Podcasts about god's messengers

Seventeen books of the Bible. Over 400 years of history. Yes, reading the Old Testament prophets may be intimidating, but they are absolutely essential to the Whole Story of the Bible. In this episode, we discuss the role, work, and basic message of the prophets - and how they point us to Jesus as the world's greatest and final Messenger.      Music Credits  Intro - "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  Outro - "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock (from Sight of the Stars) 

A Sermon by Rev. Kate Colussy-Estes on Luke 1:39-55.December 13, 2020

A Sermon by Rev. Kate Colussy-Estes on Matthew 1:18-24 and Luke 1:26-38.December 6, 2020

A Sermon by Rev. Kate Colussy-Estes on Isaiah 6:1-4 and Isaiah 40:1-11.November 29, 2020

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (15) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/25/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 10 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (13) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/23/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (14) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/24/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (14) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/24/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (13) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/23/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (14) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/24/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (14) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/24/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (9) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/18/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (12) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/21/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (12) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/21/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (12) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/21/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (11) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/20/2020 Bible: Hosea 10:12-15; Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (12) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/21/2020 Bible: Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (11) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/20/2020 Bible: Hosea 10:12-15; Jonah 4 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (7) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/16/2020 Bible: Jonah 3 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (8) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/17/2020 Bible: Jonah 3; Jonah 3:9 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (4) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/12/2020 Bible: Jonah 2 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (2) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Teaching Date: 11/10/2020 Bible: Jonah 1; Jonah 2 Length: 8 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (1) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Teaching Date: 11/9/2020 Bible: Jonah 1; Jonah 2 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (2) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Teaching Date: 11/10/2020 Bible: Jonah 1; Jonah 2 Length: 8 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (5) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/13/2020 Bible: Jonah 2 Length: 9 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Pastor Nick Holden is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jonah (6) — God's Messengers Running Away — with God's Message Subtitle: Jonah Speaker: Nick Holden Broadcaster: Pastor Nick Holden Event: Devotional Date: 11/14/2020 Bible: Jonah 2 Length: 8 min.

What are angels? For many people, the word prompts images of glowing, winged, female-type creatures who enlighten, nurture, and guide people here on earth. Some believe them to be spirit guides or benefactors, while others see them as mere protectors. Many people believe that they can be summoned or beckoned at the will of humans, while others do not believe in their existence at all. But, what does the Bible say that they are? Envision around you, day and night, a valiant, thriving battle between good and evil, raging within a shrouded jurisdiction. This army surrounds you each step you take, intervenes on your behalf, and wages spiritual warfare when the human soul is at stake. Angels are the servants of the Almighty God: His messengers, agents of His will, and silent guardians who keep watch when you think you are alone. In Encounters, myths regarding these beings are dispelled, their strength is revealed, their mission disclosed, and unanswered questions finally addressed according to Scripture. In Encounters, you will read: Stories of angelic intervention as told by those who experienced it  How misconceptions regarding these beings came to be, and how the early church unintentionally propagated the myth that these creatures are weakHow the plight of Joan of Arc impacts your views of angelsAnswers to lingering questions such as whether holy angels can default from God s army, have wings, or read our mindsThe biblical answers to tough questions such as whether we should attempt to beckon angels to carry out our requests, communicate with them, or seek them out as spirit guides  

Each day receive a Psalm or Proverbs, New Testament and Old Testament reading plus amazing commentary from Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of Alpha International, to walk you through each day’s scriptures.

The Branch Christian Church

The Branch Christian Church

Lead Pastor, Steve Atkins on Sunday, January 19, 2020 Part 15 in our series through the Bible using THE STORY

From the series, "The Story." This week we looked at the prophet Amos' charge to the Israelites to not just be religious, but to love God.

Are you listening to God’s Messengers? He sends many, then sends his Son. There’s a ton in here that’s amazing and we want you to read the Bible, so we’re leaving a breadcrumb trail to four prophets, Elijah, Elisha, Hosea and Amos. God’s Messengers always point us to Him. “The Story” sermon series continues. You can always text your questions to 248-274-4676. We’ll answer them in our Facebook Live at 2pm on Sundays.

4th Sunday After Epiphany / February 3, 2019 / Pastor Timothy Schwartz Service Folders

February 3, 2019 - Chris Little - The Story Part 15 - God's Messengers by IPC Sermon Podcast

The Story #15

Joey & Voice Guy, 4 Living Creatures, Little Pills, God's Messengers

Rev. Heather Lucas preaches on listening to God's messengers in your own life, and in what has been planted in you by God. Scripture is Jeremiah 1:4-10; 7:1-11

04-27-2014 The Story - God's Messengers - by Mark Garrett

How would one know the role and life purpose of existence unless one receives clear and practical instructions of what God wants and expects of him or her? Here comes the need for Prophethood. Thus, God has sent thousands of Prophets and Messengers to humankind. Every nation on Earth received a Prophet. God states in the Quran:   "And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship Allah and shun False Gods, and among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So, proceed through the Earth and observe how was the end of the deniers" (16:36)   They all preached the same general message that there is only one deity worthy of worship. He is the One and Only God, without a partner, son, daughter, or equal. All other gods are false and are only creations of God and not the actual Creator. All the Prophets and Messengers came with the same purpose, to lead humanity to God. Muslims believe that God communicates His guidance through human Prophets. Belief in the prophets who God relayed His Message to humanity is a required article of the Islamic faith. God states:   "The Prophet (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers.  Each one believes in God, His Angels, His Books, and His prophets.  (They say,) 'We make no distinction between one another of His prophets..." (Quran 2:285)   The Prophets seek nothing for their personal interest in this world. Instead, they seek things for the public interest by warning their people against what may harm them. God sent Prophets to humanity for several reasons, for instance, to guide humanity from worshipping created beings and to worship their Creator, the Creator of all things. The Prophets came to guide humankind to build a relationship with their Creator, to know Him and to love Him. The Prophets taught humanity that life is only a test where the successful will enter Heaven eternally, and the unsuccessful will enter the hellfire. Prophets and Messengers were sent to teach humanity about righteousness, morals, ethics, and how to purify their souls from evil.   They were also sent to teach about the unseen world which exists beyond our ordinary senses and physical universe, such as the existence of the Angels. God sent Prophets and Messengers to stand as witnesses on the Day of Judgement to the ones that will claim they never heard the message.   Muslims believe, respect, honor, and love all Prophets and Messengers of God, starting with Prophet Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Jacob, Moses, and Prophet Jesus peace be upon them all, all who invited people to worship God and shun false gods. Muslims believe in many of the Prophets found in Jewish and Christian traditions.   Muslims also believe in God's final Testament to man, which was revealed to the last and final Prophet; Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, who was sent to the last and final nation, our nation. God states in the Quran:   "Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but he is the Messenger of God and the last of the prophets" (Quran 33:40)   Out of the Infinite Mercy and Love of God, God continued to send Prophets and Revelations to guide humanity. Each Prophet and Book was sent down to different nations and people. There were over one hundred thousand Prophets and Messengers sent to all of humanity, to all nations and races, in all corners of the world. Some Prophets were superior to others. The best among them were Prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Prophet Muhammad peace be upon them. God states:   Islam states, all the previous Prophets and Books other than the Holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad were sent down only for a particular nation and a specific group of people and were only meant to be followed for a particular period. For example, Muslims believe Prophet Jesus peace be upon him was one of God's mightiest messengers of God who was sent down with the same general Message of all the previous Prophets but was only sent to the Children of Israel as their final Prophet because they were veering away from the laws and disobeying the commandments of God. Prophet Jesus’ mission was to confirm the Torah that was previously sent, to make certain lawful things that were previously unlawful to ease their lives and to proclaim and re-affirm the belief in One God. Prophet Jesus peace be upon him was not meant for the non-Israelites.   God states in his final Revelation in the Holy Quran that He would teach Prophet Jesus peace be upon him the Torah, the Gospel, and the Wisdom.   "And He will teach him writing and Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel" (Quran 3:48)   To spread his message to the Israelites, Prophet Jesus peace be upon him was taught the Torah, and he was provided with his own Revelation from God, the Gospel (Injeel). God also bestowed Prophet Jesus peace be upon him with the ability to guide and influence his people with signs and miracles to prove he was sent down by God. The miracles were proof he wasn't an imposter. All the wonders and miracles that were granted by Prophet Jesus or any Prophet of God is only done with the permission and power of God and are usually in the field in which his people excel and are recognized as superior at the time and place of the Prophet.   People of later generations disoriented all the earlier Revelations of God. As a result, pure Revelation from God was polluted with myths, words of men, superstitions, irrational philosophical ideologies, and idol worship. The religion of God was lost in a plethora of religions.   Later, when humanity was in the depth of dark ages, God the Almighty sent his last and final Messenger Prophet Muhamad and his final Revelation, the Holy Koran, to redeem humanity. The Koran and the final Messenger peace be upon him affirmed everything that was revealed to all the previous messengers in the past.   Since past Revelations were meant for past nations, The Holy Qur’an and the way of Prophet Muhammad abrogates all the previous laws. By the Wisdom of God, He did not allow the teachings of the earlier prophets to remain preserved in an entirely undistorted manner. There will be no Prophet, or Book after The Holy Koran and Prophet Mohamad peace be upon him. Prophet Mohamad was not only sent down to the Arabs or Muslims, rather was sent down for all of humanity till the end of time. The Quran states:   "And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a bringer of glad tidings and a warner unto all humanity, but most people know not" (Quran 34:28)   God chose the best among humanity to deliver His Message. Prophethood is not earned or acquired thru certain practices or higher education. God chooses whom He pleases and thinks would be the best fit for this purpose. The Prophets and Messengers were best in morals and manners and were mentally and physically fit for the task and were protected by God from falling into major sins. The Prophets were the best in their community morally and intellectually so they can serve as good role models for their followers. Their personality was one that attracted people to accept their Message rather than drive people away. They did not err nor commit mistakes in delivering the Message. All of God's messengers preached the same general Message. They preached there is Only One God; one should love Him with All his heart, Worship Him to his or her best ability & praise Him and Follow His Laws.   The Prophet's Messages came with glad tidings and a warning. The glad tidings were for those who believe informing them that their past sins will be forgiven, and a generous reward of Paradise will be awarded to them. The warning is for those who disbelieve informing them that if they continue their evil ways, their final destination will be the hellfire. The Quran states:   "Verily! We have sent you with the truth, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner. And there never was a nation, but a warner had passed among them" (Quran 35:24)   and the Quran also states:   "Verily, those who fear their Lord unseen, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward" (Quran 67:12)   Prophet Muhammed was sent with a Message in the language of the people he was sent upon. So, they can easily understand the Message, apply it in their lives, and then convey it to others. If he had not carried the Message in their language, they would not have understood him. Since Prophet Muhammad was sent to the Arabs speaking plain Arabic, they had no excuse but to hear his message. God states in the Quran:   "And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning)" (Quran 17:15)   Prophet Muhamad's Message was certainly not limited to the people of his time. Instead, Prophet Muhammad was sent to all of humanity. This is stated repeatedly in the Qur'an. Whereas Prophet Muhammad was an Arab, only 4 of the 25 mentioned Prophets in the Holy Qur’an were Arabs. The Arab Prophets were Prophet Hud (Eber in English), Prophet Saleh, Prophet Shuaib (known in the Biblical literature as Jethro) and Prophet Muhammad peace be upon them. Prophet Muhammad is only mentioned four times in the Koran by name. The most mentioned Prophet in the Quran is Moses. Prophet Moses peace be upon him is mentioned in over 70 passages.   Prophet Moses was the most mentioned Prophet in the Quran because he was the most similar to Prophet Muhammad and his nation was the most similar to our nation so we could learn and benefit from their mistakes. In reading and learning what happened to the Israelites and their errors, our nation can avoid making the same mistakes they made. One-way God delivers his guidance to humanity is through giving examples of past nations, their stories, and their mistakes, so people now can benefit, not make the same mistakes, and live their lives accordingly. The Almighty states:   "There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Qur'an a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe" (Quran 12:111)   In each story mentioned in the Quran, there are many lessons. People went to extremes with the Prophets that were sent from God. Some Prophets were rejected and accused of being sorcerers, madmen, Forgers, Plagiarizers, Magicians, Poets, soothsayers, imposters, and liars, even though they came with miracles and Books beyond the power of humans, to prove they were sent from God. For instance, Prophet Jesus peace be upon him, son of Mary, was rejected by the Jews and they refused to consider him to be the Messenger they had been waiting for. The Jews rejected Prophet Jesus and Prophet Muhamad, even though their Book spoke about an upcoming Prophet that will come 'I will establish a Prophet for them from among their brothers, like you, and I will place My words in his mouth; and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him' (Devarim 18:18). This Prophet was no other than the Prophet Muhamad peace be upon him.   The Christians also rejected Prophet Muhamad. However, Muslims believe in all Prophets sent from God starting with Prophet Adam to the last and final Prophet, Prophet Muhamad. Muslims accept all Prophets and Messengers of God who brought guidance to humanity. However, the Revelations which the Prophets before Prophet Muhammad brought from God have been tampered with by men over the years. Since the Bible was sent down for a particular group of people and a particular period, God did not feel it fit to preserve the Bible. It is now mixed with words of men and contains hundreds of scientific errors which prove it's no longer in the same form as it once was when Prophet Jesus peace be upon him was present.   Since the Holy Quran is meant for all of humanity as a whole and is intended to eternity. God made sure he preserved it from being tampered with. The Quran is the only Book of God that remains untampered, untouched, whole, standing the same form as it came down over 1400 years ago. God states in the Quran:   "Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an, and indeed, We will be its guardian (guard it against corruption)" (Quran 15:9)   While some took the Prophets as a joke and rejected them, some, on the contrary, turned Prophets into gods by giving them divine powers or declared them to be children of God like with Prophet Jesus with the Christians. Prophets are to be loved and respected, but no form of worship is to be directed towards them nor are they to be treated as demi-gods or intermediaries between mankind and God. However, Christians appointed him to divine heights that he was not entitled to. Jesus' Message lasted in its original purity for some time. While the Israelites and the Roman authorities rejected his Message, there were a group of people that accepted and believed in his Message called his disciples. Soon after God elevated Prophets Jesus soul and body to Heaven.   The early devoted followers of Jesus tried to maintain the purity and clarity of his teachings; that he is only a Messenger of God. Jesus' Message lasted in its original purity for some time, but the Scripture he received was slowly altered and his original Message of the absolute Oneness of God. Soon later, in the next few centuries, different beliefs about Prophet Jesus developed amongst some early Christians. They claimed that he was divine, calling him the son of God, which eventually became the dominant Christian belief.   Six centuries after Jesus, God sent His last and final Messenger Muhammad to mankind with His final scripture, known as the Holy Quran. If Jesus claimed to be God then there would be many verses in the Bible which would have mentioned so, however, there is not a single verse in the entire Bible that states Jesus said 'I am God' or 'worship me' Furthermore the Bible itself calls Jesus a Prophet: "When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, Who is this? The crowds answered. This is Jesus, the Prophet from Nazareth in Galilee" (Matthew 21:10-11). How could Prophet Jesus be God and God's Prophet at the same time? That wouldn't make any logical sense. Jesus never claimed he was God, or he should be worshipped. Jesus never claimed divinity. All Prophets and Messengers were created human beings who had no divine attributes, power or any divine qualities of God. They were the best slaves of God that walked the Earth; who ate, drank, slept, and lived normal human lives.

All of God's Prophets came with miracles (signs of God's existence) to prove God sent them. Islam defines a miracle as an extraordinary act or event that go against the laws of nature and can only come about through the direct intervention and will of God. Miracles are not magic, which by definition are only tricks or illusions. Acts of Magic are evil acts performed with the help of devils. Prophets can only achieve miracles. They supported past Prophets as irrefutable evidence proving that their Prophethood was, in fact, a matter of truth. The Prophets were supported by miracles that their nations excelled in so the acts would be more convincing, understood, appreciated and identified by the people of that nation and not thought of just magic.   For instance, the people of Egypt excelled in magic and sorcery and felt they had reached the pinnacle of these evil acts as they often were in contact with Jinn (spirits) to play illusions on people. Thus, God provided Prophet Moses peace be upon him types of miracles that were related to illusions, such as the power to transform his staff into a snake right before his people. He was also able to strike the Nile with his rod to transform the river into blood and part the Red Sea. All meant to humble his people and remind that the power, control, and might of God is true and not just an illusion of the eyes.   Likewise, during the time of Prophet Jesus peace be upon him, the Romans pride themselves in their medicine, healing, cures, and best doctors on the land when medical science was at its height. Thus, God sent down Prophet Jesus peace be upon him with several miracles all coming from this nature which could not be justified by medical science. These miracles include the miraculous birth of Prophet Jesus of a virgin. Prophet Jesus could heal individuals with leprosy, cure the blind, and resurrect the dead all with the permission and will of God. The Almighty states:   "[The Day] when Allah will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit, and you spoke to the people in the cradle and maturity; and [remember] when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, "This is not but obvious magic" (Quran 5:110)   Past Prophets had miracles one can only see if they lived in that time to witness it. After the Prophets died, their miracles turned in to stories the following generations can only narrate and not witness. For instance, someone that witnessed Prophet Moses peace be upon him transform his staff into a snake or someone that saw Prophet Jesus peace be upon him give life to a dead person with the permission of God can only share it with his children, and his children can narrate it to their children, and so forth. However, for the generations that were not alive or present to witness the miracles, they became only stories to them. All previous miracles were limited to its time and place. However, for our nation, God has provided our Prophet, Muhammad peace be upon him with a miracle, the Holy Quran, to be witnessed by everyone for all the upcoming generations. The miracle is as convincing, persuasive, compelling, and relevant now as it was when it was first revealed 1400+ years ago. The Quran is a miracle for the eyes to see and the ears to hear. Since the Quran is the final Book for humanity, it had to outlive Prophet Muhamad peace be upon him, so it was audible.   In the time of Prophet Muhammad, the Arabs, although predominantly unlettered, were masters of the spoken word. They were people that excelled in the art of eloquence and knowledge. Their poetry and spoken word were considered a model of literary excellence and they valued spoken word and speech. Thus, God revealed to his final nation, the best and the most eloquent of all speeches, the Holy Quran which left the people of Prophet Muhamad peace be upon him, astounded in terms of eloquence and other terms. The Book was revealed to a Prophet who was unlettered, unable to read, write or calculate to prove to the people his Prophet was not the author. Billions of people since the advent of this miracle have witnessed it, believed in it because of its miraculous nature in terms of its style, content and spiritual uplifting.   The Holy Quran mentions recounted stories of previous nations that were sent down Prophets and Messengers to convey God's Message. But the people rejected, disobeyed, and denied the truth. God states:   "And nothing has prevented Us from sending signs except that the former peoples denied them..." (Quran 17:59)   Between Prophet Adam and Prophet Noah peace be upon them were ten centuries. Amongst the people of that period were righteous individuals that obeyed the laws taught by Prophet Adam and worshipped God accordingly. As time passed, people started to veer away from the remembrance of God. Certain righteous men amongst them would remind the people of their obligations to God. Later, the righteous men began to die, and Satan, the enemy of mankind, came whispering to the people who had looked up to these righteous individuals, putting thoughts into their minds in his sly, deceptive ways, inspiring the people to erect statues in their memory to remember to worship God. After these statutes were built across the land, Satan later came back to the people who had forgotten the reason these statues were constructed. Satan then suggested to the people to worship the statues directly. He told them that their forefathers had worshiped these statues. Out of these people's ignorance, idol worship started. Soon after, Allah sent Messengers after Messengers to guide people to the right path. God states in his Book:   "Satan has overcome them and made them forget the remembrance of Allah.  Those are the party of Satan. Unquestionably, the party of Satan - they will be the losers" (Quran 58:19)   God sent Prophet Noah peace be upon him to his people where he preached for 950 years, calling people to worship one God and follow his commandments, but only a few people believed in him. His people denied, mocked him and stated that he is nothing special but another human being amongst them. Prophet Noah peace be upon him agreed he was only human, but he was sent from God the Glorious with a clear warning. After the denial. God instructed Noah to build an ark.   "And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are [to be] drowned" (Quran 11:37)   As he was building the Ark, his people accuse him of being a madman for building a ship made of planks and nails on land, nowhere near any body of water. Soon, water started to gush from the Earth and fall from the sky; God instructed Noah to enter the Ark with the ones that believed in the Message. He also commanded Prophet Noah to take a male and female of every animal aboard. Then God caused a great flood where water gushed from every crack on the Earth, and rain fell from the skies like never before. Prophet Noah peace be upon him saw his son overwhelmed by the water, so he cried out to him, pleading him to board the Ark and to leave the non-believers to their fate. However, his son was thinking in terms of this worldly life and did not rely on the Trust and Word of God. He replied to his dad he would go to a mountain where the waves could not reach. Noah pleaded with his son saying:   "…There is no protector today from the decree of God, except for whom He gives mercy…" (Quran 11:43)   His son refused. God then stated:   "…O Earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold [your rain]." And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished, and the ship came to rest on the [mountain of] Judiyy. And it was said, "Away with the wrongdoing people" (Quran 11:44)   Soon, his son was drowned. He was drowned with the disbelievers and Noah's wife, who also disbelieved. The flood had cleansed the Earth of idol worshippers and disbelievers. Not a single person who had disbelieved in God remained on the Earth. The ship remains intact upon Judi right until today. An archeological study found the 500-foot long boat-shaped formation atop Mount Judi. God left it as a sign for mankind.   Prophet Hud (Eber in English) peace be upon him was sent to an ancient tribe called Ad who is believed to have been positioned in an area of curved sand hills of Oman and Yemen. They worshiped idols as gods which they believed would provide them happiness and wealth and protect them from evil, harm, and all catastrophes. The people of Prophet Hud were very tall, strong, and well built. They were arrogant people who would boast and tyrannize people with their large size. According to the Quran, they would say:   "Who is greater than us in strength?" (Quran 41:15)   They were known to build lofty towers; thus, the area became known as the land of a thousand pillars since God blessed them with fertile soil and abundant agriculture, many children, an ample supply of livestock and easy access to water resources. They mistakenly understood the purpose of life was to accumulate wealth, prestige, and live in luxury. Prophet Hud would command them to fear God and be righteous. According to the Holy Koran, Prophet Hud peace be upon him would say to his people:   "…O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. You are not but inventors [of falsehood]" (Quran 11:50) Their Prophet advised them to seek God's forgiveness for their heedlessness and arrogance and advised them that if they seek forgiveness, God will increase them in power, strength and wealth. According to the Quran, Prophet Hud would state:   "And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals" (Quran 11:52)   However, they proudly saw themselves as the most powerful nation in existence. They rejected their Prophet's Message believing that after death their bodies would decay to dust and be swept away by the wind. With their hearts and minds filled with the accumulation of this world, they would say to their Prophet: 'Why did God chose you when you do not differ from the rest of us, you eat and drink like the rest of us.'   Prophet Hud's people proudly stated: 'Have you come to turn us away from our gods? Then bring upon us the calamity with which you threaten us if you are telling the truth!' Prophet Hud peace be upon him turned to God the Almighty and renounced his people. Soon after, the people of Hud suffered through a three-year famine and a drought which spread throughout the once green, fertile and abundant land. The people looked to the sky hoping to see signs of rain. One fateful day the weather changed. The burning heat changed to furious violent winds which God the Almighty imposed on them, for seven nights and eight days. The winds ripped apart their homes, possessions, clothing and even the skin on their bodies. The sands of their desert swallowed and buried their crops. Only Prophet Hud and his small band of believers were saved and are believed to have migrated to the Hadhramaut area of what is today known as Southern Yemen. God states:   "Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with 'Aad - [With] Iram - who had lofty pillars, The likes of whom had never been created in the land?" (Quran 89:6-8)   God also speaks in the Quran of a nation where he sent one of his Messengers named Saleh peace be upon him. He was sent to a tribe called 'Thamud.' While many of the Prophets mentioned in the Quran are Prophets shared with Christianity and Judaism, thus their stories are mentioned in the Bible, Muslims additionally believe in all the past Messengers and Prophets of God. Prophet Saleh is not mentioned in the Bible today.   Similar to the people of Hud, the people of Prophet Saleh were also people that cultivated rich, prosperous, vibrant, fertile land, led excessive wealthy lives, built grand buildings, and had become vain because of their wealth. Regretfully, with their extravagant lifestyles came the worship of many gods, oppressing of the poor and living of a life which went against their Lord's commandments.   Prophet Saleh was a pious, righteous man who held a position of leadership in their community, but his call to worship God alone angered many of his people. Prophet Saleh's Message was like all the other Prophets; he warned his people to turn away from worshipping false gods and to follow the One God, Allah, who provided them all their substance. He advised them to thank their One True Creator and urged the rich to stop oppressing the poor and to end all mischief and evil in the land.   The people of Thamud gathered in the shadows of a high mountain where they demanded that Prophet Saleh peace be upon him to prove that the One God, he spoke of was truly Mighty and Strong. They asked him to perform a miracle; they challenged him to produce for them an incomparable she-camel out which must be ten months pregnant, tall and attractive which will emerge from the rock. Prophet Saleh asked them if a she-camel appeared would they then believe in his Message. They responded yes and prayed with Prophet Saleh for the miracle to emerge. By the power and will of God, a massive, pregnant she-camel emerged from the rocks at the bottom of the mountain. They saw a powerful, clear sign from their Lord. Several Prophet Salah’s people believed, yet most of them continued in their disbelief and stubbornness even though they witness a great miracle. The Quran states:   "And nothing has prevented Us from sending signs except that the former peoples denied them. And We gave Thamud the she-camel as a visible sign, but they wronged her. And We send not the signs except as a warning" (Quran 17:69)   The she-camel lived among people of Thamud. Later, the people began to complain that the camel drank too much water and frightened the other livestock. Prophet Saleh peace be upon him began to fear for the camel. He warned his people of great a suffering that would befall them if they harmed the she-camel.   "And O my people, this is the she-camel of Allah - [she is] to you a sign. So let her feed upon Allah's Earth and do not touch her with harm, or you will be taken by an impending punishment" (Quran 11:64)   A group of his people got together and plotted to kill the she-camel. When they approached her, they shot their arrow and pierced her with a sword. They cheered and congratulated each other while mocking and laughing at their Prophet. Then they challenged Prophet Saleh to have God punish them for it. Their Prophet warned them that a great punishment would be upon them within three days while hoping his people would realize their mistake and repent for their massive error. Prophet Saleh and the believers then departed together to Palestine to be saved from God's upcoming punishment. Soon, the sky was filled with lightning and thunder, and the Earth shook aggressively with a frightening earthquake or volcanic eruption. No one, including their idols, could save them.   The result of these nation's was destruction. According to the Quran, when punishment came to these sinners, their only last utterance was:   "…Indeed, we were wrongdoers!" (Quran 7:5)   In the end, they cried out for mercy, but it was too late:   "(When they approached their doom) they cried out (for deliverance), but the time for deliverance was already past" (Quran 38:3)   This brings us to an important point, why is there past nations that rejected, hid, denied, and buried the Message of their Prophets and Messengers? There are several reasons for this. The Message that the Prophets came with went against everything these nations were brought up and raised to believe and went against the beliefs of their forefathers. These people had a strong attachment to the customs of their forefathers and were sensitive concerning the good name of their fathers. They took pride in following their footsteps whether right or wrong. They grew up worshipping idols then the Prophets came and told them they were wrong and only Allah Alone is worthy of worship without partners and sons. The polytheists (idol worshippers) felt the Prophets wanted to dethrone their gods and did not tolerate the Muslims' rejection of their gods and reacted with severe harassment and abuse. God states in the Quran:   “And when it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.’ Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided? The example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at what hears nothing but calls and cries cattle or sheep - deaf, dumb and blind, so they do not understand" (Quran 2:170-171)   God shares a conversation between Prophet Abraham peace be upon him and the idol worshippers at his time which included his father:   "When he said to his father and his people, ‘What do you worship?’ They said, ‘We worship idols and remain to them devoted.’ He said, ‘Do they hear you when you supplicate? Or do they benefit you, or do they harm?’ They said, ‘But we found our fathers doing thus’   (Quran 26:70-74)   The disbelievers of some nations rejected their Prophet because they were mere mortals who ate, drank, and walked the markets like everyone else. To be convinced of their Prophethood they arrogantly wanted God to send an Angel down from Heaven to accompany him. Other unbelievers accused their Prophet of incorporating into his alleged Revelation myths, legends, and fables that were well known to the people of that time.  God states in His Book:   "Even when they come to you arguing with you, those who disbelieve say, "This is not but legends of the former peoples." (Quran 6:25)   Certain nations believed in many gods, and some of their cities were dedicated to these gods. They allowed people from all around to come and worship their idols. If Islam told them they were wrong, and that Allah is the Only One that should be worshiped, and all other gods are false, their city would decline in visitors and revenue. It would be the end of their political and economic domination. Greed, selfishness, money, and power got the best of them.   The Prophets came to nations with immense difficulties and conditions. This call to true Islam took the slumbering men by surprise. These people's customs and habits were sunk low. Adultery, liquor, gambling, violence, stealing, dishonesty, murder and many illicit practices were widespread among them. These were all condemned by Islam, and embracing Islam meant leaving all of them and adopting a new mode of life, and many were unwilling to change their wicked old habits. In addition, there was the desire for worldly things which had become so predominant in them, they soon became slaves to their desires, that nothing could move them from this, not even the command of God the Almighty. Islam came down to free people from being slaves to their desires and constant needs for material goods that could never make one permanently happy.   A certain number of these nations contained proud and arrogant people that considered no one else his or her equal. Slaves were mainly looked down upon and were wrongfully treated. Soon after, Islam came down and sought to stop the pride and racism and to establish a universal brotherhood. Islam taught people whether one is the slave or the master, they are both in the same level, and the best amongst them were only the ones with the most piety, righteousness, fear and God consciousness. This angered many of the tribe's chieftains.   God, the Almighty has mentioned the stories of perished nations and their wrongdoings in the Holy Quran to warn our nation from making the same mistakes they did. The repeating of the same mistakes they made can lead to the same outcome. Unfortunately, the current average Muslim hardly recites Quran with deep reflection, pondering over its profound Verses and Signs. By comparing the past nations to our nation, one would conclude that our nation is in danger. People today do the same sinful deeds that were done in the past. We see the same errors happening now, that happened in the past, such as disobeying God's commandments and associating partners with Him, behaving arrogantly, wrongfully, and sinfully. All the nations of the past have been punished through natural disasters. God has given our nation warnings that if we repeat the same errors and sins the past nations did, we would be punished too.   "Then, has it not become clear to them how many generations We destroyed before them as they walk among their dwellings? Indeed, in that are signs for those of intelligence"   (Quran 20:128)   God shares these stories in the Holy Koran to warn people about the punishment of nations that disobeyed their Creator, Allah states:   "Have they not traveled through the Earth and observed how was the end of those before them? They were greater than them in power, and they plowed the Earth and built it up more than they have built it up, and their messengers came to them with clear evidence. And Allah would not ever have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves"   (Quran 30:9)   God also states:   "And never would your Lord have destroyed the cities until He had sent to their mother a messenger reciting to them Our Verses. And We would not destroy the cities except while their people were wrongdoers" (Quran 28:59)   It's crucial to indicate God punishes nations when they disobey their messenger while their Prophet is present amongst them. This is because when the messenger invites people to worship the One God, often the rejecters and the deniers would mock the messengers, persecute them, attack them, and sometimes even kill them. They would also sarcastically ask the Messengers of Gods, 'if you were God's messenger, then ask God to send down a punishment to us right now.' They asked for their punishments to be hastened, so it's only fair they got punished.   In addition, God destroys people when they collectively insist on evil after several repeated warnings. Nations that refused to accept faced God's Wrath and were destroyed, while those who believed in God's Messengers attained the means to everlasting success and salvation. So, read the Holy Quran and take lessons from the stories of the past nations. Reminisce of the nations who reached the pinnacle of civilization, amassing great wealth and power and prestige, only to be ungrateful and forget themselves and their Lord. They became corrupt, arrogant, cruel and oppressive, as they lived ungrateful lives and turned to falsehoods and false gods. God sent to them His Prophets, supported by miracles and revelation, to remind them of His Favors and remind them to be compassionate amongst themselves and His creation at large. But they disbelieved in God the Almighty, despite His Clear Signs and warnings.   Some ruins of past civilians, cities, and nations can still be seen as a reminder today, proof, and a sign to mankind. God is the most Merciful and the Most-Forgiving. He loves to Forgive. However, God is also All-Just, and His warnings should not be ignored, rejected or denied because God's punishment can be rapid and severe.  

All of God's Prophets came with miracles (signs of God's existence) to prove God sent them. Islam defines a miracle as an extraordinary act or event that go against the laws of nature and can only come about through the direct intervention and will of God. Miracles are not magic, which by definition are only tricks or illusions. Acts of Magic are evil acts performed with the help of devils. Prophets can only achieve miracles. They supported past Prophets as irrefutable evidence proving that their Prophethood was, in fact, a matter of truth. The Prophets were supported by miracles that their nations excelled in so the acts would be more convincing, understood, appreciated and identified by the people of that nation and not thought of just magic.   For instance, the people of Egypt excelled in magic and sorcery and felt they had reached the pinnacle of these evil acts as they often were in contact with Jinn (spirits) to play illusions on people. Thus, God provided Prophet Moses peace be upon him types of miracles that were related to illusions, such as the power to transform his staff into a snake right before his people. He was also able to strike the Nile with his rod to transform the river into blood and part the Red Sea. All meant to humble his people and remind that the power, control, and might of God is true and not just an illusion of the eyes.   Likewise, during the time of Prophet Jesus peace be upon him, the Romans pride themselves in their medicine, healing, cures, and best doctors on the land when medical science was at its height. Thus, God sent down Prophet Jesus peace be upon him with several miracles all coming from this nature which could not be justified by medical science. These miracles include the miraculous birth of Prophet Jesus of a virgin. Prophet Jesus could heal individuals with leprosy, cure the blind, and resurrect the dead all with the permission and will of God. The Almighty states:   "[The Day] when Allah will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit, and you spoke to the people in the cradle and maturity; and [remember] when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, "This is not but obvious magic" (Quran 5:110)   Past Prophets had miracles one can only see if they lived in that time to witness it. After the Prophets died, their miracles turned in to stories the following generations can only narrate and not witness. For instance, someone that witnessed Prophet Moses peace be upon him transform his staff into a snake or someone that saw Prophet Jesus peace be upon him give life to a dead person with the permission of God can only share it with his children, and his children can narrate it to their children, and so forth. However, for the generations that were not alive or present to witness the miracles, they became only stories to them. All previous miracles were limited to its time and place. However, for our nation, God has provided our Prophet, Muhammad peace be upon him with a miracle, the Holy Quran, to be witnessed by everyone for all the upcoming generations. The miracle is as convincing, persuasive, compelling, and relevant now as it was when it was first revealed 1400+ years ago. The Quran is a miracle for the eyes to see and the ears to hear. Since the Quran is the final Book for humanity, it had to outlive Prophet Muhamad peace be upon him, so it was audible.   In the time of Prophet Muhammad, the Arabs, although predominantly unlettered, were masters of the spoken word. They were people that excelled in the art of eloquence and knowledge. Their poetry and spoken word were considered a model of literary excellence and they valued spoken word and speech. Thus, God revealed to his final nation, the best and the most eloquent of all speeches, the Holy Quran which left the people of Prophet Muhamad peace be upon him, astounded in terms of eloquence and other terms. The Book was revealed to a Prophet who was unlettered, unable to read, write or calculate to prove to the people his Prophet was not the author. Billions of people since the advent of this miracle have witnessed it, believed in it because of its miraculous nature in terms of its style, content and spiritual uplifting.   The Holy Quran mentions recounted stories of previous nations that were sent down Prophets and Messengers to convey God's Message. But the people rejected, disobeyed, and denied the truth. God states:   "And nothing has prevented Us from sending signs except that the former peoples denied them..." (Quran 17:59)   Between Prophet Adam and Prophet Noah peace be upon them were ten centuries. Amongst the people of that period were righteous individuals that obeyed the laws taught by Prophet Adam and worshipped God accordingly. As time passed, people started to veer away from the remembrance of God. Certain righteous men amongst them would remind the people of their obligations to God. Later, the righteous men began to die, and Satan, the enemy of mankind, came whispering to the people who had looked up to these righteous individuals, putting thoughts into their minds in his sly, deceptive ways, inspiring the people to erect statues in their memory to remember to worship God. After these statutes were built across the land, Satan later came back to the people who had forgotten the reason these statues were constructed. Satan then suggested to the people to worship the statues directly. He told them that their forefathers had worshiped these statues. Out of these people's ignorance, idol worship started. Soon after, Allah sent Messengers after Messengers to guide people to the right path. God states in his Book:   "Satan has overcome them and made them forget the remembrance of Allah.  Those are the party of Satan. Unquestionably, the party of Satan - they will be the losers" (Quran 58:19)   God sent Prophet Noah peace be upon him to his people where he preached for 950 years, calling people to worship one God and follow his commandments, but only a few people believed in him. His people denied, mocked him and stated that he is nothing special but another human being amongst them. Prophet Noah peace be upon him agreed he was only human, but he was sent from God the Glorious with a clear warning. After the denial. God instructed Noah to build an ark.   "And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are [to be] drowned" (Quran 11:37)   As he was building the Ark, his people accuse him of being a madman for building a ship made of planks and nails on land, nowhere near any body of water. Soon, water started to gush from the Earth and fall from the sky; God instructed Noah to enter the Ark with the ones that believed in the Message. He also commanded Prophet Noah to take a male and female of every animal aboard. Then God caused a great flood where water gushed from every crack on the Earth, and rain fell from the skies like never before. Prophet Noah peace be upon him saw his son overwhelmed by the water, so he cried out to him, pleading him to board the Ark and to leave the non-believers to their fate. However, his son was thinking in terms of this worldly life and did not rely on the Trust and Word of God. He replied to his dad he would go to a mountain where the waves could not reach. Noah pleaded with his son saying:   "…There is no protector today from the decree of God, except for whom He gives mercy…" (Quran 11:43)   His son refused. God then stated:   "…O Earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold [your rain]." And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished, and the ship came to rest on the [mountain of] Judiyy. And it was said, "Away with the wrongdoing people" (Quran 11:44)   Soon, his son was drowned. He was drowned with the disbelievers and Noah's wife, who also disbelieved. The flood had cleansed the Earth of idol worshippers and disbelievers. Not a single person who had disbelieved in God remained on the Earth. The ship remains intact upon Judi right until today. An archeological study found the 500-foot long boat-shaped formation atop Mount Judi. God left it as a sign for mankind.   Prophet Hud (Eber in English) peace be upon him was sent to an ancient tribe called Ad who is believed to have been positioned in an area of curved sand hills of Oman and Yemen. They worshiped idols as gods which they believed would provide them happiness and wealth and protect them from evil, harm, and all catastrophes. The people of Prophet Hud were very tall, strong, and well built. They were arrogant people who would boast and tyrannize people with their large size. According to the Quran, they would say:   "Who is greater than us in strength?" (Quran 41:15)   They were known to build lofty towers; thus, the area became known as the land of a thousand pillars since God blessed them with fertile soil and abundant agriculture, many children, an ample supply of livestock and easy access to water resources. They mistakenly understood the purpose of life was to accumulate wealth, prestige, and live in luxury. Prophet Hud would command them to fear God and be righteous. According to the Holy Koran, Prophet Hud peace be upon him would say to his people:   "…O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. You are not but inventors [of falsehood]" (Quran 11:50) Their Prophet advised them to seek God's forgiveness for their heedlessness and arrogance and advised them that if they seek forgiveness, God will increase them in power, strength and wealth. According to the Quran, Prophet Hud would state:   "And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals" (Quran 11:52)   However, they proudly saw themselves as the most powerful nation in existence. They rejected their Prophet's Message believing that after death their bodies would decay to dust and be swept away by the wind. With their hearts and minds filled with the accumulation of this world, they would say to their Prophet: 'Why did God chose you when you do not differ from the rest of us, you eat and drink like the rest of us.'   Prophet Hud's people proudly stated: 'Have you come to turn us away from our gods? Then bring upon us the calamity with which you threaten us if you are telling the truth!' Prophet Hud peace be upon him turned to God the Almighty and renounced his people. Soon after, the people of Hud suffered through a three-year famine and a drought which spread throughout the once green, fertile and abundant land. The people looked to the sky hoping to see signs of rain. One fateful day the weather changed. The burning heat changed to furious violent winds which God the Almighty imposed on them, for seven nights and eight days. The winds ripped apart their homes, possessions, clothing and even the skin on their bodies. The sands of their desert swallowed and buried their crops. Only Prophet Hud and his small band of believers were saved and are believed to have migrated to the Hadhramaut area of what is today known as Southern Yemen. God states:   "Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with 'Aad - [With] Iram - who had lofty pillars, The likes of whom had never been created in the land?" (Quran 89:6-8)   God also speaks in the Quran of a nation where he sent one of his Messengers named Saleh peace be upon him. He was sent to a tribe called 'Thamud.' While many of the Prophets mentioned in the Quran are Prophets shared with Christianity and Judaism, thus their stories are mentioned in the Bible, Muslims additionally believe in all the past Messengers and Prophets of God. Prophet Saleh is not mentioned in the Bible today.   Similar to the people of Hud, the people of Prophet Saleh were also people that cultivated rich, prosperous, vibrant, fertile land, led excessive wealthy lives, built grand buildings, and had become vain because of their wealth. Regretfully, with their extravagant lifestyles came the worship of many gods, oppressing of the poor and living of a life which went against their Lord's commandments.   Prophet Saleh was a pious, righteous man who held a position of leadership in their community, but his call to worship God alone angered many of his people. Prophet Saleh's Message was like all the other Prophets; he warned his people to turn away from worshipping false gods and to follow the One God, Allah, who provided them all their substance. He advised them to thank their One True Creator and urged the rich to stop oppressing the poor and to end all mischief and evil in the land.   The people of Thamud gathered in the shadows of a high mountain where they demanded that Prophet Saleh peace be upon him to prove that the One God, he spoke of was truly Mighty and Strong. They asked him to perform a miracle; they challenged him to produce for them an incomparable she-camel out which must be ten months pregnant, tall and attractive which will emerge from the rock. Prophet Saleh asked them if a she-camel appeared would they then believe in his Message. They responded yes and prayed with Prophet Saleh for the miracle to emerge. By the power and will of God, a massive, pregnant she-camel emerged from the rocks at the bottom of the mountain. They saw a powerful, clear sign from their Lord. Several Prophet Salah’s people believed, yet most of them continued in their disbelief and stubbornness even though they witness a great miracle. The Quran states:   "And nothing has prevented Us from sending signs except that the former peoples denied them. And We gave Thamud the she-camel as a visible sign, but they wronged her. And We send not the signs except as a warning" (Quran 17:69)   The she-camel lived among people of Thamud. Later, the people began to complain that the camel drank too much water and frightened the other livestock. Prophet Saleh peace be upon him began to fear for the camel. He warned his people of great a suffering that would befall them if they harmed the she-camel.   "And O my people, this is the she-camel of Allah - [she is] to you a sign. So let her feed upon Allah's Earth and do not touch her with harm, or you will be taken by an impending punishment" (Quran 11:64)   A group of his people got together and plotted to kill the she-camel. When they approached her, they shot their arrow and pierced her with a sword. They cheered and congratulated each other while mocking and laughing at their Prophet. Then they challenged Prophet Saleh to have God punish them for it. Their Prophet warned them that a great punishment would be upon them within three days while hoping his people would realize their mistake and repent for their massive error. Prophet Saleh and the believers then departed together to Palestine to be saved from God's upcoming punishment. Soon, the sky was filled with lightning and thunder, and the Earth shook aggressively with a frightening earthquake or volcanic eruption. No one, including their idols, could save them.   The result of these nation's was destruction. According to the Quran, when punishment came to these sinners, their only last utterance was:   "…Indeed, we were wrongdoers!" (Quran 7:5)   In the end, they cried out for mercy, but it was too late:   "(When they approached their doom) they cried out (for deliverance), but the time for deliverance was already past" (Quran 38:3)   This brings us to an important point, why is there past nations that rejected, hid, denied, and buried the Message of their Prophets and Messengers? There are several reasons for this. The Message that the Prophets came with went against everything these nations were brought up and raised to believe and went against the beliefs of their forefathers. These people had a strong attachment to the customs of their forefathers and were sensitive concerning the good name of their fathers. They took pride in following their footsteps whether right or wrong. They grew up worshipping idols then the Prophets came and told them they were wrong and only Allah Alone is worthy of worship without partners and sons. The polytheists (idol worshippers) felt the Prophets wanted to dethrone their gods and did not tolerate the Muslims' rejection of their gods and reacted with severe harassment and abuse. God states in the Quran:   “And when it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.’ Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided? The example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at what hears nothing but calls and cries cattle or sheep - deaf, dumb and blind, so they do not understand" (Quran 2:170-171)   God shares a conversation between Prophet Abraham peace be upon him and the idol worshippers at his time which included his father:   "When he said to his father and his people, ‘What do you worship?’ They said, ‘We worship idols and remain to them devoted.’ He said, ‘Do they hear you when you supplicate? Or do they benefit you, or do they harm?’ They said, ‘But we found our fathers doing thus’   (Quran 26:70-74)   The disbelievers of some nations rejected their Prophet because they were mere mortals who ate, drank, and walked the markets like everyone else. To be convinced of their Prophethood they arrogantly wanted God to send an Angel down from Heaven to accompany him. Other unbelievers accused their Prophet of incorporating into his alleged Revelation myths, legends, and fables that were well known to the people of that time.  God states in His Book:   "Even when they come to you arguing with you, those who disbelieve say, "This is not but legends of the former peoples." (Quran 6:25)   Certain nations believed in many gods, and some of their cities were dedicated to these gods. They allowed people from all around to come and worship their idols. If Islam told them they were wrong, and that Allah is the Only One that should be worshiped, and all other gods are false, their city would decline in visitors and revenue. It would be the end of their political and economic domination. Greed, selfishness, money, and power got the best of them.   The Prophets came to nations with immense difficulties and conditions. This call to true Islam took the slumbering men by surprise. These people's customs and habits were sunk low. Adultery, liquor, gambling, violence, stealing, dishonesty, murder and many illicit practices were widespread among them. These were all condemned by Islam, and embracing Islam meant leaving all of them and adopting a new mode of life, and many were unwilling to change their wicked old habits. In addition, there was the desire for worldly things which had become so predominant in them, they soon became slaves to their desires, that nothing could move them from this, not even the command of God the Almighty. Islam came down to free people from being slaves to their desires and constant needs for material goods that could never make one permanently happy.   A certain number of these nations contained proud and arrogant people that considered no one else his or her equal. Slaves were mainly looked down upon and were wrongfully treated. Soon after, Islam came down and sought to stop the pride and racism and to establish a universal brotherhood. Islam taught people whether one is the slave or the master, they are both in the same level, and the best amongst them were only the ones with the most piety, righteousness, fear and God consciousness. This angered many of the tribe's chieftains.   God, the Almighty has mentioned the stories of perished nations and their wrongdoings in the Holy Quran to warn our nation from making the same mistakes they did. The repeating of the same mistakes they made can lead to the same outcome. Unfortunately, the current average Muslim hardly recites Quran with deep reflection, pondering over its profound Verses and Signs. By comparing the past nations to our nation, one would conclude that our nation is in danger. People today do the same sinful deeds that were done in the past. We see the same errors happening now, that happened in the past, such as disobeying God's commandments and associating partners with Him, behaving arrogantly, wrongfully, and sinfully. All the nations of the past have been punished through natural disasters. God has given our nation warnings that if we repeat the same errors and sins the past nations did, we would be punished too.   "Then, has it not become clear to them how many generations We destroyed before them as they walk among their dwellings? Indeed, in that are signs for those of intelligence"   (Quran 20:128)   God shares these stories in the Holy Koran to warn people about the punishment of nations that disobeyed their Creator, Allah states:   "Have they not traveled through the Earth and observed how was the end of those before them? They were greater than them in power, and they plowed the Earth and built it up more than they have built it up, and their messengers came to them with clear evidence. And Allah would not ever have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves"   (Quran 30:9)   God also states:   "And never would your Lord have destroyed the cities until He had sent to their mother a messenger reciting to them Our Verses. And We would not destroy the cities except while their people were wrongdoers" (Quran 28:59)   It's crucial to indicate God punishes nations when they disobey their messenger while their Prophet is present amongst them. This is because when the messenger invites people to worship the One God, often the rejecters and the deniers would mock the messengers, persecute them, attack them, and sometimes even kill them. They would also sarcastically ask the Messengers of Gods, 'if you were God's messenger, then ask God to send down a punishment to us right now.' They asked for their punishments to be hastened, so it's only fair they got punished.   In addition, God destroys people when they collectively insist on evil after several repeated warnings. Nations that refused to accept faced God's Wrath and were destroyed, while those who believed in God's Messengers attained the means to everlasting success and salvation. So, read the Holy Quran and take lessons from the stories of the past nations. Reminisce of the nations who reached the pinnacle of civilization, amassing great wealth and power and prestige, only to be ungrateful and forget themselves and their Lord. They became corrupt, arrogant, cruel and oppressive, as they lived ungrateful lives and turned to falsehoods and false gods. God sent to them His Prophets, supported by miracles and revelation, to remind them of His Favors and remind them to be compassionate amongst themselves and His creation at large. But they disbelieved in God the Almighty, despite His Clear Signs and warnings.   Some ruins of past civilians, cities, and nations can still be seen as a reminder today, proof, and a sign to mankind. God is the most Merciful and the Most-Forgiving. He loves to Forgive. However, God is also All-Just, and His warnings should not be ignored, rejected or denied because God's punishment can be rapid and severe.  

In this interview, angel expert Doreen Virtue talks with Radleigh Valentine about the ways we communicate with our guardian angels. The two angel experts also talk about that profound moment when we need to surrender to the signs from the angels telling us to take action. To listen to full episodes, and gain access to a full one-hour lesson from one of the world's leading personal growth experts, free bonus learning tools and resources, and more, go here: www.hayhouseworldsummit.com

Andrey Shapoval shared a powerful message about how God called him into ministry and he shared from that experience some principles we should follow. He continued to share the importance of character to let God build your character in the situation you are in because gift can raise you up but only character will maintain you there. Be blessed as you listen to this message. Pastor Vlad released a new book "BREAK FREE", available on iBooks, Amazon, Kindle, Audible and everywhere books are sold. For more information: http://www.hungrygen.com/breakfreebook

Manuel Ramminger - 7/1/18

Series: The Story Scriptures: Amos 3:7; Hosea 1:1-2; 2:14-15; 3:1; 4:6; Luke 11:49; Acts 7:51-52; Acts 4:12; Luke 7:15-16; Hebrews 1:2; Matthew 11:29 Main Point: God wants us to open our "ears" to his grace, mercy and guidance. Speaker: Tim Neal Date: June 3, 2018