Dear Mr. Prasad,
I was reading these series of messages for the last few days and I presume that your doubts are genuine and I do not blame you for that. Reading John 3: 3 - Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Here Nicodemus was not following the same context Jesus was trying to explain and we need not blame Nicodemus because he was trying to grasp the truth which he did. So I sincerely believe that you are trying to find out the truth of the matter for which you are not alone Many years ago the same types of doubts came within my mind and I tried to find an answer to them I have found many, but so many still remains unanswered. But I am not disappointed, on the contrary I find Bible the most advanced book on earth, which I will explain in the coming topics below. To an outsider, the Bible would have many contradictory verses but they all are intended for a purpose which we may not always understand the way it is. Before I get into the subject, let me make one statement I am not writing this to provoke anyones belief or custom, but only trying to state the fact for anyone who is on the quest for the truth of the Bible I have no other intentions.
First of all, you need to acknowledge that the Bible is a Holy book and it should be treated with reverence. Every word in the Bible is God breathed words, given through the Holy Spirit to the men of God those days, to write it down so that we could study this and pass it on to our children. One third of the Bible are prophecies, most of them fulfilled in the last thousands of years and a few are still left to be fulfilled, which without doubt, will fulfill in the coming few years which will then mark the end of this age. No other religious books contain these many detailed prophecies which were fulfilled with absolute perfection. In the Bible, in the Book of Mark 13: 31, Jesus speaks: Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. The Bible is tomorrows Newspaper today it is so up to date with all the world events already prophesied thousands of years ago.
Any thinking person will ask for proofs that Bible is dictated by God to His servants those days. Well, these days, if we get a memo or an e-mail, we first look for the writers name or the sender, which can be clearly seen on the letter, as the person who has sent it or has signed it and any letters without a senders name or a signature is not given any value to it. When we get currency notes, especially a large denomination, we carefully look for the water mark or the few authentic markings on it, just to ensure the currency is a genuine piece of note. Likewise we have many features in the Bible for us to know that this is indeed authored by God because His signature is all over the book. I will explain how to find the signatures.
Another natural thinking is that while the Bible was transiting through the thousands of years and while it was being copied and replicated, naturally a lot of original words may have fallen off and new words have crawled in, by which the whole sentences may have changed with a whole new meaning which is again a very natural thinking. The Bible, which consists of 66 books, written by almost 40 different people of God, of which the oldest book was written some 4-5,000 years ago to the last book written some 2,000 years ago. These books, spread across thousands of miles, were all brought together through a divine intervention and were compiled into one book through Gods appointed people in the olden days and were handled with great reverence and fear. I do not want to go into details on the way the books were copied, which is an extremely lengthy process, much more severe than the modern day quality inspection job.
The Dead Sea Scrolls authenticates that at least for the last 2,000 years, there were absolutely no change in any words or sentences when comparing the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Modern printed versions of the Hebrew and Greek Bible, as they were the original texts of the Bible, with a small portion of Aramaic. There are plenty of videos on the internet on the Dead Sea Scrolls and their findings - you can watch a small documentary on the Dead Sea Scrolls by following the below URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NQW5ZGiLyI&feature=related
The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew while the New Testament was originally written in Greek. Each of the letters in the Bible are kept at the right place and no letter can be replaced by another. This is a compilation of words, even the highly advanced Cray or the K-Computers cannot compile the way it is done in these books. In the Bible, the Book of Matthew 5: 18 says: For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. We may wonder why is it so important that not even a dot or a comma should be changed or removed from the Bible I have a lot of explanation to do, but just to summarize, there are codes embedded in the Bible, there is more to read in the Bible than the verses which are there in print. These are known as the Bible Codes designed in the form of Equi-distant Lettering system or ELS. To cut short my explanation, you may watch the following documentary series one of the hundreds - on the Internet by clicking on the following URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFQ3IkqyO3Y&feature=related
Also, in the series of letters, I came across some doubts raised on the birth of Jesus and also his life on earth as the Son of God. Let me briefly tell you in the light of Science. We, the earthlings are on this earth in a four-dimensional world where we have a three dimensional body, entrapped in a fourth dimension called time. So we move forward with time, at the speed of time. This means, we cannot slowdown from that speed, nor go faster than the speed of time, which God has set for us as long as we are in our body. God lives in a dimension where He lives outside of time. For God, in that state, there is no past, present or future since He is not bound by time and thats the reason He is reachable by us any time as His presence envelopes us all the time. Once our life on this earth is over and we die, our soul breaks loose from this four dimensional world to a much more multi-dimensional environment, the Heaven. Scientists are not sure how many dimensions exactly exits in the universe or even beyond the universe, but theoretically, they argue that there are about thirteen dimensions.
God and His Angels are in a much higher dimensional environment and we are unable to see God. In the Bible we read as follows in Exodus 33: 18-23: Moses said, "Please show me your glory." And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The LORD.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live." And the LORD said, "Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen."
Humans are unable to see God in His Glory and know His dimensions. It is similar to the imaginary two-dimensional flat man trying to contact us, who are in a higher dimension. So God wanted to send His Love to his creation, which is mankind, by sending His only son Jesus so that we can know God better and also redeem us from our sins. Before we go further, what exactly is sin and what is it to do with mankind In a Biblical point of view, God has given man, a set of commandments, laws and rules to abide with. We are expected by God to live by those rules and regulations, like we are living in a society, obeying the rules of that particular country. We are Gods children and we are expected to live, obeying Gods laws. If we break the commandments, we are sinners. Jesus was born as an infant child to Mary and He grew up to fulfill His duty on this earth within a short period of time.
The process in which Jesus came to this earth as a little baby and the way He died and resurrected and ascended to Heaven is something science cannot explain, since it is way too unfathomable for modern science to give a proper explanation and lets not dwell on this subject which is far greater than our minds can conceive. Even Jesus told almost the same way to his disciples when he was similarly questioned by his disciples. The most important fact what we now need to understand is that Jesus Christ was on this earth to die for our sins so that we will be saved from our sins by His Grace. As Christians, we need to accept that so that we will be redeemed by His death and resurrection. Jesus Christ taught us to love our enemies which personally, I confess, I still cannot rise up to that level, but thats what Christ expects from each one of us. Christ hates sin, but loves the sinners and thats the reason for Him to come to this world and died in our place for our sins, so that our souls will continue to live.
My friends, if we follow the Bible and the prophecies about what is going to happen in this world in the coming days and probably years, we need to be prepared for His return so that if we do not die before His coming, to be ready and to be raptured to join Him and His Angels in Heaven. I would like to wrap this up with the following verses from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 which reads as follows: But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
If anyone would be interested to know more about the rapture, you may click on the following URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5866DUnDrck&feature=BFa&list=PL4C3E7D72EAB9AB76&lf=results_video
If you feel like discussing any points related on the above topic with a mind of learning, I will try to assist you with your doubts as far as possible.
God Bless you.
Thomas M. Jayabhai
On Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 3:30 AM, Yohannan Jacob <pyjacobkutty@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Pramod & Prasad,
By quoting one or two verses from a Book with 31,103 verses, you cannot prove anything.I can help you if you have a specific question about any particular verse. But before that I would like to know what your worldview is !
Because we should have a common ground to start with.The Caption of your note was " Why we do need a God?"
Yet, in your letter you quoted some verses from the Bible only.There are many major religions in this world who believe in different gods. And mostly religions are based on faith.
Even though, True Christianity is not a religion, but a way of life with the Faith in the Almighty God who has been revealed through the Bible, for argument sake we will consider it as a religion. What is your point? Do you believe in a God at all? Don't you believe in a God who is the creator and sustainer of the whole Universe?Or do you have a problem only with the God of the Bible?
Or do you believe in the theory of Evolution, put forward by Charles Darvin, which is being proved wrong daily by the new scientific inventions?.Clarify your worldview and ask specific questions.
I will not be angry or use bad language, if you can make senses.Thanks for your patience.
With Regards,Y. Jacob
P.S. Dear Promod, for your information, the believers of Islam does not have an issue with Christians about who the Son of God is, between Jesus and Mohamed.(Quran teaches that Both Jesus and Mohamed are prophets of God. They do not believe that there is a son for Allah.)
On Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 10:32 PM, pramodh shivram <pramodh.shiv@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear All...
Prasad has just quoted verses from the holy bible...maybe the old testament.But whatever said and done, word of God is the word of God and the holy book is still the holy book no matter old or new testament.
On Sun, Nov 27, 2011 at 12:31 AM, Christo Nenmaani <christojn@gmail.com> wrote:
We all would appreciate if you could just clarify the verses he had mentioned and enlighten those who are not very familiar with bible, than lashing at him for writing such verses.
And also please do understand that...
The concept of religion and God was brought by our own people. There were people walking the face of this earth even before religions or for that matter primitive beings.
Agreed that good lord Jesus did die for the humans. But what has it really acheived.Has the so called people changed themselves as per his teachings...rather they are at their peak of ruins. Being a christian and a firm follower of Christ, can you boldly state that you have followed the teachings of bible? nor can any christian state this???
And finally, There has always been a clash between Islam and christianity as
to Muhammed or Jesus is the son of God...?
There have been may books written by Islam scholars on this.Has there been any thought given to these by fellow christians.
Or have many christians have read these claims and tried to understand the truth?
Who told you that you are a christian or brought you up as a christian...If you believe in your parents who inturn believes in the priest who gives sermons and these priests who believes in their higher levels...What truth does it hold really??The same goes for all the religions...
I think you should be open to all religions, accept everyone as your fellowbeing, read all scriptures , question your own faith and belief and finally take a call on what is true and what is not. By doin this, you will understand your faith and belief, you will not get angry or upset when someone says bad about your religion rather you would be in a better position to explain to him of his follies.This is just an opinion and not meant to hurt anyones personal feelings.
thanks and regards
pramodh
Dear Mr. John & Mr. Binil,
Good Day to you....
Myself Christo...hope u have read my reply to for Mr. Prasad...there I mentioned that I didn't read Prasad's entire message coz his intention was clear from 1st two lines & I didn't have time to read his useless & baseless things.....so I left it....& from what I read I understood bit about him & his level of thinking so I replied him in very simple language that too with the example that was from the Holy Book in which he believe in....but he again responded to that....& I felt that if I again reply to it, it will be like I doubt my faith & I m trying to prove that my faith is true.....as said in BIBLE, it's ur faith that makes u great not others....so I want u both to be strong enough in ur faith & live accordingly rather than commenting & wasting time behind someone like Prasad......& our religion teach us to show the right path to those who lost it or who is unaware of it & I m sure that those who comes to know about it, will love it, respect it, accept it & few may even convert themselves to it too....But when I tried to explain him & I got his reply I really felt bad. It because what I said or he asked but I tried to use some sayings from the HOLY BOOK in which He believe in....I felt that using those words to explain someone like him is insulting that HOLY BOOK....so I stopped replying to him....& both of u please remember 1 thing, I didn't read what Mr. Binil wrote it would be something to open to eyes of Mr. Prasad...U CAN WAKE ONLY THE ONE WHO IS SLEEPING BUT NOT THE ONE WHO IS PRETENDING TO BE SLEEPING (URANGUNAVANNE UNARTHAAN KAZHIYUM, URAKAM NADIKYUNAVANNE UNARTHAAN KAZHIYILLA).....hope both of u understood....
& 1 suggestion to Mr. John for u mentioned Mr. Prasad as pra SAD is SADDIST.....I m sorry on behalf of Mr. Prasad for whatever he told but if you also use such words indirectly to point him WHAT DIFFERENCE IS THERE BETWEEN U & HIM....our religion teaches us to love & respect all religion & all individual....I wish & pray that atleast Mr. Prasad can learn to love & respect others, their faith, their belief, etc.....
& if u both want to show or bring Mr. Prasad to right path it's not by commenting on what he said, but through our prayers.... We all can pray for him so that the LORD show him the right path...this is the only thing we can do for him...& this is the only way he will change..
Also, let me thank Mr. Prasad for he is a reason My LORD gifted me someone very important, I got one true friend/sister from this Keralities Group just because I commented on what he said....MR. PRASAD IF YOU WANT TO BELIEVE, BELIEVE.....as simple as that....EVEN THE HAIRS ON YOUR HEAD ARE COUNTED....now don't ask me how much is that & even if u ask, there is no wonder because your understanding level is only that much....Mr. Prasad, everything is planned, not by me, by MY LORD by EVERYBODY's LORD....let ur time come & even you will change, even u will understand.....
May the ALMIGHTY LORD BLESS MR. JOHN & MR. BINIL & BOTH OF THEIR FAMILIES & MR. PRASAD TOO & SHOW HIM THE RIGHT PATH....
Sent from my iPhoneOn 26-Nov-2011, at 2:52 AM, John cherian <john_cherian15@yahoo.com> wrote:
Do you need God?
Few quotes from Old Testament of Bible which is the story of Israelites who are selected by the Supreme Power to set an example to all Human beings. Old testament speaks about the holy and unholy things happened in relation to Isralites and gentiles around them. But Jesus Christ came to this world for the redemption of all people from their SINS , the people ever lived and going to live in this world till the Kingdom of God is established in this earth. The New Testament reveal about the Love of God to Man. God the Father so loved the people so that He has given His Begotten Son to us, by His Blood ( His Sacrifice) we are set free from Sins, for those who believe in Him. That is Gods Justice or righteousness. Think about this do you sacrifice your son for your enemy? How you call this Loving Father, a terrorist. One thing keep in your mind, we are just a creature, He is the Creator of this whole universe. We will be judged according our deeds and words. You have the choice to Believe or not, you have no choice to insult any bodys belief. Why you cannot understand spirituality, only because you are spiritually deaf, blind and dumb. So do not blame something if you do not understand. You can never see the Sun with a powerful torch, unless and until it shines by itself. Since you have BIBLE with you, read the following from Old testament itself, you will realize why you do not understand word of God.Psalms{92:5} O LORD, how great are thy works! [and] thy thoughts are very deep. {92:6} A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.
For people like you, you have no right to take His Word in your mouth.
Psalms:{50:16} But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or [that] thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?
What God will do such people ?
Those who have ears, let them listen.
The god said my anger will be directed to their destruction (Bible: Isaiah 10 -25)
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