The Gluttony of Ramadan

One of the 5 pillars of Islam is fasting, and Muslims for the month of Ramadan “fast” calling it a “holy month”. But there’s something that doesn’t seem right because during Ramadan the followers of Muhammad stuff their faces with food. Some startling statistics to share are the halt of production in Muslim-majority countries.

Ramadan is a religious ritual yet has significant social and economic impact. It follows a different pattern for office hours and is recognized by “less productivity” and more social gathering on “Iftar” and “Suhoor” meals. Productivity decreases from 35% to 50% due to shorten working hours, and inability to focus with no access to food or beverage till sunset and fewer hours of sleep.

The economic impact of Ramadan on the food sector

The gluttony which ensues during Ramadan as food consumption goes through the roof, an increase of 50-100%! But Ramadan is supposed to be about fasting why are food bills skyrocketing?

Despite the fact that Ramadan is a fasting month, food consumption during the time of “Iftar” to “Suhoor” exceeds normal consumption pattern. Not only food bills increase by 50-100% during Ramadan, but it is reported that 83% of families change their food consumption habits during Ramadan. It is estimated that food consumption in Ramadan account for 15% of annual expenditure on food.

The economic impact of Ramadan on the food sector

Tremendous weight gain is reported with all the food consumption during the month of Ramadan. Negative health effects are associated with the fasting of Ramadan as it’s not really the fasting, but the large amounts of food consumed before sunrise and after sunset.

Fasting and intermittent fasting, which generally does not include abstention from water, have been shown to improve health outcomes in chronic diseases [6–8]. By contrast, the long-term health benefits or risks of Ramadan fasting are unclear [5, 9–14]. In observant populations, general practices of Ramadan may include an iftar meal to break one’s fast after the sun sets and suhoor, a light pre-dawn meal [15]. Ramadan meals may be calorie-dense, water abstention in warm climates may result in dehydration, overeating may occur before bed, and regular sleep patterns may be disturbed [16]. Therefore, the physiological changes associated with Ramadan fasting differ from general, intermittent fasting [17]; the former may have unidentified effects when body functions are disrupted [5, 10].

Ramadan fasting and weight change trajectories: Time-varying association of weight during and after Ramadan in low-income and refugee populations

Muslims love to make public displays of praying and fasting to somehow prove their piety, In the Bible we’re instructed not to be like the hypocrites who love performing deeds for getting the attention or praise of men “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1) [1] Those who do so will not receive a reward from God for they are trying to portray themselves as self-righteous.

Ramadan is all about announcing to the world the month of fasting, this goes against what the God of the Bible said. Those Muslims who think they are gaining from their works by fasting and praying in the streets will in reality get nothing because they are hypocrites according to the Bible.[2]

The Lord Jesus addresses fasting specifically saying don’t be a hypocrite like the Muslims by making your face sad or disfigured to have people notice they’re fasting. During this time they are promoting fasting which goes against what Christ said to do in secret.

Matthew 6:16-18

Islam is an outward religion full of rituals but no spirituality, it’s a look at me religion as Muslims will occupy street corners in droves in order to pray.[3] Christianity is completely the opposite, it’s inward and spiritual we are commanded to pray in secret. We are not out seeking attention because our relationship is between us and God directly.

Walking in the street you can spot Muslims quite easily, that’s because all the women must wear specific garb such as a Hijab, and men can choose to wear thobe’s (Thawb) and Kufis. That’s because all of Islam is outward appearance but Christianity is inward, therefore, you do not know who is a Christian unless they verbally confess they are.

Conclusion

Islam is a hypocritical religion in which they claim to fast but truthfully they are stuffing their faces to the point of gaining weight. Why are Muslims gaining weight when they should be losing weight? All their deeds are outward works in order to earn their salvation. Jesus Christ is against all of these practices and proves that Christ is not a Muslim as Islam claims. Do your own research and see if these things are true, if they are and you’re a Muslim I highly suggest for you to leave Islam.

Footnotes

[1] Bible quotations in this article are from the CSB.

[2] Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

[3] The phenomenon of street prayers, which see Muslims spreading mats on footpaths BBC News (2011, 16 September). Paris ban on Muslim street prayers comes into effect. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14945467

Contradictions In The Qur’an (an-Nasr, al-Kafirun)

Muslims are very proud when a person takes the Shahada, they love when someone becomes Muslim especially if they think that individual claimed to be Christian beforehand saying they were “born a Christian”, the issue with this statement is unlike Islam.

Noone can be “born a Christian”! That’s a fact, the only way a person can become a Christian is by accepting they are a sinner and placing their faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life.[1] The Bible never teaches a person is born a Christian, the only way to be Christian is to be born again.

In Islam, a person can be born into the religion and are automatically Muslim or they can “revert” meaning they converted to Islam became a Muslim. Today’s article is to answer the challenge put forth by their so called god, Allah.

Sūrat al-Nisāa 4:82

Let’s examine 2 Sūrah’s, al-Kāfirūn and al-Naṣr, we will take a look at the latter first and work our way backwards.

al-Naṣr 110

According to this Surah Allah tells us that Muhammad gets help from his god to conquer Mecca, and after doing so an abundance (crowds) of people will revert and become Muslim. This means those people who are now Muslim are worshipping Allah and believe what Muhammad believes. To confirm this let’s look to the tafsir to get the Muslims interpretation so that they don’t say “you’re a Christian and do not know what the Qur’an says”.

On this blog we use their own sources to prove Islam is false, this is what al-Jalalayn has to say about this Surah.

When the help of God for His Prophet s against his enemies comes together with victory the victory over Mecca

Tafsir al-Jalalayn (al-Naṣr)

When Muhammad had victory over Mecca people became Muslims, all of those people jumped on the Islam band wagon.[2] That’s what the text plainly says, now with that let’s go to another Surah, it’s the one right before this one. Surah is al-Kāfirūn Muslims loving going to this passage when they don’t have an answer when someone challenges their belief.

al-Kāfirūn 109

And here’s the contradiction, before in Surah 110 we’re told that many crowds became Muslims, and in doing so they would come to believe in the same religion Muhammad believes. They would also worship the same god of Muhammad, Allah, but this is in clear contradiction to the Surah before it.

In Surah 109 Muhammad is saying to the same people that he (Muhammad) will not worship what these people worship. And Muhammad says the people will not worship what Muhammad worships, and Muhammad shall not worship what these people are worshipping. And he repeats the same statement over again, then says you have your religion and I have mine.

This is a false prophecy from Muhammad! If Muhammad is telling these people you will never worship the god I worship then in the next Surah the people are worshipping Allah. That means Muhammad gave a false prophecy because all of these people became Muslims, the same religion of Muhammad.

Conclusion

What did we learn, well what we’ve known from the beginning, Muhammad is a false prophet because he said the people will not worship or believe what he does. And the people became Muslims and believed in what Muhammad believed. A challenge to any Muslim to prove otherwise. May the scales fall from your eyes and you come to the Creator of the universe the Lord Jesus Christ, only He can save you from your sins.

Footnotes

[1] John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

[2] It does mean at all to seek forgiveness for the prophet himself but for the Muslims who enter in the Religion of Allah for their past sins. Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi (2 years ago). If Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sinless, why did Allah command him to do Tawbah in Surah Nasr?. Retrieved from https://www.al-islam.org/ask/topics/13996/questions-about-Surat-al-Nasr

Silly things Muslims say #3 (Smarter Everday)

In everyday conversations between Abdools and Christians, you find all sorts of lies and deception from Muslims if they think you know nothing about Islam. This particular son of mutah was obsessed with skin colour, claiming Christians are “white supremacists.” In other words, he thinks we proclaim Jesus Christ is blonde with blue eyes 🤣

You can’t blame Muslims for being confused, they have fallen for the lies propagated in the world, and to be honest, it’s partly our fault. As Christians we need to teach the public through our life’s personal testimony, some of these things shouldn’t have to be mentioned. Unfortunately, we’ve had people out there who misrepresent what Christianity is, the likes of Joel Olsteen etc.

But that’s not what we talk about here, let’s focus on getting this Muslim busted. Dumber Everyday aka “Smarter Everyday” claims that Muhammad is not a white man.[1]

Mr. “Smarter Everyday” is either ignorant of his own Hadith’s or he’s lying, we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say it’s the latter. I would like for Smarter Everday to tell us why his prophet is described as a white man?[2] This Sahih Hadith tells us a man came on a camel looking for Muhammad in the Masjid.

In answering his question about John 17:3, Muslims always quote half the verse to try to disprove the deity of Christ, but the Lord Jesus is not excluding Himself as God by calling His Father the only true God. Muslims continue to misrepresent what Christians believe, the Trinity as found in the Bible is that God is 1 in being (what) and the one being of God consists of 3 distinct Persons (who) who collectively are co-eternal are the 1 God.

The Greek has a copulative kai meaning that the Father and Jesus Christ are the One true God in this verse. But for our purposes the English translation will suffice.

John 17:3

17:3  αὕτη δέ ἐστιν ἡ αἰώνιος ζωή ἵνα γινώσκωσιν σὲ τὸν μόνον ἀληθινὸν θεὸν καὶ 
ὃν ἀπέστειλας Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν

The man asked Muhammad’s companions which of them is Muhammad? They replied, “This white man who is reclining.” Why is Dumber Everyday claiming Muhammad’s not a white man when his own Islamic sources say that he is white?[3]

Sunan an-Nasa’i 2092 Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

And we always give references here so that you can go and look these things up yourselves, Christians learn these sources so that you can answer Muslims from their own text. don’t allow yourself to be deceived by their Dawah. Let’s provide one more proof that Muhammad was a white man[4] who was obsessed with telling everyone his colour.

Musnad Ahmad 944 Grade: Hasan because of corroborating evidence] (Darussalam)

This particular Hadith says `Ali bin Abi Talib is describing Muhammad saying he has a white complexion. Either Smarter Everyday believes his Hadith in which he needs to confess that Muhammad is a white man.[5] Otherwise, he’s saying that Muslims put out a bunch of lies in their Islamic text, it’s his choice. To end this article we’ll show how Muhammad is racist against blacks.

The following Hadith describes how Allah created Adam, Allah struck his right shoulder and out came white offspring. Allah then struck his left shoulder and out came black offspring. These 2 offsprings are mankind coming from Adam, to the white offspring Allah says they go to Paradise, and to the black offspring Allah sends them to hell.

Mishkat al-Masabih 119 Grade: Isnād Hasan (Zubair `Aliza’i)

How racist is this cult! Why was their colour mentioned and depending on if they are white or black determines if they go to paradise or hell? This is why someone like “Smarter Everyday” is also obsessed with skin colour, Islam is riddled with this sort of racist text.

Conclusion

Today we learned that Muhammad according to their Sahih Hadith’s is a white man (not that it matters to us) but to a racist cult like Islam it does. And that Allah sends black people to hell while he sends white people to paradise. I wonder how all those Muslims in African countries feel about this? Can any Muslim comment on why their fellow Muhammadan is fabricating his own form of Islam saying Muhammad is not a white man when the Hadith explicitly says that he is?

Footnotes

[1] The narrator Anas added that the Prophet (ﷺ) raised his hands (during the invocation) to such an extent that the whiteness of his armpits was visible. Sahih al-Bukhari 1030

[2] Abu Juhaifa reported: I saw Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) that he had white complexion and had some white hair, and Hasan b. ‘Ali resembled him. Sahih Muslim 2343a

[3] Sa’id al-Jariri quoted Abu al-Tufail as saying: I saw the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ). I asked: How did you see him? He said: He was white, good-looking, and when he walked, it looked as if he was descending to a low ground. Sunan Abi Dawud 4864 Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)

[4] It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say the salam to his right so that the whiteness of his cheek could be seen, and to his left so that the whiteness of his cheek could be seen.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 1323 Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

[5] Narrated `Abdul `Aziz: Anas said, ‘When Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) invaded Khaibar, we offered the Fajr prayer there (early in the morning) when it was still dark. The Prophet (ﷺ) rode and Abu Talha rode too and I was riding behind Abu Talha. The Prophet (ﷺ) passed through the lane of Khaibar quickly and my knee was touching the thigh of the Prophet (ﷺ) . He uncovered his thigh and I saw the whiteness of the thigh of the Prophet. … Sahih al-Bukhari 371

Sūrah al-Māidah 5:32 (As If He Killed All Mankind)

Have you ever heard Muslims say that Islam is a religion of peace? There are 2 types of Muslims the first one is fully aware that Islam teaches war against unbelievers, and that Muslims are not to take Kufir as friends. I’ve experienced this firsthand and these are followers of Muhammad who are staying true to what Islam teaches.

Groups such as ISIS are practising the true Islam as found in the Qur’ān and taught Muhammad the most obvious false prophet in history. The second group are Muslims who are genuinely sincere but are ignorant of the teachings of Islam, especially reverts who never looked into Islam for themselves.

While speaking with Abdoools they may quote Sūrat 5:32 sūrat l-māidah to prove Islam is a religion of peace, they might be as mentioned ignorant or purposefully trying to deceive people.

Sūrah 5:32 Prescribed For The Jews

Notice the first initial words at the start of verse 5:32 “For that cause We ordained for the Children of Israel”, so this verse is prescribed to the Jews, not Muslims. Continuing on the verse says “whosoever killeth a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind”.

Surah al-māidah 5:32

I see why Muslims run to this verse to prove Islam is peaceful, the problem is this is not a command to the Muslims this was commanded for the Jews. Now, this verse was taken from the Mishnah, therefore, how can this be from Allah when the Mishnah is not from the Torah or the Injil?

Mishnah Sanhedrin 4

In this second quote please note the Mishnah is speaking of the situation between Cain and Abel recorded in Genesis 4:10.

Tractate Sanhedrin: Chapter 4

This is only found in the Bible, yet why are Muslims using this verse claiming Islam is about peace when it’s talking to the children of Israel? Muslims are not children of Israel, and again this is prescribed to the Jews according to the Qur’ān not the Muslims.

Genesis 4:10

Islam is not an Abrahamic faith, only Judaism and Christianity are Abrahamic, Christianity started with Jews as the first believers in Jesus Christ were Jewish. Remember Muslims claim they are from Ishmael which also is not true according to Genesis 25:1-6, Arabs are actually descendants from Keturah.

Genesis 25:1-6

Sūrah 5:33 Prescribed For the Muslims

Notice the vast difference between 5:32 and 5:33 as it goes on to speak of killing and crucifying others who happen to be non-Muslims.[1]

Surah al-māidah 5:33

Listen to what Muslims are supposed to do to those who are against Allah and Muhammad? “they will be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet on alternate sides cut off, or will be expelled out of the land.”, do these words sound peaceful? Cutting off limbs and crucifying people is the complete opposite of peace.

Conclusion

Why do Muslims claim Islam is a religion of peace and try to pass off a verse commanded to the Jews and show people who are ignorant of what Islam teaches? It’s either out of pure ignorance or to be deceitful. In the West, most people are extremely ignorant of Islam, but sites like these are here to speak the truth about Islam, that it would be exposed for what it is, that it’s a demonic religion.

Footnotes

[1] Meanwhile, Muslim crowds worldwide were hardly condemning the attacks. Besides the now-infamous Palestinians dancing in the streets for CNN’s cameramen at the news that the World Trade Center towers had collapsed, demonstrators around the world chanted their approval. These people were not all Wahhabis or uneducated mobs. “Reporters from Arab shores,” according to Johns Hopkins University professor Fouad Ajami, “tell us of affluent men and women, some with years of education in American universities behind them, celebrating the cruel deed of Muhammad Atta and his hijackers.” A Libyan told the New York Times: “September 11 was the happiest day of my life.” As crowds chanted their approval of bin Laden’s terrorism, even imams who condemned the terrorist attacks declined opportunities to condemn also the imams who approved of the attacks— a fact with enormous significance for the Bush/Blair attempts to portray the terrorists as a fringe group within Islam. Soon after September 11 , for example, Jake Tapper of the Internet magazine Salon tried to get the communications director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an American Muslim named Ibrahim Hooper, to speak out against Osama bin Laden. Hooper ducked: “We condemn terrorism, we condemn the attack on the buildings,” Hooper said. But why not condemn bin Laden by name, especially after President Bush has now stated that he was clearly responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks? “If Osama bin Laden was behind it, we condemn him by name,” Hooper said. But why the “if ” why qualify the response? Hooper said he resented the question. And what about prior acts of terror linked to bin Laden? Or that bin Laden has urged Muslims to kill Americans? Again, Hooper demurred, saying only that he condemns acts of terror. Both groups [CAIR and the American Muslim Council] also refuse to outright condemn Islamic terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Spencer, Robert. Islam Unveiled : Disturbing Questions about the World’s Fastest-Growing Faith, Encounter Books, 2003. (pp 16, 17).

Are Atheists Miserable Without God?

man-in-white-shirt-sitting-on-rock-during-night-time-3483524

The short answer? Yes. The long answer? Please read on to find out.

An atheist recently responded to one of my recent posts, titled “When You Live Your Life Apart From God“. You can read the original post here.

This individual claims no belief in God, yet states to possess a meaningful life full of purpose even though he denies the very God who put breath in his lungs. Are his claims true? Let us consider the atheistic view in light of scripture to find out.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 1:18-20)

So, this written work is to address all atheists who do not believe in God, who try to lean on flawed humanistic logic above perfect divine truth.

This atheist who responded to my blog post inherently believes that he refuted the notion that the human soul needs God for salvation, purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. However, he will never be able to refute this because truth cannot be refuted.

Atheism relies heavily on scientific “proof”. This science that atheists rely on for their worldview is actually pseudo-science, not true science. Because true science does not disprove God, it only leads to the truth of God’s existence. For instance, when we look at an automobile, it would be completely irrational to believe that the car made itself or came together from absolutely nothing. Can you imagine 4 perfect rounded wheels, each the exact same size, just forming from a big purposeless and chaotic explosion? Can you imagine a fan engine materializing from thin air, a muffler appearing from nowhere? Can you imagine all of these components (along with hundreds of other parts) of an automobile coming together in perfect puzzled unison to create a working car?!

No, that is utterly irrational and foolish to think that it just came from a big bang. But why is it so difficult to believe that human beings, animals, nature, the earth – which is inherently so much more complex, mysterious and beautiful than a man-made car – why is it so hard to believe that humans and animals and nature came and formed ultimately from an explosion and that ‘nothing‘ created it?

If you are of a humbled mind, you can see how absurd this would be. We all know it takes an entire team of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineers, create automobiles; multiple disciplines working together. It takes intelligence, intent, work, power, planning, mathematics, preciseness, and effort to create an automobile. Yet, in the mind of an atheist, the human body, which is so much more detailed, intricate, and complex…came from absolutely no intelligent design. It came from nothing in the mind of an atheist. Because of this, life is completely meaningless to an atheist, including his and her own life.

It isn’t just the human form that is intricate and complex, this holds true for every little thing in existence. Every little thing, even from the tiniest ant to a leaf, to a single snowflake, to the majestically grandeur mountains, to the single wing of a bird, to the sun, to the human heart, is so complex and so obviously designed, that it is absolutely irrational to think it was not created. How can one think everything came from nothing? Nothing cannot produce anything because it is…well, nothing. Even if in the beginning matter did exist, matter is still considered something and being that matter is not eternal energy, it will eventually fizzle out. Something or Someone had to exist before matter. And whether you believe or not does not change His existence. God is the Creator of all this through Jesus Christ.

The Bible has something to say about those who do not believe in God. God’s word says atheists are a fool because deep inside they know God exists yet they suppress that truth deep down inside the pit of their soul. Their deep hatred for God causes them to suppress the truth regarding His existence. They do not disbelieve in God; indeed, they believe in Him, yet have hatred for Him so they refuse to humble themselves. This is why you see atheists get ruffled up by Christians so often – because Christians are speaking the truth of what atheists, deep down in the core of their soul know is true yet hate with a passionate hatred. They are convicted in the presence of truth (Christians).

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1)

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20)

Atheist like to trust in their intellect which will never bring them to actual truth, because human intellect can and will never supersede God who made man’s mind, the Creator must supersede His own creation.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

What atheists don’t realize, to their own destruction, is that their “intellect” gives them a false hope. They hope for nothing in this world and believe in nothing which makes their life of the upmost meaningless. They can deny being miserable in their spirit all they want, but the truth of the matter is is that their soul is not reconciled to God, and therefore true joy for them will never be found until they trust in Christ.

Trying to make a claim that people in other cultures or religions are happy is a false argument because being outwardly happy or content does not mean they do not need God. Being “outwardly” happy is one thing, but I’m talking about the heart, spirit, and soul – the true self, not the outward self. One can observe another and come to the conclusion they are happy based on superficial findings; however, that person or people group in observation can indeed be miserable although it may be contrary to what they portray to the world. This would be an obvious understanding in rational intellect regarding social behaviour and social normatives, especially given the “false mask” of the Facebook and Instagram age we are currently (and regrettably) in.

Indeed, one simply cannot look on the outside of another and claim to know what is true in their spirit or heart. One, however, can make the determination based on spiritual truths in understanding that the human soul is desperate for God and until that soul turns to its Creator in humble trust and repentance, that soul’s existence is miserable and meaningless. There is no way one can be truly content or have purpose without God.  The fact that other religions (such as Native Americans who practice paganism) worship false and evil “gods” and act in wicked ways according to their false religion proved they are empty and in despair for meaning. They traded the truth of God for a lie, and so atheists you in their disbelief.

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1:25)

Atheists are trading the truth of God for the lie of atheism. Atheism leaves individuals hopeless, they live a life devoid of real meaning. Sure you can become rich, acquire cars, homes and other material needs but when you die will you take those things with you? The reason why people become atheists is that they want to be their own god, they want to live in sin, they indulge unrighteousness and drink it up like water. But they don’t want to be accountable to anyone. Atheists do not want to be held accountable for anything in this life. They are saturated in their own pride and refuse to answer to anyone, so they suppress the truth of God and insist they are their own god. They cannot fathom that there’s an authority greater than themselves, an intelligence higher than themselves, and a Creator who demands something from them. So they walk through their life delusional in thinking that flawed and limited man is the highest authority and intelligence in existence. They base their entire worldview on only what they can see, and completely reject what they can’t see as being anything worthy of consideration. Because they can’t see it, they reject it. They claim to lean on science, yet science itself claims that wind and love exists even though it is unseen to the natural eye. This is a false dichotomy. Atheists only believe what fits their agenda, not what the actual truth is.

Atheist’s pride in the end will be destructive to their own soul, once they die and face the judgement of God. When this happens, they will realize that they were wrong about God’s existence and the deception they believed that humanity just appeared here from a Big Bang. They will deeply regret not trusting in Christ and submitting to Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. They will weep and gnash their teeth, wishing they listened to Christians like me speaking the truth about God and salvation. If they continue to submerse themselves in their own pride, walking this earth that they didn’t create, enjoying their family that they didn’t create, enjoying sunsets that they didn’t create, yet stubbornly refusing their very own Creator, they will walk straight to eternal destruction.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 8:12)

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Provers 16:18)

Can atheists honestly believe the complexities of the human brain was an accident? The human eye with all it’s intricate muscles which help to focus better and more accurately than a camera just appeared out of nothing? The eyes alone are so precise that they focus or unfocus without you thinking about it, and both your eyes can view objects with much more accuracy than any man-made device. I am confident when I say that just the eye alone is enough to prove immensely and sufficiently of God’s existence.

close-up-portrait-of-human-eye-322070

But atheists fail to see with the eyes that God has given them the truth of His existence and majesty. Looking at His creation, something so small as an eye shows forth His wonders and power, creativeness and beauty. How can they be blind to this, so to speak?

Atheists are foolish because they are living their life breathing with lungs and a heart inside your chest, keeping them alive, that they didn’t put there, yet they try to believe that it just formed from a goop of primordial soup billions of years ago, fast forward to today and all of a sudden here’s a complex, precisely put together human being that is so obviously designed to function with purpose. All of a sudden, here’s a human with so much complexity that trying to fully understand the brain alone would take humanity a million lifetimes. It’s irrational and illogical, devoid of reason. In lieu of this, atheists still esteem themselves as highly intellectual and say those who affirm a Creator are of a lower IQ. Yet, in the same breath, they will proclaim that humans came from apes! What mindless conclusions!

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)

Indeed, atheists do not possess true intellect, but folly. And unfortunately, folly that will cause them to end up being punished eternally for it if they do not humble themselves before the one true God Jesus Christ, and stop trying to be their own God which will lead them to their own detriment.

The truth is, God did create all of humanity and the world around us whether atheists like it or not, whether they believe it or not, and no matter how superficially happy they claim to be. (Emphasis on superficially).  Truth cannot be changed whether you choose to believe or not; truth remains a fact because God ordained it to be so. Fire consumes wood for-instance, would that change because you choose not to believe it? Of course not, the same holds true for the existence of God.

There’s no fulfillment in life apart from the one true God. That goes for anyone – those who simply believe there is no God, and those worshipping false gods such as Muslims, Hindus, Native Americans, and Jehovah’s witnesses, amongst many others. How can you be fulfilled when you don’t have salvation of your soul? You are living in complete and utter darkness and there’s nothing you can do outside of God to be truly fulfilled, you’re life is but a vapour:

James 4:14-16 Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

Because you do not believe the truth of God, you are blind, deaf, and in darkness:

 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. [But to those who trusted in Christ], But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (Matthew 13:13-15).

There’s only one truth. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. There aren’t many ways, there is only one way. There aren’t many truths, there is only one truth. There is only life found in Christ, and if you have not life in Christ, you are spiritually dead and do not have life at all.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Either there is a God, or there isn’t a God. How can you (an atheist) look at all the beauty of the world and think that there is no intelligent creator who created all of this?! When you look into the mathematical aspect of nature and creation, you’ll see that everything is mathematically precise. Look up the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio. There’s literal coding behind ALL existence, including your DNA, which proves of an intelligent Creator behind all of creation. You think a big explosion could create perfect and precise mathematical code? Absolutely not. And you are sincerely deceived and living in falsity, to your own detriment. You’ve been lied to about your religion (atheism) and accepted it as truth, but it is not truth, it is only a lie – one that is unfortunately sending multitudes of people to hell.

Fibonacci-spirals

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 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. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

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; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:18-23, 28-32)

Your rejection of God and the gospel will have severe consequences on your own soul. You can lie to your heart all you want that you don’t need God and that you’re perfectly content without him, but God knows your heart and that you are simply deceiving yourself. You need Jesus Christ, He is God in the flesh who is the only answer to true salvation, love, fulfillment. You will end up in hell and be lost forever if you do not let go of your pride and arrogance and finally surrender to the God who created you.

In regards to the meaninglessness of an atheist, I do not say that the family of an atheist is meaningless, I made the statement that family is a gift from God and it’s beautiful and wonderful. I’m certain that there are many atheists who love their family and find fulfillment in it, but you see, my point is that familial fulfillment will only last but a moment in the grand scheme of your existence – what really matters is not your earthly family, but your soul and the souls in your family, and where those souls will end up once they breathe their last breath. At the end of the day, if you and your family end up in hell for not trusting in Christ, your life spent enjoying your family will be meaningless. If you end up in hell, everything is meaningless.

Jesus Christ spoke of a rich man who placed his hope in riches and in the “fulfillments” of this world. Tragically, he regretted it afterwards when it was too late.

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:19-31).

The reason atheists lack wisdom, knowledge and logic and cannot comprehend truth is because they have no fear of God. The Bible says only those who fear (respect, worship, honour) the LORD are the ones with true wisdom and knowledge. Those who deny Him have no understanding at all.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Psalm 111:10)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

If you do not turn to Him, you will regret it. Atheists, I plead with you in love to think on these things. I know in your mind, because you cannot physically see God, that He doesn’t exist. But what about love and wind? You can’t see those either. There is more to life than being a blob formed from primordial soup, being formed with no intentions, no love, no power behind why you exist. You exist for a reason, not by accident. It’s not me who is claiming that your life is meaningless, it is you that claims your own life is meaningless by your own belief system and your own life. Because you believe that you were not specially and purposefully created by God, nobody and nothing is special to you because you’re just a happenstance. Life isn’t special to you because nothing chose to create your life. By your own life and beliefs, you claim misery and purposeless. Without God, there is no purpose or meaning or joy.

You can give all the reasons not to believe in God (none of which are valid), but just the fact that you have life and exist should convince you enough. But you’re in darkness and therefore cannot see. You’re deaf and cannot hear the truth. Your deceived so you can not comprehend the truth. But I pray that your eyes open that they may see the truth, your ears open so that they may hear the truth, and your mind turn to the light of truth and reject the darkness you have been living in.

If you don’t trust in Jesus Christ repent and turn to Him for the forgiveness of your sins, you will end up separated from Him for all eternity. I don’t want that for you or anyone, which is why I took the time to write this in a post. This is all said in love but if I truly love, I will be honest and that’s what I have done. I will pray that you will put your faith in Jesus so that you may have true life.

I plead with all atheists who read this to please search the scriptures with an open heart. Realize that you could be mistaken in your belief that there is no God, and humble yourself before Him. Turn to Him and believe on His name and you can have eternal life. To be free of a meaningless life, you must possess eternal life. Without it, death resides. Please think of these things written here today before it is too late and you take your last breath. you never know when that last breath may be. Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.

God loves you more than you can ever fathom, more than you have ever felt, and beyond what you can comprehend. He’s worth trusting, He’s worth loving, He’s worthy of your faith. Please stop believing in yourself as your saviour, and start believing in the only One who can save you and the only one worthy of worship: Jesus Christ the one true God. Please seek Him before you die and it’s too late. Grab a bible and read. It’s where the only truth lies.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Please watch this documentary, it is very eye-opening.

I pray atheists will see the truth.

That they are indeed miserable without God.

 

Approval of God

Proverbs 29:25
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”

Searching and longing for the approval of mere imperfect and flawed human beings is a snare, a trap, and a recipe for disaster. It can be tempting to desire approval of others, because we’re physically able to see them face to face. We can see their reactions, hear their opinions, and we can be rejected and accepted by people. But ultimately, the only approval we need is God’s approval, and if we have His approval, we have everything we could ever need. If we search for approval and acceptance from others, then these people become authoritative in our lives when Jesus should be the highest authority in every aspect and every area. Jesus is our Lord and our sole and main focus as we walk in this dry and weary world is to please Him and Him above all else, no matter who may disapprove. If the Lord approves us, it doesn’t matter if all the kings and all the governors and anyone else disapproves of us because God accepts us. He’s our Maker, our Saviour, and our Creator.

It can be hard sometimes, and we will be tested in various season: will we follow man’s fleeting thoughts and opionions which can be so easily in error, or follow the LORD who is perfect in every single way? The more we trust in Him and abide in Him the less the approval, thoughts, and opinions matter of others. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care, it just means we don’t live by their opinion, we live for Christ and His Word and His guidance, no matter if the world be against us (and they will). If God Himself accepts us, it doesn’t matter who in the world rejects us.

Ephesians 1:4-6
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

Getting Lost in Him

I love getting lost in You. In Your Word. In Your presence. In Your love. I love hiding away with you in that secret place only meant for us. I love being with You. I love being Yours. I love crying to You, with all of my cares and burdens. I love telling You how much I love You. I didn’t know my heart could love this much, until you swept me off my feet like the King You are. I’m so in love with you and I’m so glad You’ll be mine forever. I’m going to hold on to you tightly for the rest of my life. So tight that nothing could possibly get between us. So tight that we’re one. I love You so much, I desire You more than life itself, and I want You more than all the treasures this world has to offer. You are so worthy! I adore you! Thank You for Your passionate love – the love that saved my life.♥️

Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?

islam-6

Introduction

Previously in a past work environment, I went about my normal work day when a co-worker asked; do you like hip-hop? I replied saying no. He then asked, why not? Again I replied because hip-hop has nothing for me, I don’t enjoy it, it’s all talk of money, cursing etc. Then he asked what music do you like? I replied hymns because they glorify God. That was our first encounter.

Another day as we worked he approached me again asking about my faith which lead to the question about being a good person. I asked if he thinks he’s a good person? He replied yes. I said many people believe they’re good people, I too once thought the same not any more.

Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Then sharing why I disagree that he’s not a good person, and with a passing statement I said, I don’t place my trust in religion; I place my trust in God. Religion teaches self-righteous I gave an example saying, Muslims believe they’re self-righteous because of what they do. He then said to me “I’m Muslim”. And so started the one year dialogue between two co-workers a Muslim and Christian.

Islam’s early origins

Islam started when Muhammad after weeks of going into a cave to pray claimed to be visited from the angel Gabriel and revealed that he the “last prophet” in the year early 600’s. He began preaching to others in his home city of Mecca looking to recruit followers friends and family to spread his religion. After trying for 12 years he failed in gaining followers, only those who were immediate friends and family converted to Islam.

islam-1
Muhammad was the founder of Islam.

Afterwards, he decided to travel to Medina which was at the time the Jewish business centre of Arabia. He thought that if he could get the Jews to accept and believe in his religion it would give him religious status, then, in turn, would give him more recognition among his own people.

Muhammad having this thought in mind borrowed a lot from the Old Testament (Torah) in order to make his religion more appealing to the Jewish people thereby persuading them to believe in Islam. Hence the reason why there are similarities between Judaism and Islam such as refraining from eating pork (pig), praying a 5 times a day, fasting on Yom Kippur (Jews) and Ramadan (Muslims) etc.

That said let us take a close look between the God of the Bible who Christians and Jews worship and see if the Muslim god is the same? In order to get an accurate comparison, we’ll have to look at both the Bible and the Quran to see what’s the truth.

Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

God of the Bible the same as god of the Quran?

Can the Muslim god and the Christian God be the same? As we look into the scriptures we quickly see that there are major contradictions between the two. As we compare the nature, character, and doctrines of each. Also the practices of their believers we’ll be able to come to a better understanding as to why they are vastly different.

The Nature of God

Muslims: believe there’s one God, who is not a trinity. The Islamic view of God is called strict Monotheism (Quran 112:1).

Christians: believe there’s one God, who exists in three distinct persons (Godhead or The Trinity): Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Deuteronomy 6:4 “…Hear Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.”

Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

Does God Send All To Hell?

Muslims: believe that according to surah 19:70–72, everyone will enter into hell, that includes Muslims and their god will then bring out the god-fearing:

Christians: believe that only unbelievers, those who aren’t born again will go into hell for all eternity.

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

The True Teachings of Islam

When a non-Muslim confronts a Muslim about the teachings of Islam, the Muslim always claims “Islam is a religion of peace”. Although the majority of moderate Muslims may be peaceful people, but we’re speaking of the system or the religion of Islam and it’s teachings.

Apart from the first 13 years that Muhammad claimed to be a “prophet”, you don’t have any history of Islam devoid of violence. The moment Muhammad was able to gather enough followers he began battles at a rate of nine battles per year until his death. And then afterwards Muslims conquered one-third of the known world, this is called the Muslim caliphate.

A caliphate is an Islamic state under the leadership of an Islamic steward with the title of caliph, a person considered the successor to Muhammad and leader of the entire ummah. The medieval period saw three major caliphates succeeded each other, the last being the Ottoman Caliphate (Ottoman Empire).

Muslims are taught to fight and kill the infidels. If a Muslim converts to another faith they’re told to kill him. They also say it’s alright to kill Jews, Christians and homosexuals; and believe thieves should have their arms and legs cut off. Muslims want sharia law implemented throughout the world and are told not to have anything to do with the kaffir (disbeliever).

Here are some of their teachings from the Quran:

Surah 9:5 “And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”

Surah 2:191 “And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and fitnah is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-Masjid al- Haram until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.”

Surah 5:33 “Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world; and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment,”

Surah 9:29 “Fight against those who believe not in Allah, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah (tax) with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.”

After the first ‘Dispatches: Undercover Mosque’ witnessed the rise of extremist Wahhabism within UK mosques, ‘Undercover Mosque: The Return’ explores further the terrifying beliefs of a rising ideology within the UK.

Christians, on the other hand, are told to love our enemies to bless those who persecute you, the Christian God of the Bible is a God of love and peace and His servants also love. That’s the mark of a true Christian one who obeys the LORD and loves others as God also loved us and gave His Son for us.

Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

John 13:34 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

Romans 13:8 “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”

Deuteronomy 6:5 “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

Can The True Living God Lie?

This is the crucial point in deciphering between the two.

Muslims: The Quran describes the muslim god as the best deceiver there is, a liar who is not above using the same evil and wicked schemes of his opponents. (surah 3:54, 7:99)

Miim-Kaf-Ra = To practice deceit or guile or circumvention, practice evasion or elusion, to plot, to exercise art or craft or cunning, act with policy, practice stratagem.

Christians: Believe that God cannot and never will lie or practice deceit or guile.

Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”

In-fact the Lord Jesus when speaking to those in the temple who did not hear His words he told them.

John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode 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 of it.”

Conclusion

Seems the proof shows Islam is not a “religion of peace” it’s actually an ideology of war. And we must also conclude that if the Muslim god is the greatest deceiver of all, and Jesus Christ called satan the father of lies (John 8:44) then we can see who the Muslim god truly is. Satan! Therefore, Christians and Muslims DO NOT WORSHIP THE SAME GOD.

Dear Muslim Reader

In all truth and love you need to understand that you’re in darkness and the god of Islam is a false god. Come and serve the true living God, He’s able to take that dark soul of yours and bring it into His light. You’ll find true love and peace, a peace which passes all understanding.

1) All Have Sinned. Romans 3:10 states, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” And again in Romans 3:23 we are told, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 5:12 tells us, “Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” When Adam sinned, he brought the curse of sin upon all mankind. This is why everyone is born with a nature to sin, it has been passed down through Adam.

2) There is a Penalty for Sin. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Death is the penalty for sin, Physical Death and a Second Death. Most people confuse spiritual death with the Second Death. We are born spiritually-dead. Adam and Eve died spiritually the moment they sinned, and all of their descendants since have been born spiritually-dead. This is why a person must be born-again spiritually. God’s Holy Spirit is that spiritual life. The Bible also speaks of a Second Death, which means being cast into the Lake of Fire forever as punishment for our sins. Just as a person is paid wages for work performed on the job, so does God payback sinners in the Lake of Fire.

3) Jesus Died, Was Buried, And Rose Three Days Later. Christ died for our sins! Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” What a precious Scripture! God in His love decided to give mankind a chance to escape the wrath of God’s judgment. Jesus came and laid down His life for us, knowing just how sinful the human race is. God expressed His love for humanity, paying men’s sin debt, knowing that we are so undeserving.

4) Call Upon the Lord Jesus to Be Saved. Romans 10:13 promises, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” The word “call” means “to appeal unto.” Lost sinners who come to Jesus for forgiveness of sins, believing that He is the Christ, the Son of God, will be saved. How much faith do you need to be saved? Just enough faith to obey Romans 10:13 and trust upon the Lord Jesus for salvation. Romans 10:9–10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Come to the Lord Jesus Christ and live!!!

Is Jesus the Jewish Messiah?

wall
The wailing wall at Jerusalem

To the Jews

By no means is this meant to be an attack on Judaism by a Christian, we love God’s chosen nation Israel just as we love unbelievers, and want them to know the peace of God which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). On contrary, this is in defence of the faith delivered to the saints, against those who would attack the Lord Jesus Christ’s deity, and to convenience those who are either unaware or denying Him.

Your salvation and where you spend eternity depends on the claims who the Lord Jesus said He is. The Son of God, Saviour of the world. My attention is to reason through the scriptures (Acts 17:2), to persuade followers of Judaism to deeply consider the most important question of all time. Who is Jesus?

Who are the Jews?

According to God’s word the Jewish people can be traced back to the patriarchs Abraham, his son Isaac, Isaac’s son Jacob who dwelled in Canaan. The Twelve Tribes derive from the twelve sons of Jacob (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph (Manasseh, Ephraim), Benjamin).

The Law (10 Commandments)

Judaism holds to the law (Torah) which is God’s commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, the 10 commandments. Christians also affirm the law given to Moses. The Law serves as instructions given to the nation of Israel. The law shows forth God’s Holy moral character in contrast to our unholy character as fallible mankind. This is paramount to understand first because the law has a purpose. God gave the law to the nation of Israel for them to see how unrighteous they truly are; just as all men are.

Enter a10 commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai caption

The Jewish Concept of the Messiah and the Christian response

What do Jews believe of the Messiah? What would be the Jewish claims be regarding the Messiah? And how do we as Christians respond to the denial of who the Lord Jesus Christ is? Do the scriptures both Old and New Testament harmonize in showing us God’s revelation of His Son to us? The scriptures speak for themselves and will answer those questions purposed.

Messiah

Jewish view: The word “Messiah” is an English rendering of the Hebrew word “Mashiach”, whose translation is “Anointed”. It usually refers to a person initiated into God’s service by being anointed with oil. (Having oil poured on his head. Exodus 29:7, I Kings 1:39, II Kings 9:3).

Exodus 29:7 “Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.”

1 Kings 1:39 “And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.”

2 Kings 9:3 “Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not.”

Christians view: we affirm the Hebrew scriptures and believe David was anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13) to be king, David was not only king of Israel but was a type as there are many types in the Old Testament pointing to Jesus Christ. David also functioned at times as a priestly king. Instances when eating the shewbread (lawful to eat for the priests) and serving up prayers to God (the book of Psalms).

The problem lies in the fact that Jews don’t believe the New Testament as God’s Holy word. They’re lead to believe only the Old Testament (by rabbi’s) in which they prefer to call it the testament, is the only word God gave us.

The Lord Jesus is The Anointed One He came to the people of Israel fulfilling the Old Testament scriptures concerning Himself. He was rejected by His people and they raged against Him trying to “break their bands ” looking to break the bands of the Father and Son.

Psalms 2:1–3 “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.”

Acts 10:38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

Christ Jesus was Anointed when the Holy Spirit came upon Him as a dove and remained upon Him. As we then get confirmation from the voice from Heaven saying: “…This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” — Matthew 3:17.

Matthew 3:16 “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:”

Mark 1:9–11 “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Luke 3:22 “And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.”

The Anointed One

Enter a caption1 Peter 1:19 “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”

Jewish view: There are many Messiahs in the Bible. Since every king and High Priest was anointed with oil, each may be referred to as “an anointed one” (a Mashiach or a Messiah). For example: “God forbid that I [David] should stretch out my hand against the Lord’s Messiah [Saul]…” (1 Samuel 26:11. 2 Samuel 23:1, Isaiah 45:1, Psalms 20:6). 

Christian view: While king Saul and king David were anointed they were not The Anointed One. The book of Hebrews shows a dialogue between God the Father and God the Son. Jesus Christ always existed from eternity to eternity as the Word which speaks to His deity and according to this verse He was anointed above thy fellows.

Hebrews 1:8,9 “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

Many scriptures in the Old Testament point to the Lord Jesus, God’s ways are not carnal (fleshly), they’re spiritual. Hence the reason Jews cannot understand and don’t see these spiritual truths in the scriptures (Isaiah 6:10, Matthew 13:15–17, Mark 4:12, Luke 8:10, Acts 28:27). If the New Testament was an elaborate fabrication according to the Jews, then it would be the biggest hoax in human history.

John 4:24 “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

How large of an collusion would this be? Can a person honestly say that if a person truly didn’t believe what they heard and saw everything the New Testament tells us? Would they be willing to be subjected to torture and dying horrible deaths? Almost all of the apostles died tragically.

Peter was crucified upside-down in Rome. According to the book of Acts, Nero condemned Paul to death by decapitation. Luke was hanged as a result of his tremendous preaching to the lost. It’s said that John’s was arrested in Ephesus and faced martyrdom when he was thrown into a huge basin of boiling oil but was delivered from death later dying of old age etc.

None of them recanted their faith in Christ against such hateful persecution. If it was a lie why would any of them endure such pain and agony? Would you die for a lie, would multiple people be willing to die for a lie? I say no! Any true believer would die for the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and that alone speaks volumes. But I digress.

Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”

The Future Messiah

Jewish view: The Hebrew word “HaMashiach” (lit. the Messiah) describing a future anointed person to come does not appear anywhere in the Bible. Since the Bible makes no explicit reference to the Messiah, it is unlikely that it could be considered the most important concept in the Bible. Indeed, in Jewish thought, the Messianic idea is not the most crucial. However, in Christian thought, the Messiah is paramount- a difficulty in light of its conspicuous absence from scripture.

Christian view: The Jews say according to the Hebrew scriptures there’s never foreseen a future anointed coming, but this is not so according to the same scriptures by the prophet Daniel (Daniel 9:24–27).

Daniel 9:24–27 “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

We then see the fulfilment of those scriptures in the verses of Daniel it talks about “…since the commandment, restoring Jerusalem unto the Messiah…shall the Messiah be cut off”. That speaks to the text of the New Testament of the Lord Jesus and how the Jews rejected and crucified Him. It then goes on to mention how the abomination the antichrist will cause the sacrifices to cease.

Matthew 24:15, 16 “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:”

The New Testament in the gospel of Matthew and Mark mention in the tribulation period when the abomination of desolation stands in the Holy place that they who are in Judea shall flee in the mountains. And we see in Galatians speaking of the fulness of time and the Son of God sent into the world.

Matthew 24:15, 16 “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:”

Mark 13:14, 15 “But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:”

Galatians 4:4 “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,”

Future age of perfection

Jewish view: Where does the Jewish concept of Messiah come from? One of the central themes of Biblical prophecy is the promise of a future age of perfection characterized by universal peace and recognition of God. Isaiah 2:1–4; Zephaniah 3:9; Hosea 2:20–22; Amos 9:13–15; Isaiah 32:15–18, 60:15–18; Micah 4:1–4; Zechariah 8:23, 14:9; Jeremiah 31:33–34. 

Christians view: The children of Israel are going to be in prime position to be deceived by the antichrist once he arrives. Judaism’s concept of the Messiah is they believe that a perfect utopia will be brought in, no wars, world peace etc.

We agree wholeheartedly that we shall see “universal peace and recognition of God”, where we differ is when peace ushered in. Remembering that satan loves to counterfeit the antichrist will be a world ruler and bring in “world peace” or seemingly making a peace treaty with Israel. This will take place before the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jews say that the Messiah is to come once and establish “universal peace” the problem with that view is this, how can the Jewish people stand before God in sin? God hates sin and will not have sin in His presence. When Moses asked God: “shew me thy ways shew me thy glory”. The response he received was:

Exodus 33:20–23 “And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.”

God has repeatedly told the nation of Israel how Holy He is and we see that they were told not to touch the mountain (Exodus 19:13). in 2 Samuel when the ark of the covenant was being brought out of the house of Abinadab, Uzzah placed his hand on the ark and died (2 Samuel 6:3–7). Time and time again we see man is sinful and cannot approach a most Holy God.

Therein lies why God sent His Son the Lord Jesus. God created man (Adam) and had fellowship with man before the fall in the garden. God desires to have that fellowship again but man in his current state cannot be in God’s presence because of our sin. Jesus Christ being born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18–25, Luke 1:26–33) taking on the seed of Abraham (Hebrews 2:16), being both fully man and fully God was the only one who was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 7:26) and able to keep the law perfectly.

Matthew 5:17 “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

God needed to deal with our sin problem first, that’s why Christ had to die for us as a ransom sacrifice to atone for our sins. Otherwise, we cannot stand before God.

Descendant of king David

Jewish view: Many of these prophetic passages speak of a descendant of King David who will rule Israel during the age of perfection. Isaiah 11:1–9; Jeremiah 23:5–6, 30:7–10, 33:14–16; Ezekiel 34:11–31, 37:21–28; Hosea 3:4–5.

Christian view: we agree the Messiah is a descendant of king David, we can trace the Lord Jesus lineage which is of king David. Matthew being born a Jew immediately opens his gospel with Christ lineage stemming from king David in contradistinction to the opposition from the Jews (Matthew 1:1–17).

The key is “the age of perfection” will be ruled by the Lord Jesus Christ after His second coming there’s a new heaven and new Earth (Isaiah 65:17–25, Revelation 21:1–9).

Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

King of Israel

Jewish view: Since every King is a Messiah, by convention, we refer to this future anointed one as The Messiah. The above is the only description in the Bible of a Davidic descendant who is to come in the future. We will recognize the Messiah by seeing who the King of Israel is at the time of complete universal perfection.

Christian view: Pontius Pilate after interrogating Christ in the judgement hall when the Jewish people covenanted with Judas Iscariot for 30 pieces of silver. He (Pilate) gave the Jews an opportunity to set Jesus Christ free but they delivered Him up to be crucified as they asked for a murderer Barabbas instead.

John 19:15 “But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.”

Pilate wrote a title on the cross placing it above Jesus’s head “JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.” This written statement caused the chief priests to asked for it to be changed and Pilate answering “What I have written I have written” — John 19:22

There’s a beautiful spiritual truth to this in the Torah concerning Moses who orthodox Jews affirm greatly. Moses was a picture of Christ Jesus, as a deliverer, he brought the nation out of the hard bondage they suffered for 400 years. Christ is the true deliverer of those in bondage to sin setting them free from the burden of sin.

John 8:36 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

In Exodus, we have the account of Moses smiting the Egyptian after seeing his brethren being beaten he killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand. The following day two of his brethren (Jews) were fighting and he tried to stop it and one of the men said:

Exodus 2:14 “And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.”

The Jews did the same to the Lord Jesus, the gospel of Luke gives us an account of this (Luke 19:14). The Psalmist writes “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” — Psalm 118:22.

The gospel of Matthew wrote quoting Jesus Christ “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?” — Matthew 21:42.

The gospel of Mark also captures this same scripture “And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:” — Mark 12:10.

Isaiah 8:14 “And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”

Belief in the Messiah

Jewish view: The Bible never speaks about believing in the Messiah. Because his reign will be an historically verifiable reality, self-evident to any person, it won’t require belief or faith.

Christian view: The Old Testament scriptures are a shadow of things to come (Hebrews 10:1), they are full of truth about the Lord Jesus Christ. When the children of Israel sinned in the wilderness the LORD sent fiery serpents. Moses was instructed to place a fiery serpent upon a pole that those who look upon it shall live.

Numbers 21:6–9 “And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.”

This alone proves the children of Israel needed to trust in God that they would be healed from the venomous bites. It also shows a truth of salvation, while the account of the fiery serpents wasn’t true salvation but temporary healing. Eternal life only comes by trusting in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:1 “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.”

In the gospel of John he records two times in which The Lord Jesus refers to this account with Moses. The first is with Nicodemus the Pharisee, and the other between the people in the temple.

John 3:9-15 “Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

John 12:28–36 “Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.”

Fulfilment of the scriptures

Jewish view: Because no person has ever fulfilled the picture painted in the Bible of this future King, Jewish people still await the coming of the Messiah. All past Messianic claimants, including Jesus of Nazareth, Bar Cochba and Shabbtai Tzvi have been rejected.

Christian view: We see how both the Old Testament (Torah) and the New Testament agree and affirm these truths believers in the Lord Jesus have known and hold dear. Just because the Jews who are stuff necked people as the Bible correctly labels them. They continue to this day to reject their Messiah how sad that Gentiles are willing to trust in the Son of God before God’s chosen nation.

Exodus 32:9 “And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:”

Exodus 33:3 “Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.”

Exodus 33:5 “For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.”

Exodus 34:9 “And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.”

Deuteronomy 9:6 “Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.”

Deuteronomy 9:13 “Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:”

Messianic prophesies

Jewish view: The claim that Jesus will fulfill the Messianic prophesies when he returns does not give him any credibility for his “first” coming. The Bible never speaks about the Messiah returning after an initial appearance. The “second coming” theory is a desperate attempt to explain away Jesus’ failure. The Biblical passages which Christians are forced to regard as second coming (#5 above) don’t speak of someone returning, they have a “first coming” perspective.

Christian view: Actually God spoke wonderfully through all of His word both Old and New Testaments, the Old Testament was the bringing in of sin into the world the “sin of man”. The New Testament concludes the redemptive work of God as He dealt with man’s sin at the cross and we end the scriptures dealing with the “man of sin” the antichrist.

Elijah the prophet

Jewish view: According to Biblical tradition, Elijah the prophet will reappear before the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5–6). In the Greek Testament, Jesus claims that John the Baptist was Elijah (Matthew 11:13–14, 17:10–13). However, when John the Baptist was asked if he was Elijah, he denied it (John 1:21). The Gospel of Luke 1:17 tries to get around this problem by claiming that John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah.

Christian view: Jews lack the understanding the Lord Jesus gave in regards to the coming of Elijah when speaking of John the Baptist. The sending of Elijah in Malachi is not that Elijah is going to be resurrected. The verse in Malachi “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:” means that one will come in the likeness of Elijah with the same zeal, the same fire. The reason why John the Baptist denied he was Elijah is the Jews are always seeking a sign, thinking Elijah was physically going to be resurrected.

Moses said in the book of Deuteronomy when speaking of a prophet being raised up from among the midst of the brethren. Are we to now say that the prophet that was going to be raised up was Moses himself or someone who resembled him?

Deuteronomy 18:15 “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;”

John the Baptist had the same zealousness as Elijah as he was calling the nation of Israel to repentance (נָחַם nâcham). Therefore the Lord Jesus said this speaking of the prophecy of Elias.

Matthew 17:12 “But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.”

Matthew 12:39 “But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:”

1 Corinthians 1:22 “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:”

Jewish view: The prophesy about the return of Elijah says that he would restore the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. There is no evidence that John the Baptist accomplished this.

Christian view: John the Baptist did, in fact, turn multitudes to God, so much so that after John was beheaded by king Herod; he was afraid that John had risen from the dead. The text doesn’t say that every single Jew would believe. Additionally, the Jews fail to realise that the 144,000, 12,000 from each tribe of the children of Israel will be used by God in the tribulation to preach the Word. Bringing multitudes to Christ in those times, this is still to come to past.

Revelation 7:4–8 “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.”

Descendent of King David

Jewish view: According to the Jewish Bible, the Messiah must be a descendent of King David. (Jeremiah 23:5, 33:17; Ezekiel 34:23–24) Although the Greek Testament traces the genealogy of Joseph (husband of Mary) back to David, it then claims that Jesus resulted from a virgin birth, and, that Joseph was not his father. (Mat. 1:18–23) In response, it is claimed that Joseph adopted Jesus, and passed on his genealogy via adoption.

Christian view: In these passages noted from Jeremiah 23:5, 33:17 and Ezekiel 34:23–24 speak of a Righteous branch which is a name for the Lord Jesus. It also speaks of a shepherd another name for Jesus He being the Chief Shepherd (Psalms 23, Isaiah 40:11, Isaiah 63:11, 1 Peter 5:4).

Hebrews 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

The scriptures say that the Messiah would be greater than king David according to David himself as he wrote in the book of Psalms. David even says Jesus Christ is his Lord. Also, the Pharisees were asked this very same question regarding David. As for Mary, the Old Testament speaks of the seed of a woman bruising the head of the serpent.

Psalm 110:1,4 “The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.””

Matthew 22:41–45 “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?”

Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

Also, the Lord Jesus in regards to His priesthood is not made in the likeness of men, it’s not from the line of Aaron. No Jesus Christ has a never-ending priesthood in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:11–28

11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.

14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:

21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

Conclusion

Judaism is a world religion and according to their own righteousness try to keep the law. Problem is that they nor neither anyone else is perfect, therefore, they’re unable to keep the law. There aren’t any Jews sacrificing animals which the law requires for the atonement of sin, they’ve committed Idolatry in the past (golden calf) and not all but a large portion of Jews tend to have their heart in making money.

They’ve also been born in sin just as we all have, what do the scriptures say concerning sin Jew and Gentile alike.

Hosea 4:1, 2 “Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.”

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

The Jews need salvation as well, this is an invitation to put down your own self-righteousness and come to God as a guilty sinner. Place your trust in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ your Mashiach.

Jeremiah 31:31 “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:”

Matthew 26:28 “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Don’t be left outside of the door knocking, repent and turn to God, neither is salvation in any other for there is no name given under heaven whereby you must be saved (Acts 4:12)!

Acts 2:14–40

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

EXAMINING CULTS (Cooperites)

A4

1 Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.”

This one’s a special write up for me, a few years ago I moved overseas from North America to a faraway land in the southwestern Pacific ocean; the country of New Zealand. The country of New Zealand is comprised of 2 land masses, the north and the south island.

I lived in Wellington overlooking the Cook Strait towards the south island. Never knowing that mere 8-10 hours distance was a cult located in Haupiri.

GLORIAVALE

Gloriavale is a small isolated cult group and has an estimated population of over five hundred. They own a small airline called Air West Coast the airport the plane frequents is right across the water from where I lived, it’s a good chance I’ve seen it before.

Haupiri is located in the West Coast region of New Zealand’s South Island.

While the group keeps isolated to themselves they own a variety of businesses in order to keep the community going, from what I know they run a small airline, milk and cheese production, they also put on shows for anyone interested in visiting.

New Zealand’s landscape is beautiful full of lush green trees, misty mountain ranges, valleys, meadows and crystal clear water, plenty of places to relax and be among wildlife. The community complex is located in a peaceful valley one may not realise its the home of a cult far removed from the world.

WHO ARE THE COOPERITES

The group was founded in 1969 by the late Neville Cooper (aka “Hopeful Christian”), an Australian preacher who came to New Zealand. He made what became known as the Springbank Christian Community near Christchurch.

The community grew too large for the property and bought land on the West Coast and later moved there in 1995. They named their new property in the Haupiri Valley “Gloriavale” and established the Gloriavale Christian Community.

Gloriavale leader dies Tuesday 15 May, 2018 at age 92 

Cooper was a known sex offender and was brought up on charges in 1995 he and served 11 months in prison. Former member Yvette Olsen said Cooper sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions at 19 years of age. She said he’s a man of “unbridled lust”, a “dirty old man”.

His son Phil Cooper a former member of Gloriavale escaped the cult taking his then-wife along with him only for his wife to return forsaking him and their children in order to come back to the cult. Phil Cooper mentioned he also was sexually abused by his dad when he was a teenager, the memories of what transpired still trouble him years later.

A former member of Gloriavale said most of the families living in the secretive cult are not aware of their leader’s sex abuse conviction and believe he was jailed for preaching the gospel.

Elijah Overcomer was evicted from Gloriavale after questioning leader Christian over his conviction for indecent assault on young women.

GLORIAVALE BELIEFS

The secretive group heavily relies on communal living everything they know of is in the community of Gloriavale. All of their families, friends, work every part of their life is invested in Gloriavale they know nothing else.

Salvation

GV says: We believe that the Church at Gloriavale is one local church in the whole body of believers, wherever they may be. And while we know that we are not the only Christians around, we still want to be only Christians, and nothing more. We do not believe that this is the only Church where people can gain salvation, but it is our local church, and part of the body of Christ…

Bible says: We have salvation through the ransom sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, it’s because of Him, He is the author of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9). This statement alone qualifies them as a cult because they place their faith in a church and not in the Son of God.

Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Head coverings 

GV says: Head coverings such as scarves are worn as a sign to the angels that a woman has placed herself in submission to the authority of the man.

It has been the custom among Christian people for centuries for men to remove their hats when entering a place of worship, and for women to have their heads covered. Only in the last century did these traditions start to change with the fashions of the world, but the scriptural basis for it is something we acknowledge and obey. In the same chapter of Corinthians, we are taught that men should have short hair while the women should grow their hair long.

Bible says: Gloriavale teaches that a woman must cover their head, I also agree with that but the difference is that the woman in the cult remain covered at all times. This is not a requirement the only time a woman should be covered is when the church comes together. In the case of Gloriavale the members are always together living in a community. While that may be so they’re not always worshipping God, that’s when a woman is required to cover her head. Is she always praying 24/7? Even the most spiritual must confess that they’re not always praying to God.

1 Corinthians 11:3–5 “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God. Every man praying or prophesying, having [his] head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.”

It goes unto say in the same epistle “…is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?” (1 Corinthians 11:13) This proves the men and women of Gloriavale are a cult relying on their own works to merit favour from God.

Do you have to live in a community to be a Christian?

GV says: No, but our community life has many advantages for Christians, who should live together in order to keep the commands of the Sermon on the Mount and other scriptures. Why would a Christian not want to live among others who share the same faith? In heaven, we will all live together in the mansions Jesus is building for us, we will all wear the same kind of clothes, and will all be perfectly submitted to the Word of God. Shouldn’t we then be doing these things as much as possible now? We have found that any arguments against living in community come down to arguments in favour of selfishness, self-will, or love of the world. One of the greatest blessings of community life is having brethren available to help and strengthen each other. If people can show us a better way of keeping the commands that Jesus has given us, we will be very happy to see it.

Bible says: The above statement has some truth but dig deeper there’s more under the surface. Yes, there are advantages for Christians being around one another (fellowship), but the Bible speaks “community life” or “wearing the same clothing”. The church comes together not lives together “If therefore the whole church be come together into one place” (1 Corinthians 14:23). The context of the verse is when believers come together. Additionally, the Sermon on the Mount has nothing to do with any of these topics.

Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3–5:48, Matthew 6:1–6:34, Matthew 7:1–7:27 ). 

GV says: Our source of authority on all matters of faith and life is the New Testament of the Bible.

Bible says: This is simply not true, their source is the Bible filtered through one man Neville Cooper who has taken the word of God and twisted it in order to have complete control over these individuals.

ESCAPED FROM GLORIAVALE, A RELIGIOUS CULT

Lilia Tarawa is 27 years old, Cooper’s granddaughter she grew up in Gloriavale most of her life and has left the cult with her parents. It’s a sad story because here’s a child who was raised in a cult that when under the guise of Christianity and has caused damage and tainted what true Christianity is to the point of pushing her away from God.

After leaving Gloriavale Lilia wrote her own book titled “Daughter of Gloriavale: My Life in a Religious Cult”. What’s become of Lilia Tarawa after leaving the cult and submerging herself in the ways of the world? I think the next few phrases will sum it up.

My life’s work Liberation, courage & purpose (www.liliatarawa.com)

“At heart I am a freedom-seeking, ever learning student of life who loves spreading messages of life-altering liberation.”

“Shackle-breaking, mind-bending, life-giving freedom.”

“For the first time in ages, I felt peace. Yoga saved me.”

“My business coach introduced me to Dr John Demartini, a gifted human behavioural specialist, with modalities to rebalance psychological imbalances and heal unhealed wounds.”

“I invested thousands of hours and dollars in courses, coaching and resources to answer one burning question, Who am I? You are the answer to your question, Danielle La Porte reminded me.”

Dreams & Aspirations All that is to come

“During worship meetings, I tuned out of boring sermons by reading Old Testament Bible stories.”

“I read encyclopedias to learn about life outside Gloriavale.”

“Yoga has a dedicated place of honour on my Instagram. Each time I visit the mat, my practice is a mirror for my past, present and future.”

“I plan to complete a yoga teacher training to supplement my practice, then teach retreats across the world.”

“During my adventures, I encountered thought leaders who greatly influenced me.”

“Oprah Winfrey, Brendon Burchard, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Sam Harris, to name a few.”

“I would love to speak on-stage with Danielle La Porte or Oprah Winfrey or any of my mentors.”

How I live life By Lilia Tarawa

“I have no desire to fit into what society wants me to be. I am cultivating a mindset of bravery by living on the edge.”

“The universe second chanced me a life I never dreamed possible.”

“Today I am sitting at my kitchen table in ripped tights and a woollen sweater over denim shorts.”

“I am sporting Tommy Hilfiger eye-wear on rouge coloured cheeks framed by an edgy fringe.”

“My ring-embellished fingers flit across the keyboard of a sleek Mac.”

“The picture screams 21st-century modern woman. That is accurate!”

“I am an indie rock-loving, whiskey drinking, sci-fi obsessed, agnostic with a deep interest in human potential.”

“Shortly, I shall be boarding a flight to teach audiences about leadership, self-respect and confidence.”

“As my fellow TEDxChristchurch speaker, Dr. David Galler says in his talk A touching glimpse into the mystery of death, ‘Too often we put our eggs in an afterlife basket.”

“We waste entire lives waiting for utopia and forgetting that heaven and hell are both here in the present moment.”

“Life is part of dying and death is a part of living. It is the two-sided coin of reality.”

“One day the grim reaper will collect. That reality check is the reason I phone my best friend, Grace Hoover, each morning to say; I love you.”

“I would hate to lie on my deathbed regretting what I did not do.”

Life after Gloriavale Finding my feet 

“The thought was foreign to me. That is when I realised, [insert profanity]! I am free.”

“I got cosy with brands like L’Oreal, Victoria Secret, Levi, MAC, Chuck Taylor, Tommy Hilfiger and Adidas.”

“I was wearing figure-hugging jeans, lipstick and stilettos.”

“The world was my oyster, but I had not a clue where to go.”

I grew up in a cult. It was heaven — and hell.

Beliefs Religious & spiritual

“My beliefs changed immensely in the years following our departure from Gloriavale.”

“I remained a Christian, tried a few churches, found one I was comfortable with and made friends there.”

“I settled for a while, but curiosity tugged me. My life was mine to choose now.”

“I wanted to find the real Lilia who’d hidden behind uniforms and downcast eyes.”

“Womanhood ran hot in my blood. My body took me to places the church forbade me. The loss of my virginity liberated me from the shackles of church rules.”

“My shelves filled with books by Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Grant Cardone, J.R. Ward and Tony Robbins.”

“I read biology, psychology, theology, spirituality, philosophy and physics.”

“Music was my Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe. I listened to 50 Cent, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Metallica, Celine Dion, and Hillsong.”

“I travelled abroad to experience the cultures of other humans.”

“I was breaking many Christian laws, such as befriending gays.”

“My wholesome friendships with them forced me to recognise the many Christian doctrines which separated, rather than united humanity.”

“No creed is flawless, but I met too many Christians who professed theirs to be.”

“They ignored the defects of Christian teaching, using the word ‘faith’ as an excuse for non-thinking and dogma.”

“Is God even real? Also, if he is incomprehensible, how did we stuff ‘him’ in a gender box?”

“How can the abuse of children, which is an inherent part of Christian doctrine, be condoned? Spare the rod, spoil the child, the Bible read.”

“I do not live by conservative Christian doctrine. I have a science-based worldview.”

“In 2017 I attended a conference where Lyle MacWilliam proclaimed, Contrary to common belief. Science is not a truth cast in stone. It is a way of thinking.”

“As I have learned, science is a mindset that says, We can always ask a better question to find a better answer.” — Lilia Tarawa

It’s quite evident the damage Neville Cooper’s cult caused in this one individual, while she was always confused as to what true Christianity is because Gloriavale is not Christian by any means, she went from one wrong extreme to the other wrong extreme.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

How true this is to see a young woman who at one time in her life really thought she was living for God but was deceived into a life of legalism and cultic ways e.g. matching uniforms navy-blue, ankle-length dresses and white headscarves (Women), blue trousers and shirts (Men), mini versions of the compulsory garb (Children).

This experience changed her into a person (in her own words) who’s now practising fornication, yoga, who placed her faith in science and atheist. How far the pendulum has swung! How many others have found themselves in the same situation as she or will soon find themselves because of this cult?

As a Christian is saddening because at one time she genuinely cared about reading the Bible and knowing about God but it was tainted by a man who had an agenda and that was to rule with an iron fist.

Lilia during her baptism at Gloriavale Christian Community at 10 years old.

CONCLUSION

Just as other cults many innocent individuals are being damaged by false doctrine. These victims were once zealous and sincere about what they believed but they were deceived by wicked men and sincerely wrong. This is why it’s of the utmost importance to be born again and remain in God’s word so that when you come across false doctrine.

We need to reach out to individuals who’re entrapped by these groups, many of them truly want a relationship with God but have fallen for another Jesus, another spirit and another gospel. They’re completely unaware and are in need of the true Gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:4 “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”

My hope is that Lilia Tarawa and others come to know the true God of the Bible, that He gave Himself as a ransom for their sins that they may live. This world is plagued with many distractions which satan uses keep people in bondage and away from the true gospel. Religion doesn’t save, only a person saves, one perfect person and that’s the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 11:28–30 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

God bless

The Christian Calling

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I was reading the book of John recently, and particularly John 10:15 really struck me.
“As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

He laid His life down for us. He sacrificed His precious, perfect life for us. He was a servant for us. Reading this passage really moved my heart because as His children, we’re to follow His example and be a servant. No matter how much it hurts or how tired we get. It’s not about me, or my desires, or my flesh, or my “needs”. It’s about serving others and fulfilling my calling. It’s about putting others first, above me. It’s about walking in humility among those I am serving and among this world. It’s about making myself low so I can lift others up. It’s about me decreasing and Him increasing in me. This isn’t my life, it’s His Life in me. I’m not called to live for myself, I’m called to live for Him. He was my example. He sacrificed His life for me and I’m to do the same for others.

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:4

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

How do we walk in this high calling? I’ll discuss this in my next post. I love all of you in the Lord Jesus I and pray for those who are following this blog!🙏🏻