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monkeytasticçš„ä¸»é http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:14 EST Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:14 EST Zorpia.com Is Jesus Christ God? http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1519655   <div>Was Jesus the Son of God? </div><div>This is the most important question for the Christian faith. Jesus undoubtedly was a great teacher and a great example, but if that was all He was, He canâ€™t do much for us, since we find ourselves again and again unable to live by His teachings and follow His example. The best He can do for us then is make us feel guilty. the Bible leaves no doubt that He claimed to be the Son of God and that others knew that He was the Son of God. is called the Son of God in all four Gospels: â€¢ Matthew 3:17 ; 4:3 , 6 ; 8:29 ; 14:33 ; 16:16 ; 17:5 ; 26:63 ; 27:54 â€¢ Mark 1:1 , 11 ; 3:11 ; 5:7 ; 9:7 ; 14:61â€“62 â€¢ Luke 1:32 , 35 ; 3:22 ; 4:41 ; 9:35 ; 22:70 â€¢ John 1:34 , 49 ; 3:16 , 18 ; 5:25 ; 9:35 ; 10:36 ; 19:7 ; 20:31 What Jesus Said About Himself called Himself the Son of God ( John 5:25 ), thus making Himself equal with God ( John 5:18 ). Three times Jesus categorically said that He was the Son of God ( Mark 14:61â€“62 ; John 9:35â€“37 ; 10:36 ). repeatedly used expressions about Himself that can be true only of God: â€¢ "I am â€¦ the truth" ( John 14:6 ). â€¢ "I am the way [to God]" ( John 14:6 ). â€¢ "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture" ( John 10:9 kjv ). â€¢ "No one comes to the Father except through me" ( John 14:6 ). â€¢ "I am the bread of life" ( John 6:35 ). â€¢ "I am â€¦ the life" ( John 11:25 ; 14:6 ). â€¢ "I am the resurrection" ( John 11:25 ). â€¢ "Whoever lives and believes in me will never die" ( John 11:26 ). â€¢ I am the Messiah ( John 4:25â€“26 ). â€¢ "Before Abraham was born, I am!" ( John 8:58 ). This is an amazing statement, beyond the reach of finite conception, eliminating the passage of time, and resolving the past and future into one Eternal Now. â€¢ "Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began" ( John 17:5 ). A clear recollection of Jesusâ€™ pre-incarnation existence. â€¢ "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" ( John 14:9 ). â€¢ "I and the Father are one" ( John 10:30 ). â€¢ "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ( Matthew 28:18 ). â€¢ "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" ( Matthew 28:20 ). â€¢ Who else could have said such things about himself? Of whom else could we say them? What Others Said About Jesus â€¢ Mark called Jesus "the Son of God" ( Mark 1:1 ). â€¢ John called Jesus "the Son of God" ( John 3:16 , 18 ; 20:31 ). â€¢ John the Baptist called Jesus "the Son of God" ( John 1:34 ). â€¢ Nathanael called Jesus "the Son of God" ( John 1:49 ). â€¢ Peter called Jesus "the Son of God" ( Matthew 16:16 ). â€¢ Martha called Jesus "the Son of God" ( John 11:27 ). â€¢ The disciples called Jesus "the Son of God" ( Matthew 14:33 ). â€¢ The angel Gabriel called Jesus "the Son of God" ( Luke 1:32 , 35 ). â€¢ God Himself called Jesus His own "beloved Son" ( Matthew 3:17 kjv ; 17:5 ; Mark 1:11 ; 9:7 ; Luke 3:22 ; 9:35 ). â€¢ Evil spirits called Jesus "the Son of God" ( Matthew 8:29 ; Mark 3:11 ; 5:7 ; Luke 4:41 ). â€¢ It was commonly recognized that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God: â€¢ "If you are the Son of God â€¦" ( Matthew 4:3 , 6 ). â€¢ "Truly you are the Son of God" ( Matthew 14:33 ). â€¢ "If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross" ( Matthew 27:40 kjv ). â€¢ "He said, â€˜I am the Son of Godâ€™" ( Matthew 27:43 ). â€¢ "Surely he was the Son of God!" ( Matthew 27:54 ). â€¢ "He claimed to be the Son of God" ( John 19:7 ). â€¢ The Rock on which Jesus said He would build His church ( Matthew 16:18 ) was the truth that He is the Son of God. â€¢ Jesus is Himself called God ( John 1:1 ; 10:33 ; 20:28 ; Romans 9:5 ; Colossians 1:16 ; 2:9 ; 1 Timothy 1:17 ; Hebrews 1:8 ; 1 John 5:20 ; Jude 1:25 ). What the Old Testament Said â€¢ The Old Testament prophets foretold Jesusâ€™ deity: â€¢ "He will be called â€¦ Mighty God, Everlasting Father" ( Isaiah 9:6 ). â€¢ "This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness" ( Jeremiah 23:6 ; 33:16 ). â€¢ "On that day â€¦ the house of David will be like God" ( Zechariah 12:8 ). , neither Jesus Himself, nor the Scriptures, leave any possible doubt as to the nature of Jesusâ€™ Person. Why not accept the record just as it is? If He was only a good man, He can do nothing for us except set us an example. If He was really God, He can be to us a Savior as well as an example. Other Statements by Jesus things Jesus said make sense if He is the Son of Godâ€”but if He is not, they strike us as the ravings of someone with delusions of grandeur. â€¢ "I am the light of the world" ( John 8:12 ). â€¢ "I am the good shepherd" ( John 10:11 ). â€¢ "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world" ( John 8:23 ). â€¢ "Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad" ( John 8:56 ). â€¢ "Moses â€¦ wrote about me" ( John 5:46 ). â€¢ "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me" ( John 5:39 ). â€¢ "The Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me" ( John 5:37 ). â€¢ "The very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me" ( John 5:36 ). â€¢ "If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin" ( John 15:24 ). â€¢ "If you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins" ( John 8:24 ). â€¢ "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it" ( Luke10:23â€“24 ). â€¢ "The Queen of the South â€¦ came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomonâ€™s wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here, â€¦ The men of Nineveh â€¦ repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here" ( Matthew 12:42 , 41 ). </div> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1519655 Mon, 01 May 2006 09:57 EST Whilst reading i came accross this passage http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1491263 "That the whole substance of religion was faith, hope, and charity; by the practice of which we become united to the will of God; that all besides is indifferent and to be used as a means that we may arrive at our end, and be swallowed up therin, by faith and charity.That all things are possible to him who believes, that they are less difficult to him who hopes, they are more easy to him who loves, and still more easy to him who perseveres in the practice of these three virtues.That the end we ought to propose to ourselves is to become, in this life, the most perfect worshippers of God we can possibly be, as we hope to be through all eternity."Taken from "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1491263 Fri, 03 Mar 2006 05:24 EST WOW, look what i just found! http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1490818 <a href="http://www.practicegodspresence.com/brotherlawrence/index.html">http://www.practicegodspresence.com/brotherlawrence/index.html</a>This is a link that you can visit to print out a book called "the practice of the presence of God", which is a book i am reading at the moment and would thoroughly reccommend it to all people wishing to walk in the Spirit at all times. Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1490818 Thu, 02 Mar 2006 07:52 EST The Names of God (5) http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1490802 Yahweh SabbaothMeans: Yahweh of Hosts (armies).1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 17:45; Psalm 24:10; Psalm 46:7; Psalm 46:11<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1"><tr><td width="100%">1 Samuel 1:3  <a title="View commentary related to this passage" href="../resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=26&source=2&seq=i.9.1.1">View commentary related to this passage</a> 3 This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. Also the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.</td></tr><tr><td width="100%">1 Samuel 17:45  <a title="View commentary related to this passage" href="../resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=26&source=2&seq=i.9.17.4">View commentary related to this passage</a> 45 Then David said to the Philistine, â€œYou come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.</td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Psalm 24:10  <a title="View commentary related to this passage" href="../resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=36&source=2&seq=i.23.24.2">View commentary related to this passage</a>   10 Who is this King of glory?          The LORD of hosts,          He is the King of glory.  Selah  </td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Psalm 46:7  <a title="View commentary related to this passage" href="../resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=36&source=2&seq=i.23.46.2">View commentary related to this passage</a>   7 The LORD of hosts is with us;          The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah </td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Psalm 46:11  <a title="View commentary related to this passage" href="../resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=36&source=2&seq=i.23.46.2">View commentary related to this passage</a>   11 The LORD of hosts is with us;          The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah  </td></tr></table> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1490802 Thu, 02 Mar 2006 07:04 EST The Names of God (4) http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1488460 Yahweh ShalomMeans: Yahweh is Peace<h3>Judges 6:24 </h3><div>24 So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace.[<a title="See footnote a" href="#fen-NKJV-6679a">a</a>] To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Footnotes: <ol><li><a title="Go to Judges 6:24" href="#en-NKJV-6679">Judges 6:24</a> Hebrew YHWH Shalom </li></ol></div> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1488460 Sat, 25 Feb 2006 07:33 EST The Names of God (3) http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1487987 <h3 align="center">Yahweh Nissi.</h3>Means: Yahweh is my banner<h3>Exodus 17:15 </h3><div>15 And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner;[<a title="See footnote a" href="#fen-NKJV-1999a">a</a>]Footnotes: <ol><li><a title="Go to Exodus 17:15" href="#en-NKJV-1999">Exodus 17:15</a> Hebrew YHWH Nissi </li></ol></div> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1487987 Fri, 24 Feb 2006 08:11 EST The Spirit of Islam http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1487982   This is from <a href="http://www.answering-islam.org/Silas/spirit_of_islam.htm">http://www.answering-islam.org/Silas/spirit_of_islam.htm</a> I found it interesting.THE SPIRIT OF ISLAM New York, Madrid, Beslan New York, Madrid, Beslanby <a href="contact.htm">Silas</a>INTRODUCTIONThe world is awakening to true Islam. Even Muslims are now questioning and admitting the dark aspects of their faith. The world tastes Islamâ€™s fruit and spits it out. Throughout the world devout Muslim men and women dedicate their lives to fly planes into buildings, blow up trains, murder little children, and butcher humanity in various ways.Hardly a week goes by without yet another fresh atrocity committed by these devout Muslims. These men spend months, if not years, planning these attacks. They know full well that they would or could possibly die, not in committing suicide, but as brave Muslim soldiers giving their lives for Allah in jihad.Have you wondered, "What drives these Muslims to commit these horrible crimes?"This article is about the "spirit" of Islam, that spirit that motivates and drives these men. Somehow their consciences were seared and their hearts hardened to the point where they can purposefully target children and rend them. The world sees it and instinctively knows there is something dark within Islam.The only thing lacking is that many people are unable to differentiate between what they call, "Islamist", and real Islam. Real Islam is what Muhammad did and taught. The terrorists today, the "Islamists", are the real Muslims. They are putting into practice what Muhammad taught. They are building their lives upon Muhammadâ€™s foundation. Fortunately, Iâ€™m now beginning to see, hear, and read, that more and more people understand that the Islam of the "Islamists" is indeed the real Islam. <hr />1) THE SPIRIT OF ISLAM PASTTHE BEGINNING: MUHAMMADâ€™S MEETING WITH THE SPIRITIf youâ€™ve wondered how Muhammad got his start, then read the following article that describes his initial experience: <a href="suicide.htm">www.answering-islam.org/Silas/suicide.htm</a>.Iâ€™ll quote a few select passages from historic Islamic source materials to provide you a summary of his experience.<blockquote>"So I [Muhammad] read it, and he departed from me. And I awoke from my sleep, and it was though these words were written on my heart. (Tabari: Now none of God's creatures was more hateful to me than an (ecstatic) poet or a man possessed: I could not even look at them. I thought, Woe is me poet or possessed - Never shall Quraysh say this of me! I will go to the top of the mountain and throw myself down that I may kill myself and gain rest. So I went forth to do so and then, when I was midway on the mountain, I heard a voice from heaven saying "O Muhammad! thou are the apostle of God and I am Gabriel." Quoted from Guillaumeâ€™s "The Life of Muhammad", [3], page 106, which is his rendition of Ibn Ishaq's "Sirat Rasulallah", the oldest available biography of Muhammad. Words in [ ] type brackets are mine. Words in ( ) brackets are the author's.But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while and the Prophet became so sad as we have heard that he intended several times to throw himself from the tops of high mountains and every time he went up the top of a mountain in order to throw himself down, Gabriel would appear before him and say, "O Muhammad! You are indeed Allah's Apostle in truth" whereupon his heart would become quiet and he would calm down and would return home. And whenever the period of the coming of the inspiration used to become long, he would do as before, but when he used to reach the top of a mountain, Gabriel would appear before him and say to him what he had said before. Quoted from the Sahih (authentic) Hadith (traditions) of Bukhari, Vol. 9, number 111.</blockquote>The summary is that Muhammad was meditating in a cave when a spirit came upon him. It seized Muhammad, squeezed him, and commanded him to read or recite three times. Muhammad was confused and frightened not knowing how to respond. He was filled with fear and scared out of his wits! After this experience he left the cave and attempted suicide. He was going to kill himself! But this spirit, who then identified himself as the angel Gabriel, stopped him from carrying out his fateful deed. During the next three years or so Muhammad continued to live in deep depression and continued to attempt suicide. Each time, just before he could jump off a cliff to his death, the spirit appeared and spoke to him, telling him that he was the "apostle of God". This stopped Muhammad from jumping. Years later Muhammad began to believe what the spirit had been telling him: Muhammad was indeed the apostle of God.Now I understand that there are readers who do not believe in demons, demonic power, spiritual forces, or Satan. If that is your case, then at least consider and ask yourself, "What kind of mental experience did Muhammad have that caused him to be depressed and suicidal for about three years?" What force or motivation affected his mind in such a detrimental way? Iâ€™m not a psychiatrist, but I know that if you ask them about depressed and suicidal people they will tell you that something is wrong and that depressed and suicidal people have a mental disease and need treatment. Either way, something powerful affected Muhammad.Now stop and think for a moment about what could have transpired to have caused a man to live in such an anguished mental state. Who or what did Muhammad encounter in that cave? What dark force drove him into the depths of depression, to the mental abyss of suicide?We do have several clues! The first is Muhammadâ€™s own words: "I thought, Woe is me poet or possessed". Muhammad initially believed that he was either insane (a poet), or had encountered a demon which possessed him. This was what he continued to believe for some time.The second clue is that we have a reference to judge his experience by: the Biblical prophets. Muhammad believed in the Biblical prophets and he used them as an example in his lifestyle and teachings. But none of the Biblical prophets ever became suicidal and depressed because of their experience with God. For more details check out the article mentioned above at the beginning of this section. The point is that people who encounter the real God do not react as Muhammad reacted. Godâ€™s presence brought strength and healing to these people not anguish, fear, and depression.The third clue is the fruit of Muhammadâ€™s life. As Muhammad lived the trail of blood behind him grew ever wider. The fruit of his life was not one of peace and construction; rather it was one of violence and destruction. You can read about Muhammadâ€™s dark side in many articles found in this index: <a href="../Muhammad/index.html">www.answering-islam.org/Muhammad/</a>The fourth clue are the actions, or the fruit, of his closest followers. These men and women loved and obeyed Muhammad. Their deeds would represent what they knew he wanted them to do. And their hands are very bloody. Tens of thousands of people left Islam after Muhammad died. But the Muslim leaders forced these people to rejoin Islam, or die. Thousands were killed simply because they never wanted to be Muslims in the first place. They only became Muslims out of fear for their lives. They hoped to leave Islam after Muhammad died, but that was not to be. Finally, these very same Muslim leaders turned upon each other and within a generation, the Muslims were at each otherâ€™s throats. If you want more information about these internal Muslim conflicts and wars, read the following series of articles starting here: <a href="rf1_mhd_wealth.htm">www.answering-islam.org/Silas/rf1_mhd_wealth.htm</a>. Based upon those four evidences, I agree with Muhammadâ€™s initial analysis, that he encountered a demon or Satan himself. I believe that his life was influenced by a demonic spirit. I believe that Satan reached deep within Muhammadâ€™s mind and soul and secured a prize.Muhammadâ€™s heart was darkened and he chose to believe in and obey that dark spirit. In the end, "the devil didnâ€™t make him do it", instead Muhammad was responsible and he made that choice. Later, that choice bore terrible fruit. MUHAMMADâ€™S LIFE: THE SPIRIT OF ISLAMâ€™S POWERAs Muhammad gained power over those that rejected his claim as prophet he perpetrated crimes against them. He started out with robbery, which led to murder. Later he ordered assassinations of men and women. As he grew in power he attacked various Arab tribes killing the men and enslaving the women and children. Finally he attacked small towns. You can peruse the index given above for examples.The point is that as his power grew, his crimes against non-Muslim people grew in number and brutality. And in many cases they parallel what the Muslims today are doing! Do the beheadings of innocent men shock you? Muhammad had hundreds of men beheaded!To illustrate what I am talking about, I want to focus briefly on one of his crimes: Muhammadâ€™s treatment of the Banu Qaynuqa Jews. You can find a detailed account of this, as "Incident #3," here: <a href="jihad.htm">www.answering-islam.org/Silas/jihad.htm</a>.The summary of this event is that Muhammad and the Jews fought a battle. Muhammad besieged the Jews and after a couple weeks they surrendered. Note in the quote below that one of Muhammadâ€™s conditions of surrender (in blue bold), was that the Jews would be able to leave Medina with their wives and children. However, Muhammad lied and broke his word. This account is found in Ibn Saâ€™dâ€™s "Kitab al Tabaqat al Kabir", volume 2, page 32:<blockquote>They shut themselves up in their fortress, so he (Prophet) strongly besieged them, till Allah cast fear in their hearts. They submitted to the orders of the Apostle of Allah, that their property would be for the Prophet while they would take their women and children with them. Then under his orders their hands were tied behind their backs. The Apostle of Allah appointed al-Mudhir Ibn Qadamah al-Slimi, of the Banu al-Silm, the tribe of Saâ€™d Ibn Khaythamah to tie their hands behind their backs. Abd Allah Ibn Ubayyi had a talk with the Apostle of Allah about them and entreated him (to release them). Thereupon he (Prophet) said: Leave them, may Allah curse them and curse him who is with them! He abandoned the idea of their killing and ordered them to be banished from Madinah.</blockquote>You see that when Muhammad ordered the Jews to be tied up it meant that he intended to massacre them. That is why the Pagan leader, Abd Allah Ibn Ubayy, confronted Muhammad immediately and demanded that he not murder them for they were his friends. Muhammad backed down from Ubayy and let the Jews leave.What does this event reveal to us about Muhammadâ€™s character? Look at the deception and brutality in his heart, this so-called "prophet of Allah". He gave his word to let a defeated people leave, but then lied, tied up the hundreds of men, who had laid down their arms, and prepared to massacre them.Is this, "an example for humanity" that the Quran claims Muhammad to be? Only the higher morality and character of a Pagan saved those Jewsâ€™ lives.A final note on this is that a few years later Muhammad succeeded in massacring a different tribe of Jews, the Banu Qurayza. You can read about it here: <a href="../Muhammad/Jews/BQurayza/index.html">www.answering-islam.org/Muhammad/Jews/BQurayza/</a>. THE EARLY MUSLIMSâ€™ LIVES: THAT DARK FORCE AT WORKThe early Muslims were devoted to Muhammad. They loved him and obeyed his commands; they fought and died for him. They partook of and received into their hearts that same spirit that drove Muhammad. Like prophet, like followers.I want to bring to light two instances that demonstrate the same dark power lived in the hearts and minds of these early Muslims. 1. The Murder of Ibn SunaynaFrom Guillaume, "The Life of Muhammad", page 369:<blockquote>"The apostle said, "Kill any Jew that falls into your power." Thereupon Muhayyisa b. Masud leapt upon Ibn Sunayna, a Jewish merchant with whom they had social and business relations, and killed him. Huwayyisa was not a Muslim at the time though he was the elder brother. When Muhayyisa killed him Huwayyisa began to beat him, saying, 'You enemy of God, did you kill him when much of the fat on your belly comes from his wealth?' Muhayyisa answered, 'Had the one who ordered me to kill him ordered me to kill you I would have cut your head off.'"</blockquote>2. The Murder of Umm QirfaFrom Guillaume, page 665:<blockquote>"... and Umm Qirfa Fatima was taken prisoner. She was a very old woman, wife of Malik. Her daughter and Abdullah Masada were also taken. Zayd ordered Qays to kill Umm Qirfa and he killed her cruelly (Tabari, by putting a rope to her two legs and to two camels and driving them until they rent her in two.)</blockquote>These early Muslims could murder people at the drop of a hat. People who had once been good friends to the Muslims, like Ibn Sunayna, were slaughtered simply because they refused to believe in Muhammad. And note how the Muslim told his brother that upon Muhammadâ€™s command he would murder him too! And look at how the Muslims treated their prisoners. They ripped apart an 80 year old woman!Do their deeds remind you of what you see the Muslims doing today? They should. These early Muslims were motivated and driven by the same spirit that drove Muhammad. <hr />2) THE SPIRIT OF ISLAM PRESENTMuhammad is Islam. Muslims are commanded to follow and obey Muhammad. His teachings, his life, and his actions are studied intensely. These Muslims adore Muhammad, they dream about him, they imitate him. In their imaginations they eat with him, fight alongside him, and endure with him. They feel his pain and weep when they remember his early sufferings. They speak of his life and say that they wish they could have been there to aid Muhammad, to fight and die for him. I know this firsthand. You can hear it in their voices. These Muslims today receive the same spirit that Muhammad received. The spiritual force that commanded Muhammad continues to live in these Muslims today.If Muhammad and the early Muslims could commit those types of crimes then Muslims today are certainly capable of committing similar crimes. And we are seeing this happen!Let me recap on a world wide scale: Muslims in Thailand murder Buddhists, Muslims in Kashmir murder Hindus, Muslims in the Philippines murder Christians, Muslims in Indonesia murder Christians, Sunni Muslims in Pakistan murder Christians and also Shia Muslims, and Muslims from Chechnya murder children in a region that is not involved with their conflict (North Ossetia). Muslims in Spain blow up trains of commuters, Muslims in Turkey murder various types of non-Muslims, or nominal Muslims, or atheists, Muslims in Iran murder Christians and Bahais, Muslims in Egypt murder Christians, and Muslims in Iraq murder Christians and other Muslims. Muslims in Sudan murder other Muslims, Christians, and Animists. I could go on but by now you should have caught my drift.We are seeing that the spirit of Islam present, is the same as the spirit of Islam past. It is dark and brutal. It will use any excuse to commit and justify a crime. Osama bin Laden has said that he has a religious ruling that allows him to murder civilians because they pay taxes which support the military. In his view Islam allows him to kill civilians because they are indirect combatants. That point can be argued but many Muslims agree with and support his view. CASE IN POINT1) A few years ago, a young American-born male, Adam Pearlman, converted to Islam. He wrote up his conversion testimony here: <a href="http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/newmuslims/yahiye.html">www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/newmuslims/yahiye.html</a>.Below is an interesting quote from this testimony:<blockquote>Having been around Muslims in my formative years, I knew well that they were not the bloodthirsty, barbaric terrorists that the news media and the televangelists paint them to be. Yahiye Adam Gadahn</blockquote>But in October 2004, he is now quoted as issuing terrorist threats here: <a href="http://www.drudgereportarchives.com/data/2004/10/28/20041028_151613_abct.htm">www.drudgereportarchives.com/data/2004/10/28/20041028_151613_abct.htm</a>.Compare the quote below to his earlier quote above:<blockquote>The terrorist claims on tape the next attack will dwarf 9/11. "The streets will run with blood," and "America will mourn in silence" because they will be unable to count the number of the dead. Further claims: America has brought this on itself for electing George Bush who has made war on Islam by destroying the Taliban and making war on Al Qaeda. Adam Gadhan - aka Adam Pearlman, a California native</blockquote>Well, it looks like Adam has proved the televangelists right! He has become a bloodthirsty, barbaric terrorist! It only took the spirit of Islam, time, and the true teachings of Islam to sear this young manâ€™s mind and heart. Today this man will murder your parents, give him and the spirit of Islam a couple more years, and he would probably murder his own parents. <hr />3) THE SPIRIT OF ISLAM FUTUREWhat does the future hold for the relationship between that which is Islamic and that which is non-Islamic? The same thing that it held for them in the past.The spread of Islam was checked principally by countries that were able to fight back and defend themselves. That is what history tells you. Islamâ€™s track record is one of war and conquest. Within 100 years after Muhammadâ€™s death the Muslim crusaders carved out a huge empire that extended into southern France and Western China. Later, Muslim armies pushed throughout Eastern Europe and brutally subjected those peoples. They took those lands by force, killing and plundering those in their path. The European peoples had to fight to reclaim their lands and throw out the Muslim invaders.You better expect this same track record for the future! When the Muslims feel themselves capable they will be violent. When they feel weak they will seek peace and work towards getting strong. They put into practice two contrasting principles commanded by the Quran:When the Muslims are strong:<blockquote>Therefore do not falter or sue for peace when you have gained the upper hand. God is on your side and will not grudge you the reward of your labors. (47:35)</blockquote>When the Muslims are weak:<blockquote>But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace. (8:61)</blockquote>One of the difficulties in understanding Islam is that there are many rules for different occasions that can be applied. Hence, Muslims in the West will proclaim, "Islam is peace" while Muslims in the Mideast and Asia murder non-Muslims. Itâ€™s all the same Islam just different rules being applied for differing circumstances. Naive Westerners have always been easy to fool. CASE IN POINTIn October 2004 a new video was released by Osama bin Laden. Details are found here: <a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041030/ap_on_re_mi_ea/bin_laden_tape&cid=540&ncid=716">http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041030/ap_on_re_mi_ea/bin_laden_tape&cid=540&ncid=716</a>.<blockquote>Osama bin Laden changed his usual lofty, sharply militant rhetoric to address Americans in a more conciliatory tone - though one tinged with threat - in his new video, dropped off at the Pakistan offices of Al-Jazeera television days ahead of the U.S. presidential elections.He said the United States must stop threatening the security of Muslims if it wants to avoid "another Manhattan" and while he did not directly warn of new attacks, he warned: "There are still reasons to repeat what happened.""Your security is not in the hands of Kerry, Bush or al-Qaida. Your security is in your own hands," bin Laden said, referring to President Bush and his Democratic opponent, John Kerry. "Any state that does not mess with our security has naturally guaranteed its own security."</blockquote>What I read in this is what the articleâ€™s writer perceived: Osama is holding out an implicit olive branch to his enemies. Why? Iâ€™ll let Adam Gadahn answer, <a href="http://www.drudgereportarchives.com/data/2004/10/28/20041028_151613_abct.htm">www.drudgereportarchives.com/data/2004/10/28/20041028_151613_abct.htm</a>:<blockquote>Further claims: America has brought this on itself for electing George Bush who has made war on Islam by destroying the Taliban and making war on Al Qaeda.</blockquote>Look at it from the Muslimâ€™s perspective: America and her allies have destroyed the Taliban and wounded Al Qaeda. Afghanistan is lost, the Muslims are being watched and moved against in Europe, and even moderate Muslim states are fighting and killing the Muslim fundamentalists. The terroristâ€™s effort has been wounded severely. Hence Osama is implicitly asking for a "truce". Only naive and foolish Americans, like Mark Levine, would go for it: <a href="levine_truce.htm">www.answering-islam.org/Silas/levine_truce.htm</a>. CONTEMPORARY TRACK RECORD: THE SEEDS FOR THE FUTURELetâ€™s take a look at todayâ€™s Islamic track record and see what it holds for the future. Start with Pakistan. Historically, Pakistan received a great deal of foreign aid in many forms. Some of this was nuclear technology. The Pakistani government promised that they were in no way developing nuclear weapons. But they lied. They used the foolishness and naivety of Canadian benevolence, the cold war mentality of America, and the careless callousness of various European countries and secured all the pieces of the nuclear puzzle. You can read about it here: <a href="http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/reports/pdfs/9707paki.pdf">cns.miis.edu/pubs/reports/pdfs/9707paki.pdf</a>, <a href="http://www.ccnr.org/myth_2.html">www.ccnr.org/myth_2.html</a>.To make matters worse they began to give nuclear weapon technology to other countries. You can read about it here: <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?040308fa_fact">www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?040308fa_fact</a>.Because they are motivated by the spirit of Islam, Pakistanis lied, developed, and then gave away nuclear weapon technology to other rogue states. Khan understands fully the power of the weapon and he wants his side to triumph.What do the Muslims intend to do with nuclear weapons? What do you think? Have a look at what one of Iranâ€™s leaders has stated. He is not the only Muslim leader to say such things (<a href="http://216.26.163.62/2001/me_iran_12_17b.html">http://216.26.163.62/2001/me_iran_12_17b.html</a>).Iran would willingly engage Israel in a nuclear war because they feel they can withstand the damage. They are not concerned about their people, they are not concerned about their neighbors who will suffer the effects of nuclear fallout, they only want to destroy those they hate: those that can successfully withstand them. And make no mistake about it, after Israel, the Iranians would turn these weapons on someone else. These Iranian leaders are motivated by the same spirit that motivates the Pakistani scientists, government officials, et. al., this same spirit that drove Muhammad.Iâ€™m an American citizen now. What does the future hold for America and the Muslims? This is what I think will happen: <a href="http://www.abrahamic-faith.com/silas/Destroying%20America.html">www.abrahamic-faith.com/silas/Destroying%20America.html</a>.There is a deep, dark, power that drives these Muslims. This power is more powerful than Muhammad. <hr />4) THE SPIRITUAL POWER OF ISLAMWith all due respect to Dickens, Iâ€™ve used his format to illustrate real Islam. Iâ€™ve shown briefly what Islam was in the past, what it is now in the present, and what it will be in the future. I am no prophet but the character and the teachings of Islam are well established and their next steps are easily deciphered. Hang tight! You are going to be reading about more Muslim atrocities. Let your imagination run wild.So, the question is:<blockquote>Who or what is this evil power, this vile spirit, that affected Muhammad so greatly that he attempted suicide many times? Who is this spirit that motivated Abu Bakr to massacre thousands who left Islam? Who is this spirit that drove those Muslims to fly planes into buildings, blow up trains of commuters, and murder those little children?</blockquote>The Bible tells us that there are spiritual powers at work that influence menâ€™s minds. Take a look at Ephesians 6:12<blockquote>For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world-forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.</blockquote>Jesus commented on the spirit we are talking about:<blockquote>John 8:44: You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him.</blockquote>I am saying that Satan was behind Muhammadâ€™s experience. I say that Muhammadâ€™s own words, found in his initial analysis, were correct. He got it right! He had an encounter with a demonic power indeed and during those years of mental anguish Satan slowly but surely warped Muhammad and during later times influenced his actions and teachings.Muhammad was able to â€˜forgiveâ€™ many sins, but he could not accept those who rejected his claim as prophet. Why? Because if their denial were true, then it would mean that Muhammad was indeed influenced, or possessed by a demon. Then suicide would once again be his only option. Now Iâ€™m going to take this a step farther and have a deeper look. If you study the teachings of real Islam, you will learn that it has never condoned the deliberate murder of children. Yet Muslims have been murdering children for a long time. If you go back some ten years you will find Muslims in Algeria slitting the throats of Muslim children and throwing them down farm wells. You can look up photos of this in Time magazine. So it is no surprise that if devout Muslims are driven to murder Muslim children, they certainly will murder non-Muslim children. But these actions are clearly non-Islamic. Why then are these devout Muslims murdering children? Because the strong power that is behind Islam cares little for Muhammadâ€™s man-made rules.Satan is a destroyer. He was a murderer and liar from the beginning and so he is now. He uses people to accomplish his work. He scoffs at their weak rules. Instead, he dominates their minds and hearts and bends them to do his will. This is what he did with Muhammad. That is why the trail of blood grew ever wider behind Muhammad.Over time, Muhammadâ€™s new revelations became more brutal. The Quranâ€™s chapter 9 is one of the last, and most violent, chapters in the Quran. In it Satan was able to command words of destruction. There Muhammad commands the Muslims to make war upon the unbelievers, Christians and Jews. All people were to come under Islamâ€™s subjection or be killed. Have a look at the following articles to see just how violent authentic Islam really is!<a href="jihad.htm">www.answering-islam.org/Silas/jihad.htm</a> <a href="terrorist.htm">www.answering-islam.org/Silas/terrorist.htm</a> <a href="kronemer.htm">www.answering-islam.org/Silas/kronemer.htm</a> <hr />5) CONCLUSIONI have shown that the spirit that dealt with Muhammad caused him great suffering and that over time it bent his mind and heart to do its bidding. This same spirit continued to live in the lives of both contemporary and later Muslims. We see this same spirit at work today in the lives of devout Muslims.Satanâ€™s power and strength is greater than Muhammadâ€™s rules; Satan will have his way. Just as Satan used men to kill infants to prevent Mosesâ€™ and Jesusâ€™ births so too Muslims today follow in those steps and kill children. You can see "Satan laughing with delight" as the Muslims throughout the world do his work. Satan is the real power behind Islam and he is having his way. Jesus came to undo the work of Satan, Muhammad was used by Satan to undo the work of Christ.We are engaged in both a physical and spiritual war. It is going to get worse. Satan has mustered his troops and captured the hearts and minds of many a Muslim. They are intelligent, motivated, and dedicated Muslims and they are willing to die on the spot if they can effectively harm their enemies. They are waiting simply for the right time to strike. There are no guarantees about who will win in the end. Throughout history armies have murdered millions and there is nothing special about the non-Islamic world today that causes God to protect them. The unleashing of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons in cities around the world is indeed on the table. You are dealing with men who are distorted, and their desire to kill and destroy their enemies, for Allahâ€™s sake, is stronger than any other. <hr />One piece of good news is that more and more Muslims are realizing this about their faith and are leaving it: Here are some links to testimonies of ex-Muslims:<a href="http://www.apostatesofislam.com/main.htm">http://www.apostatesofislam.com/main.htm</a> <a href="../Testimonies/index.html">http://www.answering-islam.org/Testimonies/index.html</a> <a href="http://www.faithfreedom.org/testimonials.htm">http://www.faithfreedom.org/testimonials.htm</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1591020689/103-8916321-6972647?v=glance">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1591020689/103-8916321-6972647?v=glance</a> <a href="http://www.aetheronline.com/mario/Heretic/leave_islam.htm">http://www.aetheronline.com/mario/Heretic/leave_islam.htm</a>The fruit is ripe and they too know it is bad. Some Muslims today are acknowledging Islamâ€™s role in leading the world in terrorism. For example, here: <a href="http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5912071/">msnbc.msn.com/id/5912071/</a>. If youâ€™re a Muslim I encourage you to review your faith, read your books for yourself, and see the dark and bloody history of Islam. Leave Islam; itâ€™s path takes you into Satanâ€™s jaws. Ask God to guide you, to truly guide you to the truth. 6) SEEKING THE TRUE GOD & PRAYER FOR SALVATIONIf you wish to learn more about the rational for following the Messiah, Jesus Christ, have a look at the article, "Does Goodness Live In You?", available here: <a href="../Basics/newlife.html">www.answering-islam.org/Basics/newlife.html</a>The decision to follow Christ will be difficult for some people who live in anti-Christian environments. That decision needs to be supported with prayer and study. I encourage each person to think about the reality of Christ in this world.If you are interested in starting an obedient relationship with God, examine and consider the prayer below. This prayer is written for anyone. This includes Muslims who are seeking the truth and who want to know God in a personal and truthful way."Lord Jesus, I believe in You. I believe that You are the Son of God and the Lord. I believe that You died for my sins and were raised from the dead. I confess that I am a sinner and I ask You to come into my heart, cleanse me from my sins, and forgive me for my sins. I turn to follow and obey You â€“ I put my faith in you. I now receive You as Messiah and Lord and totally commit my life to You." Amen.MARANATHA, COME LORD JESUSNovember, 2004 Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1487982 Fri, 24 Feb 2006 07:49 EST the gospel explained http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1482418 <h3>2 Corinthians 5:21</h3><div>21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.Here Paul summarized the heart of the gospel, resolving the mystery and paradox of vv. 18-20, and explaining how sinners can be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.  These 15 Greek words express the doctrines of imputation and substitution like no other single verse.Who knew no Sin.-Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God (<a title="Galatians 4:4; Galatians 4:5; Luke 23:4; Luke 23:14; Luke 23:22; Luke 23:47; John 8:46; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 1:19; 1 Peter 2:22-24; 1 Peter 3:18; Revelation 5:2-10 " href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=gal%204:4,5;%20luke%2023:4,%2014,%2022,%2047;john%208:46;%20heb%204:15;%207:26;%201%20peter%201:19;%202:22-24;%203:18;%20rev%205:2-10;&version=50;" target="_blank">gal 4:4, 5; luke 23:4, 14, 22; John 8:46; heb 4:15,; 7:26; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22-24; 3:18; rev 5:2-10)</a>Sin for Us.-God the Father, Using the principle of imputation, treated Christ as if He were a sinner though He was not, and had Him die as a substitutes to pay the penalty of the sins of those who believe in Him (<a title="Isaiah 53:4-6; Galatians 3:10-13; 1 Peter 2:24" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2053:4-6;%20Gal%203:10-13;%201%20Peter%202:24;&version=50;" target="_blank">Isaiah 53:4-6; Gal 3:10-13; 1 Peter 2:24</a>).On the cross He did not become a sinner, but remained Holy as ever.  He was treated as if He were guilty of all the sins ever committed by all who would ever believe, though He committed none.  The wrath of God was exhausted on Him and the just requirement for God's law met for those for who He died.The Righteousness of God.-Another reference to justification and imputation.  The righteousness that is credited to a believer's account is the righteousness of Jesus Christ, God's Son (<a title="Romans 1:17; Romans 3:21-24; Philippians 3:9 " href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom%201:17;%203:21-24;%20Phil%203:9;&version=50;" target="_blank">Rom 1:17; 3:21-24; Phil 3:9</a>). As Christ was not a sinner, but treated as if He were, so believers who have not yet been made righteous (until glorification) are treated as if they were righteous.  He bore their sins so they could bear His righteousness.God treated Him as if He committed believers' sins, and treats believers as if they did only the righteous deeds of the sinless Son of God.</div> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1482418 Mon, 13 Feb 2006 08:12 EST The names of God (2) http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1459222 Yahweh YirehMeans: Yahweh will provide<h3>Genesis 22:8-14 </h3><div>8 And Abraham said, â€œMy son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.â€ So the two of them went together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, â€œAbraham, Abraham!â€ So he said, â€œHere I am.â€ 12 And He said, â€œDo not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.â€ 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide;[<a title="See footnote a" href="#fen-NKJV-562a">a</a>] as it is said to this day, â€œIn the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.â€ Footnotes: <ol><li><a title="Go to Genesis 22:14" href="#en-NKJV-562">Genesis 22:14</a> Hebrew YHWH Yireh </li></ol></div> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1459222 Thu, 05 Jan 2006 10:56 EST The Names of God (1) http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1458032 Yahweh / JehovahThe self existent One.  Some think it emphasizes the ontological nature of God: "I AM WHO I AM";Others believe it sets forth the faithfulness of God: "I am (or will be) who i have been," or "I will be who I will be."This name is the personal and proper name for God.<h3>Exodus 3:14-15 (New King James Version)</h3><div>14 And God said to Moses, â€œI AM WHO I AM.â€ And He said, â€œThus you shall say to the children of Israel, â€˜I AM has sent me to you.â€™â€ 15 Moreover God said to Moses, â€œThus you shall say to the children of Israel: â€˜The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.â€™</div><div /><div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1"><tr><td width="100%">Genesis 12:88 And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. </td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Genesis 13:4  4 to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.  <div /></td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Genesis 26:25  25 So he built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaacâ€™s servants dug a well. </td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Exodus 6:3  3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name LORD[<a title="See footnote a" href="#fen-NKJV-1659a">a</a>] I was not known to them.Footnotes: <ol><li><a title="Go to Exodus 6:3" href="#en-NKJV-1659">Exodus 6:3</a> Hebrew YHWH, traditionally Jehovah </li></ol></td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Exodus 6:7  7 I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.</td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Exodus 20:2  2 â€œI am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. </td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Exodus 33:19  19 Then He said, â€œI will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.â€</td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Exodus 33:5-7  <a title="View commentary related to this passage" href="../resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=19&source=2&seq=i.2.33.1">View commentary related to this passage</a> 5 For the LORD had said to Moses, â€œSay to the children of Israel, â€˜You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.â€™â€ 6 So the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by Mount Horeb. 7 Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting. And it came to pass that everyone who sought the LORD went out to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp. </td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Psalm 68:4 4 Sing to God, sing praises to His name;          Extol Him who rides on the clouds,[<a title="See footnote a" href="#fen-NKJV-14905a">a</a>]          By His name YAH,          And rejoice before Him.           Footnotes: <ol><li><a title="Go to Psalm 68:4" href="#en-NKJV-14905">Psalm 68:4</a> Masoretic Text reads deserts; Targum reads heavens (compare verse 34 and Isaiah 19:1). </li></ol></td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Psalm 76:1   1 In Judah God is known;          His name is great in Israel. </td></tr><tr><td width="100%">Jeremiah 31:31-34 31 â€œBehold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judahâ€” 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them,[<a title="See footnote a" href="#fen-NKJV-19718a">a</a>] says the LORD. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, â€˜Know the LORD,â€™ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.â€ Footnotes: <ol><li><a title="Go to Jeremiah 31:32" href="#en-NKJV-19718">Jeremiah 31:32</a> Following Masoretic Text, Targum, and Vulgate; Septuagint and Syriac read and I turned away from them. </li></ol>  </td></tr></table></div> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1458032 Tue, 03 Jan 2006 11:38 EST Some Lyrics i like http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1457386 This is from a song called Our culture by Urban D from the album "the Immigrant".In our culture today we have:Taller buildings but shorter tempers, Wider freeways but narrower viewpointsWe spend more but have less, buy more but enjoy less,We have bigger homes but smaller familiesmore conveniences but less timeWe have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge but less judgement, more experts yet more problems,more medicine but less wellness.We drink too much, smoke too much, spend toowrecklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry.Stay up too late, get up too tired,read too little and watch too much TV and pray too seldom.We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values,We talk too much, love too seldom, hate too ofter,we've learned how to make a living but not a life.we've added years to life but not life to years.We've been all the way to the moon and back but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour.We've conquered outer space, but not inner space.We've done larger things, but not better things.We've cleaned up the air but polluted the soul.We've conquered the atom but not our predjudice.We write more but learn less, accomplish less.we've learned to rush but not to wait.We build more computers to hold more information to produce mroe copies than ever but we communicate less and less.These are the towns of fast food and slow digestion, big men of small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.These are the days of 2 incomes but more divorce.fancier houses but broken homesthese are the days of quick trips, disposabe diapers, throw away morality, one night stands, overweight bodies and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill.this is the time when there is much in the showroom window but nothing in the stockroom.YES this is the state of our current culture.<a href="http://www.crossoverchurch.org/">http://www.crossoverchurch.org/</a> Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1457386 Mon, 02 Jan 2006 11:43 EST The modern Seven Deadly Sins http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1455006 This is a passage taken from a book i am reading and enjoying at the moment by Philip Yancey called "rumours"In the modern United States, at least, the Seven deadly sins might be renamed 'the seven seductive virtues':Pride: In Music, Sports, and business, we reserve our applause for winners, and those who flaunt it with an attitude tend to garner the most publicity.  We strut our medals at the Olympic Games, lavish rewards on winners, and read management books patterned after Machiavelli and Attila the Hun.Envy: Our entire advertising industry is built on inciting envy of colleagues and neighbours, so that whatever new electronic marvel or body shape my neighbour has, I want too.Anger: We must get in touch with and express our anger, counsellors tell us.  Encounter groups, television trash-talk shows, town meetings and political debates offer ample opportunity to do so.Greed: The economic engine of our nation, and indeed the world, depends on a constant sense of discontent that motivates each consumer to desire ever more.Sloth: Find an island with a beach, retire early, relax, slow down, feel good--its all part of the American dream.Gluttony: Every year the "big gulp" drinks and supersize French fries get bigger, as do the wastelines.  Currently 64 percent  of Americans are overweight, with half of that percentage qualifying as obese.Lust: From lycra-clad professional cheerleaders to dancing babes on MTV videos, lust is ubiquitous in modern America, the single most profitable industry on the internet.In the modern world, sin approaches in camoflage.  Too late do we realize that it blocks the path to shalom, to wholeness and health.  We miss the hidden dangers that prompted the ancients to regard these sins as deadly.I have learned these sins diminish me and bring disorder to my life.  Pride is a kind of addiction, a yearning for ego strokes that will never be satisfied.  Greed tempts me to move my focus from people to things. lust keeps me from connecting in the most meaningful way, diverting that desire in a direction that ultimately does not satisfy.  God wants to set me free; evil attempts to enslave. Religion & Ethics http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1455006 Thu, 29 Dec 2005 11:49 EST Testimony of Salvation http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1442012 I was born in Norwich, Brought up in the town of North Walsham by both my parents, with an older brother. My mother professed catholicism, but hardly ever went to church, my father is an atheist and he is pretty fundamental about God not existing. My brother follows my father in his beliefs, and like them I used to think the same way.At 16 years of age, I was studying for GCSEâ€™s at school. All the way through school I had played a lot of sport, and represented the school at most sports. But rugby was my forte. I played rugby for the local team (more often than not for the year above my own) and also represented the county teams as well. I was a gifted rugby player and was touted as possibly making it as a professional. There had been talks of possible trips away to Australia to play rugby there to mature as a rugby player.These things got me thinking about life and what I was to do after school. The way I saw it I would go to college, continue to play rugby and eventually become a professional player. In my eyes I had it made already---Rugby was going to provide me with wealth, health, status, friends, fame and fortune. I thought it would be my key to a happy and a successful life, and as far as I was concerned I really didnâ€™t need anything else.The First Recollection of Godâ€™s Hand in My life.Just a few weeks after turning 16 I went away to Lancaster for the weekend to play in a national football tourament. It was a 6-a-side competition and there were many teams involved from all areas of Britain. In the second half of our first game I received the ball and one of the opposition went to tackle me and ending up breaking my leg. I went to hospital and it was found to broken in 5 places. I had much surgery, with an illizoroth external fixator fitted and skin graphs applied to where they had had to cut my leg to relieve the pressure of the fracture.After about 9 months of going in and out of hospital I started playing rugby again, in my opinion I was far less likely to break my leg playing rugby than football, so that became the only sport I was to focus on. We went on tour at Easter to Holland and on the first day, I was kicked in the head and had a deep cut requiring 6 stiches, and the second I broke my leg again. It was rather ironic that this particular day happened to be Easter Sunday. (I have since come to the conclusion that Gods hand was in this in a real way. In Gods eyes I was worshipping a false God because I believed rugby would provide me with all I would need and I was basically giving my life to it. God didnâ€™t like this and decided to show me that my chosen God didnâ€™t actually exist. The true God of the world had other plans for me)Things Get Dark.I soon came to the conclusion that my chosen route in life was not going to happen and with my dreams shattered I began to search in other places in lfe that might give me the happiness that I so badly wanted and needed.I began to try drugs to try to make myself happy and for a while it did, but it gradually became less and less enjoyable, and so I kept looking. I looked into body building, intellect/education, looked at other people and tried to find solutions from inside of them, I became a fighter and was know by most people in the town as notorious for it, I looked inside my own soul too --- these are just a few of the areas I looked in for a solution, but my condition had got quite bad---I was becoming very paranoid and depressed and thought I was losing my mind, I so desparately wanted to find a solution, but everywhere I looked just lead to despair and further pain. Eventually I went to see the doctor and he tried to help me with his advice and his medication, but even that made me feel worse stilll. I dropped out of college after the added pressure of my best friend betraying me with my girlfriend. I had hit rock bottom.Hope Arrives.I started working at an industrial laundry. It was a horrible place, they washed the sheets from the hospitals in the county. As I went on trying to do this job, I met a Christian woman who worked there. We began to chat about things, at first it was just general chit-chat, but as we began to talk on a day to day basis she could see that I was desparately unhappy and was searching for a solution in my life..She began to tell me about a man who had really helped her out. She said he had done a lot for her and was always there for her. She told me his name was Jesus. She explained who He is and told me what He had done for her. I could see in her eyes how content and happy she was. So I began to think about it and came to the connclusion that I had nothing to lose by finding out more---perhaps it would provide me with a solution.We began to read the bible together after work and she began to explain the gospel to me and it really got me thinking. We read about the many miracles Jesus performed--making the blind to see, the deaf to hear and the sick well again (now this appealed to mebeing once who had an illness of sorts which any normal doctor couldnâ€™t cure), we read about Jesus being crucified as an innocent man and how he rose again from the dead and we read many other things. Eventually we came across tha parable of the prodigal son and I saw much of myself in him. It struck a chord within me. I was starting to really desire this cure that Jesus seemed to have the power over and I began to really want to be a Christian, but the only problem was I couldnâ€™t force myself to believe it. We read on further in the scriptures and came across a little passage in Matthews Gospel ch 17 v 24-27. It is about when the people came to Jesus and his followers to collect the temple tax. Peter asked Jesus what they were to do and Jesus instructed Peter to go to the river to catch a fish. In that first fish would be enough temple tax for both Peter and Himself. Peter did as Jesus said straight away and it was as Jesus had said. Now that amazed me how Peter just went and did it. He just believed What Jesus had said without question. He didnâ€™t say â€œlook mate, thatâ€™s just silly. What are the chances of me throwing a line in and catching a fish with money in its belly and that money being exactly the right money. That aint gonna happen mateâ€ no he didnâ€™t say that he just BELIEVED and went and did it. I marvelled at this. I needed that sort of faith and I really wanted it too.Conviction, Repentance, Salvation.After reading the bible that evening we began to talk again. The Christian woman began to question me â€œhave you ever killed anyone in your life?â€(referring to Christ and me nailing him to the cross, hoping God might use it to convict me of sin) suddenly something occurred to me (or rather God pointed out to me). I remembered that one time when I had had a fight with a bouncer in a night club. I had hurt him pretty badly and he needed to have facial reconstruction and had his eye re-set. They say he had problem seeing out of that eye afterwards. Soon after he came out of hospital he was out riding his motor-bike and whilst turning a corner he was hit by a car. Apparently he didnâ€™t see the car coming as it came from the direction of his bad eye. He died due to this accident. And I fealt personally responsible.It was at that moment I knew I was going to hell and I fealt really vunerable, but almost immediately I trusted that Jesus could save me and he came into my heart and I believed. I knew that he had died for MY sins and that I was forgiven. It was almost like for a moment I was falling and Jesus was there to catch me and I trusted that he would---and he did.(it was really strange. After the point of conviction and realising I was a sinneri actually fealt the holy spirit come into my body and it physically moved me slightly upwards and backwards off the seat)I now knew the bible was completely true and Jesus was now my Lord, bringing me into a real relationship with God.That all happened on 2nd October 1999 at 2am, which was a Saturday. I went to church for the first time on the Sunday following.Since being saved God has changed my life for the good of everyone around me. I donâ€™t have dependencies on drugs and fighting is something I donâ€™t like to do any more. God has given me the happiness I was looking for for so long, and I now know that true joy can only be found in Jesus.it is much better is live a life in the love of God than in the anger of God's wrath.I endevour to be used by God as he sees fit. His way is the only way, the only truth and the only life to live.For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life Personal http://hk.zorpia.com/monkeytastic/journal/1442012 Mon, 05 Dec 2005 15:39 EST