The Truth In Print Vol. 16 Issue 11, Dec. 2010

A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)

Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Quran On Jesus, Part One

For some time now I have been hearing that Islam honors Jesus as a prophet. Just what “kind” of honor does Islam give to the Lord Jesus Christ? It is certainly not that they believe in His deity because they do not. The truth is Islam repeatedly denies that Jesus is God. How do you supposedly honor Him when the honor you give to Him is the dishonor of saying He was not who He said He was? Since this was His own claim in being the Son of God, thus making Himself equal with God, was He confused about who He was? (cf. Jo. 5:18, 10:36, 30-31). He did not non-intentionally claim this! No other prophet of God in the Bible makes this claim for himself, and the Bible makes it for Jesus of Nazareth. This past month we ran the following article in the Yuma Sun giving emphasis to this and other important points. We wanted to show people the fact that Islam denies the fundamentals of the Gospel of Christ often called Christianity.

“Christianity Is Not Islam

The “intolerance” of Muslims for others’ faiths in limited parts of the world is highlighting world news. The many recurring atrocities show why the irrational intolerance of Islam must be kept out of America, and elsewhere. This is of great concern for every true Christian willing to confess Christ as “My Lord and my God!” (cf. Jo. 20:28; Matt. 10:32-33).

Unlike Muslims we do not deny Jesus’ deity but believe that He is God (cf. John 1:1-4, 14). Jesus was not blaspheming when He said He was God being the Son of God (cf. Lk. 1:35, 22:70; Jo. 5:18, 10:36). He was more than a servant or prophet and received worship because He was God (cf. Matt. 2:11, 4:10, 14:33; Rev. 22:9; Acts 10:26). The Lord Jesus Christ existed before the world and He created all things, even Adam (cf. Jo. 1:1-3, 14; Gen. 2:26-27). Jesus died on the Cross by the predetermined plan of God and shed His blood, just as He said, for our sins (cf. Acts 2:23; Matt. 26:28; Heb. 9:28). We do not believe He will return to win the world for Muslims (cf. Acts 1:11; 2 Pet. 3:10-13).

Muslims who deny Jesus’ deity and the basic principles of Christianity can in turn live civilly with Christians stating that they do not believe in Muhammad or Islam. Government should not participate in the destruction of the will to confess Christ. What others think of our belief is not as important in this context as what they cannot do to Christians in the United States or elsewhere. Christianity is certainly not a religion that endorses the senseless murder of individuals for either leaving or disagreeing!”

What you’ve just read is a short list of the fundamental doctrines revealed by the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Christ, the New Testament, that Islam denies. And yet, in the nicest way at times, it is said by their own that they really do honor Christ.

The Official Website of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

They offer the Quran Arabic Text with English Translation, which is very helpful in finding out what they really believe about Jesus. Moreover it comes with an official English Commentary on the Quran text which gives their own scholars explanations of the texts — again very helpful. The site also contains official books by various authors that reputedly agree with the Quran’s teaching. I’ll use one shortly to illustrate their belief concerning Jesus’ birth and death. This website is offered it says with love for all and hatred for none. Albeit they say if others, Jews and Christians, don’t agree with the supposed further revelation (more than the Bible) of theirs that came as a result of the Prophethood being transferred from the line of Isaac to the line of Ishmael, thus through Muhammad, that responsibility for the division and resulting hostility lies with them not with the Muslims. The Bible says absolutely nothing about a transfer of Prophethood to the line of Ishmael from the line of Isaac. This site also comes with a search engine. For what they say the Quran says about Jesus here is the helpful link:

1) http://www.alislam.org/

2) http://www.alislam.org/quran/search2/quranSearch.php?swaootw=Jesus&rpp=10&search=Search&st=regular&frm=0&swotw=&oicn=&csen=N&mww=N&swep=N&swaotw=

Selected Verses From the Quran Drawing Comments About Jesus

1. Al-Baqarah Chapter 2 : Verses 88, 137, 138, 254.

A. The notes of the Commentary are at: http://www.alislam.org/quran/tafseer/?page=43&region=EN&CR=E1,E2&CR=E1,E2 .

B. The Commentary: Plainly states that they make no distinction between Jesus and any other prophet sent from God based on the fact they are considered prophets. It does say that God exhalted some above others; there are degrees of rank among them they say.

C. The Commentary: They say that it is to the credit of Islam that it is the only religion that recognizes the prophets of “all” religions and “all” nations, whereas other nations limit Prophethood only to their own respective spheres. They claim the Prophethood of Ishmael, while saying Christians claim the Prophethood of Isaac. If Jews and Christians don’t agree in accepting all revealed guidance they stand divided and they are the cause for the resulting division and hostility not the Muslims, they say.

D. Point: They are working hard to make distinctions here! Christians know the difference between prophets of the old, prophets following during the Old Testament dispensation and those of the New Testament. Today there is no other foundation that can be laid, than that laid by Christ (Eph. 2:20; I Cor. 3:11; Jo. 14:6).

E. Point: There is no understanding in Islam as to when prophecy ceased (cf. I Cor. 13:8; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jude 3). Prophecy ceased with the completed, revealed, written word sometime after the death of the apostles and those on whom they had laid their hands just as Paul said it would in I Cor. 13:8.

2. “The True Story of Jesus” by Rashid Ahmad Chaudhry.

A. This is one of their books from their officialbook list: http://www.alislam.org/library/books/TrueStory-of-Jesus.pdf .

B. In the forward after blessing Jesus with “peace be upon him” the author states that Jews, Christians and Muslims all hold differing views about not only the birth of Jesus but His death and the account of His life.

He explains that the majority of Muslims believe that Jesus was never put to death on the cross — stating that they believe it was somebody that resembled Jesus who was crucified while Jesus Himself was lifted bodily into heaven, where He is waiting to come back to earth.

The views of the Ahmadi Muslims, the author says, are based upon a rational approach that Jesus did not die on the cross. He presents the old Swoon Theory, saying Jesus was unconscious when taken down from the cross or placed in a sepulcher where an ointment was applied to his wounds. He explains how Jesus recovered and then migrated to the countries where the lost tribes of Israel had settled. Finally, he says, Jesus reached Kashmir where his tomb is located.

The two main sources said to be used in this book are the Bible and the Qur’an. Jesus’ birth the author says was miraculous – without the agency of a male, and yet not against the laws of nature. He says the birth of Jesus was a sign to show to the people that the Prophet-Hood, in accordance with God’s covenant with Abraham, would be transferred from the progeny of Isaac to that of his brother Ishmael, Jesus being the last Prophet among the Israelites. Of course Muhammad the Prophet of Islam who came after Jesus in the year 570 A.D. was a descendant of Ishmael.

C. POINT: The author wastes no time in switching from Jesus to Muhammad!

D. POINT: Anyone can see that there is no way Islam’s teaching concerning Jesus can be reconciled with the Bible, God’s Word.

(To Be Continued)

By Bob Lovelace

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To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Truth In Print Vol. 16 Issue 12, Jan. 2011

A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)

Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Quran On Jesus, Part Two

The purpose of this series is to show that Islam denies the fundamentals of the Gospel of Christ, the New Testament. In “Part One” emphasis was placed upon their claim to honor Jesus as a prophet. But just what “kind” of honor does Islam give to the Lord Jesus Christ? It is certainly not that they believe in His deity because they do not. The truth is Islam repeatedly denies that Jesus is God. How do you supposedly honor Him when the honor you give to Him is the dishonor of saying He was not who He said He was? Since this was His own claim in being the Son of God, thus making Himself equal with God, was He confused about who He was? (cf. Jo. 5:18, 10:36, 30-31). He did not non-intentionally claim this! No other prophet of God in the Bible makes this claim for himself, and the Bible makes it for Jesus of Nazareth.

“Part One” contains a short list of the fundamental doctrines revealed by the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Christ, the New Testament, that Islam denies. And yet, in the nicest way at times, it is said by their own that they really do honor Christ. Moreover, Muslims do not even believe that Jesus died on the cross. You may be interested in reading that article showing that Islam denies Jesus’ deity — the articles will be posted on line as each is completed at http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/QuranonJesus.htm .

I’ll repeat, “Muslims who deny Jesus’ deity and the basic principles of Christianity can in turn live civilly with Christians stating that they do not believe in Muhammad or Islam. Government should not participate in the destruction of the will to confess Christ. What others think of our belief is not as important in this context as what they cannot do to Christians in the United States or elsewhere. Christianity is certainly not a religion that endorses the senseless murder of individuals for either leaving or disagreeing!”

This lesson will continue in the same vein of showing that Muslims do not believe what the Bible teaches about the existence and death of Jesus Christ the Son of God. The focus will be again upon His deity and the purpose of His sacrificial death upon the Cross.

Islam Claims That Jesus Was Like Adam

I. Selected Verses From the Quran Drawing Comments about Jesus (See Part One for source with commentary reference).

1. Aal-e-`Imran Chapter 3 : Verse 60.

A. Here is a verse in the Quran that says the case of Jesus with Allah is like the case of Adam.

B. The Commentary: It says that “Jesus is thus declared to be like other mortals who have all been created from dust (40:68), and so there can be no Divinity about him.”

C. Point: Their false claim about Jesus is there can be no Divinity about him. Adam and Eve were created and the rest of us got here by procreation! (cf. Gen. 1:27; 2:21-22). Jesus was never declared by God to be just like other human beings (mortals) for He existed before the Creation and created all things.

1. What Islam teaches is not what the Bible Teaches about Jesus for the Word was God:

“1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:1-4). In verse fourteen John says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

2. Christ took the body that was prepared for Him when He came into the world (Heb. 10:5):

“ ⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:5-8)

a. POINT: Since He had to come here to the earth to be made in the likeness of man it is obvious that when God made man in His own image that the “image” (Gen. 1:27) was the eternal spirit and not the physical body.

3. He being God was before all things and all things were created by him:

“¹² Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: ¹³ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: ¹⁴ In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: ¹⁵ Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: ¹⁶ For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist ^18”(Col. 2:12-18).

4. The reason Christ came from heaven and took that body was to do the Father’s will as stated:

“ ⁴ For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. ⁵ Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: ⁶ In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. ⁷ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written

of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Heb. 10:4-7).

5. Through His own sacrifice upon the Cross He obtained eternal Redemption:

“¹¹ But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; ¹² Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. ¹³ For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: ¹⁴ How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Heb. 9:11-14).

6. In Jesus we have redemption and He is the propitiation for mans’ sin:

(1Jo. 2:2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

(1Jo 4:10) Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

a. POINT: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jo. 14:6). When it comes to God’s eternal plan of salvation for all of mankind Islam misses the whole point of salvation through the blood of Christ! It purposely denies that He shed His blood on the Cross for the remission of our sins. Jesus said Himself that was what His blood would be shed for (cf. Matt. 26:28; 20:28). The honor that Islam gives to Jesus is the dishonor of denying who He Himself said that He was and the very purpose that He Himself said He’d come to earth to accomplish. Islam denies the Atonement and yet, strangely, it is supposed to be terrible when Christians state that they do not believe in Muhammad or the Quran.

Islam Claims That God’s Plan Was That Jesus Should Not Die On The Cross

1. Aal-e-`Imran Chapter 3 : Verse 56

A. This verse says that Allah said to Jesus that He would cause Him to die a natural death.

B. The Commentary: It says the Jews had planned that Jesus would die an accursed death on the cross but God’s plan was that he should be saved from that death. It says Jews’ plan miscarried and God’s plan was successful, because Jesus did not die on the cross but came down from it alive, and died a natural death in Kashmir.

C. POINT: In Acts 2:23-24 Peter preached the truth and said He was delivered over and put to death by predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, but God raised Him up. The Jews fulfilled God’s plan in crucifying Him! Those responsible for crucifying Him did what God’s hand and purpose predestined to occur (cf. Acts 4:23-28). John himself said he witnessed His death (cf. John 19:35). Islam denies that Jesus was who He said He was that made the Jews want to kill Him, i.e. the Son of God (cf. Lk. 22:70; John 10:36, 33; 19:7). Obviously God’s eternal plan involved His death in Jerusalem —- thus afterwards it would be proclaimed in the very city where it happened as proof of the Resurrected Christ! (cf. Acts 2:22-36). God’s plan through Christ is a permanent arrangement (cf. Eph. 4:4-14). We proclaim Him! (cf. Col. 1:28). We are complete in Him and He is the head over all rule and authority (cf. Col. 1:15-20; 2:8-12).

(To Be Continued)

By Bob Lovelace

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To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Truth In Print Vol. 17 Issue, Feb. 2011

A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)

Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Quran On Jesus, Part Three

Their claim that God’s plan was that Jesus should not die on the cross was clearly refuted in “Part Two.” In Acts 2:23-24 Peter by the Holy Spirit preached that Jesus was delivered over and put to death by predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, but God raised Him up. Those responsible for crucifying Him did what God’s hand and purpose predestined to occur (cf. Acts 4:23-28). John himself said he witnessed His death (cf. John 19:35). Obviously God’s eternal plan involved His death in Jerusalem — thus afterwards it would be proclaimed in the very city where it happened as proof of the Resurrected Christ! (cf. Acts 2:22-36).

The focus of “Part Two” was on the sacrificial death of Christ. Jesus’ blood of the New Testament was shed for the remission of our sins (Matt. 26:28). Islam misses the whole point of Redemption through the blood of Christ, as pointed out. Through His own sacrifice upon the cross Jesus obtained eternal redemption for us (cf. Heb. 9:11-14). Islam fails to accept the purpose in Jesus coming into this world and taking the body that had been prepared for Him! (Heb. 10:4-7; Phil. 2:5-8). John stated, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (I Jo. 2:2). God’s plan through Christ is a permanent arrangement (cf. Eph. 4:4-14). We proclaim Him! (cf. Col. 1:28). We are complete in Him and He is the head over all rule and authority (cf. Col. 1:15-20; 2:8-12).

You may be interested in reading each article — the articles will be posted on line as each is completed at http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/QuranonJesus.htm .

I’ll repeat again, “Muslims who deny Jesus’ deity and the basic principles of Christianity can in turn live civilly with Christians stating that they do not believe in Muhammad or Islam. Government should not participate in the destruction of the will to confess Christ. What others think of our belief is not as important in this context as what they cannot do to Christians in the United States or elsewhere. Christianity is certainly not a religion that endorses the senseless murder of individuals for either leaving or disagreeing!” This lesson will continue in the same vein of showing that Muslims do not believe what the Bible teaches about the existence and death of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

The Significance of Jesus Being Worshipped

One significant error of Islam is the belief that Jesus was a prophet, they say, but there could be no divinity in Him. This was dealt with in “Part Two” — read the following again with consideration that He was who He said was:

Islam Claims That Jesus Was Like Adam

I. Selected Verses From the Quran Drawing Comments about Jesus (See Part One for source with commentary reference).

1. Aal-e-`Imran Chapter 3 : Verse 60.

A. Here is a verse in the Quran that says the case of Jesus with Allah is like the case of Adam.

B. The Commentary: It says that “Jesus is thus declared to be like other mortals who have all been created from dust (40:68), and so there can be no Divinity about him.”

C. POINT: Their false claim about Jesus is there can be no Divinity about him. Adam and Eve were created and the rest of us got here by procreation! (cf. Gen. 1:27; 2:21-22). Jesus was never declared by God to be just like other human beings (mortals) for He existed before the Creation and created all things.

1. What Islam teaches is not what the Bible Teaches about Jesus for the Word was God: “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:1-4). In verse fourteen John says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

I. Islam claims that Jesus was a Messenger and servant of God, but in no way Himself God.

A. Selected Verses From the Quran Drawing Comments about Jesus (See Part One for source with commentary reference).

1. Aal-e-`Imran Chapter 3 : Verse 60.

A. Here is a verse in the Quran that says the case of Jesus with Allah is like the case of Adam.

B. The Commentary: It says that “Jesus is thus declared to be like other mortals who have all been created from dust (40:68), and so there can be no Divinity about him.”

2. Al-Nisa’ Chapter 4: Verse 172.

A. This verse in the Quran that says the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a Messenger of Allah.

B. The Commentary: Here the Commentary states that the words of verse 172 actually exonerate Jesus from foul charges and do not deify him. It states that the Quran lends no support whatsoever to the absurd and unfounded view that Jesus was anything higher than a human being — claiming He was human and of the earth yet a Messenger of God. But there’s more — it says the verse refers to the three alleged persons of the Trinity, i.e. the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost and condemns Trinity, declaring Allah alone to be the one true God; and the Messiah and the Holy Spirit as only the servants of God and in no way shares in Godhead.

C. POINT: Bear in mind that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, was the member of the Godhead the Father sent in Christ’s name who taught the apostles all things, brought to their remembrance all Jesus spoke, guided them into all the truth and testified about Christ (cf. John 14:17,26; 15:26; 16:13). Bear in mind also that the words Christ spoke about Himself were the Father’s words — He said so in John 14:24 “...the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me” (cf. Jo. 14:10, 24; Jo. 12:49-50). Bear in mind, now, that the Holy Spirit whom the Father sent in Christ’s name taught the Apostles all truth (Jo. 16:13). The Holy Spirit took the word the Father gave to Christ and being sent by the Father and Christ gave it by inspiration to the Apostles! (Jo. 14:26; 15:26-27). This is repeated in John 17:8,14 and 18 where Jesus said that He sent the apostles into the world to preach this word! Bear in mind that the written message of the New Testament is the inspired word given by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16-17, 1:13; I Cor. 14:37).

Bearing these truths in mind realize that Jesus claimed He was God and His words were the Father’s and that claim is written by the inspired apostles in the New Testament scriptures!

D. POINT: It is as easy for Islam to do away with what the Holy Spirit revealed from the Father in the New Testament as it is for them to deny Jesus is God!

II. Jesus Received Worship because He was God:

A. Islam teaches that Jesus was a messenger and servant. The New Testament teaches that you must not worship those who are “only” messengers and servants of God!

B. Christ was called “Jesus” because He is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind being God incarnate (Matt. 1:21). His name is Emmanuel which being interpreted is, God with us (Matt. 1:23). How many times must it be said for some to believe!

C. Jesus said to worship only God: “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matt. 4:10).

D. Jesus accepted worship because He was God:

1. “And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean” (Matt. 8:2).

2. Jesus allowed the blind man whom He had healed to practice the words (both His and the Father’s) He spoke in Matt. 4:10 (cf. Jo. 9:35-38). His works were the Father’s (Jo. 14:10-11).

3. When Jesus stilled the wind after He and Peter got into the boat the disciples worshipped Him: “Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of

a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matt. 14:33).

4. After He was raised from the dead Thomas testified: “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God” (Jo. 20:28).

5. Jesus did NOT say what Peter did: “And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up;

I myself also am a man” (Acts 10:25-26).

6. Jesus did NOT say what a mere “servant” said: “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev. 19:10).

(To Be Continued)

By Bob Lovelace

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To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Truth In Print Vol. 17 Issue 2, March 2011

A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)

Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Quran On Jesus, Part Four

The purpose of this series is to show that Islam denies the fundamentals of the Gospel of Christ, the New Testament. You may be interested in reading each article — the articles will be posted on line as each is completed at http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/QuranonJesus.htm .

This lesson will continue in the same vein of showing that Muslims do not believe what the Bible teaches about the existence and death of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

To give emphasis to the points to be made in this part, Part Four, here is another short newspaper article which ran recently in the Yuma Sun. These articles contain many of main points in this series and are posted a the below link:

Christianity Is Not Islam #4

(The Significance of the Birth of Jesus)

No one should disregard or deny the “intolerance” of radical Muslims for those not believing in Islam. This is why such intolerance must be kept out of America. The truth is that Muslims themselves deny the basic principles of Christianity. Thus, they can in turn live civilly with Christians stating that they do not believe in Muhammad or Islam.

The plan in eternity that predetermined Jesus’ death (cf. Acts 2:22-24) also produced His birth (cf. Matt. 1:18-25; Gal. 4:4-5; Eph. 3:1-12; Phil. 2:5-11). Though most Muslims believe His birth was miraculous they see Him as just a man and a prophet. Jesus’ birth is said by some to be a warning that prophet hood, according to God’s covenant they say with Abraham, was transferred from Israel to the house of Ishmael. The Bible teaches it is “in Christ Jesus” that the blessing of Abraham comes to the Gentiles as well as the Jews (cf. Gal. 3:14). There is no covenant with Abraham in the Bible whereby through Ishmael one would give a law that supersedes Christ’s law, the New Testament, and the fulfillment of the Seed Promise to Abraham (cf. Jude 3). The Seed Promise was by Abraham through Isaac and the descendants of Jacob including David: cf. Gen. 3:15; Gen. 12:3, 22:18; Gen. 26:4; Gen. 28:14; Matt. 1:1-17. It was “in Christ Jesus” that the blessing of Abraham came to all men (Gal. 3:8-9, 13-16, 22, 26-29). His blood is that of the New Covenant --- the Gospel is God’s power unto salvation for all (Matt. 26:28; Mk. 16:15-16; Rom. 1:16-17). These articles at:

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/christianitynotislam.htm .

The Seed Promise

Christians can say with great boldness that the birth of Christ the Savior was not a warning or a sign to signify a transfer of prophet hood, as Muslims say, from Israel to the house of Ishmael. This is ridiculous according to the Bible and all so obvious that Islam must make this switch to sustain the Quran. To sustain the Quran they must quickly get away from Jesus and His testament! As stated in the above article, the plan in eternity that predetermined Jesus’ death (cf. Acts 2:22-24) also produced His birth (cf. Matt. 1:18-25; Gal. 4:4-5; Eph. 3:1-12; Phil. 2:5-11). The claim of Muslims that God’s plan was that Jesus should not die on the cross was clearly refuted in “Part Two.” Moreover, the Bible does not teach that God made a covenant with Abraham that one from the house of Ishmael would bring a law (teaching) that supersedes the New Testament, Christ’s law.

The Bible teaches it is “in Christ Jesus” that the blessing of Abraham comes to the Gentiles as well as the Jews (Gal. 3:13-14). Everyone knows Jesus was not from Ishmael! That blessing refers to the fulfillment of the Seed promise made to Abraham and passed on through Isaac. Christ offering redemption through His own sacrifice and an eternal inheritance is the theme of the Bible:

1. In Gen. 3:15 we see dimly that promise as the Lord speaks of the enmity He would put between Satan and his seed and the seed of woman — the Savior was not called the seed of man here, thus a prophecy of the virgin birth! (Cf. Matt. 1:21-22). See the points in “Part Two” under “Islam Claims That Jesus Was Like Adam.”

2. To Abraham: Gen 12:3 “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

3. To Abraham: Gen 22:18 “And in thy seed

shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

because thou hast obeyed my voice.”

4. To Isaac: Gen 26:4 “And I will make thy

seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and

will give unto thy seed all these countries; and

in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be

blessed;”

5. To Jacob and his descendants: Gen 28:14

“And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth,

and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and

to the east, and to the north, and to the south:

and in thee and in thy seed shall all the fami

lies of the earth be blessed.”

6. The son of David: The genealogy of Christ from Abraham to Joseph ~

“¹ The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. ² Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; ³ And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; ⁴ And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; ⁵ And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; ⁶ And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; ⁷ And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; …¹² And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; …¹⁵ And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; ¹⁶ And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. ¹⁷ So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations” (cf. Matt. 1:1-17).

The Blessing of Abraham Comes On Both the Jews And the Gentiles through Jesus Christ

Paul said this as he spoke of faith in Christ and His crucifixion and those who are the children of Abraham (Gal. 3:1):

Gal 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are

of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God

would justify the heathen through faith,

preached before the gospel unto Abraham,

saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Gal 3:9 So then they which be of faith are

blessed with faithful Abraham. ...

Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the

curse of the law, being made a curse for us:

for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might

come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ;

that we might receive the promise of the Spirit

through faith.

Gal 3:15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men;

Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed,

no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were

the promises made. He saith not, And to

seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy

seed, which is Christ. ...

Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all

under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus

Christ might be given to them that believe.

All Who Are Baptized Into Christ Are Abraham’s Seed

And Heirs According To The Promise

“ ²⁶ For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:26-29).

Jesus’ Commission Given To The Apostles Declares the Necessity of Obedience

To the Gospel To Obtain Salvation In Christ Jesus

“¹⁵ And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ¹⁶ He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16). Compare this with Gal. 3:26-29 just above.

(To Be Continued)

The Truth In Print Vol. 17 Issue 3, April 2011

A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)

Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Quran On Jesus, Part Five

The purpose of this series is to show that Islam denies the fundamentals of the Gospel of Christ, the New Testament. You may be interested in reading each article —the articles will be posted on line as each is completed at:

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/QuranonJesus.htm .

You may also want to read the newspaper articles that coincide with this series at:

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/christianitynotislam.htm .

The Kingdom of Christ

When one considers the vast differences between what the Bible says about our Lord Jesus Christ and what Islam teaches about Him there is but one conclusion —— Islam is a religion that simply misses the whole of God’s plan from eternity of eternal redemption for mankind through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His resurrection, ascension and present reign at the right hand of the Father. I will devote this article to the eternal plan of redemption through Christ. Here again are applicable points from Part Two:

“2. Christ took the body that was prepared for Him when He came into the world (Heb. 10:5):

“ ⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:5-8).”

“4. The reason Christ came from heaven and took that body was to do the Father’s will as stated:

“ ⁴ For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. ⁵ Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou

wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: ⁶ In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. ⁷ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is

written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Heb. 10:4-7).”

“5. Through His own sacrifice upon the Cross He obtained eternal Redemption:

“6. In Jesus we have redemption and He is the propitiation for mans’ sin:

(1Jo. 2:2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

(1Jo 4:10) Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

By God’s will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all! (cf. Heb. 10:7-10).

Jesus Preached the kingdom Was Near

Having come into the world here is the message Jesus preached: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (cf. Mark 1:14-

15). He stated that there would be some who were listening to His present teaching who would not die until they had seen the kingdom of God come with power (cf. Mk. 9:1). It

was not long after wards that the kingdom came on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.

Jesus Told Pilate That His Kingdom Was Not of This World

When asked if He was the king of the Jews He replied in the affirmative, just as when asked if He was the Son of God, and explained to Pilate that His kingdom was not of

this world (cf. John 18:33-37; Lk. 23:3; Mk. 15:2; Matt. 27:11; Lk. 22:70). He was not defeated when He said if His kingdom was of this world then His servants would fight so

that He would not be delivered up to die. He was allowing what had been planned — His blood shed as the Lamb of God to redeem man from sin (cf. John 1:29; I Pet. 1:18-

23; Titus 2:14).

Jesus Ascended To the Right Hand of the Father Being Both Lord And Christ

Following His resurrection and a period of some forty days of speaking of things concerning the kingdom of God, Jesus ascended to be seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven being both Lord and Christ (cf. Acts 1:3-9, 2:29-36). That is how Peter preached Christ on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts chapter two. He is our King and high priest who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, not man (Heb. 8:1-2). He belongs with that greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not of this creation — He entered it “once for all having obtained eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:11-12). For this reason he is the mediator of a New Covenant (Heb. 9:15). Having been “once offered to bear the sins of many” He will appear a second time — a time that follows the time when He was once offered — for salvation to those who wait for Him (Heb. 9:27-28). He is not coming back to this earth — He will reign there in the eternal tabernacle until He comes at the end of the world (2 Pet. 3:10-13). The last enemy to be destroyed is death at His coming (I Cor. 15:24-26).

The Beginning of the Church of Christ, Acts 2

The kingdom came with power just as Jesus had promised on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2:1-4. The apostles on that day, being inspired by the Holy Spirit, began their work of fulfilling the commission Jesus gave them. They were to preach the Gospel to all the world (Mk. 16:15-16; Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).

Upon hearing the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost the people asked what to do to be saved. They received this answer: “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. ...⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (cf. Acts 2:37-41).

Christians Have Been Translated Out of the Power of Darkness and into the Kingdom

Referring to the Father’s will Paul said, ^“12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: ¹³ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: ¹⁴ In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” (Col. 1:12-14). Those belonging to the church of Christ were in the kingdom of Christ. They entered Christ’s kingdom when buried with Him in baptism: “¹⁰ And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: ¹¹ In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: ¹² Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Col. 2:10-12).

All Baptized Into Christ Are Abraham’s Seed and Heirs According to The Promise

The church Christ built was no afterthought being part of God’s eternal plan of redemption (cf. Matt. 16:18; Eph. 3:8-12). Hear Paul, “ ²⁶ For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. ^{29” And} if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:26-29). The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation for all men (Rom. 1:16-17). Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

By Bob Lovelace

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To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Truth In Print Vol. 17 Issue 4, May 2011

A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)

Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Quran On Jesus, Part Six

The Islamic Messiah or Madhi

Many points made in this article correlate with the recent “The Quran on Jesus” series completed in April, 2011. The link to that series is http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/QuranonJesus.htm . The below is one of our recent newspaper articles that relates to the series mentioned as well as this particular study. By now, hopefully, many have heard about the Islamic goal of imposing their religion upon the West:

Christianity Is Not Islam #6

(The Reign and Kingdom of Christ)

An earthly concept of world dominion by an Islamic messiah was introduced to unknowing Americans via “The Coming is Near” video. This shared video, said to be Iranian in nature, was used by a CBN terrorist analyst to present a “last days” Muslim belief. Supposedly Middle East unrest signals that the mahdi or Islamic messiah is about to appear --- this messiah “figure” is supposed to lead the armies of Islam to victory over all non-Muslims in the last days --- the mahdi will one day soon rule the world from Iraq. Iran, it says, is the power in the last days that will help defeat America and Israel. The goal of imposing Islam upon and ruling the West is clear. Encyclopedia Britannica states that the mahdi in Islamic eschatology is a messianic deliverer who will fill the Earth with justice and equity, restore true religion, and usher in a short golden age lasting seven, eight, or nine years before the end of the world. It says Mahdist beliefs form a necessary part of Shii doctrine. It also points out that the title has already been claimed by men in past times of social upheaval in Islamic societies.

World dominion eschatological beliefs are nothing new elsewhere i.e. outside of Islam. The false doctrine of Premillennialism teaches Christ comes back to the earth to reign from a new Temple from Jerusalem. However, Jesus Christ now rules from Heaven over all things (cf. Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:36; Eph. 1:18-21). He belongs not with the earthly, but the true tabernacle in Heaven which the Lord pitched not man (Heb. 1:3; 8:1-2). These articles at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/christianitynotislam.htm .

The Madhi

The following article shows that the Madhi “is seen as a restorer of the political power and religious purity of Islam.” Since there is emphasis in this article concerning Shii particularly, one might keep in mind the division of the East Muslim countries as regards Shii and Sunni — countries with the majority being Shii include Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Lebanon, Iraq and Iran. This might put the objective of the said Iranian propaganda video in a greater light.

Article from the Encyclopedia Britannica:

mahdī

mahdī, (Arabic: “divinely guided one”), in Islāmic eschatology, a messianic deliverer who will fill the Earth with justice and equity, restore true religion, and usher in a short golden age lasting seven, eight, or nine years before the end of the world. The Qurʾān (Islāmic sacred scriptures) does not mention him, and almost no reliable ḥadīth (saying attributed to the Prophet Muḥammad) concerning the mahdī can be adduced. Many orthodox Sunnī theologians accordingly question Mahdist beliefs, but such beliefs form a necessary part of Shīʿī doctrine.

The doctrine of the mahdī seems to have gained currency during the confusion and insecurity of the religious and political upheavals of early Islām (7th and 8th centuries). In 686, al-Mukhtār ibn Abū ʿUbayd at-Thaqafī, leader of a revolt of non-Arab Muslims in Iraq, seems to have first used the doctrine by maintaining his allegiance to a son of ʿAlī (Muḥammad’s son-in-law and fourth caliph), Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥanafīyah, even after al-Ḥanafīyah’s death. Abū ʿUbayd taught that, as mahdī, al-Ḥanafīyah remained alive in his tomb in a state of occultation (ghaybah) and would reappear to vanquish his enemies. In 750 the ʿAbbāsid revolution made use of eschatological prophecies current at the time that the mahdī would rise in Khorāsān in the east, carrying a black banner.

Belief in the mahdī has tended to receive new emphasis in every time of crisis. Thus, after the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212), when most of Spain was lost for Islām, Spanish Muslims circulated traditions ascribed to the Prophet foretelling a reconquest of Spain by the mahdī. During the Napoleonic invasion of Egypt, a person claiming to be the mahdī appeared briefly in Lower Egypt.

Because the mahdī is seen as a restorer of the political power and religious purity of Islām, the title has tended to be claimed by social revolutionaries in Islāmic society. North Africa in particular has seen a number of self-styled mahdīs, most important of these being ʿUbayd Allāh, founder of the Fāṭimid dynasty (909); Muḥammad ibn Tūmart, founder of the Almohad movement in Morocco in the 12th century; and Muḥammad Aḥmad, the mahdī of the Sudan who, in 1881, revolted against the Egyptian administration. (mahdī. (2011). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/358096/mahdi)

The Things that are Civil

“And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him” (Mk. 12:17).

Problems come when a “religion” is imposed as a “civil law” of the people —as an example the Jewish Council flogged the apostles of Christ and ordered them not to speak in the name of Christ! (Acts 5:40). There were christians who served as soldiers such as Cornelius the Centurion (Acts 10). The Roman army did not enforce his religion in Christ. His religion in Christ was not the Roman Army. Obedience to civil law wherein it does not contradict one’s obedience to Christ’s law is what the New Testament teaches (cf. Acts Rom. 13:1-7; I Pet. 2:7). In such one can clearly see the separation of church and state.

The more you learn about the persecution of non-Muslims in Muslim countries and their being driven out and fleeing elsewhere, and it is currently happening, you can only imagine the outcome of restoring true religion with their Sharia justice and equity.

We’ve heard enough haven’t we about death for blasphemy and apostasy? Picture speaking against such as committing the sin (crime) of apostasy, then being arrested or killed by murderers full of hate. Furthermore a plurality of legal systems with some based on “religious laws” with “religious police” tactics would be the destruction of our republic’s guarantee of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!

The Things that are of Christ’s Kingdom

Christ is our Lord — supreme allegiance belongs to Him —“We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29 ). Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world: “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (Jo. 18:36-37). Thus He is King of kings: cf. Dn. 2:44; Dn. 7:14; Matt. 21:5; Lk. 17:21; Rom. 14:17; Col. 1:12-14; Rev. 17:14; 19:16.

The Lord Jesus Christ was given all authority in heaven and on earth — He is over all (Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 1:18-23; Col. 1:15-20). He Reigns from Heaven — He finished the work the Father gave Him to do here on earth: John 17:1-5; Acts 2:29-36; Heb. 1:1-3,8; Heb. 8:1-2, 9:28.

Christians don’t impose Christ upon others or convert with the Sword of warfare! They teach His law the New Testament (Heb. 8:8-13; I Cor. 9:21; Ja. 1:25). The Gospel is for all the world thus one can hear it and obey it anywhere in the world, regardless of the country they reside in (Mk.16:15-16; Rom. 1:16-17).

Get this! There is no national (nation’s) boundary for Christ’s kingdom.

Last days or “end time” speculations are full of error and teach earthly materialistic reigns and world dominions not found in the New Testament.

By Bob Lovelace

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To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Truth In Print Vol. 17 Issue 5, June 2011

A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)

Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

The Quran On Jesus, Part Seven (Jesus’ Present Reign & Kingdom)

This month’s publication as well as May’s is included in “The Quran On Jesus” Series post on line at http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/QuranonJesus.htm . One objective in this series is that people might learn more truth about the Kingdom of Christ. In May’s publication concerning the Islamic messiah figure, the Madhi, I stated that last days or “end time” speculations are full of error —— the recent exposure of the Harold Camping blunder about May 21 being the beginning of the so called rapture, only to culminate with the end of the world in October, is yet another example “end time” speculation but of a different source. Hundreds of thousands in this country, and more, continue to be deceived by various “rapture” falsehoods. For a better understanding of the Kingdom of Christ one may wish to read “The Quran On Jesus, Part Five” in this series.

Here again is one of our recent newspaper articles in the series “Christianity Is Not Islam” which correlates with this study.

Christianity Is Not Islam #7

(Jesus’ Present Kingdom and Reign)

Christ’s reign is not like the supposed earthly reign – world dominion rule – of the recently predicted Islamic messiah figure, the Madhi ruling from Iraq. Jesus now rules from Heaven over all things (cf. Jo. 18:36; Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 1:18-21). He belongs with the true tabernacle in Heaven which the Lord pitched not man (Heb. 1:3; 8:1-2). Consider these fundamentals:

1. The Kingdom has come. At baptism Christians are delivered out of darkness and translated “into the kingdom” of God’s Son (Acts 2:38; Col. 1:13, 2:9-12).

2. The Second Coming of Christ follows. Hebrews 9:27-28 teaches Jesus will come “a second time” meaning “a second time” which follows His having come the first time when He offered Himself. This is the “end” of Christ’s reign not the beginning! (I Cor. 15:23-24).

3. The Resurrection Day is the Day of His Second Coming. Those who are fallen asleep in Christ will rise first and come with Christ (I Thess. 4:13-16). Christians who are alive on earth will meet the Lord in the air – not on earth-- and so shall we ever be with Him (I Thess. 4:17-18).

4. The Judgment Day is the Resurrection Day. All in the graves come forth (John 5:28-29). “All” the nations are gathered before Him for judgment when He comes (Matt. 24:31-36). Those on His left hand go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life (Matt. 25:46).

5. The Resurrection Day is also the End of the Word -- the day the heavens will pass away and the elements will be destroyed, and the earth and its works will be burned up (2 Pet. 3:10-13).

These articles at: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/christianitynotislam.htm .

The Kingdom Has Come

Here is what is wrong with so many today who say they read their Bible: they simply will not admit to themselves that the Kingdom of Christ has come! Jesus came preaching, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (cf. Mark 1:14-15). He stated that there would be some who were listening to His present teaching who would not die until they had seen the kingdom of God come with power (cf. Mk. 9:1).

He said His kingdom is not of this world (cf. Jo. 18:36). It was not long afterwards that the kingdom came on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. John said he was in the Kingdom (Rev. 1:9). Paul said that christians had been translated out of the power of darkness and into the kingdom of Christ in Col. 1:13. Jesus now rules from Heaven over all things (Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 1:18-21). He belongs with the true tabernacle in Heaven which the Lord pitched not man (Heb. 1:3; 8:1-2). Review the points in Part Five, “Jesus Ascended to the Right Hand of the Father being both Lord and Christ.” This is what Peter preached on Pentecost recorded in Acts 2 — the beginning of the church.

The Second Coming of Christ Is What Is

Coming Next In Point of Time

This is what many do not understand. See point number 2 in the newspaper article included here. The false “Rapture” theorists have misled hundreds of thousands and more into believing that an unseen coming for only those supposed to raptured is next in point of time — they are wrong! Look at this statement:

Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

It says Jesus will come “a second time” —meaning “a second time” which follows His having come the first time when He offered Himself. No one knows the day He will come (Matt. 24:36). The Day of Lord will come as a thief in the night (I Thes. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10). Moreover, when He comes death will be no more and that is the “end” of His reign not the beginning of some earthly reign from a new temple in Jerusalem! Hear Paul:

1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

1Co 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

1Co 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

The Second Coming Is The Resurrection Day

Again, what is so misunderstood is that this day, His second coming, is the resurrection day for “all” of mankind! Those who are fallen asleep in Christ will rise first and come with Christ (I Thess. 4:13-16). Christians who are alive on earth will meet the Lord in the air – not on earth-- and so shall we ever be with Him (I Thess. 4:17-18). But I Thess. 4:13-18 by no means excludes the rest of mankind on that day when He comes. The comfort (vs. 18) offered in I Thess. 4 is that christians who are alive will be caught up “together” with those who have died in Christ Jesus — and meet the Lord in the air on that Day. This does no exclude the wicked from the events of this Day — reading right on in I Thess. 5:1-6 the scriptures continue with this very doctrine of the day of the Lord coming as a thief in the night (I Thes. 5:2). And it says that while the wicked are saying “Peace and safety!” then destruction comes upon them and they will not escape (I Thess. 5:3). The wicked it says are in darkness and are overtaken on that Day! (I Thess. 5:4). There is no separation between the judgment of those in darkness and christians on that Day (Matt. 24:31-36).

The Judgment Day Is The Resurrection Day

Again, what is so misunderstood is that this Day, His Second Coming, is the Resurrection Day for “all” mankind and the Judgment Day for all —

as Jesus taught in John 5:28-29 and Matt. 24:31-36. Jesus said:

Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Thus “all” the nations are gathered before Him for judgment when He comes (Matt. 24:31-36). Those on His left hand go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life (Matt. 25:46).

The Resurrection Day Is the End Of The World

What people have failed miserably in doing is connecting these properly because of the influence of false teachers who desire a physical earthly reign of Christ from another temple in Jerusalem. These teachers will pay for their deception!

The Second Coming of Christ is the Resurrection Day which is the Judgment Day for all, which is the End of the world -- the day the heavens will pass away and the elements will be destroyed, and the earth and its works will be burned up (2 Pet. 3:10-13).

By Bob Lovelace

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To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

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