180 World Leaders Show up in Paris, Marching to the Tune of the Papacy!

World leaders honoring the call of the Papacy? Yep! It’s happened before! Just look at the history of Europe over the last 2000 years! Sadly, it was not a pretty sight to see, especially for those who opposed the papal authority over Europe or the religious dogmas and decrees of that Church. Well, is the world coming to that kind of place again? Is papal power in the ascendancy? You can be the judge for yourself, but as for my conviction, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” And if we are following the news and Bible prophecy then it is not too hard for us to see where all of this is going.

Let’s take a look at what Obama said on December 1, 2015:

“But I am convinced that we are going to get big things done here. Keep in mind nobody expected that 180 countries would show up in Paris with serious climate targets in hand.” (CNN Dec. 1, 2015, on Paris Climate Talks).

Without doubt, this is all in response to the call of the Papacy, who uses the idea of the “common good” of all mankind to challenge world political leaders (and individuals too) to action. It is very interesting that Obama has been using that language of the “common good” a lot too since June of 2015.

Let’s take a look at the words of Pope Francis to world leaders, now:

“recent World Summits on the environment have not lived up to expectations because, due to lack of political will, they were unable to reach truly meaningful and effective global agreements on the environment.” He writes, “the Church does not presume to settle scientific questions or to replace politics. But I am concerned to encourage an honest and open debate so that particular interests or ideologies will not prejudice the common good.” And, “there is urgent need of a true world political authority, as my predecessor Blessed John XXIII indicated some years ago.” (Washington Post, June 18, 2015, 10 Key Excerpts from Pope’s Encyclical on the environment).

“True need of a world political authority…”. And who might that be? Pope Francis, by suggestion? Someone to call the world political leaders into action and hold them accountable? Know your history and the current political scene…this is what we’re looking at.

So, here they are, 180 of them showing up at the Environmental summit in Paris, in answer to the challenge of the Pope. And what will it be next? Just you watch and see! If you know your Bible and you know the prophecies of Revelation 13 (the Historicist understanding, as all Protestants taught for 100s of years) then you would be alerted and alarmed, being able to see where all this is heading.

To further study Bible prophecy, you can visit www.bibleprophecytruth.com. You may find articles under the tab “antichrist” and the “USA in Prophecy” to be of particular interest. Anyway, lots to enjoy there!

(Keep in mind, there is nothing wrong with environmental concerns, but the implications of what is going on here are much bigger than that issue alone – and this is evident from many other recent events involving politics and the papacy)

The Holy Bible vs. the Qur’an – How to treat others?

In this short blog, we will compare and contrast some statements from the Christian Holy Bible and the Islamic Qur’an on the subject of how to treat others who are outside “the faith” or who do not believe the faith. There are many other facts, such as History, development, broad-scope, etc, that might be compared, contrasted, or explained, but this post will not discuss all those items at length. What we want to know is this: “How do these two books teach people to regard and deal with those who are outside of the faith and who do not believe in the same way?” Direct quotes will be shared from both texts, on various points of the basic question at hand.

All Qur’an quotes will be taken from the Saheeh International English meanings translation of the Qur’an. Copyrighted Al-Muntada Al-Islami, 2001-2010. This copy of the Qur’an’s English meanings/Translation was handed to me by a Muslim Mosque attendant in Cairo, Egypt in March 2012. All quotes from the Holy Bible, on the other hand, will be taken from the King James Version (KJV), also known as the Authorized Version.

NOTE: This post is for the sake of comparing several specific teachings in two different religious texts. It is not to breed hatred, but to give understanding. The author here agrees with the teachings of the Holy Bible. And also, we should note that not every Muslim knows, or adheres, or even desires to adhere to each of the Qur’an teachings below. Some may try to interpret their scope as more narrow and specific, while others will choose to use them broadly upon whomever they think deserving. From what this author knows, there are indeed many Muslims who don’t have much of an idea what is in the Qur’an, but are more culturally Muslim (as there are also ignorant/cultural Christians, etc.). This author believes however, that the following Qur’an statements, when studied and applied diligently by sincere followers of Islam, do have the express tendency to breed terrorists and terrorist acts. But anyway, may you please be the judge after reading. We are not trying to condemn anyone here, but just to provide information.

• A General view of Jews, Christians, etc. who are not of the same belief:

The view or teaching of the Qur’an:

The Jews say, “Ezra is the son of Allah”; and the Christians say, “The Messiah is the son of Allah.” That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before [them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded? -Surah 9:30

The view or teaching of the Holy Bible:

(1) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, (2) That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. (3) For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: (4) Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; -Romans 9:1-4.

• A view of how to treat disbelievers, “enemies” of the faith, and/or outsiders:

The view or teaching of the Qur’an:

“12. [Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, “I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip.” “13. That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger – indeed, Allah is sever in penalty.” – Surah 8:12-13.

“59. And let not those who disbelieve think they will escape. Indeed, they will not cause failure [to Allah]. 60. And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows. …67. It is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allah’s enemies] in the land. …” -Surah 8:59-60, 67.

The view or teaching of the Holy Bible:

“(43) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. (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; (45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”-Matthew 5:43-45 (words of Jesus).

Jesus sent messengers to a village of the Samaritans (who hated Jews) and they “did not receive Him” (Luke 9:52-53, summarized). “(54) And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? (55) But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. (56) For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” – Luke 9:54-56.

• A view of how to treat those who defect from the faith (i.e. “leave the faith”):

The view or teaching of the Qur’an:

“88. What is [the matter] with you [that you are] two groups concerning the hypocrites, while Allah has made them fall back [into error and disbelief] for what they earned. Do you wish to guide those whom Allah has sent astray? And he whom Allah sends astray – never will you find for him a way [of guidance]. 89. They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike. So do not take from among them allies until they emigrate for the cause of Allah. But if they turn away [i.e. refuse], then seize them and kill them [for their betrayal] wherever you find them and take not from among them any ally or helper, 90. Except for those who take refuge with a people between yourselves and whom is a treaty…91. You will find others who wish to obtain security from you and [to] obtain security from their people. Every time they are returned to [ the influence of] disbelief, they fall back into it. So if they do not withdraw from you or offer you peace or restrain their hands, then seize them and kill them wherever you overtake them. And those – We have made for you against them a clear authorization.” – Surah 4:88-91.

The view or teaching of the Holy Bible:

“(24) And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, (25) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (26) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” – 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

“(1) Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (2) Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1-2.

 To summarize, we find the following:

1. The Qur’an wishes that Allah would (“May”) “destroy” all the Christians and Jews, who are in their [Islam’s] view “deluded.” The Holy Bible offers prayers and a self-sacrificing longing to save those who are outside of Christ and the faith of the Bible.
2. For disbelievers, outsiders, and “enemies” of the faith, The Qur’an teaches that they should be put into “terror” and their “necks” and “fingertips” should be “stricken” off from them. “Allah is severe in penalty” to them. The Holy Bible, on the other hand, teaches that we should “love our enemies” “do good to those who hate us” “bless those who curse us” and “pray for those who despitefully use us” because this is what God’s children do, because that is who God is in love, even to the ungrateful. God, in the Holy Bible, teaches us to win others by love (never by hate or ill).
3. According to the Qur’an, if anyone defects from Islam, and becomes an unbeliever, then ex-fellow Muslims are to “seize them and kill them” “wherever they find them.” The Holy Bible, on the other hand, teaches to pray for those who have left the faith, to meekly teach and guide them back, if possible, and to ultimately leave the final condition and judgement to God.

 

In conclusion,

The Holy Bible is about self-sacrificing love to others, concern for the lost, treating even enemies with loving-kindness, and praying for and seeking to help those who have somehow left the faith of God’s love. The Qur’an, on the other hand, is about making the “deluded” infidel (non-Muslim) submit to the faith, or be “destroyed.” It’s about inflicting suffering and painful death onto all enemies of Islam, Allah, or Muhammad, and it’s about killing anyone who defects from the faith. Granted there are other teachings on how to live rightly, but the above speaks for itself on how they want to treat those who don’t buy into or accept the way of the Qur’an.

I would have to say that I am EXTREMELY thankful to have grown up with the Holy Bible! It’s teachings are FAR more loving and superior to the Qur’an in every way imaginable. It teaches righteousness, love, and even patient tolerance of others who may be in error. In contrast, the Qur’an is an UN-holy book, in my estimation, because although it teaches some tenants for righteousness (which are reasonably admirable by themselves), it still promotes violence and destruction, by Muslim believers, of any who do not agree with accepting the teaching and practice of the Qur’an or Muhammad. It is not hard to imagine how “terrorist” groups could arise from the diligent study of those teachings in the Qur’an. Thank God for the Muslims who take those violent lines of their book with less care, or scope of applicability, and/or who are more cultural Muslims, but without the violent “radicalized” nerves or notions.

Cleansed by a Bloody Flying Bird!

What a curious thought! What does a bloody flying bird have to do with anything, much less cleansing? Let’s take a look at a three thousand four hundred year old text and find out how a bloody flying bird meant something then and even now for us today!

“(4) Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: (5) And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: (6) As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: (7) And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field. (8) And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.” -Leviticus 14:4-8

In ancient Israel this custom was practiced on behalf of someone who had been somehow cured of the flesh-eating disease known as leprosy. This service was done by the priest for the person to be cleansed.

Two birds were taken. One was killed over running water. The other was set free only after being dipped into bloody water that was from the other bird and had been contained in an “earthen vessel.” After that, the second bird was set free in a field to fly off! The leper on whose behalf this was done, was then pronounced clean! With knowledge of Jesus Christ, we can look back, and see the deeper meaning of this service! Let’s take a look!

• A Leper cured of his disease needed cleansing – We are sin-sick sinners in need of cleansing. When healed by Jesus, we need the cleansing that only His blood can provide.
• The birds were alive and clean – even as Jesus lived a clean and spotless life!
• One bird was killed in an “earthen vessel” over running water – The New Testament refers to our body as an “earthen vessel” (2 Cor. 4:7). Jesus was “in” an “earthen vessel” (i.e. human body) when He was slain for us and shed His blood. Both blood and water mingled together gushed out from his side the day He died (John 19:34; 1 John 5:6). The blood and water represent payment for sin (by the blood) and cleansing from sin (by the water). Jesus provides both of these for us! [a.k.a. Justification and Sanctification].
• The Cedar wood, Scarlet, Hyssop, and the Living bird were dipped in the blood – The cedar wood represented the cross of Jesus which got covered in His blood (Cedar was the common tree of Palestine and was found especially in Lebanon. It was likely the very wood Jesus’ cross was made from). Scarlet represents sin (such as in Isaiah 1:18) which Jesus took upon himself and washed away by covering with His blood (2 Cor. 5:21). Hyssop was a small (1-1.5 feet tall) fragrant flowering plant used often in the bible for soaking up liquids and for sprinkling the liquids elsewhere. It was connected to the idea of sprinkling blood, especially for cleansing from sin. The blood of the passover lamb was spread upon doorposts by this plant, sprinkled upon people by this plant when Moses made the covenant with God and Israel, and King David prayed that God would “purge” or cleanse him “with hyssop” so that he could be clean (Exodus 12:22; Hebrews 9:19; Psalm 51:7). The blood of Jesus is sprinkled upon us by and symbolically through Hyssop. As Jesus died on the cross hyssop was put to his lips and got covered in His blood (See John 19:29). The Living bird dipped in blood represented that Jesus would live again (i.e. be resurrected) to ascend to heaven as a flying bird, taking His blood back up and into the presence of God the Father on our behalf. Jesus’ blood was taken into the Sanctuary of Heaven, just as the flying bloody bird would do so (See John 20:17; Acts 1:9; Hebrews 9:21-24).
• The blood was sprinkled seven times upon the person to be cleansed from leprosy – The person would be pronounced clean at this time. Seven is a perfect and complete number biblically speaking. This represents that the blood of Jesus is applied directly to us when we accept Jesus as our personal savior by faith in Him! As we put our faith in Jesus, his blood perfectly cleanses away the record of our sinful lives! The disease of sin with its guilt and shame is taken away by the atoning (cleaning, forgiving, purifying, and peace-making) blood of Jesus! The blood was likely sprinkled by the hyssop that had been dipped. We will be cleansed from our shameful and deadly disease of sin when we trust in Jesus by faith and receive the sprinkling of His cleansing blood upon us! Our reproach will be taken away!
• The living bird is to fly away into the field – The living bird being loosed in the open field again symbolized that Jesus goes into heaven with His blood to minister for us there! He is alive and well today in heaven for us! (Heb. 2:17; 4:14-16; 7:24-26; 8:1-5; 1 Tim. 2:5).
• The ex-leper was to be washed in water, and to cleanse off any traces of the disease and was to be accepted back into the camp but fulfilling a seven day period (v.8) – This was to demonstrate the gospel-age truth that we must be baptized (washed in water) showing our cleansing in Christ – the water being a sign or waymark of our cleansing. All sinful traces of the disease – that is, things in our life still carrying elements of the past sinful life must be gotten rid of. We do not want to keep anything in our lives that could possibly re-inflame the disease of sin upon us (i.e. get rid of the temptations, sinful substances, sinful media, etc.). We must start a new life in Christ which is removed from the sinful things of the old life! The period of seven days separation represents that there is a period of time after baptism in which we need to be establishing ourselves in the new faith and holy life, growing and setting down roots which demonstrate that the cure is permanent and we’re not going to return to the old life of sin!

Cleansed by a bloody flying bird? Yes! We are cleansed by the blood of Jesus which was shed for us and taken to heaven by the resurrected Lord Jesus himself to be presented before God in our behalf! Jesus pays for our sin and Jesus cleanses away our sin! He removes its penalty and power from us, thus truly setting us free to live a new life in Him! Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon for us if we only accept His sacrifice for us by faith, confessing and forsaking our sins (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). Will you receive His sacrifice for you and invite Him into your heart today by prayer? Have faith in the One who saves! Have faith in He whose life was outlined time and time again by the prophets and ancient sacrifices. Hold onto Jesus and live the new life in Him by faith in His virtue and power! He has died and now forever lives to make us clean! Put your faith in Him, won’t you?