. The "Holy Spirit" happened to be present at River Jordan when Jesus Christ was being baptised by John the Baptist, in the early part of his ministry. So, how could Jesus say; "but if I go, I will send Holy Spirit"? "When the Paraclete comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of Truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness of me." John 15:26 This above verse clears the confusion. The Paraclete is called the "Spirit of Truth" and not the "Holy Spirit". These are two separate terms and two independent entities. The first takes the pronoun "he" being a male figure, whereas, the second one takes the pronoun "it". "But the Paraclete, the Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." John 14:26 Note: 1. In the older MSS, Codex Syriacus discovered in 1812 on Mount Sinai by Mrs.Agnes S. Lewis (and Mrs. Bensley), the text of 14:26 reads; "Paraclete, the Spirit"; and not "Paraclete, the Holy Spirit". "The Spirit" is a reference to "the Spirit of Truth" as in 15:26. 2. The word spirit, Greek. `pneu'ma', is of neutral gender and takes pronoun "it". Whereas, in almost all the verses referring to Paraclete quoted above and below, the pronoun used is "he". 3. In 1 John 4:6, the terms "the spirit of truth" and "the spirit of error" are used for the human beings. 4. History records that prophet Muhammad was known for his truth and honesty, long before he received the Revelations. Jesus Christ did indicate what the Paraclete to come will do in his time. Did prophet Muhammad do those things? Let's examine; 1. "But when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own initiative, but whatever he hears, he will speak..." Jn.16:13 Note: The Qur’an is a compilation of the Divine Revelations that were received by prophet Muhammad, over a period of 23 years, through the arch angel Gabriel. The prophet used to recite whatever he used to hear. The Prophet's companions used to write down whatever was recited. The Qur’an does not contain the writings or teachings of or by Muhammad, as often mentioned by some misinformed authors.
2. "He shall glorify me." John 16:14 Note: The Qur’an glorifies the birth of Jesus through Virgin Mary. The Qur’an also confirms, Jesus was a Messiah; a Messenger of God; the Spirit from God; the Word of God and the Righteous Prophet. 3. "He shall take mine and shall disclose it to you." Jn.16:14 Note: Muhammad did declare himself a Messenger of God like Abraham, Moses and Jesus. 4. "He will teach you all things." John 14:26 Note: The Qur’an teaches a way of life. It guides mankind, how to live a pious life socially, politically and spiritually. 5. "He will bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." Jn.14:26 Note: The Qur’an speaks about the teaching of the righteous Jesus and even quotes him. 6. "He will bear witness of me" John 15:26 Note: The Qur’an attests the miracles performed by Jesus the Messiah. It also mentions one astonishing miracle performed by Jesus that the Gospel writers have not recorded. The Qur’an acknowledges that these miracles and signs were performed with the leave of Allah, by His righteous Servant and Messiah Jesus. The same is also attested in the Book of Acts 2:22; 3:13 (NASB).
PROPHET ISAIAH Prophet Isaiah is considered to be one of the major prophets of the Old Testament. In the Book of Isaiah there are several prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. In chapter 42, Isaiah begins with a prophecy for the coming of prophet Jesus. After verse number nine, God declares through Isaiah, the "new things" that are to "spring forth" in the Land of Kedar. In the Bible there is only one personality called Kedar. He was the grandson of prophet Abraham, through his son Ishmael (see Gen.25:13). Kedar's descendants had settled in Paran (Syno-Arabian dessert). In the Rabbinic literature Arabia is called the "Land of Kedar". Prophet Muhammad was a descendant of Kedar.
God declares through Isaiah; "Behold, the former things are come to pass, and the new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. `Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth'. Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voices, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare His praise in the inlands." Chapter 42, Verses 9-12. God did reveal in the Land of Kedar, through prophet Muhammad - a direct descendant of Kedar, a "New Song" - The Qur'an. This happens to be the only Scripture to be revealed in the language of the Kedarites. The verses of the Qur'an are recited like a poem. Nearly 1.5 billion Muslims, residing all over the world, recite this "new song" and Glorify Allah, in their daily prayers, five times in a day. The initial Revelation came to prophet Muhammad in a cave of Mount Hira near the city of Mecca. There are several mountains near Mecca. During the annual Islamic pilgrimage called "Hajj", Muslims from all over the world, assemble in Mecca and shout Glory to the Lord from the top of Mount Arafat. The pilgrims continuously give Glory to Allah on their ways, to and from Mecca.
"The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies." Verse 13. In the Old Testament the God often speaks "I" will do this, or "I" have done this; whereas, He has chosen human beings like us, to do these jobs. (see 2 Samuel 12:7-12). Muhammad did go forth as a mighty prophet of Allah, did stir up jealousy among the most influential and dominating tribe of the pagan Arabs in Arabia. Finally with a war cry and roar, Muhammad did prevail upon the enemies of Lord - the idolaters, fulfilling the above prophecy. "I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself, now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once." Verse 14. The prophets that came before Muhammad had all tried with peaceful missions. But, the concept of sharing God's Glory continued to surface again and again, in one way or other. It was with the war cry, through the descendants of Kedar (Arabs), these sinful practices were destroyed and devoured, inside and outside of Arabia. The spread of Islam was swift, wide spread and at once. "And I will bring the blind by a way they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things I will do unto them, and not forsake them." Verse 16. It is an undeniable fact that before the advent of Islam, the pagan Arabs were like the blind. Their religious and social concepts were crooked. The revelation of this "new song" brought them out of that darkness. Earlier, God had not sent any prophet to these people. By sending Muhammad, God fulfilled His above promise and also the following promise to Abraham; "And also of the son of the bondwoman I will make a nation, because he is thy seed." Genesis 21:13.
Please note the word "also" in above promise. The nations of Judaism and Christianity came out from the descendants of Abraham and Sarah. The nation of Islam came out from the descendants of Abraham and Hagar. Judaism, Christianity and Islam are three children of Abraham by God's covenants with Abraham.
This also fulfils the following prophecy by Jesus; "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of Truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you thing to come." John 16:13 "They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images; they say to the molten images, `Ye are our gods.'" Isaiah 42 Verse 17.
History records that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)did put the pagan idolaters to great shame when he demolished before them, their 365 idols that were installed in Ka'bah (Mecca), the most respected place of pilgrimage in the whole of Arabia. Today, Ka'bah is the Grand Mosque of Islam. Muslims from all over the world face towards Ka'bah while reciting their daily ritual prayers.
Akbarally Meherally
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Assalamu alay kum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu (Peace, mercy and blessings be upon you)
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Originally Posted By: Tman
and Paul chose Roman/Greek gods like Asteroth (Easter), Salutarius (Sunday) and other pagan rites like the winter soltice (December 25) to induce the Romans/Greeks to follow his religion. This was verified by the committee of Nicea in 325 which decided by a vote to adopt the Roman/Greek way over the Eastern way and was ratified by the Roman Emperor Constantine. ALL Christian religious holidays, from Sunday dedicated to the sun god, Thursady to Thor the god of war, to the trinity has Roman/Greek/pagan origins, so who are you really praying to?
I agree with you on that one, that's why I told you that I follow Jesus Christ and not the religious establishments. I am not aligned with no religious entities, I bash christianity the same way I bash Islam and all religions.
And if you think all I do is just cut and paste then you are worst than the anti christ Trini, because it shows that a man that doesn't believe in God, that doesn't know God can easily influence you, you're just echoing the same garbage that the fool trini is saying and him don't even have the balls to post something in his defense, but he wants to meet me at church. I make no pact with eveil, I exposed evil. Trini is anti christ and Tman is a member of a very dangerous cult. Then again it dosen't surprize me, because all you have is religion and no form of godliness. Talk to me about spirituallity, not religion.
At times we must even give up something that we think is good in order to do what God wants. Each person’s special duties determine the discipline and self-denial that he or she must accept. Without a goal, discipline is nothing but self-punishment. With the goal of pleasing God, our sacrifices seem like nothing compared to the eternal, imperishable reward that will be ours. BIBLE READING: 1 Timothy 4:7-10 KEY BIBLE VERSE: Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE MAKES US SPIRITUALLY “FIT." Tman, are you in shape both physically and spiritually? In our society, much emphasis is placed on physical fitness, but spiritual health (godliness) is even more important. Our physical health is susceptible to disease and injury, but faith can sustain us through these tragedies. To be spiritually “fit,” we must develop our faith by using our God-given abilities in the service of the church (1 Timothy 4:14-16). Are you developing your spiritual muscles? BIBLE READING: Hebrews 12:1-4 KEY BIBLE VERSE: Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE STRIPS AWAY THE NONESSENTIALS. The Believers life involves hard work. It requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, to run patiently, and to struggle against sin with the power of the Holy Spirit. To live effectively, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. We will stumble if we look away from him to stare at ourself or at the circumstances surrounding us. We should be running for Christ, not religion or Ourself, and we must always keep him in sight, not Muhammad or Paul.
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and you must be willing and able to defend your views in public and not put up silly excuses and run and hide like a little girl. What better way to expose "evil" than to meet in an open debate and defeat it? Go hide behind your mother frock tail , Nellie, and leave the serious discussion to people who are willing to defend it.
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Originally Posted By: Tman
and you must be willing and able to defend your views in public and not put up silly excuses and run and hide like a little girl. What better way to expose "evil" than to meet in an open debate and defeat it? Go hide behind your mother frock tail , Nellie, and leave the serious discussion to people who are willing to defend it.
Mr religious, you're asking me to defend religion?
Have you noticed that we are both engaging in a non- productive debate which no one benefits from? Lets us keep this thread open and shut down the others, lets move from debate to discussion. Whatever name you want to call God, you and I have agreed that there is only one God, so lets burn religion and religious debates and lets tell people about the goodness and the love of the Almighty God. For weeks we have been engaging in the very same thing that satan wants, he wants us to be distracted with religion and take Our focus off God. Tman, in the genesis of time in the Garden of Eden, God created male and female and they stood in His presence and they walked and talked with God, Tman no religion was there, that was a relationship and that is what God is call us to, He is calling us to be in a relationship with Him. God is not interested in Our religion or Our religious beliefs, He is interested in a relationship with Us. Religions of the world was designed to keep mankind separated from God. So, Tman my friend will you continue to embrace religion and follow it to hell or will you seek the face of The Almighty by entering into a relationship with Him?
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I'm asking you do defend your point of view on your relationship with God in public. You say you dont follow a "religion" like Christianity, but how did you get the that point if not through Christian teachings and the Bible? Dont worry about my "religion" as it already involves a direct relationship with God, without any middleman, priest, or son of God. Direct line me fren, you should try it. Its free, you just have to believe.
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[quote=Tman]I'm asking you do defend your point of view on your relationship with God in public.
Tman, I already did what you're asking me to do, it's call Baptism. Baptism is the public announcement of a personal experience. It is a Bliever's act of obedience and a public testimony of a believer’s willingness to identify with and follow Christ. Jesus gave us his example and his command to teach us about baptism. John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, leaving us an example to do the same as a public statement of our faith. Likewise, Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize other believers (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is a picture of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward picture of a person’s inward change. The believer leaves behind the old way of life in exchange for new life in Christ. Baptism is a symbol of salvation-not a requirement for eternal life. However, as an act of obedience, it also is not optional for Believers. Baptism indicates our willingness to tell the world that we are committed to the person of Christ and his teachings.
You say you dont follow a "religion" like Christianity, but how did you get the that point if not through Christian teachings and the Bible?
Tman, I am a Believer, and I don't think that Christianity as we know it today is what Jesus intended for it to be that's why I separate myself from it and do not Identify with it, it's just another enterprize like Islam and the major religwrongs of the world and Jesus feels the same way, see what he says in Revelation 3:
The Message to the Church in Laodicea 14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the ruler* of God’s creation: 15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends. 21 I will invite everyone who is victorious to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Tman, if you don't have the righteousness of Christ Jesus then you are self righteous. SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS REJECTS THE NECESSARY ADMISSION OF OUR SINFULNESS. Those who are sure that they are righteous can’t be saved, because the first step in following Jesus is acknowledging our need and admitting that we don’t have all the answers. As long as people insist on their own qualifications as good enough to stand before God, they are cut off from hope. BIBLE READING: Luke 15:1-32
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I already declared my relationship with God in public when I took my vows to become a Muslim. How come you "know" so much about Islam and you dont know that part? Let us end this debate by saying we worship no other but the One True God as He commamded.
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Originally Posted By: Tman
I already declared my relationship with God in public when I took my vows to become a Muslim. How come you "know" so much about Islam and you dont know that part? Let us end this debate by saying we worship no other but the One True God as He commamded.
I worship the one true God you worship Organized religion. You are a muslim and I am spiritural, I follow the teachings of his Majesty Jesus Christ and nothing else.
Tman, all people have a longing for something that is the ultimate reality, the ultimate satisfaction to fill their lives. And they have a sense of wonder at the universe that they see. And so religions sprang up, with people coming up with different ideas about why the world existed, and who was in charge of it, or in charge of their bit of it, and what this being was like.
For instance, Buddhism says, "If you do compassionate acts, live according to the eight-fold path and meditate properly, letting go of everything, and all desire, that holds you to this life, you will find your way to the ultimate - to Nirvana."
Islam says, "If you live according to the five pillars (main rules) of Islam and do good works, if you submit to Allah and pray five times a day, God will accept you to paradise."
And Christianity, as a world religion, so often gives a similar message. "You can come to Jesus if you say a special prayer, or are splashed with 'holy water', or agonise over your sins. God is waiting for you; if you come, you will be welcome, but you must find your own way; find your own faith within yourself; make your own repentance."
The Good News of Jesus is so very different from this. All these religions are ways for people to try to make their way to God. This is an admirable desire and in many senses shouldn't be discouraged. But sadly it is a futile attempt, because we can never find our own way to God, and it is entirely unnecessary. Because God himself has made a way, but it is not a way from us up to him, it is a way from him to us. In Jesus we see God coming to us - not just to the respectable people, or the religious people or the earnestly moral people; nor to the rich and comfortable places, to a position where servants would wait on him. But to the lowest places, the unrespectable, the immoral, to those who have reached an end of all hope or faith - yes, especially to them. This is the true route of connection between God and people - from God right to where you are.
What's wrong with religion is not the desire for connection with God, but that it makes people feel that they have to do something to achieve or earn this. God has already done everything necessary to enable a loving relationship between us and himself; and to save us from doing destructive things and from the utter annihilation which would happen to us and the entire universe if it were not for his gift of Jesus to us. It might be hard to believe, when one way or another you have had to pay or sacrifice for everything you wanted, but it truly is a gift - entirely free: that he will raise us to endless life and fill us with his love.
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Mu youth I am trying to end this peacefully and respectfully but you insist on passing judgment, which is reserved for God. I will leave you with these words from the Qur'an: 29.46 "And dispute ye not with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in submission [Islam])."
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and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in submission [Islam])." [/quote]
Tman, the teaching of Mohammed's writings to the children in Islamist countries is similar to "brainwashing" wherein they chant over and over the same indoctrinations. For example, a signal is sounded five times a day for the children to fall on their faces before Allah. This indoctrination continues on into adulthood. Also, the children are taught, among other things, that Israel and the United States are hated "infidels" and that to kill them is pleasing to Allah and an honorable thing to do. Among the Islamic nations war has almost always been a way of life.
The teachings of Jesus Christ are based on love for God, for ones neighbors, for self, and even for ones enemies. Children are taught the love of God via the example of His Only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The free will of the individual is respected even in children. They are taught the way of love and its blessings and the way of hate and selfishness and its consequences, hoping that when the child becomes mature, he or she will "choose" the way of love for their lives. The teachings of the Bible leaves the option of war open, but to be used only for self-defense.
Acts 4: 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’* 12 There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them.
Acts 2: 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit in honor at my right hand 35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’* 36 So let it be clearly known by everyone in Israel that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words convicted them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles* —all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
Gunsights' biblical references concern US and UK forces British soldier uses the new Advanced Combat Optical Sight Britain's Ministry of Defence it was unaware of the markings
Coded references to biblical passages are inscribed on gunsights widely used by the US and British military in Iraq and Afghanistan, it has emerged.
The markings include "2COR4:6" and "JN8:12", relating to verses in the books of Corinthians II and John.
Trijicon, the US-based manufacturer, was founded by a devout Christian, and says it runs to "Biblical standards".
But military officials in the US and UK have expressed concern over the way the markings will be perceived.
The company has added the references to its sights for many years, but the issue surfaced only recently when soldiers complained to an advocacy group.
Raised lettering
Versions of Trijicon's Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (Acog) are used by the US Special Operations Forces, the US Marine Corps and the US Army.
Many soldiers know of them and are very confused as to why they are there and what it is supposed to mean US soldier, quoted by Military Religious Freedom Foundation
Britain's Ministry of Defence has just ordered 480 Acog sights for use on its new Sharpshooter rifles - to be used by troops in Afghanistan. Other versions of the Acog sight are "widely in service", the ministry says.
The inscriptions are subtle and appear in raised lettering at the end of the stock number.
John 8:12 reads: "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
The nod to part of the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians, found on the company's Reflex sight, references the text: "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."
An MoD spokesman told the BBC the ministry appreciated the biblical references could cause offence and was talking to its supplier, but was "not aware at the time of purchase that these markings had any broader significance".
'Propaganda tool'
The US Defense Department is a major customer of Trijicon's, signing deals for $66m (£40.3m) of the company's products in 2009 alone.
The US Marine Corps told the BBC they were "concerned with how this may be perceived" and were meeting with the company to "discuss future sight procurements".
We believe that America is great when its people are good. This goodness has been based on biblical standards throughout our history and we will strive to follow those morals Trijicon
The US Army said it was looking into any potential policy violation.
The issue has been thrust into the spotlight by the US Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) - an advocacy group that seeks to preserve the separation of church and state in the military.
On 14 January, the MRFF received an e-mail, purportedly from a Muslim US Army infantryman, complaining about the markings.
"Many soldiers know of them and are very confused as to why they are there and what it is supposed to mean."
The email adds: "Everyone is worried that if they were captured in combat that the enemy would use the Bible quotes against them in captivity or some other form of propaganda."
MRFF president Mikey Weinstein says the inscriptions could give the Taliban and other enemy forces a propaganda tool.
"I don't have to wonder for a nanosecond how the American public would react if citations from the Koran were being inscribed onto these US armed forces gunsights instead of New Testament citations," he said.
A Trijicon spokesman told the BBC the company "has been working to provide America's military men and women with high quality, innovative sighting systems for the weapons they use".
"Our effort is simple and straightforward: to help our servicemen and women win the war on terror and come home safe to their families.
"As part of our faith and our belief in service to our country, Trijicon has put scripture references on our products for more than two decades.
"As long as we have men and women in danger, we will continue to do everything we can to provide them with both state-of-the-art technology and the never-ending support and prayers of a grateful nation," the spokesman added.
The company states on its website: "We believe that America is great when its people are good. This goodness has been based on biblical standards throughout our history and we will strive to follow those morals."
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ja benefits from caricom. Also what does this have to do with the reggaeboyz, cfu, or concacaf?
A bunch of faggot's posing as the people of God, America is a modern day sodom and gomarrow, dont worry Uncle Sam when god pour out him rath it will happen in the twinkling of an eye, and the Angels rejoyced saying Babylon the great has fallen, that Mystery Babylon that the scriptures talks about is America as Ancient Babylon was no mystert, Mystery Babylon revealed. Jesus speaking to his disciples Tman said this wicked and adoulterous generation seeketh after a sighn but no sighn shal be given except the sighn of Jonah, Jonah refered to as the reluctant Prophet, so to as Jonah was in the belly of the beast so too the son of man was in the heart of the earth for three days, the heart of the earth is America that pumps life economic life into the rest of the world, and also is that belly of the beast, THE language as Jonah was not in no whales stomache, people take the Bible and the Holy Quran out of context, as the Quran say's some of the verses are alegoric and some are decisive, but pork eata preacher bwoy love the alegoric part so they can pin there own interpretation on it, some so called Islamic Scholars to but i wouldnt give two cent's for what some of them think they know. The Prpohet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Salah wa laim said to his follower;s then three generation' after i am gone you will no longer be of me.
Tman some one on the forum said it best never argue with an idiot, he will make you out to be one and drag you down right with him. There is a saying in Jamaica he who know's not and know' not that he know' not shun him.
I heard that you share a joke:Just happened ... ... dinner, a man drank too much, reach for a glass of wine full of carefully blowing a few times, drink, shouted: "so hot so hot! "
