- iris89
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Re: Scripture of the Day
COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] SHOULD WRONGFUL OCCUPIERS BENEFIT FROM THEIR WRONGFUL OCCUPATION:
[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 658A]
The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk. Exodus 23:19, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
However, they were not honest with their Creator, and often did not follow his specific commandments, but brought defective offerings to his as recorded at Malachi 1:11 – 14, [AV] “For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. 12 But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible. 13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. 14 But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.” This shameful action on their part won Almighty God’S (YHWH’S) disfavor as shown by Malachi 2:1 – 2, [AV] “And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. 2 If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.” Therefore, we should seek to win His good pleasure by seeking to obey his commandments.
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[2] SHOULD WRONGFUL OCCUPIERS BENEFIT FROM THEIR WRONGFUL OCCUPATION:
INTRODUCTION:
Some feel if someone has wrongfully occupied the land of another that they should continue to wrongfully to occupy it. But of course this is not right as I shall show.
Let's deal with the land of Palestine first.
WRONGFUL OCCUPATION OF PALESTINE:
History shows that <<<" The Arabs conquered Jerusalem around 638 C.E. The city retained its Roman name, Aelia, until the tenth century, when it was changed to the Arabic al-Quds (the Holy). At the time of its capture, Jerusalem was a sacred city for all three Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). When the Arab armies took Jerusalem in 638, they occupied a center whose shrines had made it a major pilgrimage site in Christendom. The empire of the Umayyads, stretched over vast areas from the borders of France to the borders of India. However, after the Umayyads were replaced by the Abbasids, the steady decline of Jerusalem began. Damascus was the Umayyad Empire's capital until the Abbasids moved the capital to Baghdad. The proximity of the capital to Jerusalem was one of the reasons that Damascus caliphs paid special attention to the city. However, the move to Baghdad distanced the concerns of the Abbasid caliphs.(1)
In the first part of the Arab Period, the majority of the population was Christian. The construction of the Dome of the Rock in 691 - the first Muslim shrine and the first major Islamic public building - was meant to counterbalance the Church of the Holy Sepulcre. Both the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulcre have concentric plans, and their diameters are identical, but the Dome of the Rock is decorated with antitinitarian Quranic quotations. Initially, Muslims like Jews of Arabia, faced Jerusalem to pray. However, when the Jews who lived in Medina at the time resisted both religious and political cooperation with the Muslims and did not accept Muhammad's prophetic claims, a new revelation from Allah directed Muhammad to shift the center of prayer to Mecca.(2)
In 638, when Jerusalem was surrendered to the Muslims, Umar (the first caliph), requested to be led to the Temple Mount, an acknowledgment of Islam's acceptance of the Hebraic prophetic tradition. After reaching the Temple Mount, the caliph found himself disgusted on seeing that Christians had heaped garbage in the sacred enclosure to express their contempt for the Judaic faith. Umar, out of respect for the Jews, ordered the area to be cleansed, an act which also prepared the sacred Jewish site for Muslim worship. Umar fulfilled the hopes of Jews by refusing the church's request to continue the ban against Jewish residence and inviting them back into the city [[[clearly acknowledging it was their city.]]]. In the seventh century, as Jerusalem came into Muslim hands, the ban on Jewish residence was lifted. After approximately 500 years of being Judenrein, Jerusalem again included a Jewish community. Jews long banned from living in Jerusalem by Christian rulers, were permitted to return, live, and worship in the city of Solomon and David.(4)" [source - The Muslim Period, ]>>>.
Thus apostate (counterfeit) Christian wrongful occupiers were gradually over time replaced by wrongful occupiers of Islam to the eventual almost exclusion once more of the rightful owners, the descendants of Abraham's son Isaac. To wit, the descendants of Abraham's son Isaac, the rightful owners as shown by Chapter 34 of Numbers,
"And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan according to the borders thereof),
3 then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the side of Edom, and your south border shall be from the end of the Salt Sea eastward;
4 and your border shall turn about southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass along to Zin; and the goings out thereof shall be southward of Kadesh-barnea; and it shall go forth to Hazar-addar, and pass along to Azmon;
5 and the border shall turn about from Azmon unto the brook of Egypt, and the goings out thereof shall be at the sea.
6 And for the western border, ye shall have the great sea and the border thereof: this shall be your west border.
7 And this shall be your north border: from the great sea ye shall mark out for you mount Hor;
8 from mount Hor ye shall mark out unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings out of the border shall be at Zedad;
9 and the border shall go forth to Ziphron, and the goings out thereof shall be at Hazar-enan: this shall be your north border.
10 And ye shall mark out your east border from Hazar-enan to Shepham;
11 and the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall go down, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward;
12 and the border shall go down to the Jordan, and the goings out thereof shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to the borders thereof round about.
13 And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which Jehovah hath commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half-tribe;
14 for the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their fathers' houses, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to their fathers' houses, have received, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received, their inheritance:
15 the two tribes and the half-tribe have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, toward the sunrising.
16 ¶ And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
17 These are the names of the men that shall divide the land unto you for inheritance: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun.
18 And ye shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land for inheritance.
19 And these are the names of the men: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
21 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon.
22 And of the tribe of the children of Dan a prince, Bukki the son of Jogli.
23 Of the children of Joseph: of the tribe of the children of Manasseh a prince, Hanniel the son of Ephod.
24 And of the tribe of the children of Ephraim a prince, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan.
25 And of the tribe of the children of Zebulun a prince, Elizaphan the son of Parnach.
26 And of the tribe of the children of Issachar a prince, Paltiel the son of Azzan.
27 And of the tribe of the children of Asher a prince, Ahihud the son of Shelomi.
28 And of the tribe of the children of Naphtali a prince, Pedahel the son of Ammihud.
29 These are they whom Jehovah commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan." (American Standard Version; ASV).
This wrongful occupation has lasted for centuries and it was not until 1917 that the rightful owners saw a prospect of eventually being restored to their rightful land when British issued the Balfour Declaration which many Jews saw as in keeping with Jeremiah 31:29-34, "In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge. 30 But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge. 31 Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith Jehovah. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people: 34 and they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Jehovah; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Jehovah: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more." (ASV). So as can be seen, expectation would be great among the descendants of Abraham's son Isaac; with regard, regaining their own land back from the then wrongful occupiers, the descendants of Abraham's son Ishmael.
However, some throw up "red herrings" to wrongfully seek to prove that they should not have it back. We shall now look at a couple of these.
[1 example] <<<"You see they never belonged there , and God Almighty punished them and scattered them all over the planet cause they disobeyed ." [source - actual quote of one seeking to deny them their own land given to them by Almighty God (YHWH) himself.]>>>.
Now as can be seen this is not true. For example, when they disobeyed him the 6 th. Century before the common era, Almighty God (YHWH) did not take the land from them and give it to another, but simply caused them to lose possession of it for a period of time from 607 BCE to 537 BCE, but they got it back. Actually, the land, the promise land per the everlasting covenant Almighty God (YHWH) made with Abraham, their ownership was to be permanent until the conclusion of the end times. Let's look in detail at this covenant.
Genesis 15:18 records the conferring of legitimate title to the Promise Land to the Hebrews (Jews) by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael as follows for a record to all men for all of time, "In that day Jehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:" (American Standard Version; ASV). That this was to be their land per the promise of the creator of all there is, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael is also made clear in Deuteronomy 10:11, "And Jehovah said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people; and they shall go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.." (ASV). And, this fact is even shown in the New Testament at Hebrews 11:9, "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:" (ASV).
Now the "Concise Bible Dictionary by George Morrish" says this of the inheritance of the Hebrews, the promised land, <<<"The land of promise is constantly spoken of as the inheritance of Israel: the land flowing with milk and honey was given to them by God. #De 4:21 Ps 105:11, &c. So when Israel returns to take possession of the land in a future day, it is still called their inheritance. #Eze 45:1, &c. This all shews that they were and will be an earthly people, but God blessed them on earth in relationship with Himself as Jehovah, and will again bless them on earth when they own the Lord Jesus as their Messiah. In connection with this God calls Israel His inheritance: He hath chosen them for His own inheritance. #Ps 33:12 78:62, &c.[source - Concise Bible Dictionary by George Morrish]">>>.
In fact the true God (YHWH) of Abraham had very specific instructions with respect the land in the area he had given them in lawful perpetuity as the supreme being, the maker of all there is as shown at Deuteronomy 19:14, "Thou shalt not remove thy neighbor's landmark, which they of old time have set, in thine inheritance which thou shalt inherit, in the land that Jehovah thy God giveth thee to possess it." (ASV); and Job 24:1-2, "Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days? 2 Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof." (ASV); and Proverbs 22:28, "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." (ASV); and Proverbs 23:10, "Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:" (ASV). But squatters have violated all these righteous commands of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham. And as shown by Easton's Bible Dictionary, <<<" Landmarks could not be removed without incurring the severe displeasure of God." [source - Easton's Revised Bible Dictionary]>>>.
So as can be seen, that claim is just plain false.
[2 example] <<<" IF I came Into your house right now and kicked you and your family out and told you this land was mine 1000 years ago , then you go to the local authorities and they tell you I have the right to your house , what would you do ?." [source - actual quote of one seeking to deny them their own land given to them by Almighty God (YHWH) himself.]>>>.
Now let's look at this logically. The wrongful occupiers, per this individual, have been occupying land not theirs for a 1000 years without paying land rent which if paid as it should have been would have added up to many times the value of the house or building they, or their ancestors, erected without permission so being wrongful free loaders for so long they should just peacefully leave. Legalistically speaking, if you erect a building on another's land, the building belongs to him, plus he can sue for damages to the land. So as can readily be seen, this argument holds no factual ground whatsoever.
[3 example] <<<"But thats all off topic - it brings us back to that Jews ( Zionists ) in the world have wormed and through their usual deceiving and cunningness and playing the victim game so well have managed to get their way in playing the victims of the world - In reality its carrying out Nazism itself against the Palestinian people ." [source - actual quote of one seeking to deny them their own land given to them by Almighty God (YHWH) himself.]>>>.
Just fiery rhetoric to try and blame the victim, the descendants of Abraham's son Isaac, the sympathizers with the perpetrators of the wrong - an old "escape goating" technique for those in the wrong.
OTHER LONG EXISTING WRONGFUL OCCUPATIONS:
Some of these will be briefly mentioned as follows:
[1 example] What is called Turkey is actually land wrongly occupied by Islam that was taken from the byzantine Empire and should be given back to them. There is no security issues or any legitimate reason for Islam to remain in Turkey.
[2 example] Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, etc. are all parts of greater India originally belonging to the Hindus and the Buddhist now wrongly occupied by Islam which they should get out of.
POLICING ACTIONS ARE NOT REALLY OCCUPATIONS:
Many Muslims cry about Iraq situation and wrongly call it an occupation which it is not in reality. Also, this situation would never exist if a member of Islam, Sheik Usama bin Ladin and his ilk had not lit the proverbial fuse by 9/11, the cause, as everything else that has unfortunately transpired is the effect or result. So therefore Islam is responsible for the Iraq situation. Also, it is totally responsible for the coalition occupation there as the coalition forces want to leave, but members of Islam are making this impossible as they lust in violence and killing each other instead of peace. If they got peaceful, the coalition forces would be gone.
The coalition forces are NOT occupying forces, but policing forces. To wit, it is to be noted that no families of coalition forces have moved into Iraq as would occur if the situation was one of real occupation. Also, the coalition has expanded much effort and money to assist in establishing a democratic self-government by Iraqis and if they were an occupying force and not a policing force, this would not be done. The Caliphs that stole the land of Palestine never ever tried to set up a self-government by descendants of Abraham's son Isaac the rightful owners of the land as previously shown. Why? Because they were true occupiers and NOT a policing force.
CONCLUSION:
All should recognize the true reality of the situation and work to make it right for the title holders of Palestine, descendants of Abraham's son Isaac. Now the real question that the world should ask is how to get all the land back to its rightful owners.
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Re: Scripture of the Day
[b] COMBINATION OF THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES. With the Scripture of the Day first.
[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 659A]
And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek. 2 And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. 3 And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. 4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 1 Samuel 4:1 – 4, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
Now why did this happen, this terrible setback? 1 Samuel 4:10- 11, [AV] “And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. 11 And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.’ Provides a clue. This resulted from their leaning on their own understanding instead of seeking the assistance and direction of Almighty God (YHWH) as shown by Proverbs 14:12, [AV] “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
They should have shown the right heart attitude and looked to Almighty God (YHWH) for guidance, and relied on Him instead of their own imperfect reasoning per Proberbs 3:5 – 6, [AV] “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” In other words they acted presumptuously by going out in battle with the ark of the covenant instead of seeking His guidance, and this act cost them a major set back.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,
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To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,
Your Friend in Christ Iris89
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!
[2] Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Guajilote, Parmentiera edulis DC it was reported at 20th century in Cuba only by Juan Tomás Roig Mesain his Dictionary of Cuban Botanical Common Names, with vulgar names Cuajilote and Ají de Cabaiguán. This paper, from Forestry Studies Centre (CEF) at the Pinar del Río University reveals that the species has revealed that is escape of the cultivation in several counties of the country, where people obtain shade, protection and fruits for domestic livestock, Until now, have not been planted for commercial range production. Research has demonstrated that cattle are disperser agent in grasslands. Seed benefits, nursery behaviour and plantations were realized at three different soils. The species was determined as promising for their fruits for daily forage. For these reason, the Forestry Studies Centre will continue research work on this species for introduction in intensive range livestock, at some different conditions of soils and climate in Cuba.
[source - retrieved from an abstract at on //2013]
Nombre científico: Parmentiera edulis., Familia: Bignoniaceae
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
This tree is very rare and no real information is available on it in English, but there is some information available on it in Spanish and here it is.
Historia: Uno de los árboles de frutas indígenas comestibles que se perdió en la oscuridad del olvido. Las crónicas coloniales mencionan a la fruta de este árbol como una de las verduras que se cultivaban en los patios o cercos de las casas, y que formaban parte de la dieta habitual de los costarricenses de hace muchos, muchos años.
Semejante al cacao, este fruto se puede comer crudo o cocinado de diferentes formas, su sabor recuerda mucho al del mango verde o cele, y es una muy rica fuente de hierro, proteínas y vitamina A. En un mundo con tantos millones de personas hambrientas, debemos hacer todos los esfuerzos posibles para rescatar de las tinieblas del olvido a todos los vegetales comestibles que podamos con carácter de urgente.
Descripción: Árbol de 4 a 12m de altura, de tronco grueso con corteza agrietada y hojas divididas con espinas. Sus flores salen del tronco o en los extremos de las ramas, y originan frutos alargados. Árbol pequeño, hasta de 5 m de alto y 36 cm. de diámetro, ramificándose a baja altura, robusto y de copa muy amplia; corteza externa lisa, rojiza con capas papiráceas desprendibles; corteza interna rojiza, grosor total de la corteza de 32 mm; hojas dispuestas en espiral, imparipinnadas, de 28 a 36 cm. de largo, compuestas por 6 a 7 pares de foliolos opuestos o alternos, de 4.5 a 7 cm. de largo por 3 a 3.5 cm. de ancho, obovados a ligeramente lanceolados, margen entero, ápice obtuso a mucronado, base obtusa a ligeramente atenuada: verde rojizos en el haz y verde claros en el envés; panículas de hasta 27 cm. de largo, flores hermafroditas y pequeñas, con corolas hasta de 2 mm de diámetro, pétalos de color amarillo-cremoso; drupas dispuestas en panículas hasta de 27 cm. de largo, aplanadas y brillantes, de un color dorado cuando maduras, elípticas de 8 a 10 mm; las semillas se encuentran rodeadas por una ligera resina.
Habita en clima cálido: semi-cálido y templado. Crece en huertos y está asociado con la selva tropical caducifolia y perennifolia; matorral xerófilo, bosque mesófilo de montaña, de encino y pino.
Usos tradicionales: Este árbol se utiliza como laxante y diurético en varias regiones del centro y sur del país, principalmente en el Estado de México, el Distrito Federal, Hidalgo y Puebla. Se recomienda, también, para tratar padecimientos de riñón y su tratamiento incluye al fruto, la corteza, las flores y la raíz, mismas que se hierven e ingieren como té. En otros casos como cálculos y vías urinarias, resulta eficaz moler el fruto e ingerir el extracto o asarlo y comerlo. Además la cocción de la flor, la raíz o el fruto, resulta un buen diurético. También se emplea para otras enfermedades como asma, garraspera, gripa y tos; se hierven las flores con tejocote y se endulzan para beberlo tibio en ayunas durante dos semanas.
Filoterapia: Recetas y posología (modo de empleo por litro o por miligramos): En casos como cálculos y vías urinarias, resulta eficaz moler el fruto e ingerir el extracto o asarlo y comerlo. Además la cocción de la flor, la raíz o el fruto, resulta un buen diurético. También se emplea para otras enfermedades como asma, garraspera, gripa y tos; se hierven las flores con tejocote y se endulzan para beberlo tibio en ayunas durante dos semanas. La resina tiene propiedades vomitivo-purgantes.
Tóxicos y cuidados: El exudado resinoso, conocido como "goma archipín" se emplea como pegamento. [source - retrieved from on 1/09/2013]
Pictures are available at
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[/b]
- iris89
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Re: Scripture of the Day
COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] Stolen From The Bible
[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 660A]
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. Ephesians 4:17 – 19 [authorized King James Bible; AV]
All genuine followers of the Son of God, Jesus (Yeshua) need to evaluate their spirituality, and not be insensitive as are most of mankind with respect their needs in this dimension of their life. King David when he was in distress wrote at Psalmss 41:1 – 2, [AV] “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. 2 The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.” Clearly testifying to our need to maintain our faith in Almighty God (YHWH).
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,
Your Friend in Christ Iris89
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!
[2] Stolen From The Bible
FIRST, Many take exerts and information from the Bible which of course is fine as long as they give full credit to their source. However, when they fail do so this is a form of stealing known as plagiarism.
Now exactly what is plagiarism according to the dictionary? Well here is a dictionaries definition of it in its various forms:
Plagiarism
<XPAGE=1093Pla"gia*rism (?), n. [Cf. F. plagiarisme.]
1. The act or practice of plagiarizing.
2. That which plagiarized.
Plagiarist
<XPAGE=1093Pla"gia*rist (?), n. One who plagiarizes; or purloins the words, writings, or ideas of another, and passes them off as his own; a literary thief; a plagiary.
Plagiarize
<XPAGE=1093Pla"gia*rize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Plagiarized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Plagiarizing.] To steal or purloin from the writings of another; to appropriate without due acknowledgement (the ideas or expressions of another).
[source - Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition]
Now that we understand what 'plagiarism' is, keep this in mind when reading the facts to be presented.
SECOND, Internal construction linguistically speaking, and information or data contained within the Qur'an as it now exist, whether distorted or not distorted could only have come from the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible - Now the facts:
1A. Presented in brief exerts from the works of Christoph Luxenberg a renown scholar of language who writes under a pseudonymic name to protect himself against possible violent repercussions which is testimony to the violent nature of some in Islam. But the quality of his work speaks for itself. An encyclopedia says the following of him,
<<" Christoph Luxenberg is a German scholar and professor of ancient Semitic and Arabic languages [1]. He is the author of The Syro-Aramaic Reading Of The Koran: a contribution to the decoding of the language of the Qur'an (2007)), and several articles in anthologies about early Islam.
Luxenberg came into the public eye in the years after 2000, following the publication of his first book (at least the first one under this pseudonym) The Syro-Aramaic Reading Of The Koran which asserted that the language of the early compositions of the Qu'ran's is not exclusively Arabic, as assumed by the classical commentators, but rather is rooted in the Syrio- Aramic dialect of the 7th century Meccan Quraysh tribe which is associated in the early histories with the founding of the religion of Islam. Luxenberg's premise is that the Aramaic language prevalent throughout the Middle East and during the early period of Islam was the the language of culture and Christian liturgy and had a profound influence on the scriptural composition and meaning of the contents of the Koran. [2][reference - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]">>.
In his latest work, he has conclusively proven linguistically speaking that the Qur'an was written using information taken from the Bible without giving due credit to the source. See,
---" Die syro-aramaeische Lesart des Koran; Ein Beitrag zur Entschlüsselung der Qur'ansprache". Berlin, Germany: Das Arabische Buch, First Edition, 2000. Pp. ix + 306, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2003.---
On this book, Newsweek, said,
<< "Challenging the Quran." The Newsweek article reports on a 2000 book in German, Die syro-aramaeische Lesart des Koran; Ein Beitrag zur Entschlüsselung der Qur'ansprache, by a scholar using the pseudonym Christoph Luxenberg. The details of Luxenberg's intricate and ambitious philological study are too complex to enter into here; for a detailed English-language synopsis, see the review by Robert R. Phenix Jr. and Cornelia B. Horn in Hugoye: Journal of Syriac Studies.) (For a simplified presentation, see the interview with Luxenberg in Süddeutsche Zeitung.) Suffice to say that Luxenberg's most famous conclusion is that the houris awaiting Muslim martyrs in paradise are not the anticipated wide-eyed virgins but white grapes. Newsweek concludes with the apt prediction that "Luxenberg may be ushering in a whole new era of Qur'anic study."[reference - Newsweek International's July 28, 2003 article]">>.
More details from Luxenberg's book,
<<"The rest of the section draws on personal names of Biblical origin in the Qur'an to demonstrate that the so-called Arabic matres lectionis, 'alif, waw, and ya, must also be polyvalent. Luxenberg points out that Islamic tradition admits a reading of the mater for long /a/ in certain instances as /e/ because this pronunciation was a peculiarity of the Arabic of Mecca. Luxenberg shows that the term harf, "sign" must also carry a meaning synonymous to qira'at, "(way of) reading" and that this is not only supplying the vowels in an unvocalized text, but also supplying the diacritical points that distinguish consonants. It is only gradually that these diacritical points became fixed so that consonants came to have just one reading. This process of determining the value of each letter of the Qur'an unfolded over some three hundred years. This is known from the oldest manuscripts of the Qur'an which do not have the diacritical points distinguishing readings of a single consonant. By the time these became commonly used, Arabian commentators were no longer aware that many words were either straight Aramaic or were calques peculiar to Meccan Arabic. From this resulted the difficulties that the Qur'an posed to even the earliest Arabian commentators...
The section concludes by demonstrating that the technical meaning of "lectionary" is preserved in the word qur'an. Most striking is the conclusion that the term umm kitab, an aramaism, must be a written source and that the Qur'an was never intended to replace this written source. One might complain that the details of the argument for the reading of suras 12:1-2 and 3:7 are squeezed into footnotes, but nevertheless the argument is clear. Luxenberg proves that the term qur'an itself is the key to unlocking the passages that have given commentators in and outside of the tradition frustration. If quryan means "lectionary," and if the text itself claims to be a clarification of an earlier text, then that earlier text must be written in another language. The only candidate is the Old and New Testament in Syriac, the Peshitta. Hence the influence of Aramaic on the Arabic of Muhammad has an identifiable, textual origin. At the very end of the work, Luxenberg makes a compelling argument that sura 108 is a close allusion to the Peshitta of 1 Peter 5:8-9. Indeed this sura, which is only three lines long, is one of the most difficult passages for the Arabian as well as the Western commentators. Luxenberg shows why: it is composed of transcriptions into Arabic writing of the Syriac New Testament text, i.e., there is almost no "Arabic" in the sura. These are "revealed" texts, and insofar as the Qur'an contains quotations or paraphrases of them, the Qur'an is also "revealed." ...
Many dialects of Arabic existed at the time of Muhammad. In the ten places where the Qur'an claims to have been written in Arabic, Luxenberg shows first that these passages have grammatical forms which are difficult for the commentators and have varying interpretations among the translators. He notes that in sura 41:44, the Arabic fassala means "to divide," but the context here requires "make distinct" or better "interpret." Nowhere else does the Arabic word have this meaning, and the Syriac-Arabic lexica do not give the one as a translation for the other; tarjama (a direct borrowing from Syriac) is the usual Arabic word for "interpret." However, the Syriac praš / parreš can mean both "divide" as well as "interpret" (like Hebrew hibdil; also this is an example of a "semantic calque" mentioned above). Tabari too understands fassala to be a synonym for bayyana (sura 44:3), which also has the meaning "interpret." Sura 41:44 also clearly attests to a source for the Qur'an that is written in a foreign language. Luxenberg, following Tabari, notes a corruption in the text of this verse that clearly shows that part of the Qur'an has a non-Arabic source. His argument here is somewhat weak if not for the further evidence deduced from eleven other locations in the Qur'an where Luxenberg consistently applies these and similar arguments to difficulties all of which center on the terms related to the revelation and language of the Qur'an. These arguments leave little doubt, that Luxenberg has uncovered a key misunderstanding of these terms throughout the Qur'an....
In section twelve Luxenberg demonstrates that not only the origin and language of the Qur'an are different from what the commentators who wrote two hundred years after its inception claim it to be, but that several key passages contain words or idioms that were borrowed from Syriac into Arabic. From his analysis of sura 19:24 (in the so-called "Marian Sura"): "Then he called to her from beneath her: 'Grieve not; thy Lord hath placed beneath thee a streamlet,'" he concludes that it should be read "He called to her immediately after her laying-down (to give birth 'Grieve not; thy Lord has made your laying-down legitimate.'" Luxenberg's lengthy discussion of the complexities of this passage resolve grammatical difficulties in the Arabic in a way that fits the context: Jesus gives Mary the courage to face her relatives even with a child born out of wedlock. The section then presents lengthy arguments dealing with various lexical, morphological, syntactic and versification problems in sura 11:116-117...
In that same section, one also finds a study of how Syriac roots were misread and altered by later commentators. In one case, the word jaw (sura 16:79) misread "air, atmosphere" is from Syriac gaw, which means both "insides, inner part" and can also be used as a preposition meaning "inside." In sura 16:79 Luxenberg demonstrates that the prepositional use makes more sense than the solution posed by the commentators. Classical Arabic grammar, which was created three hundred years after the Qur'an, does not recall the prepositional meaning of the word. However, dialects of Arabic preserve the original Syriac prepositional use. So where sura 16:79 reads fi jaw as-sama' "in(side) heaven" referring to birds held aloft and kept from falling down by God, the dialects agree: fi jawwat al-bet "inside the house" is perfectly good Arabic. The misreading of Qur'anic Arabic jaw as "air" has become part of the technical vocabulary of modern standard Arabic: "air mail," "air force," "airline," and "weather report" all use jaw. The imaginary meaning of the grammarians lives on. ...
Section sixteen follows this investigation as it points to a similar misreading of paradise's grapes as youths, Arabic wildun. Sura 76:19 "Round amongst them go boys of perpetual youth, whom when one see, he thinks them pearls unstrung" (sura 16.1, citing Bell's translation). Wildun is a genuinely Arabic word, but it is used in a sense which is borrowed from Syriac yalda. Youths like pearls is somewhat suspicious, especially given that "pearls" are a metaphor for the grapes of paradise from the previous section. Luxenberg uncovered that Syriac has the expression yalda dagpetta, "child of the vine," appearing in the Peshitta: Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25, and Luke 22:18, in which Christ foreshadows his death and resurrection: "I will not drink of this child of the vine (yalda dagpetta) until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of my Father." Here it is the juice of the grape that is the "child." Entries in the Arabic-Syriac lexica for each of yalda and gpetta give in addition to "child" and "vine" "fruit" and "wine," respectively. Luxenberg gives further evidence from suras 37:45, 43:71, and 76:15 that Ephraem the Syrian's depiction of the grapes of paradise is behind the original Qur'anic text.
A central question that this investigation raises is the motivation of cUthman in preparing his redaction of the Qur'an. Luxenberg presents the two hadith traditions recounting how cUthman came to possess the first manuscript. If Luxenberg's analysis is even in broad outline correct, the content of the Qur'an was substantially different at the time of Muhammad and Uthman's redaction played a part in the misreading of key passages. Were these misreadings intentional or not? The misreadings in general alter the Qur'an from a book that is more or less harmonious with the New Testament and Syriac Christian liturgy and literature to one that is distinct, of independent origin. " [source - book review is contained in, "HUGOYE: JOURNAL OF SYRIAC STUDIES," book review of Christoph Luxenberg (ps.) Die syro-aramaeische Lesart des Koran; Ein Beitrag zur Entschlüsselung der Qur'ansprache. Berlin, Germany: Das Arabische Buch, First Edition, 2000. Pp. ix + 306, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2003.]>>.
No objective counter with facts was presented by any in Islam, only opinionated conjecture.
2A. Presented scripture in Bible from which Muhammad had his scribes present information regarding birth of Jesus in Qur'an, i.e., Luke 1:35, "And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB).
In Qur'an, the information taken from the Bible without due credit:
Sura 3:47:
YUSUFALI: She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!
PICKTHAL: She said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath touched me? He said: So (it will be). Allah createth what He will. If He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.
SHAKIR: She said: My Lord! when shall there be a son (born) to I me, and man has not touched me? He said: Even so, Allah creates what He pleases; when He has decreed a matter, He only says to it, Be, and it is.]
Sura 3:48:
YUSUFALI: "And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel,
PICKTHAL: And He will teach him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel,
SHAKIR: And He will teach him the Book and the wisdom and the Tavrat and the Injeel. ]
Only opinionated conjecture offered to refute plus nonsense about Qur'an wording being better than the Bible from which it was taken without due credit being given. Fact 1, Both Bible and Quran wording given is only a version or translation, Fact 2, Information given in Suras clearly show their source in example - the Bible.
3A. Evidence given from Qur'an to prove ancient Kingdom of the Hebrews and one of its kings, Solomon, clearly indicate Bible as the reference and show no credit given to source which today is known as plagiarism. For details, read Suras 27:20 to 27:45 and 21:81 to 21:82, and see for yourself information that Muhammad could only have gotten from the Bible, but failed to give credit to the Bible. [note: this information was originally presented to show that the Jews had an ancient kingdom in Palestine and not to show Muhammad got his information from the Bible which it also does.]
4A. Same as '3' but on the Queen who visited King Solomon, see Suras 34:12 to 34:14.
THIRD, Dispelling the false claim made by many in Islam that Muhammad did not have access to the Bible:
1B. Many in Islam claim that Muhammad could not have copied nor gotten his ideas from the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, but this is not so. The fact is that Muhammad had Christians in his family from whom he learned about the Bible from and scribes to read it to him as he was illiterate. After learning much about the Bible, he started dictating to his scribes what he wanted written down, and as all know a process like this can only product a distorted product as compared to the original, the inspired word of the true Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible.
Now most in Islam will not agree with this fact, the truth, per John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Authorized King James Bible; AV), but the facts sustain it. Let's look at his connection to Christianity through his relatives as reported in an Islamic source.
Many Muslims have argued that Muhammad only met Jews or Christians only on very few occasions, by far too short to be sufficient to gain any real knowledge of the earlier scriptures. In particular, they were not translated into Arabic at this time. The content of the Qur'an therefore does not come from human sources but can only be through direct revelation from God.
It is quite possible that the scriptures probably did not exist in Arabic at that time, at least not completely or widely known, but even the non-existence of scriptures in Arabic is irrelevant as we shall shortly see.
A Muslim sources tell us about a certain Waraqa bin Nawfal, a Christian, and in what way Muhammad was related to him.
<<"Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 1, Number 3: Narrated 'Aisha:
(the mother of the faithful believers) The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Apostle was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright day light, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadija to take his food like-wise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet replied, "I do not know how to read.
The Prophet added, "The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, 'I do not know how to read.' Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, 'I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?' Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists) has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (Suras 96.1, 96.2, 96.3) Then Allah's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your Kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones."
Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Nawfal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the PreIslamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Apostle described whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Allah's Apostle asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while. ...
Some essential statements above:
1. "his desire to see his family."
2. "You keep good relations with your Kith and kin"
This shows that Muhammad was a "family man", and given that the middle eastern culture is well known for its family orientedness (something I very much appreciate in Muslims) and that in this setting Muhammad was seemingly even a very good example (otherwise this would not have been mentioned as special virtue) we can deduce that he probably spend much time with his relatives keeping a good relationship, and that means regular visiting.
Furthermore, nobody will deny that Muhammad was already religious before he had this first encounter in the cave on Mt. Hira. After all, he went there to meditate and pray. As the hadith says, it was a habit of his: "He USED to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days..."
The big question now is:
What will such a religious man talk about when he visits his relatives? Would it be too much to guess that religion will be a major part of these conversations?
And what do we see happening here when Muhammad is disturbed and frightened by a "religious experience"? After calming down a bit at home with his wife, who is the person they visit first?
Waraqa bin Nawfal. Seemingly, he is seen by Khadija and Muhammad as an authority in spiritual matters. And he is the cousin of his wife. And he is a Christian familiar with the scriptures since, after all, he is making copies of the scriptures, whether for personal study or for a fellowship/church of Christians.
So, these are the facts:">>.
So Islam's argument that he, Muhammad had little contact with either Jews or Christians is an outright lie as is the other claims made for the Qur'an. Most of the other claims are quite similar to those of Joseph Smith for the Book of Mormon; to wit, the book was received from an angel - but no factual proof has ever been produced for either of this alleged receipts from angels.
2B. Jewish comment on the Qur'an, <<"Critics of the Qur'an say it is nothing more than the combination of the Bible and Jewish and Christian folklore with Muhammad appended. Critics reject the idea that the Qur'an is miraculously perfect and impossible to imitate. Jewish Encyclopedia, for example, writes: "The language of the Koran is held by the Mohammedans to be a peerless model of perfection. An impartial observer, however, finds many peculiarities in it. Especially noteworthy is the fact that a sentence in which something is said concerning Allah is sometimes followed immediately by another in which Allah is the speaker; examples of this are suras xvi. 81, xxvii. 61, xxxi. 9, and xliii. 10".[14] However other scholars argue that this sudden shift in the pronoun of the speaker or the person spoken about is known as iltifat (to turn/turn one's face to) in balagha (Arabic Rheotoric).[15] Many peculiarities in the positions of words are due to the necessities of rhyme (lxix. 31, lxxiv. 3), while the use of many rare words and new forms may be traced to the same cause (comp. especially xix. 8, 9, 11, 16)."[16].
According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, "The dependence of Mohammed upon his Jewish teachers or upon what he heard of the Jewish Haggadah and Jewish practises is now generally conceded."[17]
Referneces:
[15] Jewish Encyclpoedia: comp. also xvi. 70
[16] Jewish Encyclpoedia: comp. also xvi. 70
[17] Jewish Encyclpoedia: comp. also xvi. 70
[source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 'an ]">>.
FOURTH, There are distortions of facts in the Qur'an as ideas and concept were either not understood or comprehended by Muhammad or his scribes just goofed up.
1C The Qur'an says that Jesus (Yeshua) did not die, but the Bible clearly shows he was executed as does history.
The Qur'an at Sura 4:157,
YUSUFALI: That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah";- 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:-
PICKTHAL: And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger - they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.
SHAKIR: And their saying: Surely we have killed the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, the messenger of Allah; and they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them so (like Isa) and most surely those who differ therein are only in a doubt about it; they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow a conjecture, and they killed him not for sure.
But his does not jive with reality, the Bible, or history. The historical facts are, <<" This passage denying Jesus' actual death absorbs Gnostic teaching circulating around the larger Mediterranean world, which holds that the flesh, the physical body, is evil. Therefore, a divine person like Jesus could not really die in the flesh, but would merely appear to do so, though Muhammad did not hold that Jesus was divine, but merely a prophet like himself. (For more information on Gnosticism and other sources inspiring this belief in the Quran, see this chapter, and scroll down to "Denial of the Crucifixion of Jesus.") Thus, later Muslims who adopt an absolutist interpretation of straightforward verses have difficulties in showing that Jesus was not crucified. Some commentators, for example, Maulana Muhammad Ali, assert without reliable evidence that Jesus traveled to Kashmir and was buried there (Sura 23:50). Though he belongs to the Ahmadiyyah sect, this shows how far revelation and the interpretation of revelations can go astray. But how can we blame Maulana Ali? After all, Muhammad went astray in Sura 4:157.
The following syllogism reflects the conflict between an absolutist doctrine of the inspiration of the Quran, a clear verse that is impossible to rationalize away (Sura 4:157), and unadorned history.
(1) Every historical fact that contradicts the revealed Quran did not actually happen.
(2) The crucifixion of Jesus is an historical fact that contradicts the revealed Quran.
(3) Therefore, the crucifixion of Jesus did not actually happen.
The conclusion can be shown to be false because the death of Jesus is supported by seven ancient texts outside of the New Testament by writers who did not favor Christianity-indeed, some were biased against it.
First, the "letter of Mara Bar-Serapion" (c. 73 AD), housed in the British Museum, asks of Jesus' crucifixion: "What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise King?"
Second, the third-century Julius Africanus (c. 221 AD) reports that the first-century historian Thallus says that "when discussing the darkness which fell upon the land during the crucifixion of Christ," it was an eclipse.
Third, the Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus (c. 55-117 AD) wrote: "a wise man who was called Jesus . . . Pilate condemned him to be condemned and to die." Tacitus also notes that the disciples of Jesus "reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive."
Fourth, Josephus (c. 37-100 AD) the Jewish historian wrote: "Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him [Jesus] to the cross (18.3).
Fifth, the second-century Greek satirist Lucian (born c. 120), who traveled widely in the eastern Mediterranean world where Israel is located, in his On the Death of Peregrine, speaks of Christ "[A]s the man who was crucified in Palestine because he introduced a new cult into the world," also calling him a "crucified sophist."
Sixth, the Roman author Phlegon, freedman of the Emperor Hadrian (who reigned 117-38 AD) never doubted that Jesus was crucified: "Jesus, while alive, was of no assistance to himself, but that he arose after death and exhibited the marks of his punishment, and showed how his hands had been pierced by nails."
Seventh, even the Talmud does not deny the death of Jesus (his divinity is another matter): "on the eve of Passover they hanged Yeshu (of Nazareth)" . . . . (Sanhedrin 43a, "Eve of Passover").
Therefore, in light of all this extra-Biblical evidence-quite apart from its theological interpretation-the historical fact of the crucifixion is verified, and the much-later Quran, to speak plainly, is wrong on this matter. This should surprise no one, for Muhammad never conducted historical research.
Therefore, the first absolutist syllogism collapses under the weight of historical facts.
For a superb analysis of how absurd this denial of the crucifixion can become even within the Quran itself, see this article.
[source - ]">>.
This passage just shows that Muhammad adopted Gnostic spurious text as he did not know better.
FIFTH, As can be seen from the foregoing, Muhammad obtained all his data from the Bible, certain Jewish writings, and certain Gnostic writings so it is just a mish-mash of items for which he gave no credit to his main source copied from the Bible or any other source.
[note - written by my husband at my request]
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Re: Scripture of the Day
COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] MUHAMMAD NOT MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE
[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 661A]
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19 – 20, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
This scripture brings out the need to let all know about our Savior, Jesus (Yeshua) and His Father, Almighty God (YHWH), and this requirement is testified to at Matthew 24:14, [AV] “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” We should NOT hide our ‘light’ but let it shine forth to others per Luke 11:33, [AV] “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.” We must let others know about our Creator and His Son, and their purpose for our earth to once more become a paradise. As noted at Romans 12:2, [AV] “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
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[2] MUHAMMAD NOT MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE
INTRODUCTION:
Many Muslims falsely claim the Muhammad is mentioned in the Bible and often use the scriptures referring to the comforter or Holy Ghost in a deceitful and false way to try and prove their preposterous and false claim. As one writer said,
<<<" It is not surprising, therefore, to find that Muslims have searched exhaustively through the "Law and the Gospel" (the Tawrat and the Injil, the Old and New Testaments respectively) for proof that these two books indeed contain prophecies of the coming of Muhammad. The Qur'an seems to suggest that these prophecies would be found in the Torah and the Gospel without much difficulty, but when Muslims have applied themselves to finding these alleged predictions, they have been unpleasantly surprised to discover that in these two books it is Jesus who is the subject of the many prophecies in them and not Muhammad. The birth of Jesus, his ministry, parables, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, second coming, deity, glory and honour are the concerns of the prophetic texts of the Torah and the Gospel, and so extensively do these prophecies herald his advent as the ultimate climax of God's revealed truth and love towards men that one cannot help but be struck by the fact that the Bible makes no allowance for the anti-climax of a "prophet" to follow him. Such prophecies are conspicuous only by their absence."[source - ].>>>.
DECEPTIVE AND DISHONEST CLAIMS - EXAMPLES:
Deceptive and dishonest claim example #1:
<<<" "And (mention) when Jesus said, "O Children of Israel, Indeed I am the Messenger of God to you confirming what came before me from the Torah and I come giving you glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad (Another name for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)."(Qur'an 61:6)
In the Bible, Jesus (pbuh) says,
If you love me, Keep my commandments. And I will pray to the Father and He shall give you another (Paraclete) comforter that he may abide with you forever.
(Bible, John 14-15/16) [source - a member of Islam who identifies under the pseudonym of 'peace']
In his ignorance of the Bible he even quoted the scripture wrong as the scripture he is referring to is John 14:16-17 which we will now look on a commentary on that will clearly show his error.
<<<"John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you. (Authorized King James Bible; AV)
We note that Jesus (Yeshua) mentions that he will send another Comforter which will abide with his true followers for ever. Since as we all know, his followers today are many and spread throughout the whole world, so how could this Comforter abide with all of them. Obviously, if this Comforter were a being or individual this would clearly not be possible; likewise this Comforter could not be in all the footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua). So what is the meaning of this scripture?
To better grasp the true significance and meaning of this scripture we need to look at some other scriptures and definitions that will throw a light on the subject. Also we must understand what is the meaning of the Hebrew word, 'ru'ach' which is translated in various Bible translations as Spirit, Holy Spirit, and/or Ghost. However, we will first look at scriptures throwing a 'light' on the subject such as John 16:13, "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 shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." (AV); And at John 14:26, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (AV); Here we see three important Bible Truths revealed; FIRST, that "the Spirit [ru'ach] of truth," will come and "guide you into all truth;" SECOND, the Comforter and this Spirit or Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit are one and the same; And, THIRD, that it was sent from Jesus's (Yeshua's) Father, God Almighty (YHWH). Next we need to consider the meaning of the Hebrew word translated as Spirit, Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit in various English translations. This word, ru'ach, meaning "breath; wind; spirit" In Hebrew. In the Greek scriptures, the word is pneu'ma, having a similar meaning.
In reality, this Spirit of truth is God's (YHWH's) active force or power and not an individual as shown at Acts 2:1-4, "And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (ASV), Which shows it as a force or power like a "rushing mighty wind" that came down from heaven and filled all gathered there on the day of Pentecost with the power to speak in other tongues they did not know. Strangely there were there people of many nations as testified to at Acts 2:5, "Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven" (American Standard Version: ASV). This fact was clearly evidenced at Pentecost as just testified to by the scripture Acts 2:1-4, but also at Acts 4:31-32, ""And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things in common" (AV); And, at Acts 11:24, "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord." (AV), this dealt with Barnabas at Antioch; And, at Acts 13:9, "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,), filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him," (AV), this occurred when the Apostle Paul was in Cyprus; And, at Acts 13:52, "And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." (AV), this occurred when Paul and Barnabas came to Iconium.
Now what is the significance of being filled with the Holy Ghost or Spirit? It has to do with being chosen by God (YHWH) to be followers of his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua), and John 15:15-19 shows this fact that his, God's (YHWH's) active force or Spirit would fill true believers, and the fact that the world would hate his, Jesus' (Yeshua's) true Christian followers, "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you, 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give to you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (AV).
Clearly a Comforter, God's (YHWH's) active force upon the true believers is necessary then and now as the traditional orthodox religions of man, then and now, as affirmed at Mark 7:13, "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." (AV). Clearly here we see the need to reject doctrines of men, and accept the doctrines received from God (YHWH) in the Bible written by inspired men keeping ever mindful of Titus 2:1, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:" (AV). We should be of like mind with the Bereans as testified to at Acts 17:11, "These were more noble than those in Thesalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (AV). Therefore we must strive to maintain sound doctrine and not be led into error by following the doctrines of men no matter how popular how many believe them."[source - commentary by Iris the Preacher]>>>.
And world renown scholar Matthew Henry said the following regarding this scripture,
<<<" Whatever we ask in Christ's name, that shall be for our good, and suitable to our state, he shall give it to us. To ask in Christ's name, is to plead his merit and intercession, and to depend upon that plea. The gift of the Spirit is a fruit of Christ's mediation, bought by his merit, and received by his intercession. The word used here, signifies an advocate, counsellor, monitor, and comforter. He would abide with the disciples to the end of time; his gifts and graces would encourage their hearts. The expressions used here and elsewhere, plainly denote a person, and the office itself includes all the Divine perfections. The gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed upon the disciples of Christ, and not on the world. This is the favour God bears to his chosen. As the source of holiness and happiness, the Holy Spirit will abide with every believer for ever."[source - Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary]>>>.
So we can see that this writer, 'peace', did not know what he was talking about.
Deceptive and dishonest claim example #2:
<<<" But when the (Paraclete) comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the spirit of Truth, which proceeds forth from the Father, he shall testify of me, and he also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
(Bible, John 15-26/27) [source - a member of Islam who identifies under the pseudonym of 'peace']>>>.
Now consider reality, the truth, with regard this scripture,
<<<" Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall bear witness of me: (American Standard Version; ASV)
This scripture clearly shows that the Spirit comes from the Father (YHWH), but we need to ask just what is this spirit, and to look at the scriptures immediately proceeding John 15:26. Let's now look at these scriptures. John 15:18-25, "If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before [it hated] you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But [this cometh to pass], that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause." (ASV). Here Jesus (Yeshua) clearly testified that he had been sent, i.e., by a superior one, "they know not him that sent me," and this is reinforced when he said, "He that hateth me hateth my Father also." So Jesus (Yeshua) had been sent by his Father (YHWH) to do his Father's (YHWH's) will, and clearly testified at John 5:19, "Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." (AV); therefore we see that Jesus (Yeshua) was doing the will of his Father (YHWH).
Now let's consider the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, that Jesus (Yeshua) would send to true Christians from his Father (YHWH). What exactly is it? This Spirit or Comforter is God's (YHWH's) active force that goes forth or emanates from Almighty God (YHWH). One of its functions is to act as a Comforter to mankind, see John 14:26, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (AV); And this is reaffirmed at John 14:16-17, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (AV).
In summary, It is the Creator's (YHWH's) force for getting things accomplished, 1 Corinthians 2:10, " And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6:17; AV), " But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (AV). This is made even clearer as the Bible shows that God (YHWH) pours out his active force onto his followers, Joel 2:28-29, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit." (AV), and also caused inspired individuals to, 2 Peter 1:21, " For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (AV). Clearly then the Trinity is just a myth as defined as follows in the Westminister Confession, "In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity;" since Jesus (Yeshua) is NOT COEQUAL with his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), NOR is the Holy Spirit, since this is not an individual, but clearly the power and/or force of God (YHWH). Note, in ancient Koine Greek, the Spirit is always grammatically of the neutral gender, the neuter Greek word for spirit (pneu'ma) is used, the neuter pronoun "it" is properly employed. This fact is conveniently over looked or hidden by most Trinitarian translators as admitted in the "New American Bible Catholic Bible," regarding John 14:17: "The Greek word for 'Spirit' is neuter, and while we use personal pronouns in English ('he,' 'his,' 'him'), most Greek MSS [manuscripts] employ 'it.'" So when the Bible uses masculine personal pronouns in connection with pa·ra'kle·tos at John 16:7, 8, it is conforming to rules of grammar, not expressing a doctrine. It is now clear beyond question that the Trinity is just false doctrine warned against at Titus 2:1, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:" (AV); this means we must reject myths being put forth as doctrine."[source - commentary by Iris the Preacher]>>>.
And world renown scholar Matthew Henry said the following regarding this scripture,
<<<" The blessed Spirit will maintain the cause of Christ in the world, notwithstanding the opposition it meets with. Believers taught and encouraged by his influences, would bear testimony to Christ and his salvation."[source - Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary]>>>.
So we can see that this writer, 'peace', did not know what he was talking about.
CONCLUSION:
Members of Islam know not what truth is as they have been carried away in support of false doctrines which they attempt to justify even when it is clear they are just plain false.
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Re: Scripture of the Day
COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] The Graviola Tree, A Wonderful Gift to Mankind by Almighty God (YHWH).
[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 662A]
For the children of Judah have done evil in my sight, saith the LORD: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to pollute it. 31 And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart. Jeremiah 7:30 – 31, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
As Ephesians 5:10 – 13, [AV] puts it, “Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.”
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[2] The Graviola Tree, A Wonderful Gift to Mankind by Almighty God (YHWH).
Genesis 1:29-30 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food: 30 and to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the heavens, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, [I have given] every green herb for food: and it was so. (American Standard Version)
There exist a wonderful tree deep in the rain forest of Brazil, the Graviola, of the family = Annonaceae, Genus = Annona, Species = Muricata, and common name of Soursop whose leaves, seeds, and fruit are very beneficial for mankind and constitute a great gift to mankind from our heavenly Father, Almighty God (YHWH).
Its fruit are a delight to eat being like white custard with a few black seeds, and its leaves can be used for making a tea that is very beneficial for mankind. How so? Both the fruit and its juice and the tea made from its leaves have strong anti-cancer properties. Research shows that with extracts from this miraculous tree it may be possible to:
1. Conquer some cancers with this safe and effective all-natural therapy which does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss.
2. Protect your immune system and avoid some deadly infections.
3. Boost your energy and improve your outlook on life.
4. In many cases, it effectively targets and kills malignant cells in 12 types of cancer - including colon, breast, prostate, lund, and pancreatic cancer.
The fact is that the tree compounds in this tree proved to be up to 10,000 times stronger in killinc some cancer cells than A Adrimycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug! What's more, unlike chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the Graviola tree selectively hunts down and kills only cancer cells.
The amazing anti-cancer properties of the Graviola tree have been extensively researched, but the major drug companies are not interested since they can not make any real money on it as it is not patentable.
Various parts of the Graviola tree, including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and seeds have been used for centuries by medicine men and native Indians is South America for the treatment of heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis.
Web Resources include:
1. Clinical References and Abstracts on Graviola and Medline.
2. Clinical Research on Annonaceous acetogenins (A class of cytotoxic chemicals in Graviola)
3. Ethnobotany Data (common names, uses, countries) from the Ethnobotany Database.
4. Phytochemical information from the Phytochemical Database.
5. Pictures, Data and Cultivation Information from Purdue University.
6. Photograph from the University of Hawaii
7. Data (Common names, uses, distribution) from the USDA/ARS NPGS's GRIN taxonomic database).
8. Data (uses, distribution, wetland) from the USDA's plants database.)
Other uses and parts used, "Annona muricata L. Annonaceae. Fruit edible fresh. Leaf dcocation used for catarrh in Piura; crushed seed to kill parasites (FEO). Bar, roots and leaves are used in teas for diabetes; also used as a sedative and antispasmodic (RVM). "Creoles" use the decoction of the leaves and bark as a sedative, yet heart tonic. Elsewhere used for chills, colds, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, nervousness, palpitations, pediculosis, ringworm, sores and internal ulcers (DAW). I have found the juice very effective against mouth sores.
[reference - ]
The tree itself is a small evergreen tree of about 5 to 6 meters with large dark green and glossy leaves which likes warm tropical climates and a sufficient supply of water. All parts of the tree are used in natural medicine in the tropics including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and fruit-seeds. Different properties are attributed to different parts of the tree. Generally the fruit and the fruit juice is used for parasites, to cool fever, to increase mother's milk after childbirth, and as an astringent for diarrhea and dysentery. The crushed seeds are used as a vermifuge and anthelmintic against internal and external parasites and worms. The leaves, bark, and roots are used or made in a tea for hypotensive and various other disorders.
Many bioactive compounds and phytochemicals have been found in the Graviola and scientist have been studying it since the 1940s. In fact, researchers re-verified Graviola's leaf hypotensive properties in rats in 1991. Studies have shown that the leaf, bark, root, stem, and seeds extracts of the Graviola are antibacterial in vitro against numerous pathogens and that the bark has antifungal properties. Graviola seeds demonstrated active antiparasit properties in a 1991 study, and a leaf extract showed to be active against malariaa, a parasite disease, in two other studies in 1990 and 1993.
In a 1976 plant screening program by the National Cancer Institute, the leaves and stem of this tree showed active cytotoxicity against many cancer cells and researchers are continuing to investigate. Much of the research on this tree focuses on a novel set of phytochemicals called 'annonaceous acetogenins.' The potent antitumor, pesticidal and/or insect antifeedant properties of these 'annonaceous acetognins' have been reported and patented. Research on various Annona species of plants has yielded many extremely potent acetogenins. Many of them have cytotoxicity with ED50 values as low as 10-9 ug/ml. Active compounds have been submitted to the NIH anti-AIDS screen by Purdue University, but the results have not been disclosed.
The Skaggs Scientific Report 1997-1998, states, 'Annonaceous acetogenins, have remarkable cytotoxic, antihumor, antimalerial, immunosuppressive, and antifeedant activities. [reference - ]
McLaughlin and associates described 14 Annona compounds that seem to be potent ATP blockers. "This study tells us how to maximize this activity, so we have a pretty good idea what compounds we'd like to try in animals with multi-drug resistant (MDR) tumore," said, McLaughlin.[reference - J. L. McLaughlin, F.Q. Alali, W. Kaaken, and G.W. Bennet, "Use of Annonaceous Acetogenins against Pesticide Resistance, disclosed to Purdeu Research Foundation, October 15, 1997, P-97059.00]
[source - Herbal Secrets of the Rainforest, By Leslie Taylor, ND, ISBN: 0-7570-0144-0 - note, I highly recommend this book to all.]
Now, Isn't it wonderful that Almighty God (YHWH) created these wonderful tree as the Graviola for mankind?
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Re: Scripture of the Day
[b]COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] Muhammad Just A Man Not Foretold In The Bible:
[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 663A]
That the aged men [[in the congregation]] be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. Titus 2:2, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
Yes all genuine followers of the Prince of Peace, Jesus (Yeshua) without exception should seek to cultivate these virtues, and this is born out by Titus 2:3 – 8, [AV] “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” Remember good habits are necessary to win Almighty God’s (YHWH’s) favor as born out by 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
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[2] Muhammad Just A Man Not Foretold In The Bible:
INTRODUCTION:
Many in Islam falsely claim that Muhammad was mentioned and/or prophesied in the Bible. In fact one author said, <<" Abraham is widely regarded as the Patriarch of monotheism and the common father of the Jews, Christians and Muslims. Through His second son, Isaac, came all Israelite prophets including such towering figures as Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon and Jesus. [source - MUHAMMAD IN THE BIBLE, By Dr. Jamal Badawi]">>. This far, this writer was correct but he went on to make the following false claim that the descendants of Abraham's son Ishmael were the ones given the everlasting promise which is of course NOT true. The Inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible clearly shows the promise, including the promise of the promise land - Palestine - was to be through the descendants of Abraham's son Isaac. Genesis 15:18 records the conferring of legitimate title to the Promise Land to the Hebrews (Jews) by Almighty God (YHWH) as follows for a record to all men for all of time, "In that day Jehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:" (American Standard Version; ASV). That this was to be their land per the promise of the creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH) is also made clear in Deuteronomy 10:11, "And Jehovah said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people; and they shall go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.." (ASV). And, this fact is even shown in the New Testament at Hebrews 11:9, "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:" (ASV).
Now the "Concise Bible Dictionary by George Morrish" says this of the inheritance of the Hebrews, the promised land, <<"The land of promise is constantly spoken of as the inheritance of Israel: the land flowing with milk and honey was given to them by God. #De 4:21 Ps 105:11, &c. So when Israel returns to take possession of the land in a future day, it is still called their inheritance. #Eze 45:1, &c. This all shews that they were and will be an earthly people, but God blessed them on earth in relationship with Himself as Jehovah, and will again bless them on earth when they own the Lord Jesus as their Messiah. In connection with this God calls Israel His inheritance: He hath chosen them for His own inheritance. #Ps 33:12 78:62, &c.[source - Concise Bible Dictionary by George Morrish]">>
Of course false claims such as the promise was to come through Ishmael should not be surprising given the equally false claim that Almighty God (YHWH) and Allah are the same because some Bibles in Arabic wrongly have the name of another god, Allah, where Almighty God (YHWH) belongs, but of course this proves nothing.
A translation, the Chickewa Bible - 'Buku Loyera' - used in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, renders the Tetragrammation (YHWH) - the name of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham's as "Chauta," the name of a tribal god meaning 'Great One of the Bow.' But the wicked translators of this version claim to be worshipping true God (YHWH) of Abraham when they are not. Their justification for using "chauta" is the fact that most local people use this term to mean god, but in fact this is wrong as there is actually another term for god strictly as a title. Also, they could have and should have used the Tetragrammation (YHWH) - the name of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham.[source - The Bible Translator, of October 1992].
One notable intentional corruption of one version of the Bible, The Authentic New Testament by Hugh J. Schonfield occurred because an evil member of his staff substituted the name of an Arabian tribal god, "Allah," in place of the name of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham by one of his staff who was a member of Islam. However, proofreaders quickly caught this and later editions of this Bible, The Authentic New Testament by Hugh J. Schonfield (Sd) have no such ungodly error. Unfortunately, 'game play' by evil ones such as that just mentioned occur from time to time. So what do these intentional errors prove? They prove that many are not interested in fact but only in perpetuating their favorite myth or untruth.[source – a writer writing under a pseudonym in 2001]
In fact, the false claim that the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH) foretells or that Muhammad is mentioned in the Bible shows the hypocrisy of many in Islam who wrongly claim that the Qur'an is the word of god since if this were truly so, they would NOT be concerned whether the Bible mentioned him or not.
INTENTIONAL TWISTING OF VARIOUS VERSES OF DEUTERONOMY CHAPTER 18:
The first versus of Deuteronomy that deceptive members of Islam seek to twist is Deuteronlmy 18:18-20,
"I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. 20 But the prophet, that shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die." (American Standard Version; ASV).
One of these twisters said, <<" Was it a coincidence that the prophet "like unto Moses" from the "brethren" of the Israelites (i.e. from the lshmaelites) was also described as one in whose mouth God will put his words and that he will speak in the name of God, (Deuteronomy 18:18-20). Was it also a coincidence the "Paraclete" that Jesus foretold to come after Him was described as one who "shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak (John 16:13)[source - MUHAMMAD IN THE BIBLE, By Dr. Jamal Badawi]">>. Notice he even added in parenthesis, from the Ishmaelites, when this scripture was directed to the Israelites so we can see this writer is being deceptive. This fact is made clear earlier in Deuteronomy 18 at Deuteronomy 18:1-14, as follows,
"The priests the Levites, even all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of Jehovah made by fire, and his inheritance. 2 And they shall have no inheritance among their brethren: Jehovah is their inheritance, as he hath spoken unto them. 3 And this shall be the priests' due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. 4 The first-fruits of thy grain, of thy new wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him. 5 For Jehovah thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of Jehovah, him and his sons for ever. 6 And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourneth, and come with all the desire of his soul unto the place which Jehovah shall choose; 7 then he shall minister in the name of Jehovah his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, who stand there before Jehovah. 8 They shall have like portions to eat, besides that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony. 9 When thou art come into the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found with thee any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one that useth divination, one that practiseth augury, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, 11 or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For whosoever doeth these things is an abomination unto Jehovah: and because of these abominations Jehovah thy God doth drive them out from before thee. 13 Thou shalt be perfect with Jehovah thy God. 14 For these nations, that thou shalt dispossess, hearken unto them that practise augury, and unto diviners; but as for thee, Jehovah thy God hath not suffered thee so to do." (ASV).
Here it is quite clear that Moses is only addressing Israelites as brethren as shown clearly in the part about the Levites, so there is no excuse for this evil deception by this writer.
But his twisting with regard to Deuteronomy Chapter 18 does not end here, he goes on to say, <<" Up to the time of Jesus (peace be upon him), the Israelites were still awaiting for that prophet like unto Moses prophecied in Deuteronomy 18:18. When John the Baptist came, they asked him if he was Christ and he said "no". They asked him if he was Elias and he said "no". Then, in apparent reference to Deuteronomy 18:18, they asked him "Art thou that Prophet" and he answered, "no". (John 1: 1 9-2 1).
In the Gospel according to John (Chapters 14, 15, 16) Jesus spoke of the "Paraclete" or comforter who will come after him, who will be sent by Father as another Paraclete, who will teach new things which the contemporaries of Jesus could not bear. While the Paraclete is described as the spirit of truth, (whose meaning resemble Muhammad's famous title Al-Amin, the trustworthy), he is identified in one verse as the Holy Ghost (John 14:26). Such a designation is however inconsistent with the profile of that Paraclete. In the words of the Dictionary of the Bible, (Ed. J. Mackenzie) "These items, it must be admitted do not give an entirely coherent picture."[source - MUHAMMAD IN THE BIBLE, By Dr. Jamal Badawi]">>.
But what he calls the 'Paraclete' is not Muhammad as it is the Holy Ghost. Now consider the following, <<" "And (mention) when Jesus said, "O Children of Israel, Indeed I am the Messenger of God to you confirming what came before me from the Torah and I come giving you glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad (Another name for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)."(Qur'an 61:6)
In the Bible, Jesus (pbuh) says,
If you love me, Keep my commandments. And I will pray to the Father and He shall give you another (Paraclete) comforter that he may abide with you forever.
(Bible, John 14-15/16)" [source - a member of Islam who identifies under the pseudonym of 'peace']
In his ignorance of the Bible he even quoted the scripture wrong as the scripture he is referring to is John 14:16-17 which we will now look on a commentary on that will clearly show his error.
<<<"John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you. (Authorized King James Bible; AV)
We note that Jesus (Yeshua) mentions that he will send another Comforter which will abide with his true followers for ever. Since as we all know, his followers today are many and spread throughout the whole world, so how could this Comforter abide with all of them. Obviously, if this Comforter were a being or individual this would clearly not be possible; likewise this Comforter could not be in all the footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua). So what is the meaning of this scripture?
To better grasp the true significance and meaning of this scripture we need to look at some other scriptures and definitions that will throw a light on the subject. Also we must understand what is the meaning of the Hebrew word, 'ru'ach' which is translated in various Bible translations as Spirit, Holy Ghost (spirit), and/or Ghost. However, we will first look at scriptures throwing a 'light' on the subject such as John 16:13, "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 shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." (AV); And at John 14:26, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (AV); Here we see three important Bible Truths revealed; FIRST, that "the Spirit [ru'ach] of truth," will come and "guide you into all truth;" SECOND, the Comforter and this Spirit or Holy Ghost or Holy Ghost (spirit) are one and the same; And, THIRD, that it was sent from Jesus's (Yeshua's) Father, God Almighty (YHWH). Next we need to consider the meaning of the Hebrew word translated as Spirit, Holy Ghost, or Holy Ghost (spirit) in various English translations. This word, ru'ach, meaning "breath; wind; spirit" In Hebrew. In the Greek scriptures, the word is pneu'ma, having a similar meaning.
In reality, this Spirit of truth is God's (YHWH's) active force or power and not an individual as shown at Acts 2:1-4, "And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost (spirit), and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (ASV), Which shows it as a force or power like a "rushing mighty wind" that came down from heaven and filled all gathered there on the day of Pentecost with the power to speak in other tongues they did not know. Strangely there were there people of many nations as testified to at Acts 2:5, "Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven" (American Standard Version: ASV). This fact was clearly evidenced at Pentecost as just testified to by the scripture Acts 2:1-4, but also at Acts 4:31-32, ""And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things in common" (AV); And, at Acts 11:24, "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord." (AV), this dealt with Barnabas at Antioch; And, at Acts 13:9, "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,), filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him," (AV), this occurred when the Apostle Paul was in Cyprus; And, at Acts 13:52, "And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." (AV), this occurred when Paul and Barnabas came to Iconium.
Now what is the significance of being filled with the Holy Ghost or Spirit? It has to do with being chosen by God (YHWH) to be followers of his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua), and John 15:15-19 shows this fact that his, God's (YHWH's) active force or Spirit would fill true believers, and the fact that the world would hate his, Jesus' (Yeshua's) true Christian followers, "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you, 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give to you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (AV).
Clearly a Comforter, God's (YHWH's) active force upon the true believers is necessary then and now as the traditional orthodox religions of man, then and now, as affirmed at Mark 7:13, "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." (AV). Clearly here we see the need to reject doctrines of men, and accept the doctrines received from God (YHWH) in the Bible written by inspired men keeping ever mindful of Titus 2:1, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:" (AV). We should be of like mind with the Bereans as testified to at Acts 17:11, "These were more noble than those in Thesalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (AV). Therefore we must strive to maintain sound doctrine and not be led into error by following the doctrines of men no matter how popular how many believe them."[source - commentary by Iris the Preacher]>>.
Last, consider what none biased experts have to say with respect Deuteronomy 18:15 - 22, <<"#15-22 It is here promised concerning Christ, that there should come a Prophet, great above all the prophets; by whom God would make known himself and his will to the children of men, more fully and clearly than he had ever done before. He is the Light of the world, #Joh 8:12. He is the World by whom God speaks to us, #Joh 1:1; Heb 1:2. In his birth he should be one of their nation. In his resurrection he should be raised up at Jerusalem, and from thence his doctrine should go forth to all the world. Thus God, having raised up his Son Christ Jesus, sent him to bless us. He should be like unto Moses, only above him. This prophet is come, even JESUS; and is "He that should come," and we are to look for no other. The view of God which he gives, will not terrify or overwhelm, but encourages us. He speaks with fatherly affection and Divine authority united. Whoever refuses to listen to Jesus Christ, shall find it is at his peril; the same that is the Prophet is to be his Judge, #Joh 12:48. Woe then to those who refuse to hearken to His voice, to accept His salvation, or yield obedience to His sway! But happy they who trust in Him, and obey Him. He will lead them in the paths of safety and peace, until He brings them to the land of perfect light, purity, and happiness. Here is a caution against false prophets. It highly concerns us to have a right touchstone wherewith to try the word we hear, that we may know what that word is which the Lord has not spoken. Whatever is against the plain sense of the written word, or which gives countenance or encouragement to sin, we may be sure is not that which the Lord has spoken."[source - Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary by renown Bible scholar Matthew Henry]>>.
And,
<<"Ver. 15. Will raise up, i.e. will produce and send into the world in due time.
A Prophet: those words may be understood secondarily concerning the succession of prophets which God would raise for the instruction of his church, both because this is alleged as an argument why they need not consult with diviners, &c., because they should have prophets at hand whensoever it was needful to advise them, and because this Prophet is opposed to the false prophet; and a general rule is hereupon given for the discovery of all succeeding prophets, whether they be true or false, #De 18:20-22; but they are chiefly to be understood of Christ, as the following words show, which do not truly and fully agree to any other; particularly where he is said to be
like unto Moses, which is simply denied concerning all other prophets, #De 34:10, and therefore it is not probable that it should be simply affirmed concerning all true prophets succeeding him. But Christ was truly, and in all commendable parts, like him, in being both a Prophet and a King, and a Priest and Mediator, as Moses was, in the excellency of his ministry and work, in the glory of his miracles, in his familiar and intimate converse with God, &c. And this place is expounded of Christ alone by God himself in the New Testament, #Ac 3:22 7:37. See also #Joh 1:45 6:14. "[source - Matthew Poole's Commentary by renown Bible scholar Matthew Poole]>>.
MUHAMMAD CANNOT BE HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT):
1. Bible tells us that Spirit of God is the creator as we read in Job 33:4, " The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life." (Authorized King James Bible; AV). REALITY - The Spirit of God has made us but we all know that Muhammad was just a human being. Muhammad cannot create anybody
2. Jesus said in John 14:17, " even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you." (ASV).
In this verse Jesus (Yeshua) clearly spoke that Spirit of Truth is invisible and that the world does not know Him. Muhammad was visible to people and Muhammad was not with Jesus (Yeshua) or His disciples and Muhammad did not live in them after the ascension of Jesus (Yeshua).
Holy Ghost (spirit) lived in and with the people not only in New Testament times but also in the days of Old Testament. Joseph, Moses, David, Saul, Samson, Daniel and all the prophets were filled with Holy Ghost (spirit). Daniel 4:8 says, "But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and I told the dream before him, saying," (ASV) tells us that Daniel had the Spirit of the Holy God in him. When David sinned against God he prayed in Psalms 51:11, " Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy Spirit from me." (ASV). When Saul sinned against God, God's spirit left him as we read in 1 Samuel 16:14, " Now the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him." (ASV).
So we can understand that Muhammad is not Holy Ghost (spirit) or Spirit of God.
3. Holy Ghost (spirit) is the living water Himself as we read in John 7:37-39, " Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. 39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified."(ASV). But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Ghost (spirit) was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
In Old Testament we read that God is the Living Water in Jeremiah 2:13, " For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."(ASV), And in Jeremiah 17:13, " O Jehovah, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be put to shame. They that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken Jehovah, the fountain of living waters." (ASV).
Jesus was offering Living Water to the woman whom He met on the well in John 4th chapter. John 4:10 Jesus answered and said to her, "Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water."(ASV).
God, Jesus and Holy Ghost (spirit) all are mentioned as Living Water. But Mohammad was a mere man, he wasn't Holy Ghost (spirit).
[reference - ]
ISLAM SEARCHES THE BIBLE FOR PROPHECIES OF THE COMING OF MUHAMMAD:
As renown scholar John Gilchrist notes in his article, "Is Muhammad Foretold in the Bible?" <<"It is not surprising, therefore, to find that Muslims have searched exhaustively through the "Law and the Gospel" (the Tawrat and the Injil, the Old and New Testaments respectively) for proof that these two books indeed contain prophecies of the coming of Muhammad. The Qur'an seems to suggest that these prophecies would be found in the Torah and the Gospel without much difficulty, but when Muslims have applied themselves to finding these alleged predictions, they have been unpleasantly surprised to discover that in these two books it is Jesus who is the subject of the many prophecies in them and not Muhammad. The birth of Jesus, his ministry, parables, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, second coming, deity, glory and honour are the concerns of the prophetic texts of the Torah and the Gospel, and so extensively do these prophecies herald his advent as the ultimate climax of God's revealed truth and love towards men that one cannot help but be struck by the fact that the Bible makes no allowance for the anti-climax of a "prophet" to follow him. Such prophecies are conspicuous only by their absence.
Nevertheless, spurred on by the assurance in the Qur'an that the Bible indeed foretells the coming of Muhammad, Muslims have made every effort to find these prophecies. The obvious dearth of material in support of their quest has led most of them to wisely rely solely on the two prophecies we have already mentioned - one in each of the Testaments -, to prove their claim. Others, like Kaldani and Vidyarthy, have unwisely tried to apply every major prophecy in the Bible to Muhammad (including striking predictions of the crucifixion, atoning work and resurrection of Jesus Christ in Isaiah 53 for example!), but the shameless twists of interpretation that they have been compelled to resort to together with an abdication of all reason in their efforts to prove their points has fortunately restrained other Muslims from following in their steps and they have accordingly relied solely on the two prophecies we have mentioned, one by Moses and one by Jesus respectively.
We are in the circumstances entitled to presume that these two prophecies are believed by the Muslims to be the strongest in support of their claims. Accordingly, if it can be proved that these texts do not in any way refer to Muhammad, or anticipate his advent or prophethood, then the whole theory that Muhammad is foretold in the Bible must simultaneously fall to the ground."[source - "Is Muhammad Foretold in the Bible?" by John Gilchrist]>>.
The first prophecy as given in Deuteronomy the 18 Chapter has already been clearly shown to apply to Jesus (Yeshua) Christ and NOT to Muhammad. An additional resource that delves in to the fact that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is the one spoken of in Chapter 18 of Deuteronomy is "DISCOURSE ON MOSES FORETOLD THE COMING OF JESUS (YESHUA):" by Iris the Preacher, 2006.
TWISTING OF JOHN 1:19-28 AND OTHER SCRIPTURES:
John 1:19 - 28 ,"And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent unto him from Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed, and denied not; and he confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered, No. 22 They said therefore unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said Isaiah the prophet. 24 And they had been sent from the Pharisees 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why then baptizest thou, if thou art not the Christ, neither Elijah, neither the prophet? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize in water: in the midst of you standeth one whom ye know not, 27 even he that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose. 28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing." (ASV).
Many of Islam try and twist the following, "And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elijah? And he saith, I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered, No." (John 1:21) to indicate the prophet being spoken of was Muhammad, but this is not the case as clearly revealed in, "23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said Isaiah the prophet." (John 1:23). Since the 'Lord' here mentioned is the only begotten Son, of Almighty God (YHWH), Jesus (Yeshua) Christ. And verse 26 and 27 clinches the fact that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is the 'Lord' being spoken of, "? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize in water: in the midst of you standeth one whom ye know not, 27 even he that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose." (ASV).
Jesus (Yeshua) is clearly shown to be the one being spoken of by John the Baptist at Luke 3:21 - 22, "Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." (ASV); and John 1:32 -33, "And John bare witness, saying, I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize in water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit." (ASV). Muhammad no where fits in no matter how hard the twisters try and fit him in.
Members of Islam also try to twist other scriptures such as Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (ASV). One writer said the following, at,
... d.html#Did the Bible prophesy about Muhammad, on the German, Answering-Islam site, <<" Muslims believed that Muhammad was prophesied in the Bible. Hence, some Muslim theologians have written treatises that dealt with these "prophecies":...[speaking of Muslim writers] In Hebrew it is said "The sign of prophecy [1] is on his shoulder." This what the Muslims call "The seal of prophecy." This is, therefore, a clear allusion to the portraiture of the Prophet -- may God bless and save him -- and a reference to his face and his moles. (Ali Tabari, trans. Mingana, pp. 95) (See also Seal of Prophethood).
The translators says in the footnotes [1]: "The Hebrew also has 'government' [then the hebrew word for government])"
* Isaiah 10:
"Thou wilt come from the country of the South [1], from a remote country, and from the land of the desert, hastening and passing through like tempests and stroms from the winds. We have seen a grievous and and dreadful vision; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O mountains of Elam, and mountains of Media [2]. All the object of your desire and of your dispute hath ceased...." (Ali Tabari, pp. 95-96)
The translator says in footnotes: "The author is playing here on the Arabic word tayammana, meaning to go to Yaman, or in the direction of the right hand, ie. for the Northern Arabs: Yamanwards or southwards." [Unfortunately, the book of Isaiah was written in Hebrew.]
* Isaiah 24:16-18
"We have heard, from the ends of the earth, the voice of Muhammad." (Ali Tabari, pp. 98)
The translator says in footnotes: "There is no such thing in the Hebrew Massoretic text. The only difference between the Syraic and Hebrew texts is that the former has 'the force of the righteous,' while the latter exhibits 'glory to the righteous.'" [source - Mohammed the prophet versus the prophets
by By Dallas M. Roark, Ph.D., found at ... ophets.htm ]>>.
As can readily be seen, these Muslim writers have twisted a scripture that applies exclusively to Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, in a fraudulent effort to seem to make it apply to Muhammad. History clearly shows he was not prince of peace as follows:
<<" Raid on B. Qudah at Dhat al-Salasil by Amr b. al-As - September, 629CE
Having suffered a terrible defeat in the hands of B. Qudah at Dhat Atlah, coupled with the ignoble retreat of the Muslim army from Mu'tah, Muhammad's prestige was greatly affected. It is said that he also received intelligence that a number of tribes, including B. Qudah were now preparing to attack Medina. To salvage his reputation he now empowered Amr b. al-As, the new convert of Islam, to push for a decisive raid on the stubborn B. Qudah tribe. Amr b. al-As was very furious that some of these tribes had taken the side of the Byzantine party during the Mu'tah battle. It was time to punish them-Muhammad determined.
So with three hundred (300) men and thirty horses, Amr b. al-As set out to decimate the rebellious B. Qudah who were settled at Dhat al-Salasil. It was at a distance of ten days march from Medina. Amr b. al-As' grandmother (i.e., the mother of al-As b. Wail, the father of Amr b. al-As) was a woman from Qudah or Bali tribe and Muhammad sent Amr b. al-As to convert her and her people to Islam by force. When Amr arrived at Dhat al-Salasil he found that the enemy had heavily outnumbered the Muslims.
Because of the feeble Islamic forces at his disposal Amr b. al-As sought reinforcement from Muhammad. The messenger of Allah quickly sent Abu Bakr b. Quhafa with an additional two hundred (200) men to assist Amr b. al-As. Thus, the total number of men now numbered five hundred (500)." [source - "Islam Under Scrutiny by Ex-Muslims," The Root of Terrorism a la Islamic style Chapter 15, by Abul Kasem ]>>.
So as we can see, Islam under Muhammad started out with the spilling of innocent blood of those running the peaceful caravan of commerce, and it continued that way until the present. Yet members of this sham religion claim it is a religion of peace. This false claim makes one think of what Adolph Hitler said, <<" 'The broad mass of a nation -..will more easily fall victim to a big lie than to a small one'---Adolf Hitler (1889-1945)">>.
CONCLUSION - A REALITY CHECK:
From "Where Muhammad Was Prophesied About in the Bible," By Dale P. Kruse,
<<" What do we know about Mohammad? Mohammad was not a Jew, he was born an Arab, he was not Moses [spiritual] brother, thus he was a foreigner. God was very specific in his commands to the Jews, that they were to raise up leaders, kings only from among their people the Jews, specifically from the tribe of Judah.
Mohammad was an Arab, not a Jew. Mohammad's life as an infant was never threatened like Moses'. Mohammad was not educated like Moses, he could not read. Mohammad did not live a pure life like Moses. Mohammad performed no miracles like Moses did. God and the angel Michael did not attend Mohammad's funeral. He died in the lap of His wife Aysha, and thus his life ended. Mohammad did not appear with Jesus Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration like Moses did.">>.
Jesus (Yeshua) Christ was a man of peace who said at Matthew 5:43 - 48, "Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: 44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; 45 that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. 46 For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same? 48 Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (ASV) in keeping with what Isaiah foretold of him when he said he would be the Prince of Peace which as we have already seen could NOT apply to Muhammad who was a man of war.
Almighty God (YHWWH) said in Zechariah 4:6 " Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of Jehovah unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts." Thus Jesus' (Yeshua's) example to us? Peter tells us at 1 Peter 2:23, "who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:" (ASV). What happened in the end? Almighty God (YHWH), the Father on the third day raised Jesus physically alive from the grave. He did not leave Him in death to prove to us that He truly was His Son and Savior of our sins.
However, Almighty God (YHWH) gave no such witness of Muhammad who had committed adultery, <<" One of the most shocking events in the life of Muhammad, one which has been a major source of embarrassment for Muslims, is his marriage to his adopted son's former wife, Zaynab bint Jash. Zaynab had married Zayd, the freed slave of Muhammad's first wife, Khadijah, whom Muhammad adopted as his son. According to some versions of the story, Muhammad had ventured to see his adopted son, Zayd, at his house. Upon arriving, he found Zaynab unveiled and was enamored by her beauty. As he departed, Muhammad made some comments which she heard and, when her husband returned, told him what had transpired. After Zayd heard that Muhammad had made some comments about his wife's beauty, he went to his adoptive father and told him that he would divorce her so he could marry her if this is what Muhammad desired. Muhammad refused and encouraged his adopted son to remain with his wife. Subsequently, Zayd divorced his wife and Muhammad was commanded by Allah to then marry Zaynab, his adopted son's divorcee.
and murder."... One Muslim who tries to justify this marriage is Mohd Elfie Nieshaem Juferi (MENJ) of the Bismikaallahuma web site. In this article MENJ seeks to refute the charge that Muhammad had adulterous desires for a married woman, which then caused her husband to divorce her, giving Muhammad the opportunity to marry her. He does so by quoting Qadi Iyad ibn Musa al-Yahsubi's comments on Muhammad's marriage to Zaynab. The section in MENJ's article is taken from the book, Ash-Shifa of Qadi 'Iyad (Muhammad, Messenger of Allâh), Madinah Press, Granada (1991), pp. 352-354. The work was translated by Aisha Bewley.... Abu Huraira reported Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: Verily Allah has fixed the very portion of adultery which a man will indulge in, and which he of necessity must commit. The adultery of the eye is the lustful look, and the adultery of the tongue is the licentious speech, the heart desires and yearns, which the parts may or may not put into effect. (Sahih Muslim, Book 033, Number 6421, see also Number 6422) [source - Revisiting Muhammad's Marriage to His Adopted Son's Divorcee, Zaynab Bint Jash:, by Sam Shamoun ]>>, and had also committed murder as previously shown.
Whereas, Jesus (Yeshua) said to His enemies who killed the prophets in John 8:44, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof." (ASV). Thus the facts shown in the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH) speak for themselves.
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Re: Scripture of the Day
COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] DISCOURSE ON MOSES FORETOLD THE COMING OF JESUS (YESHUA):
[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 664A]
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 1 Timothy 3:2, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
Clearly the leaders of a congregation should strive to be blameless as far as humanely possible. Likewise all genuine followers of the Prince of Peace, Jesus (Yeshua) should also strive to do the same. The Bible goes on with the qualification he should have and all others should strive to cultivate also at 1 Timothy 3:3 – 6, [AV] “Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
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[2] DISCOURSE ON MOSES FORETOLD THE COMING OF JESUS (YESHUA):
INTRODUCTION:
The coming of Jesus (Yeshua), the Messiah, was foretold by the Prophet Moses (Mosche). In fact, Moses (Mosche) prefigured Jesus (Yeshua) Christ. How so? For one the Prophet Moses was a mediator between God (YHWH) and the nation of Israel; whereas, Jesus (Yeshua) would later be made by God (YHWH), his Father, the only mediator between God (YHWH) and mankind per 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, [himself] man, Christ Jesus," (American Standard Version; ASV). Interestingly even in death there was a parallel between the Prophet Moses and Jesus (Yeshua) in that is both cases God (YHWH) disposed of their bodies, but we will get into that in more detail later. But unlike the Prophet Moses who stumbled, and Jesus (Yeshua) did not. Now let's go into depth on the subject.
PREFIGURED JESUS (YESHUA) CHRIST:
When Jesus (Yeshua) was on earth, he made it clear that Moses (Mosche) had written about him. On one occasion he told his opposers, John 5:43-47, "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. 44 How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that [cometh] from the only God ye seek not? 45 Think not that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, [even] Moses, on whom ye have set your hope. 46 For if ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?" (ASV). In fact, this was affirmed also when Jesus (Yeshua) was speaking to his disciples at Luke 24:25-27, "And he said unto them, O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (ASV); and by the disciple Philip at John 1:45, "Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee underneath the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (ASV).
Moses (Mosche) himself wrote many things concerning Jesus (Yeshua), for example at Deuteronomy 18:17-19, "And Jehovah said unto me, They have well said that which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him." (ASV). Interestingly the Apostle Peter, when he quoted from this prophecy left no doubt that it was referring to Jesus (Yeshua) as shown at Acts 3:18-22, "But the things which God foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, [even] Jesus: 21 whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been from of old. 22 Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me. To him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you." (ASV).
Interestingly this fact that Jesus (Yeshua) was the prophet spoken of by the Prophet Moses(Mosche) was made vividly clear in the transfiguration scene that the the Apostles Peter, James, and John were permitted to see where Moses and Elijah were seen figuratively speaking with Jesus. This scene represented the Law Covenant, the theocratic government or arrangement of the congregation, the deliverance of the nation, and the coming of the Promised Land. This vision clearly showed that Jesus (Yeshua) would do greater works than Moses, and that he would also do work like that of Elijah, but in a more grand way. Thus it was clearly manifested that Jesus (Yeshua) was the Son of God (YHWH) and was indeed the 'Prophet greater than was Moses', but let's look at what the Bible shows about the transfiguration at Matthew 17:1-3, "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: 2 and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light. 3 And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him." (ASV).
In fact, there was a significant pictorial correspondency between these two, Jesus (Yeshua) and Moses (Mosche). Both infants escaped a wholesale slaughter of male infants ordered by a ruler of their time.
Moses (Mosche) - Exodus 1:22 and 2:1-10, "And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive." And "And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch; and she put the child therein, and laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4 And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him. 5 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river-side; and she saw the ark among the flags, and sent her handmaid to fetch it. 6 And she opened it, and saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children. 7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? 8 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maiden went and called the child's mother. 9 And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. 10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses, and said, Because I drew him out of the water." (ASV).
Whereas, Jesus (Yeshua) - Matthew 2:13-18, "Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt; 15 and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son. 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men. 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 18 A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not. " (ASV).
Both were at one time called out of Egypt with God's (YHWH's) 'firstborn', the nation of Israel. Jesus (Yeshua) was called out of Egype as God's (YHWH) firstborn son.
Moses (Mosche) - Exodus 4:22-23, "And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born: 23 and I have said unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me; and thou hast refused to let him go: behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born." (ASV), And Hosea 11:1, "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." (ASV)
Jesus (Yeshua) - Matthew 2:15 and 19-21, "and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son." And "But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 20 Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child's life. 21 And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel." (ASV)
Both Moses (Mosche) and Jesus (Yeshua) were exceptionally humble and meek.
Moses (Mosche) - Numbers 12:3, "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.
Jesus (Yeshua) - Matthew 11:28-30, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (ASV)
Both Moses (Mosche) and Jesus (Yeshua) fasted for 40 days in a wilderness location.
Moses (Mosche) - Exodus 34:28, "And he was there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments." (ASV)
Jesus (Yeshua) - Matthew 4:1-2, "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered. " (ASV).
MOSES (MOSCHE) AND JESUS (YESHUA) AS MEDIATORS:
Moses (Mosche) was the mediator of the Law Covenant between God (YHWH) and the ancient nation of Israel for God (YHWH); whereas, Jesus (Yeshua) became the Mediator of the New Covenant between God (YHWH) and his nation of faithful followers, the 'spiritual Israel,' as shown at 1 Peter 2:9-12, "But ye are a elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God's] own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul; 12 having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."; and at Galatians 6:16-19, " And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace [be] upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen" (ASV); and at Exodus 19:3-9, "And Moses went up unto God, and Jehovah called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine: 6 and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Jehovah commanded him. 8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that Jehovah hath spoken we will do. And Moses reported the words of the people unto Jehovah." (ASV); and at Luke 22:19-20, "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, [even] that which is poured out for you" (ASV); and at Hebrews 86-7, "But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises. 7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second" (ASV).
BOTH WERE JUDGES AND LAWGIVERS.
Both Moses (Mosche) and Jesus (Yeshua) Christ served as lawgivers, leaders and judges of the congregation. This was shown with respect Moses (Mosche) as a judge at Exodus 18:13, "And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood about Moses from the morning unto the evening." (ASV); and as a leader at Exodus 32:34, "And now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine angel shall go before thee; nevertheless in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them." (ASV); and Daniel 9:25, "Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times." (ASV).
Whereas, Jesus (Yeshua) was shown to be the appointed leader at Matthew 23:8-12, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, [even] he who is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, [even] the Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted." (ASV); and as the appointed judge at John 5:21-30, "For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will. 22 For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgment unto the Son; 23 that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father that sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son also to have life in himself: 27 and he gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, 29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment. 30 I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (ASV); and that he would be the leader of a new congregation is shown at John 1334-35,: "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (ASV); and affirmed at John 15:14-17, "Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father, I have made known unto you. 16 Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye may love one another." (ASV).
Whereas, Moses (Mosche) was given the stewardship over the ancient nation of Israel or God's (YHWH's) congregation at that time, Jesus (Yeshua) is given the stewardship over spiritual Israel, the congregation of God (YHWH) today per Numbers 12:7 in the case of Moses (Mosche), "My servant Moses is not so; he is faithful in all my house:". With respect Jesus (Yeshua) Hebrews 3:1-6 says, "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, [even] Jesus; 2 who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house. 3 For he hath been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by so much as he that built the house hath more honor than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some one; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken; 6 but Christ as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end." (ASV).
MEDIATOR OF A NEW COVENANT:
Whereas Moses (Mosche) was a mediator and judge under the old Law Covenant, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is the mediator of the new covenant as has been shown above. He is the greater prophet spoken of by Moses (Mosche) who prefigured him. Some try and falsely claim that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ was just a prophet and fail to recognize he was much more since God (YHWH), his Father, has appointed him as the mediator over the New Covenant as previously shown. In fact 1 Corinthians 15:22-28 shows that God (YHWH) has given him all authority over everything but himself who was exempted at 1 Corinthians 15:27, let's look at these scriptures, " For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. 24 Then [cometh] the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all." (ASV). Clearly this scripture leaves no doubt with respect to his authority and shows clearly he is the prophet greater than Moses (Mosche) that Moses (Mosche) said was coming.
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Re: Scripture of the Day
COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] Discourse on Moses Foretold the Coming of Jesus (Yeshua):
[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 665A]
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Revelation 12:12, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
Yes we are living in troublesome times that will grow ever worse as we approach the culmination of the end times that we are living in per Revelation 12:12. We must seek to win Almighty God (YHWH) approval to Titus 2:12, [AV] “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” And as Proverbs 3:5 – 7, [AV] puts it, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,
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Your Friend in Christ Iris89
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!
[2] Discourse on Moses Foretold the Coming of Jesus (Yeshua):
INTRODUCTION:
The coming of Jesus (Yeshua), the Messiah, was foretold by the Prophet Moses (Mosche). In fact, Moses (Mosche) prefigured Jesus (Yeshua) Christ. How so? For one the Prophet Moses was a mediator between God (YHWH) and the nation of Israel; whereas, Jesus (Yeshua) would later be made by God (YHWH), his Father, the only mediator between God (YHWH) and mankind per 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, [himself] man, Christ Jesus," (American Standard Version; ASV). Interestingly even in death there was a parallel between the Prophet Moses and Jesus (Yeshua) in that is both cases God (YHWH) disposed of their bodies, but we will get into that in more detail later. But unlike the Prophet Moses who stumbled, and Jesus (Yeshua) did not. Now let's go into depth on the subject.
PREFIGURED JESUS (YESHUA) CHRIST:
When Jesus (Yeshua) was on earth, he made it clear that Moses (Mosche) had written about him. On one occasion he told his opposers, John 5:43-47, "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. 44 How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that [cometh] from the only God ye seek not? 45 Think not that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, [even] Moses, on whom ye have set your hope. 46 For if ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?" (ASV). In fact, this was affirmed also when Jesus (Yeshua) was speaking to his disciples at Luke 24:25-27, "And he said unto them, O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." (ASV); and by the disciple Philip at John 1:45, "Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee underneath the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (ASV).
Moses (Mosche) himself wrote many things concerning Jesus (Yeshua), for example at Deuteronomy 18:17-19, "And Jehovah said unto me, They have well said that which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him." (ASV). Interestingly the Apostle Peter, when he quoted from this prophecy left no doubt that it was referring to Jesus (Yeshua) as shown at Acts 3:18-22, "But the things which God foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, [even] Jesus: 21 whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been from of old. 22 Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me. To him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you." (ASV).
Interestingly this fact that Jesus (Yeshua) was the prophet spoken of by the Prophet Moses(Mosche) was made vividly clear in the transfiguration scene that the the Apostles Peter, James, and John were permitted to see where Moses and Elijah were seen figuratively speaking with Jesus. This scene represented the Law Covenant, the theocratic government or arrangement of the congregation, the deliverance of the nation, and the coming of the Promised Land. This vision clearly showed that Jesus (Yeshua) would do greater works than Moses, and that he would also do work like that of Elijah, but in a more grand way. Thus it was clearly manifested that Jesus (Yeshua) was the Son of God (YHWH) and was indeed the 'Prophet greater than was Moses', but let's look at what the Bible shows about the transfiguration at Matthew 17:1-3, "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: 2 and he was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light. 3 And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him." (ASV).
In fact, there was a significant pictorial correspondency between these two, Jesus (Yeshua) and Moses (Mosche). Both infants escaped a wholesale slaughter of male infants ordered by a ruler of their time.
Moses (Mosche) - Exodus 1:22 and 2:1-10, "And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive." And "And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch; and she put the child therein, and laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4 And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him. 5 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river-side; and she saw the ark among the flags, and sent her handmaid to fetch it. 6 And she opened it, and saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children. 7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? 8 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maiden went and called the child's mother. 9 And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. 10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses, and said, Because I drew him out of the water." (ASV).
Whereas, Jesus (Yeshua) - Matthew 2:13-18, "Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt; 15 and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son. 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men. 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 18 A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not. " (ASV).
Both were at one time called out of Egypt with God's (YHWH's) 'firstborn', the nation of Israel. Jesus (Yeshua) was called out of Egype as God's (YHWH) firstborn son.
Moses (Mosche) - Exodus 4:22-23, "And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born: 23 and I have said unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me; and thou hast refused to let him go: behold, I will slay thy son, thy first-born." (ASV), And Hosea 11:1, "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." (ASV)
Jesus (Yeshua) - Matthew 2:15 and 19-21, "and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son." And "But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 20 Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child's life. 21 And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel." (ASV)
Both Moses (Mosche) and Jesus (Yeshua) were exceptionally humble and meek.
Moses (Mosche) - Numbers 12:3, "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.
Jesus (Yeshua) - Matthew 11:28-30, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (ASV)
Both Moses (Mosche) and Jesus (Yeshua) fasted for 40 days in a wilderness location.
Moses (Mosche) - Exodus 34:28, "And he was there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments." (ASV)
Jesus (Yeshua) - Matthew 4:1-2, "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered. " (ASV).
MOSES (MOSCHE) AND JESUS (YESHUA) AS MEDIATORS:
Moses (Mosche) was the mediator of the Law Covenant between God (YHWH) and the ancient nation of Israel for God (YHWH); whereas, Jesus (Yeshua) became the Mediator of the New Covenant between God (YHWH) and his nation of faithful followers, the 'spiritual Israel,' as shown at 1 Peter 2:9-12, "But ye are a elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for [God's] own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul; 12 having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."; and at Galatians 6:16-19, " And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace [be] upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen" (ASV); and at Exodus 19:3-9, "And Moses went up unto God, and Jehovah called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine: 6 and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Jehovah commanded him. 8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that Jehovah hath spoken we will do. And Moses reported the words of the people unto Jehovah." (ASV); and at Luke 22:19-20, "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, [even] that which is poured out for you" (ASV); and at Hebrews 86-7, "But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises. 7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second" (ASV).
BOTH WERE JUDGES AND LAWGIVERS.
Both Moses (Mosche) and Jesus (Yeshua) Christ served as lawgivers, leaders and judges of the congregation. This was shown with respect Moses (Mosche) as a judge at Exodus 18:13, "And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood about Moses from the morning unto the evening." (ASV); and as a leader at Exodus 32:34, "And now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine angel shall go before thee; nevertheless in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them." (ASV); and Daniel 9:25, "Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times." (ASV).
Whereas, Jesus (Yeshua) was shown to be the appointed leader at Matthew 23:8-12, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, [even] he who is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, [even] the Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted." (ASV); and as the appointed judge at John 5:21-30, "For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will. 22 For neither doth the Father judge any man, but he hath given all judgment unto the Son; 23 that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father that sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself, even so gave he to the Son also to have life in himself: 27 and he gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, 29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment. 30 I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (ASV); and that he would be the leader of a new congregation is shown at John 1334-35,: "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (ASV); and affirmed at John 15:14-17, "Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father, I have made known unto you. 16 Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye may love one another." (ASV).
Whereas, Moses (Mosche) was given the stewardship over the ancient nation of Israel or God's (YHWH's) congregation at that time, Jesus (Yeshua) is given the stewardship over spiritual Israel, the congregation of God (YHWH) today per Numbers 12:7 in the case of Moses (Mosche), "My servant Moses is not so; he is faithful in all my house:". With respect Jesus (Yeshua) Hebrews 3:1-6 says, "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, [even] Jesus; 2 who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house. 3 For he hath been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by so much as he that built the house hath more honor than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some one; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken; 6 but Christ as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end." (ASV).
MEDIATOR OF A NEW COVENANT:
Whereas Moses (Mosche) was a mediator and judge under the old Law Covenant, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is the mediator of the new covenant as has been shown above. He is the greater prophet spoken of by Moses (Mosche) who prefigured him. Some try and falsely claim that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ was just a prophet and fail to recognize he was much more since God (YHWH), his Father, has appointed him as the mediator over the New Covenant as previously shown. In fact 1 Corinthians 15:22-28 shows that God (YHWH) has given him all authority over everything but himself who was exempted at 1 Corinthians 15:27, let's look at these scriptures, " For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. 24 Then [cometh] the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all." (ASV). Clearly this scripture leaves no doubt with respect to his authority and shows clearly he is the prophet greater than Moses (Mosche) that Moses (Mosche) said was coming.
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Re: Scripture of the Day
COMBINATION OF THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES. With the Scripture of the Day first.
[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 666A]
There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
Yes, Almighty God (YHWH) when he promises, He will surely carry it out, and this is testified to at Hebrews 6:16 -19, [AV] “For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,
Your Friend in Christ Iris89
Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!
[2] Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Salacia is a genus of plants in the family Celastraceae. They are woody climbers naturally found in Sri Lanka and southern regions of India.
Several species in this genus of plant have been used in traditional medical systems for thousands of years,[vague] particularly in the Ayurvedic system from India.
The chemical constituents of root bark include polyphenols such as salacinol, kotalanol, and mangiferin. (source - retrieved from on 1/12/2013)
A picture of the fruit on one type of this tree can be seen at
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].
A picture of the tree on one type of this tree can be seen at
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Re: Scripture of the Day
COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] STRANGE, MANY DOUBT IF JESUS (YESHUA) REALLY EXISTED. THE AWAKE MAGAZINE NO. 5 OF 2016 HAD AN ENTIRE ARTICLE ON THE SUBJECT THAT CAN BE READ AT . AN ARTICLE, THE HISTORIC JESUS (YESHUA) CHRIST GOES INTO CONSIDERABLE DETAIL AND PROOF THAT HE ACTUALLY EXISTED.
[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 667A]
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. Ephesians 4:17 – 19, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
And 1 Peter 4:3, [AV] “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:” shows we should give up our wrong ways. Yes, many of those doing what Almighty God (YHWH) does not want knew who He is , but as stated at Romans 1:21, [AV] “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Yes, all need to per Acts 26:18, [AV] “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” For those not wanting to be obedient to him, He per Romans 1:28, [AV] “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” So we should per Isaiah 56:11 - 12, [AV] “Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.”
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,
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2)
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4)
5)
6)
7)
To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,
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Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!
]2[ STRANGE, MANY DOUBT IF JESUS (YESHUA) REALLY EXISTED. THE AWAKE MAGAZINE NO. 5 OF 2016 HAD AN ENTIRE ARTICLE ON THE SUBJECT THAT CAN BE READ AT . AN ARTICLE, THE HISTORIC JESUS (YESHUA) CHRIST GOES INTO CONSIDERABLE DETAIL AND PROOF THAT HE ACTUALLY EXISTED.
THIS IS STRANGE AS MANY OF THE HISTORIC PERSONAGES OF HIS TIME ON WHICH VERY LITTLE PROOF OF THEIR ACTUAL EXISTENCE ARE NEVER QUESTIONED WITH RESPECT WHETHER THEY ACTUALLY EXISTED. NOW LET’S READ:
The Historic Jesus (Yeshua) Christ: (presented with detailed evidence and proofs:
INTRODUCTION:
Worldly critics do not want to accept the Inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, and are always trying to find fault with it and failing to apply the constraints given in it when applying logic and reasoning. In fact, they sometimes even label events whose understanding is simple if you apply the constraints therein given by calling them contradictions which they are not.
In addition, they often claim, without proof of course, that accounts about him by contemporary historians have been "doctored". Why, because they want to justify their none belief in their Creator, Almighty God (YHWH).
<<<"Interestingly, the first type of records comes from what are known commonly as "hostile" sources-writers who mentioned Jesus in a negative light or derogatory fashion. Such penmen certainly were not predisposed to further the cause of Christ or otherwise to add credence to His existence. In fact, quite the opposite is true. They rejected His teachings and often reviled Him as well. Thus, one can appeal to them without the charge of built-in bias. " [source - Apologetics Press :: Reason & Revelation, The Historical Christ-Fact or Fiction? by Kyle Butt, M.A., sub-part HOSTILE TESTIMONY]>>>.
Interestingly, as noted by E.P. Sanders in his book, "The Historical Figure of Jesus," at page 49, he noted that most of the First Century literature that survives unto today that mentions Jesus (Yeshua) was written by a small elite class of Romans that detested him and considered his as "merely a troublesome rabble-rouser and magician."[source - The Historical Figure of Jesus, by E.P. Sanders 1933, at page 49].
With respect C. Tacitus, It is well known that he hated Jesus (Yeshua) and regarded him as a troublesome rabble-rouser and had nothing positive to say about what he referred to as a "deadly superstition," but readily admitted that this individual that he hated had existed as we have seen previously. <<<" His testimony establishes beyond any reasonable doubt that the Christian religion not only was relevant historically, but that Christ, as its originator, was a verifiable historical figure of such prominence that He even attracted the attention of the Roman emperor himself!" [source - Apologetics Press :: Reason & Revelation, The Historical Christ-Fact or Fiction? by Kyle Butt, M.A., sub-part HOSTILE TESTIMONY]>>>.
Therefore the only conclusion is that Jesus (Yeshua) was a real person, and that more has been written about him than any other person in human history. <<<" Critics do not like having to admit it, but they cannot successfully deny the fact that Jesus had a greater impact on the world than any single life before or after. Nor can they deny the fact that Jesus died at the hands of Pontius Pilate." !" [source - Apologetics Press :: Reason & Revelation, The Historical Christ-Fact or Fiction? by Kyle Butt, M.A., sub-part HOSTILE TESTIMONY]>>>.
Michael Grant stated (in 1977) that the view is derived from a lack of application of historical methods: <<<"...if we apply to the New Testament, as we should, the same sort of criteria as we should apply to other ancient writings containing historical material, we can no more reject Jesus' existence than we can reject the existence of a mass of pagan personages whose reality as historical figures is never questioned. ... To sum up, modern critical methods fail to support the Christ myth theory. It has 'again and again been answered and annihilated by first rank scholars.' In recent years, 'no serious scholar has ventured to postulate the non historicity of Jesus' or at any rate very few, and they have not succeeded in disposing of the much stronger, indeed very abundant, evidence to the contrary." [source - M. Grant, Jesus: An Historian's Review, pp. 199-200 , as provided by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, on 03/19/2008]>>>.
And the New Testament is full of eyewitness accounts by the Apostles and Disciples of Jesus (Yeshua) that associated with him during his life and no such account exist for any other personage of antiquity.
THE REALITY:
WITH RESPECT FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS:
Worldly critics make the false claim which on the surface sound valid, but on closer examination are not. Let's look at one of these:
<<<" The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, writing during the second half of the first century CE, produced two major works: History of the Jewish War and Antiquities of the Jews. Two apparent references to Jesus occur in the second of these works. The longer, and more famous passage, occurs in Book 18 of Antiquities and reads as follows (taken from the standard accepted Greek text of Antiquities 18:63-64 by L. H. Feldman in the Loeb Classical Library):
About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was one who wrought surprising feats and as a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Messiah. When Pilate, upon hearing him accused by men of the highest standing amongst us, had condemned him to be crucified, those who had in the first place come to love him did not give up their affection for him. On the third day he appeared to them restored to life, for the prophets of God had prophesied these and countless other marvellous things about him. And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared.
This passage is called the Testimonium Flavianum, and is sometimes cited by propagandists as independent confirmation of Jesus' existence and resurrection. However, there is excellent reason to suppose that this passage was not written in its present form by Josephus, but was either inserted or amended by later Christians:
1. The early Christian writer Origen claims that Josephus did NOT recognize Jesus as the Messiah, in direct contradiction to the above passage, where Josephus says, "He was the Messiah." Thus, we may conclude that this particular phrase at least was a later insertion. (The version given above was, however, known to Jerome and in the time of Eusebius. Jerome's Latin version, however, renders "He was the Messiah" by "He was believed to be the Christ.") Furthermore, other early Christian writers fail to cite this passage, even though it would have suited their purposes to do so. There is thus firm evidence that this passage was tampered with at some point, even if parts of it do date back to Josephus.
2. The passage is highly pro-Christian. It is hard to imagine that Josephus, a Pharisaic Jew, would write such a laudatory passage about a man supposedly killed for blasphemy. Indeed, the passage seems to make Josephus himself out to be a Christian, which was certainly not the case.
Many Biblical scholars reject the entire Testimonium Flavianum as a later Christian insertion. However, some maintain that Josephus's work originally did refer to Jesus, but that Christian copyists later expanded and made the text more favorable to Jesus. These scholars cite such phrases as "tribe of Christians" and "wise man" as being atypical Christian usages, but plausible if coming from a first century Palestinian Jew. Of course, a suitably clever Christian wishing to "dress up" Josephus would not have much trouble imitating his style.
Philip Burns (pib@merle.acns.nwu.edu) has provided some of the following material on the following alternate versions or reconstructions of the Testimonium Flavianum.
One possible reconstruction of the Testimonium Flavianum, suggested by James Charlesworth, goes like this, with probably Christian interpolations enclosed in brackets: [source - not given by worldly critic posting same]>>>.
Now on close examination of this critics writings we see internal problems as follows to their false contentions regarding Jesus (Yeshua).
<<<" The early Christian writer Origen claims that Josephus did NOT recognize Jesus as the Messiah[[Thereby testifying to his real existence]][[Of course Josephus did not recognize him as the Messiah, but that is far different from that of recognizing his existence and is like saying an American did not recognize Adolph Hitler as his leader which in no way implies none recognition of his having existed.]][[As to calling him the Messiah, that would be like historian H.G. Wells calling Adolph Hitler the leader of the Axis Powers, and in no way implying his belief in him as his leader]], in direct contradiction to the above passage, where Josephus says, "He was the Messiah." Thus, we may conclude that this particular phrase at least was a later insertion. (The version given above was, however, known to Jerome and in the time of Eusebius[[Early scholars did not question whether Jesus (Yeshua) had existed, only later critics far removed in time from his day did]]. Jerome's Latin version, however, renders "He was the Messiah" by "He was believed to be the Christ.") Furthermore, other early Christian writers fail to cite this passage, even though it would have suited their purposes to do so. There is thus firm evidence that this passage was tampered with at some point, even if parts of it do date back to Josephus. ">>>.
Now let's look at another passage in Josephus' "Antiquities of the Jews" found on page 598 of "The Life and Works of Flavius Josephus,
<<<"Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the Sanhedrin of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned; but as for those who seemed the most equitable of the citizens, and such as were the most uneasy at the breach of the laws, they disliked what was done; they also sent to the king [Agrippa], desiring him to send to Ananus that he should act so no more, for that what he had already done was not to be justified; nay, some of them went also to meet Albinus, as he was upon his journey from Alexandria, and informed him that it was not lawful for Ananus to assemble a Sanhedrim without his consent." [source - The Life and Works of Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston, A.M. and Published by The John C. Winston Company, and containing the "Antiquities of the Jews" and the "Wars of the Jews" and other items, page 598]>>>.
Also, these critics willfully overlook what Josephus said with regard to John the Baptist as follows,
<<<"2. Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist; for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and as to come to baptism; for the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, bty sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it should be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death. Now the Jews had an opinion that the destruction of this army was sent as a punishment upon Herod, and a mark of God's displeasure to him." ." [source - The Life and Works of Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston, A.M. and Published by The John C. Winston Company, and containing the "Antiquities of the Jews" and the "Wars of the Jews" and other items, page 540.]>>>.
And now let's look at the passage in the Antiquities of the Jews that the critics like to claim was doctored in context, but goes right in the flow with everything else Josephus wrote,
<<<"...So he bid the Jews himself go away; but they bodily casting reproaches upon him, he gave the soldiers that signal which had been beforehand agreed on; who laid upon them such greater blows than Pilate had commanded them, and equally punished those that were tumultuous, and those that were not; nor did they spare them in the least; and since the people were unarmed, and were caught by men prepared for what they were about, there were a great number of them slain by this means, and others of them ran away wounded. And thus an end was put to this sedition.
3. Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was {the} Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him are not extinct at this day.
4. About the same time also another sad calamity put the Jews into disorder, and certain shameful practices happened about the temple of Isis that was at Rome. I will now first take notice of the wicked attempts about the temple of Isis, and will then give an account of the Jewish affairs. ..." [source - The Life and Works of Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston, A.M. and Published by The John C. Winston Company, and containing the "Antiquities of the Jews" and the "Wars of the Jews" and other items, page 535]>>>.
Now, Yes, Flavius Josephus was a Jew and almost certainly did not believe in Jesus (Yeshua) as the Christ, but he was employed by the Roman Army as a historian and dutifully recorded reality whether he agreed religiously with it or not, just as well-known Roman Chatholic historian Will Durant did, who wrote, "Christianity did not destroy paganism; it adopted it ... pagan cultures contributed to the syncretist results. From Egypt came the ideas of a divine trinity ... [Caesar and Christ, page 595) (Lamson, Newton & Durant)]. The problem is critics do NOT want to recognize the objectivity of good historians and compilers of facts, but wish to unjustly use their objectivity to claim their works have been doctored and/or are just plain wrong.
Some claim what Josephus wrote are forgeries, but an examination of his work quickly shows this can not be the case. Let's look at some of what he wrote in brief:
<<<"Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the sanhedrim of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others [or, some of his companions]: and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned: but as for those who seemed the most equitable of the citizens, [source - "Antiquities of the Jews, from The Life and Works of Flavius Josephus as translated by William Whiston, A.M., published by the John C. Winston Co., of Philadelphia, page 598.]>>>.
And
<<<"2. Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from god, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the baptist; for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards god, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified before hand by righteousness. Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it should be too late. [source - "Antiquities of the Jews, from The Life and Works of Flavius Josephus as translated by William Whiston, A.M., published by the John C. Winston Co., of Philadelphia, page 540.]>>>.
And,
<<<"3. Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher os such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned his to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. Ant the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. [source - "Antiquities of the Jews, from The Life and Works of Flavius Josephus as translated by William Whiston, A.M., published by the John C. Winston Co., of Philadelphia, page 535.]>>>.
And,
<<<"Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus recorded information pertaining to Jesus, thus removing the only supporting source for His existence as being in the New Testament. In 115 A.D., Tactius wrote about the great fire in Rome, "Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberious at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their center and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths, Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man's cruelty, that they were being destroyed."
It is believed by some scholars that Tactius gained his information about Christ from official records, perhaps actual reports written by Pilate. Tactius also wrote about the burning of the Jerusalem temple by the Romans in 70 A.D. The Christians are mentioned as a group that were connected with these events. "All we can gather from this reference is that Tactius was also aware of the existence of Christians other than in the context of their presence in Rome," states Habermas. Gaius Suetonius Tranquillas, chief secretary of Emperor Hadrian, wrote, "Because the Jews at Rome caused continuous disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he expelled them from the City." Chrestus is a variant spelling of Christ. Suetonius refers to a wave of riots that broke out in a large Jewish community in Rome during the year 49 A.D. As a result, the Jews were banished from the city....
WITH RESPECT P. CORNELIUS TACTIUS (AD 56 - C. 120):
(Cornelius Tacitus), c.A.D. 55-c.A.D. 117, Roman historian. Little is known for certain of his life. He was a friend of Pliny the Younger and married the daughter of Cnaeus Julius Agricola. In A.D. 97 he was appointed substitute consul under Nerva, and later he was proconsul of Asia. The first of his works was the Dialogus [dialogue], a discussion of oratory in the style of Cicero, demonstrating to some degree why Tacitus was celebrated as an eloquent speaker; this work was long disputed, but his authorship is now generally accepted. Tacitus then wrote a biography of Agricola, expressing his admiration for his father-in-law as a good and able man. His small treatise De origine et situ Germanorum [concerning the origin and location of the Germans], commonly called the Germania or Germany, supplies (along with the earlier account of Julius Caesar) the principal written material on the Germanic tribes. Archaeology bears out the accuracy of Tacitus, but the work is not objective; it is a picture of the simple Germans glorified by comparison with the corruption and luxurious immorality of the Romans. This moral purpose and severe criticism of contemporary Rome, fallen from the virtuous vigor of the old republic, also underlies his two long works, commonly called in English the Histories (of which four books and part of a fifth survive) and the Annals (of which twelve books-Books I-VI, XI-XVI-survive). The extant books of the Histories cover only the reign of Galba (A.D. 68-69) and the beginning (to A.D. 70) of the reign of Vespasian but give a thorough view of Roman life-persons, places, and events. The surviving books of the Annals tell of the reign of Tiberius, of the last years of Claudius, and of the first years of Nero. The account contains incisive character sketches, ironic passages, and eloquent moral conclusions. The declamatory writing of the Dialogus is replaced in the historical works by a polished and highly individual style, a wide range of vocabulary, and an intricate and startling syntax.[source - The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07].
And another encyclopedia said, <<<" Publius (or Gaius) Cornelius Tacitus (ca. 56 - ca. 117) was a senator and a historian of the Roman Empire. The surviving portions of his two major works-the Annals and the Histories-examine the reigns of the Roman Emperors Tiberius, Claudius, Nero and those that reigned in the Year of the Four Emperors. These two works span the history of the Roman Empire from the death of Augustus in 14 AD to (presumably) the death of emperor Domitian in 96 AD. There are significant lacunae in the surviving texts.
Other works by Tacitus discuss oratory (in dialogue format, see Dialogus de oratoribus), Germania (in De origine et situ Germanorum), and biographical notes about his father-in-law Agricola, primarily during his campaign in Britannia (see De vita et moribus Iulii Agricolae).
Tacitus' historiographical style in his major works is annalistic. An author writing in the latter part of the Silver Age of Latin literature, his work is distinguished by a boldness and sharpness of wit, and a compact and sometimes unconventional use of Latin."[source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]>>>.
Now let's look at what this none Christian worshipper of the Unconquered Sun had to say about Jesus (Yeshua). <<<" The Roman historian Tacitus, writing in his Annals (c. 116) about the Great Fire of Rome (64), included an account of how the emperor Nero blamed the Christians in Rome for the disaster and initiated the first known persecution of early Christians by the Romans. This has become one of the best known and most discussed passages of Tacitus' works.[1] Although partly aimed at showing the inhumanity of the emperor, Tacitus' remarks have been studied more by modern scholars for information about his own religious attitudes and about the early history of Christianity.
Tacitus describes the support for the homeless provided by Nero and the rebuilding of the city, then refers to religious rituals carried out based on a consultation of the Sibylline Books.[2] However, none of this did away with the suspicion that the fire had been started on Nero's orders:
Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired.
Tacitus then returns to the topic of Nero's reputation and the effect on it of these events: "Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence, even for criminals who deserved extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man's cruelty, that they were being destroyed."[3]
References:
1. ^ Syme 533 n. 5 ("This famous chapter has provoked an enormous literature...").
2. ^ Tacitus, Annals 15.39-43.
3. ^ a b Tacitus, Annals 15.44, translated by Church and Brodribb.
[source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]>>>
The Catholic Encyclopedia said the following on C. Tactius,
<<<" We possess at least the testimony of Tacitus (A.D. 54-119) for the statements that the Founder of the Christian religion, a deadly superstition in the eyes of the Romans, had been put to death by the procurator Pontius Pilate under the reign of Tiberius; that His religion, though suppressed for a time, broke forth again not only throughout Judea where it had originated, but even in Rome, the conflux of all the streams of wickness and shamelessness; furthermore, that Nero had diverted from himself the suspicion of the burning of Rome by charging the Christians with the crime; that these latter were not guilty of arson, though they deserved their fate on account of their universal misanthropy. Tacitus, moreover, describes some of the horrible torments to which Nero subjected the Christians (Ann., XV, xliv). The Roman writer confounds the Christians with the Jews, considering them as a especially abject Jewish sect; how little he investigated the historical truth of even the Jewish records may be inferred from the credulity with which he accepted the absurd legends and calumnies about the origin of he Hebrew people (Hist., V, iii, iv)..
AND, Those who regard the passage as spurious,
First, there are those who consider the whole passage as spurious. The principal reasons for this view appear to be the following:
* Josephus could not represent Jesus Christ as a simple moralist, and on the other hand he could not emphasize the Messianic prophecies and expectations without offending the Roman susceptibilities;
* the above cited passage from Josephus is said to be unknown to Origen and the earlier patristic writers;
* its very place in the Josephan text is uncertain, since Eusebius (Hist. Eccl., II, vi) must have found it before the notices concerning Pilate, while it now stands after them.
But the spuriousness of the disputed Josephan passage does not imply the historian's ignorance of the facts connected with Jesus Christ. Josephus's report of his own juvenile precocity before the Jewish teachers (Vit., 2) reminds one of the story of Christ's stay in the Temple at the age of twelve; the description of his shipwreck on his journey to Rome (Vit., 3) recalls St. Paul's shipwreck as told in the Acts; finally his arbitrary introduction of a deceit practised by the priests of Isis on a Roman lady, after the chapter containing his supposed allusion to Jesus, shows a disposition to explain away the virgin birth of Jesus and to prepare the falsehoods embodied in the later Jewish writings.".[source - The Catholic Encyclopedia]>>>.
OTHER EARLY PAGAN WRITERS ON CHRIST:
Here is what some other early pagan writers who lived in the First Century had to say about Christ,
<<<"B. Suetonius, Another Roman writer who shows his acquaintance with Christ and the Christians is Suetonius (A.D. 75-160). It has been noted that Suetonius considered Christ (Chrestus) as a Roman insurgent who stirred up seditions under the reign of Claudius (A.D. 41-54): "Judaeos, impulsore Chresto, assidue tumultuantes (Claudius) Roma expulit" (Clau., xxv). In his life of Nero he regards that emperor as a public benefactor on account of his severe treatment of the Christians: "Multa sub eo et animadversa severe, et coercita, nec minus instituta . . . . afflicti Christiani, genus hominum superstitious novae et maleficae" (Nero, xvi). The Roman writer does not understand that the Jewish troubles arose from the Jewish antagonism to the Messianic character of Jesus Christ and to the rights of the Christian Church.
C. Pliny the Younger
Of greater importance is the letter of Pliny the Younger to the Emperor Trajan (about A.D. 61-115), in which the Governor of Bithynia consults his imperial majesty as to how to deal with the Christians living within his jurisdiction. On the one hand, their lives were confessedly innocent; no crime could be proved against them excepting their Christian belief, which appeared to the Roman as an extravagant and perverse superstition. On the other hand, the Christians could not be shaken in their allegiance to Christ, Whom they celebrated as their God in their early morning meetings (Ep., X, 97, 98). Christianity here appears no longer as a religion of criminals, as it does in the texts of Tacitus and Suetonius; Pliny acknowledges the high moral principles of the Christians, admires their constancy in the Faith (pervicacia et inflexibilis obstinatio), which he appears to trace back to their worship of Christ (carmenque Christo, quasi Deo, dicere).
D. Other pagan writers
The remaining pagan witnesses are of less importance: In the second century Lucian sneered at Christ and the Christians, as he scoffed at the pagan gods. He alludes to Christ's death on the Cross, to His miracles, to the mutual love prevailing among the Christians ("Philopseudes", nn. 13, 16; "De Morte Pereg"). There are also alleged allusions to Christ in Numenius (Origen, "Contra Cels", IV, 51), to His parables in Galerius, to the earthquake at the Crucifixion in Phlegon ( Origen, "Contra Cels.", II, 14). Before the end of the second century, the logos alethes of Celsus, as quoted by Origen (Contra Cels., passim), testifies that at that time the facts related in the Gospels were generally accepted as historically true. However scanty the pagan sources of the life of Christ may be, they bear at least testimony to His existence, to His miracles, His parables, His claim to Divine worship, His death on the Cross, and to the more striking characteristics of His religion." ).[source - The Catholic Encyclopedia]>>>.
JEWISH SOURCE OF THE FIRST CENTURY ON CHRIST:
<<<"Philo, who dies after A.D. 40, is mainly important for the light he throws on certain modes of thought and phraseology found again in some of the Apostles. Eusebius (Hist. Eccl., II, iv) indeed preserves a legend that Philo had met St. Peter in Rome during his mission to the Emperor Caius; moreover, that in his work on the contemplative life he describes the life of the Christian Church in Alexandria founded by St. Mark, rather than that of the Essenes and Therapeutae. But it is hardly probable that Philo had heard enough of Christ and His followers to give an historical foundation to the foregoing legends." ).[source - The Catholic Encyclopedia]>>>.
And,
<<<"The historical character of Jesus Christ is also attested by the hostile Jewish literature of the subsequent centuries. His birth is ascribed to an illicit ("Acta Pilati" in Thilo, "Codex apocryph. N.T., I, 526; cf. Justin, "Apol.", I, 35), or even an adulterous, union of His parents (Origen, "Contra Cels.," I, 28, 32). The father's name is Panthera, a common soldier (Gemara "Sanhedrin", viii; "Schabbath", xii, cf. Eisenmenger, "Entdecktes Judenthum", I, 109; Schottgen, "Horae Hebraicae", II, 696; Buxtorf, "Lex. Chald.", Basle, 1639, 1459, Huldreich, "Sepher toledhoth yeshua hannaceri", Leyden, 1705). The last work in its final edition did not appear before the thirteenth century, so that it could give the Panthera myth in its most advanced form. Rosch is of opinion that the myth did not begin before the end of the first century.
SEE PART 2 OF STRANGE, MANY DOUBT IF JESUS (YESHUA) REALLY EXISTED. THE AWAKE MAGAZINE NO. 5 OF 2016 HAD AN ENTIRE ARTICLE ON THE SUBJECT THAT CAN BE READ AT . AN ARTICLE, THE HISTORIC JESUS (YESHUA) CHRIST GOES INTO CONSIDERABLE DETAIL AND PROOF THAT HE ACTUALLY EXISTED. (PART 2 IS VOL 668A; WHEREAS, PART 1 WAS VOL 667A).
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG