Podcasts about holy text

Holy Text, graciously read by Chris O. Sunday Service, Pastor Monica gives her sermon.

Guest pastor, Stephanie Toon, brings her wisdom to our congregation on this lovely summer day. Holy Text reading by one of our new members, Chris O.

The Holy Quran is standing proof of the truthfulness of Islam. Anyone who thoroughly examines the text of the Holy Quran will conclude that no one, including the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, could have authored this Book, as no human being could produce anything like it. Thus, the text could come only from God, the Almighty, the All-Wise. The Holy Quran stands as the eternal miracle of the Prophet Muhamad PBUH, providing the truthfulness and very basis of his Prophethood. Past prophets performed miracles to prove their own Prophethood, but the manifestations of all of these miracles ended with their deaths, as they were Prophets who served their people only. Since Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, is the last Prophet and is meant to be followed until the end of time, the manifestation of his miracle needs to last until this time, so the people who live after him can see his miracle and believe in his Prophethood. Therefore, the Holy Quran remains preserved and exists today--just as it did more than 1400 years ago. For many reasons, Prophet Muhammad PBUH could not have been the earthly author of the Holy Quran. Let us now examine some clear proof of this edict. First, Prophet Muhammad PBUH did not know how to read or write, nor did he attend any schools or travel outside the Arabian Peninsula. So, the Holy Quran was sent down to an unlettered Prophet who did not read, write, or calculate. He had no education or communication skills to demonstrate to the people that he could not have authored the Holy Text. Prophet Muhammad PBUH would not have possessed the ability to compose a Book that became the masterpiece of the Arabic language. The Holy Quran is inimitable in style, form, and spiritual impact; it has a unique rhythm, tone, rhyme, and genre like no other book. The Holy Quran contains the highest possible standard of linguistics and rhetoric in its speech, to the extent that it would be impossible for a human or group of humans to produce.Prophet Muhammad PBUH was not known to compose poetry, nor did he like it. If Prophet Muhamad PBUH were lying about his illiteracy, his enemies would have known—this owing to the fact that Prophet Muhammad PBUH grew up in the same city, Mecca, as many of his enemies. "You, O Prophet, could not read any writing even before this revelation, nor could you write at all. Otherwise, the people of falsehood would have been suspicious" (Quran 29:48)The question remains, how could Prophet Muhammad PBUH have been the author of the Holy Quran when he lived in the midst of the Arabian desert with no teachers or libraries? After all, the Arabic Peninsula existed as a backward, antiquated nation then? The Holy Quran references a variety of forward-thinking facts, resources of knowledge, and various sciences that people could not have known at the time and place in which the Prophet Muhammad PBUH and his companions existed. The Holy Quran contains knowledge, guidance, and helpful information to explain complicated matters about inheritance, civil law, criminal law, history, finance, business, tax law, military law, embryology, labor law, real estate law, family law, dietary laws, psychology, raising children, marriage, worship, oceanography, biography, universe, physics, medicine, astronomy, and more. It presents this information using simple speech and imagery in Arabic, with no errors or contradicting principles. Moreover, the Holy Quran uses terminology and descriptions at an advanced level beyond what a 7th-century person living in the desert would know.Early biographical reports state that Prophet Muhammad PBUH was known in his community as truthful and trustworthy due to his early reputation for displaying these qualities. He never was accused of telling a solitary lie.

Happy Palm Sunday! We start today with our Holy Text and end with Pastor Monica's sermon: "Is There Really Enough?"

As the congregation wrap up their "passing of the peace", Carrie reads from our Holy Text - followed by Pastor Monica sharing her thoughts in her sermon, "I Said He Was Alive".

Peter is no longer the frightened fisherman denying Jesus. Just 50 days later, having seen the risen Lord and restored by Him, Peter's Pentecost speech reveals the Holy Spirit's power within him. Quoting David to thousands gathered in Jerusalem, he clearly shows Jesus is the Messiah, whom the crowd had crucified just 7 weeks prior. Cut to the heart, they ask what they should do. The answer is simple and direct. He calls them, and us today, to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. The Holy Spirit was for them, and us too, God's precious gift to empower us from within. 3000 people became baptized believers in Jesus that day. By the working of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God and Baptism, we can be as confidant as Peter and the crowd that Jesus is alive, and for us. We can be ready for the day of His return. Empowered by the Holy Spirit — The Holy Trinity, June 12, 2022: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2022-the-holy-trinity Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20220612-order-of-service.pdf Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give Psalm 8 Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31 Acts 2:14a, 22–36 John 8:48–59 Hymns: - Crown Him with Many Crowns: Text by Matthew Bridges (sts. 1-3, 5) and Godfrey Thring (sts. 4); tune by George J. Elvey; public domain. - Holy, Holy, Holy: Text by Reginald Heber; tune by John B. Dykes; text and tune are public domain. - Lord Be Glorified: Bob Kilpatrick, © 1978 The Lorenz Corporation (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.); Used with permission, CCLI license #20286740. - What Wondrous Love Is This: Text is from A General Selection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1811; tune is from Southern Harmony, 1835; text and tune are public domain. - Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: Text by W. Chalmers Smith; tune is Welsh; text and tune are in the public domain. - Come, Thou Almighty King: Text is English; tune by Felice de Giardini; text and tune are in the public domain. - Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow: Text by Thomas Ken; tune by Trente Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551; text and tune are in public domain. Liturgies: - Gloria: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain. - Credo: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Welsh, pubic domain. - Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain. - Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.

An attempt to leave our 21st century heads and get back into the mind of a 12th century philosopher who saw the world in entirely different ways than we do. Diving into the Middle Ages thought the mind of Maimonides. Exploring Maimonides on the Cosmic Spheres, the Flow, the Active Intellect, his theory prophecy and.. how to becoming an angel. Sources and Further Reading • A. J. Heschel, “Did Maimonides Believe That He Had Attained the Rank of Prophet,” in Prophetic Inspiration After the Prophets, 1996, pp. 69-126 • Adam Afterman “And They Shall Be One Flesh”: On the Language of Mystical Union in Judaism, 2016, p. 103-127 • Adam Afterman, “Moses Maimonides on the Holy Spirit,” in Journal of Religion vol. 100, 2020 • Alexander Altmann, Maimonides's Attitude Toward Jewish Mysticism, p. 213 • Alfred Ivry, The Guide and Maimonides' Philosophical Sources, p. 59 • Christopher A. Morray-Jones, ‘‘Transformational Mysticism in the Apocalyptic-Merkabah Tradition,'' Journal of Jewish Studies 43 (1992): pp. 1–31 • Daniel Abrams, “Orality in the Kabbalistic School of Nahmanides: Preserving and Interpreting Esoteric Traditions and Texts,” Jewish Studies Quarterly 2 (1995): 85–102 • Diana Lobel, “'Silence Is Praise to You': Maimonides on Negative Theology, Looseness of Expression, and Religious Experience,” American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly 76, no. 1 (2002): 31-58 • Diana Lobel, “A Dwelling Place for the Shekhinah.” Jewish Quarterly Review 90 (1999): 103–125 • Elliot Wolfson, ‘‘Yeridah la-Merkavah: Typology of Ecstasy and Enthronement in Early Jewish Mysticism,'' Mystics of the Book, 13–44, esp. pp. 23–26 • Elliot Wolfson, “By Way of Truth: Aspects of Nahmanides' Kabbalistic Hermeneutic,” AJS Review 14, (1989): 153–78 • Elliot Wolfson, “Mysticism and the Poetic-Liturgical,” p. 186 • Elliot Wolfson, “Seven Mysteries,” p. 191 • Haviva Pedaya, Nahmanides: Cyclical Time and Holy Text, (Tel Aviv: Am Oved, 2003) (Hebrew). • Ithamar Gruenwald, “Maimonides' Quest beyond Philosophy and Prophecy,” in Perspectives, ed. J. L. Kraemer (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996), pp. 147 • Justin Sledge, “Maimonides at the Crossroads of Jewish Occultism, Magic and the Kabbalah” @ESOTERICA, Youtube, 15 April 2022, https://youtu.be/i6qclz26OYY • Matthew David Litwa, Posthuman Transformation in Ancient Mediterranean Thought, Becoming Angels and Demons, Cambridge and New York, Cambridge University Press, 2021 • Moshe Idel, “Enoch is Metatron,” Immanuel 24/25 (1990): 234–237 • Moshe Idel, “Rabbi Moshe ben Nahman: Kabbalah, Halachah and Spiritual Leadership,” Tarbiz 64, (1995): 535–580 (Hebrew) • Moshe Idel, “We Have No Kabbalistic Tradition on This,” in Rabbi Moses Nahmanides: Explorations in His Religious and Literary Virtuosity, 1983, 51–73 • Moshe Idel, The Angelic World, pp. 102-4; 210 • Pico Della Mirandola, Oration on the Dignity of Man, trans. A. Robert Caponigri, 1967, p. 9 • Sarah Pessin, The Influence of Islamic Thought on Maimonides, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy 2005

While God's name isn't mentioned in the book of Esther, it's very clear that he is powerfully active through the story, defending his people. Frequently, this looks like coincidental circumstances that turn out for good, but those coincidences are in fact lovingly choreographed by the God who controls all things. The Choreography of Coincidence — Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, January 30, 2022: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2022-fourth-sunday-after-the-epiphany Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20220130-order-of-service.pdf Psalm 71:1–11 1 Corinthians 12:31b—13:13 Luke 4:31–44 Esther 5—6 Hymns: - Christ Is Mine Forevermore: Jonny Robinson | Rich Thompson, © 2016 CityAlight Music (Admin. by Integrity Music); Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740. - Holy, Holy, Holy: Text by Reginald Heber; tune by John B. Dykes; text and tune are public domain. - By Grace Alone: Text by Martin Luther; tune by David Ward, © 2002 ThousandTongues.org; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740. - Jesus Paid It All: Text by Elvina M. Hall; tune by John T. Grape; text and tune are in the public domain. - Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow: Text by Thomas Ken; tune by Trente Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551; text and tune are in public domain.

We tend to place our hope in many things, such as our abilities, jobs, savings, doctors, politicians, etc. None of these are bad in and of themselves. However, in his conversation with a man named Nicodemaus, Jesus teaches us to place our hope not in the things of this world, but in God. This hope is not in just any god, but a specific God comprised of three entities, or persons. Explore the mystery of the Trinity and why followers of Jesus place their hope in this God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Place Your Hope in God—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit — The Holy Trinity, May 30, 2021: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2021-the-holy-trinity Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20210530-order-of-service.pdf Psalm 16:8–11 Isaiah 6:1–8 Acts 2:14a, 22–36 John 3:1–17 Hymns: - Light of God: Text and tune by Keith Getty and Kristyn Getty, © 2005 Thankyou Music, used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740. - Come, Thou Almighty King: Text is English; tune by Felice de Giardini; text and tune are in the public domain. - Holy, Holy, Holy: Text by Reginald Heber; tune by John B. Dykes; text and tune are public domain. - Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call: Text and tune by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell; © 2018 Getty Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740. - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: Text by Isaac Watts; tune by Lowell Mason; text and tune are public domain. - The Church's One Foundation: Text by Samuel J Stone; tune by Samuel Wesley; public domain. - Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow: Text by Thomas Ken; tune by Trente Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551; text and tune are in public domain.

Readings and sermon were delivered by Pastor Aaron Mueller. Midweek Lent Service, March 10, 2021: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2021-midweek-lent-service-03 Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20210310-order-of-service.pdf Exodus 20:1–17 Romans 13:8–10 Hymns: - Holy, Holy, Holy: Text by Reginald Heber; tune by John B. Dykes; text and tune are public domain. - Amazing Grace: Text by John Newton; tune by Columbian Harmony, 1829; text and tune are public domain. - Jesus Paid It All: Text by Elvina M. Hall; tune by John T. Grape; text and tune are public domain.

When God ordered his creation he did so by the power of his Holy Spirit, his image (in Adam & Eve), and his Word. When God orders his new creation, inaugurated at the baptism of Jesus, he also does it through his Spirit, his Word, and his image - Jesus, the express image of God himself. The Baptism of Jesus and the New Creation — The Baptism of Jesus, January 10, 2021: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2021-the-baptism-of-jesus Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20210110-order-of-service.pdf Psalm 2:7–11, 12c Genesis 1:1–5 Romans 6:1–11 Mark 1:4–11 Hymns: - Living Waters: Text and tune by Ed Cash and Kristyn Getty; © 2016 Alletrop Music, admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing; © 2016 Getty Music Publishing, admin. by Music Services, Inc.; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740. - Holy, Holy, Holy: Text by Reginald Heber; tune by John B. Dykes; text and tune are public domain. - Lamb of God: Text and tune by Twila Paris, © 1985 Straightway Music, admin. EMI; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740. - I Need Thee Every Hour: Text by Annie S. Hawks and Robert Lowry; tune by Robert Lowry; public domain. - I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table: Text by Friedrich Christian Heyder, tran. The Lutheran Hymnal, © 1941 Concordia Publishing House; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740; tune by Emskirchner Choral-Buch, 1756, public domain.

A Message From the World's Top Cop: Kingdom Insight from 1 Timothy 6:10 The Love of money is the root of all evil: The first part of this Holy Text is used to explain what the love of money can do to a person when it is valued over human life. Watch, listen, and learn as I explain the tragic story of a 30-year-old mother who took the life of her 3 children. Over-out --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/hoverman-cop/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hoverman-cop/support

In this session, we examine Matthew 6:9-13. What is Jesus teaching regarding the way we should pray? Join our investigation within the Holy Text as we seek to know the Author's interpretation.

Stuck between the suffering of this age and the return of Jesus and the new creation, we frequently don't know what to pray for. But the Holy Spirit, who convinces us that we are indeed God's daughters and sons, also prays to the Father through us on our behalf. Praying in the Holy Spirit — Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 9, 2020: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2020-tenth-sunday-after-pentecost Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/St-James-Lutheran-Church-20200809-Tenth-Sunday-after-Pentecost-Order-of-Service.pdf Romans 8:26–27 Matthew 14:22–33 Hymns: May the Peoples Praise You: Text and tune by David Zimmer, Ed Cash, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend, © 2016 Alletrop Music, Getty Music Publishing, and Townend Songs; used with permission, CCLI License # 20286740. Holy, Holy, Holy: Text by Reginald Heber; tune by John B. Dykes; text and tune, public domain. His Mercy is More: Text and tune by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell, © 2016 Getty Music; used with permission, CCLI License # 20286740. By Grace Alone: Text by Martin Luther; tune by David Ward; © 2002 ThousandTongues.org; used with permission, CCLI License # 20286740.

If you are a Christian, then what you believe about the Bible should dictate your views and your stance on all other life and social issues. Join us as we explore our various views on the Holy Text and, despite our differences, find common ground on one of the most pivotal subjects in the Christian faith. The Bible.

Love God. Love People.

The faith of Islam states that God revealed His Wisdom, Laws, and Instructions through his final Book, the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran says that in every age, a book is revealed. God has sent forth a number of books in the past; but the last and final revelation is the Glorious Quran, which was revealed to the latest and final Prophet, Muhammad peace be upon him.   All Revelations preceding the Holy Quran were sent only to a particular group of people and pertained to a specific period. The final and ultimate revelation, the Holy Qur’an, was not revealed for only a particular group of people—such as Muslims or Arabs—but for all of humanity, until the end of time. A Book of guidance intended not only for the people of his era but for all generations to come until the Last Day.   The Holy Qur’an, sometimes spelled Koran, is the verbatim word of God. Logically, the book embodies and represents God’s wishes to send a Message to all of humanity; one meant to be followed till the Day of Judgement and shielded from any changes, subtractions or additions. Unlike other sacred scriptures like the Bible, the Quran has been perfectly preserved in both its words and meaning—and in a language that still exists today. Whereas Muslims believe that the original Gospel was sent from God to Prophet Jesus peace be upon him for the Israelites, Muslims, and Biblical scholars acknowledge that the Bible was not written by God or Jesus himself; instead written by individuals who lived after the departure of Jesus peace be upon him. Christian Scholars recognize that the Bible has been altered, distorted, and changed during the last centuries so it contains words of man and not the Divine Being. Since human hands altered the previous Scriptures, the Bible Gospel and the Torah of today, as they are published, do not comprise their exact original scriptures in their pure and unfettered form. God, the Almighty warns in the Holy Koran:   "So woe to those who write the ‘scripture’ with their own hands, then say, ‘This is from Allah,’ to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn" (Quran 2:79)   Christian sects do not agree on what exactly qualifies as an ‘inspired book’ of God. The Protestants are taught that 66 truly inspired books make up the Bible, whereas the Catholics have been taught about the existence of 73 truly ‘inspired books.’ The first Christians for many generations followed neither the 66 books of the Protestants nor the 73 books of the Catholics.   Whereas the Holy Quran confirms the existence of the Scriptures that were sent before it, including the Jewish Torah and the Gospels of Jesus peace be upon him. The Holy Qur’an abrogates all previous scriptures and becomes the Book of guidance for all humankind.   The Quran was revealed to guide humanity through every aspect of their lives. The Quran is a guide, an instructional manual on how one’s life should be lived. The Quran is a personal guide that will navigate one throughout his or her daily struggles. Just as, when you buy a computer or any electronic device, it comes with an instructional manual dictating how the machine should be operated. One is advised to read the instructional manual of life, The Holy Quran, and live in how our Creator has decreed. How would man know his role and the purpose of his existence, unless he receives clear and practical instructions regarding what God wants from him? If one follows the guidelines carefully, then he shall be rewarded with a better life; here in this world, and the Hereafter. If you disobey God and go against His commands, then you will face the consequences in this world and the hereafter.   The Quran is the primary source of Islam for all Muslims. The Book is and always has been written in the Arabic language. The Quran is so unique in content and style that it cannot be translated; therefore, any translation is to be taken only as an interpretation of the meanings of the Quran. Distinctions must be drawn between the Holy Quran and its translations. Any translations of the Quran are not the Quran in its true and pure form; it is merely a translation and explanation of the Original Masterwork authored by the Almighty. A translation of the Koran is not the word of God. Different translations of the Quran are intended to help non-Arabic speaking audiences comprehend its meaning; still and all, there is only One Quran. Since each translation of the Quran is not the original work and is only human-made in content, it is an imperfect translation bound to contain errors. Some translations may be superior to others in their linguistic style or their interpretations of the Quran. There remains Only One true version of this timeless Book as only the original Quran contains the exact Arabic words spoken by God; revealed to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him by the Angel Gabriel   If a Muslim in Asia reads a verse of the Koran, one can be sure another Muslim is reciting the same words in faraway Africa. No differences will exist between the two reciting. God has promised always to preserve the Quran, protecting His Book from anyone attempts to modify or change its Text or Message. This means that God will guard His Book against any human-made modifications, distortions, additions, subtractions, or tampering in any form. God states in the Quran:   “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an, and indeed, We will be its Guardian”      (Quran 15:9)   The word ‘Quran’ linguistically translates to ‘recitation,’ meaning the recitation of the words of God the Glorious via the Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad. Then the Prophet peace be upon him recited these same words to the people. As mentioned earlier, Muslims also believe in the Gospel and the Torah; but the Holy Quran is the final Testament of God, the complete word of God, supplying Guidance for all people living now and going forward.   The Quran first was revealed in the Holy Month of Ramadan — which is the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. The remainder of its Message was revealed bit by bit for the next 23 years. Each passage was revealed in the wake of a significant event in the life of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Finally, it was then put together as a whole in his lifetime. The Quran is a widely known and memorized Document. The Quran is the only book that is memorized by millions of people of all ages around the world, of all languages and backgrounds, from one end to the other. The Quran is the most widely and frequently read Book in the world, both today and over the last millennium. Even without the benefit of a photographic memory, children and adults in Asia, Africa, Europe, and across the globe, have memorized this Book which contains over 600 pages word for word. Almost every Muslim has memorized some portion of the Holy Quran to read in his/her prayers. This is due to Allah’s kept promise regarding the Quran’s content it was created and designed to be easy to understand and memorize.   "And in truth, We have made the Quran easy to remember; who, then, is willing to take it to heart?" (Quran 54:17)   Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was commanded by God to convey the contents of the Holy Quran to the people. This was a tremendous responsibility that weighed heavily upon him.   "And We have not revealed to you the Book, [O Muhammad], except for you to make clear to them that wherein they have differed and as guidance and mercy for a people who believe" (Quran 16:64)   The Quran deals with all subjects which concern human beings, such as doctrine, wisdom, worship, law, transactions, and more. Its central theme is the relationship between God and His creation. The Quran teaches the art of living. The Quran contains guidelines and teachings, for both individuals and society. The Quran also provides guidelines and instructions for proper human conduct, a fair economic system, ritual worship, ethics and moral behavior, business, government, and more.   The Quran contains signs of God’s Greatness: miracles, parables, and lessons. The Quran explains the concept of God, His Names, and Attributes. It details what is permissible and what is forbidden; it teaches the basics of good manners and morals and contains rulings and guidelines about how to worship God and live. The Quran also describes the appearance and characteristics of Paradise and Hell. The Quran tells stories of past nations and their mistakes, not to incite hate but to teach lessons that will educate us against making the same mistakes they did. The purpose and aim of these stories are that we learn from the excellent role models and bad examples found in our past. The Quran calls upon humanity to believe in God, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, in fate and the divine decree.   The Quran is like no other book, because it serves as an infinite source of intellectual wisdom and spiritual elevation. It cleanses the heart. The Holy Quran teaches that one should be truthful and never to lie or cheat. The Quran teaches us to give charity to the poor and to be kind to our parents, neighbors, family, and friends.   Despite what you may have heard of the Quran, the Holy Book does not teach hate, violence, or killing. The Quran is a book based on love, compassion, faith, and goodwill. The Quran calls it:   “…The ways of peace" (Quran 5:16) and describes:   “…reconciliation as the best policy” (Quran 4:128) The Quran states that:   “…God abhors any disturbance of peace” (Quran 2:205)   There are many verses throughout the Quran the demonstrate God’s love for peace and good, and he commands humanity to:   “Speak kindly” (Quran 2:83) “Speak Politely” (Quran 17:53) “Speak Justice” (Quran 6:152) “Speak the truth” (Quran 3:17) “Speak no lie” (Quran 22:30) “Speak not in vain” (Quran 22:30) “Speak graciously” (Quran 17:23) “Speak fairly” (Quran 17:28)   God reminds us of His love, compassion, and mercy in introducing 113 out of his 114 chapters in His Holy Book with the statement, ‘In the name of God, the Most Gracious/Loving, the most Merciful.’ If you go through the pages of the Quran, you will see endless examples of God’s love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and justice for all of his creations. The Quran is also a Book of hope. God reminds humankind not to give in to despair. No matter what sins one may have committed, those who turn to God with regret seeking forgiveness will be forgiven, and his salvation assured.   Contrary to popular belief, the Quran forces no one to turn to Islam against their will. It compels no one to live by Islamic morals. While the conveying and teaching of God and the morals of the Qur’an to others is a duty of Muslims, they call people to the path of God only with kindness and love and never force them to anything. God states in His book:   “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So, whoever disbelieves in false deities and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it, And Allah is Hearing and Knowing” (Quran 2:256)   The values of the Qur’an hold a Muslim responsible for treating all people, whether or not Muslim, fairly, kindly and justly. The Quran teaches the importance of protecting and taking care of the needy, the orphans, and the innocent. The Quran prevents and warns about the spreading of mischief, unlawful killing, fraud, envy, intoxicants, and the mistreatment of humans, animals, and plants. God states:   “And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption” (Quran 2:205)   Islam has two primary sources, the Holy Quran and the authentic traditions/sayings of the final Prophet, Muhammad peace be upon him, which explain and sometimes expand upon the concepts presented in the Quran.   The Quran is meant to be read aloud and in a reverent and melodious tone. The Quran is composed of 114 units or chapters, called a surah in Arabic, and each sentence or phrase of the Quran is called an 'Aaya,' which translates to mean a ‘Sign’; as it is a sign that God exists. The word ‘Aaya’ also has the associative meanings of 'miracles' or 'proof,' that describes the Verses in the Quran. The Quran was not meant to tell a chronological story, and thus should not be viewed as a sequential narrative like the Book of Genesis.   Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him did not author this Book. The Quran was sent down to a Prophet that was unlettered, that did not read, write or calculate, and that had no education; these characteristics serving as sufficient proof he did not author the Holy Text. The Quran challenges anyone who doubts the Book’s Divine origins to produce another sacred text equal in merit. Any document that claims to include the word of God bears a heavy burden. Without clear evidence or with the presence of one contradiction found within the Book, the apparent word of God would be proven false. The Quran is devoid of contradictions, nor does it contain any information confirmed to be false.    The Quran is a living miracle of the Arabic language; it is inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact. The Quran is miraculous because it achieves linguistic perfection in the Arabic language. For instance, the Quran explains complicated legal matters like inheritance with the use of simple speech and imagery in the Arabic language. The Quran has its unique rhythm, style, rhyme, and genre, and is like no other book. The fact that the Quran uses futuristic terminology and descriptions, reaching far beyond the knowledge and comprehension of a 7th-century person living in the desert, is a miracle.   The Quran is a miracle as it contains hundreds of scientific facts later confirmed to be accurate, years after the book was revealed. The Quran is a miracle because of the power and effect it wields for human beings all over the world. It changes millions of people’s lives and views. It transforms people into better human beings. The Quran is a miracle because of its incredible spiritual power and psychological effects. The Quran is a miracle because of how it changed and impacted human history in so many ways throughout the years.   Whereas the Quran contains accounts of hundreds of scientific miracles, the Quran is not a book of science--nor is it a book of engineering or medicine. The Quran is a book of guidance and signs that prove its divinity. As the faith of Islam continued to grow century after century, we evolved into the age of modern science. In this era, many scientific discoveries began to confirm many related verses of the Quran.   The Quran is the greatest miracle of God. The Quran is proof of the truthfulness of Islam. The Quran is the standing and ever-lasting wonder and miracle. The Quran is such a significant miracle that all others are considered trivial compared to the Quran. The Quran is a document that contains thousands of miracles to prove its Godly origins. It includes accounts of miracles as they occur and expand from one dimension to another.    

The faith of Islam states that God revealed His Wisdom, Laws, and Instructions through his final Book, the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran says that in every age, a book is revealed. God has sent forth a number of books in the past; but the last and final revelation is the Glorious Quran, which was revealed to the latest and final Prophet, Muhammad peace be upon him.   All Revelations preceding the Holy Quran were sent only to a particular group of people and pertained to a specific period. The final and ultimate revelation, the Holy Qur’an, was not revealed for only a particular group of people—such as Muslims or Arabs—but for all of humanity, until the end of time. A Book of guidance intended not only for the people of his era but for all generations to come until the Last Day.   The Holy Qur’an, sometimes spelled Koran, is the verbatim word of God. Logically, the book embodies and represents God’s wishes to send a Message to all of humanity; one meant to be followed till the Day of Judgement and shielded from any changes, subtractions or additions. Unlike other sacred scriptures like the Bible, the Quran has been perfectly preserved in both its words and meaning—and in a language that still exists today. Whereas Muslims believe that the original Gospel was sent from God to Prophet Jesus peace be upon him for the Israelites, Muslims, and Biblical scholars acknowledge that the Bible was not written by God or Jesus himself; instead written by individuals who lived after the departure of Jesus peace be upon him. Christian Scholars recognize that the Bible has been altered, distorted, and changed during the last centuries so it contains words of man and not the Divine Being. Since human hands altered the previous Scriptures, the Bible Gospel and the Torah of today, as they are published, do not comprise their exact original scriptures in their pure and unfettered form. God, the Almighty warns in the Holy Koran:   "So woe to those who write the ‘scripture’ with their own hands, then say, ‘This is from Allah,’ to exchange it for a small price. Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for what they earn" (Quran 2:79)   Christian sects do not agree on what exactly qualifies as an ‘inspired book’ of God. The Protestants are taught that 66 truly inspired books make up the Bible, whereas the Catholics have been taught about the existence of 73 truly ‘inspired books.’ The first Christians for many generations followed neither the 66 books of the Protestants nor the 73 books of the Catholics.   Whereas the Holy Quran confirms the existence of the Scriptures that were sent before it, including the Jewish Torah and the Gospels of Jesus peace be upon him. The Holy Qur’an abrogates all previous scriptures and becomes the Book of guidance for all humankind.   The Quran was revealed to guide humanity through every aspect of their lives. The Quran is a guide, an instructional manual on how one’s life should be lived. The Quran is a personal guide that will navigate one throughout his or her daily struggles. Just as, when you buy a computer or any electronic device, it comes with an instructional manual dictating how the machine should be operated. One is advised to read the instructional manual of life, The Holy Quran, and live in how our Creator has decreed. How would man know his role and the purpose of his existence, unless he receives clear and practical instructions regarding what God wants from him? If one follows the guidelines carefully, then he shall be rewarded with a better life; here in this world, and the Hereafter. If you disobey God and go against His commands, then you will face the consequences in this world and the hereafter.   The Quran is the primary source of Islam for all Muslims. The Book is and always has been written in the Arabic language. The Quran is so unique in content and style that it cannot be translated; therefore, any translation is to be taken only as an interpretation of the meanings of the Quran. Distinctions must be drawn between the Holy Quran and its translations. Any translations of the Quran are not the Quran in its true and pure form; it is merely a translation and explanation of the Original Masterwork authored by the Almighty. A translation of the Koran is not the word of God. Different translations of the Quran are intended to help non-Arabic speaking audiences comprehend its meaning; still and all, there is only One Quran. Since each translation of the Quran is not the original work and is only human-made in content, it is an imperfect translation bound to contain errors. Some translations may be superior to others in their linguistic style or their interpretations of the Quran. There remains Only One true version of this timeless Book as only the original Quran contains the exact Arabic words spoken by God; revealed to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him by the Angel Gabriel   If a Muslim in Asia reads a verse of the Koran, one can be sure another Muslim is reciting the same words in faraway Africa. No differences will exist between the two reciting. God has promised always to preserve the Quran, protecting His Book from anyone attempts to modify or change its Text or Message. This means that God will guard His Book against any human-made modifications, distortions, additions, subtractions, or tampering in any form. God states in the Quran:   “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an, and indeed, We will be its Guardian”      (Quran 15:9)   The word ‘Quran’ linguistically translates to ‘recitation,’ meaning the recitation of the words of God the Glorious via the Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad. Then the Prophet peace be upon him recited these same words to the people. As mentioned earlier, Muslims also believe in the Gospel and the Torah; but the Holy Quran is the final Testament of God, the complete word of God, supplying Guidance for all people living now and going forward.   The Quran first was revealed in the Holy Month of Ramadan — which is the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. The remainder of its Message was revealed bit by bit for the next 23 years. Each passage was revealed in the wake of a significant event in the life of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Finally, it was then put together as a whole in his lifetime. The Quran is a widely known and memorized Document. The Quran is the only book that is memorized by millions of people of all ages around the world, of all languages and backgrounds, from one end to the other. The Quran is the most widely and frequently read Book in the world, both today and over the last millennium. Even without the benefit of a photographic memory, children and adults in Asia, Africa, Europe, and across the globe, have memorized this Book which contains over 600 pages word for word. Almost every Muslim has memorized some portion of the Holy Quran to read in his/her prayers. This is due to Allah’s kept promise regarding the Quran’s content it was created and designed to be easy to understand and memorize.   "And in truth, We have made the Quran easy to remember; who, then, is willing to take it to heart?" (Quran 54:17)   Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was commanded by God to convey the contents of the Holy Quran to the people. This was a tremendous responsibility that weighed heavily upon him.   "And We have not revealed to you the Book, [O Muhammad], except for you to make clear to them that wherein they have differed and as guidance and mercy for a people who believe" (Quran 16:64)   The Quran deals with all subjects which concern human beings, such as doctrine, wisdom, worship, law, transactions, and more. Its central theme is the relationship between God and His creation. The Quran teaches the art of living. The Quran contains guidelines and teachings, for both individuals and society. The Quran also provides guidelines and instructions for proper human conduct, a fair economic system, ritual worship, ethics and moral behavior, business, government, and more.   The Quran contains signs of God’s Greatness: miracles, parables, and lessons. The Quran explains the concept of God, His Names, and Attributes. It details what is permissible and what is forbidden; it teaches the basics of good manners and morals and contains rulings and guidelines about how to worship God and live. The Quran also describes the appearance and characteristics of Paradise and Hell. The Quran tells stories of past nations and their mistakes, not to incite hate but to teach lessons that will educate us against making the same mistakes they did. The purpose and aim of these stories are that we learn from the excellent role models and bad examples found in our past. The Quran calls upon humanity to believe in God, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, in fate and the divine decree.   The Quran is like no other book, because it serves as an infinite source of intellectual wisdom and spiritual elevation. It cleanses the heart. The Holy Quran teaches that one should be truthful and never to lie or cheat. The Quran teaches us to give charity to the poor and to be kind to our parents, neighbors, family, and friends.   Despite what you may have heard of the Quran, the Holy Book does not teach hate, violence, or killing. The Quran is a book based on love, compassion, faith, and goodwill. The Quran calls it:   “…The ways of peace" (Quran 5:16) and describes:   “…reconciliation as the best policy” (Quran 4:128) The Quran states that:   “…God abhors any disturbance of peace” (Quran 2:205)   There are many verses throughout the Quran the demonstrate God’s love for peace and good, and he commands humanity to:   “Speak kindly” (Quran 2:83) “Speak Politely” (Quran 17:53) “Speak Justice” (Quran 6:152) “Speak the truth” (Quran 3:17) “Speak no lie” (Quran 22:30) “Speak not in vain” (Quran 22:30) “Speak graciously” (Quran 17:23) “Speak fairly” (Quran 17:28)   God reminds us of His love, compassion, and mercy in introducing 113 out of his 114 chapters in His Holy Book with the statement, ‘In the name of God, the Most Gracious/Loving, the most Merciful.’ If you go through the pages of the Quran, you will see endless examples of God’s love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and justice for all of his creations. The Quran is also a Book of hope. God reminds humankind not to give in to despair. No matter what sins one may have committed, those who turn to God with regret seeking forgiveness will be forgiven, and his salvation assured.   Contrary to popular belief, the Quran forces no one to turn to Islam against their will. It compels no one to live by Islamic morals. While the conveying and teaching of God and the morals of the Qur’an to others is a duty of Muslims, they call people to the path of God only with kindness and love and never force them to anything. God states in His book:   “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So, whoever disbelieves in false deities and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it, And Allah is Hearing and Knowing” (Quran 2:256)   The values of the Qur’an hold a Muslim responsible for treating all people, whether or not Muslim, fairly, kindly and justly. The Quran teaches the importance of protecting and taking care of the needy, the orphans, and the innocent. The Quran prevents and warns about the spreading of mischief, unlawful killing, fraud, envy, intoxicants, and the mistreatment of humans, animals, and plants. God states:   “And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption” (Quran 2:205)   Islam has two primary sources, the Holy Quran and the authentic traditions/sayings of the final Prophet, Muhammad peace be upon him, which explain and sometimes expand upon the concepts presented in the Quran.   The Quran is meant to be read aloud and in a reverent and melodious tone. The Quran is composed of 114 units or chapters, called a surah in Arabic, and each sentence or phrase of the Quran is called an 'Aaya,' which translates to mean a ‘Sign’; as it is a sign that God exists. The word ‘Aaya’ also has the associative meanings of 'miracles' or 'proof,' that describes the Verses in the Quran. The Quran was not meant to tell a chronological story, and thus should not be viewed as a sequential narrative like the Book of Genesis.   Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him did not author this Book. The Quran was sent down to a Prophet that was unlettered, that did not read, write or calculate, and that had no education; these characteristics serving as sufficient proof he did not author the Holy Text. The Quran challenges anyone who doubts the Book’s Divine origins to produce another sacred text equal in merit. Any document that claims to include the word of God bears a heavy burden. Without clear evidence or with the presence of one contradiction found within the Book, the apparent word of God would be proven false. The Quran is devoid of contradictions, nor does it contain any information confirmed to be false.    The Quran is a living miracle of the Arabic language; it is inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact. The Quran is miraculous because it achieves linguistic perfection in the Arabic language. For instance, the Quran explains complicated legal matters like inheritance with the use of simple speech and imagery in the Arabic language. The Quran has its unique rhythm, style, rhyme, and genre, and is like no other book. The fact that the Quran uses futuristic terminology and descriptions, reaching far beyond the knowledge and comprehension of a 7th-century person living in the desert, is a miracle.   The Quran is a miracle as it contains hundreds of scientific facts later confirmed to be accurate, years after the book was revealed. The Quran is a miracle because of the power and effect it wields for human beings all over the world. It changes millions of people’s lives and views. It transforms people into better human beings. The Quran is a miracle because of its incredible spiritual power and psychological effects. The Quran is a miracle because of how it changed and impacted human history in so many ways throughout the years.   Whereas the Quran contains accounts of hundreds of scientific miracles, the Quran is not a book of science--nor is it a book of engineering or medicine. The Quran is a book of guidance and signs that prove its divinity. As the faith of Islam continued to grow century after century, we evolved into the age of modern science. In this era, many scientific discoveries began to confirm many related verses of the Quran.   The Quran is the greatest miracle of God. The Quran is proof of the truthfulness of Islam. The Quran is the standing and ever-lasting wonder and miracle. The Quran is such a significant miracle that all others are considered trivial compared to the Quran. The Quran is a document that contains thousands of miracles to prove its Godly origins. It includes accounts of miracles as they occur and expand from one dimension to another.  

“Here Am I! Send Me!” (Isaiah 6:1-8)  I  The Historical Context II  The Holy Text   The Example of Isaiah: 1.  A vivid vision of God 2.  A keen cognizance of his sin 3.  An emotional experience of God’s grace 4.  A welcoming willingness to be...

New Series I am preaching from hand-written notes on a legal pad- hence the name of the new series ;} This is about Mark 8- and the tale of Jesus touching the blind man a 2nd time. Comments from teacher Ray VanderLaan are expanded upon to reveal some of the errors in the way we engage the Holy Text.

GALLY! It's the most wonderful time of the year once again, a glorious three-days-to-a-week where thousands of Doctor Who fans descend on the LAX Marriott in Los Angeles and bathe in glorious nerdery (and also sip a snifter of port on occasion.)  Our annual tradition is to run through the convention schedule before we arrive, glossing over panels that we know nothing about (cosplay, crafts, Buffy fandom and  Gay Agendas) and lionizing panels we think are cool (Steve Roberts, stuff we're moderating, podcasting chinwags, and Steve Roberts.) While we strive to inform and entertain, Gally guests are well advised to check out both the website at www.gallifreyone.com and read their program guide upon arrival, which will soon become your Holy Text as you navigate past Tiki Daleks and Femmy Sixes.  As always, the Three Who Rule will be releasing daily podcasts and interviewing many of the luminaries of new and Classic Who, but we'll also be opening the convention with our live show, "Radio Free Skaro and the World of Tomorrow" on Friday, February 17th. at 12:00 p.m. If you're going to be at #gally, we'd love for you to attend our live show for 90 minutes of fun and frivolity with Camille Coduri, Toby Haynes, Barnaby Edwards, Gary Russell and Simon Fisher-Becker.  Gallifrey is one of the highlights of the year for the Three Who Rule and 2012 promises to be the best Gally yet. See you there!   Checkout the show notes at http://www.radiofreeskaro.com