God/Allah is One

I believe that the phrase "God is One" is often subject to misinterpretation and here is why.

Islamic Belief: Muslims have faith in Allah as the sole, all-powerful God, the Sovereign and the Creator. They place their trust and fear solely in Him.

Jewish Belief: Jews uphold the belief in a singular, incomparable God.

Christian Belief: Christians adhere to the belief in only one God, as stated in Isaiah 43:10; 44:6, 8; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Galatians 4:8-9. Christianity, however, introduces the Trinity concept, sparking considerable debate and conflict with other faiths. The Trinity denotes the triune nature of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as referenced in Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 14:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Acts 2:32-33; John 10:30, 17:11, 21; 1 Peter 1:2.

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This notion has even led to confusion among Christians themselves. 

Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all profess belief in a singular God. Yet, in the creation narratives of the Quran, Tanakh, and Bible, God is frequently mentioned using plural pronouns (WE, US, OUR). It would arguably be more logical to use singular pronouns (I, ME, MY) to underscore God's singularity. This is the basis for my view that the statement "God is One" is not fully understood.

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Examples:

Islam: The Quran quotes God: "Indeed, We created man from a mingled sperm-drop, to test him; thus, We gave him hearing and sight. His procreation stems from various elements, fitting his multifaceted role in the universe, necessitating a broad spectrum of attributes. Does man not recall that We created him previously when he was nothing? (19:68) And We made every living thing from water... (21:31) Did We not create you from a trivial fluid, which We placed in a secure environment? (77:22)" (21 The Prophets - al-Anbiya)

> "Do the disbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were one mass, and We tore them apart? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not believe? And We placed on earth stabilizers, lest it sways with them, and We placed therein signposts and passages, that they may be guided. And We made the sky a protected ceiling; yet they turn away from its wonders. It is He who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; each floating in an orbit. We did not grant immortality to any human being before you. Should you die, are they then the immortal? Every soul will taste death. We burden you with adversity and prosperity—a test. And to Us you will be returned." (21:30-35)

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In Judaism, the Tanakh says: "And God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.' And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:26-27)

"And the LORD God said, 'Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil; now, lest he reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.'" (Genesis 3:22)

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In Christianity, the Old Testament (similar to the Tanakh) states: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, over the cattle, over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:26-27)

"The Lord God said, 'The human has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, so that he does not reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.'" (Genesis 3:22)

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The true meaning of "ONE" and "GOD IS ONE" can be further understood through the words of Jesus (Yeshua).

First, Jesus stated that He existed with the Father before the world was created, which explains the plural form of God in creation: "Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world was created." (John 17:5)

Jesus also declared that He and the Father are One: "I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:11)

When we accept Jesus into our lives and receive the Holy Spirit, we become one with Christ: > "We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other." (Romans 12:4-5)

Another way to understand “God is One” is to see God like we see a man and a woman who, through marriage, become one.

Stressful Times

Our US elections are coming up next Tuesday November 5, 2024. It is possible that Donald J. Trump could be elected as our president and personally, I do not feel that will be a good thing.

Trump and his allies appear to be following a strategy reminiscent of tactics used by Hitler and the Nazis. The initial goal is to secure enough popular support to win the presidency, while simultaneously working to undermine or eliminate opposition. If elected, their "Project 2025" blueprint could be enacted, potentially leading to the removal of those seen as threats or undesirable by those in power. This vision could include establishing a national religion, controlling media, and imposing increasing restrictions on freedoms.

If you support him and his allies, you may be unwittingly aiding this agenda. Right now, you may be useful in this pursuit of power but remember; those who outlive their usefulness may find themselves discarded or worse.

Have you noticed how more and more countries are falling under authoritarian rule, and how these leaders are starting to join forces? It’s unsettling to think about leaders like Putin and Kim Jong-un strengthening their alliance, with reports suggesting that North Korea might even be sending troops to support Russia in Ukraine. So many people caught in this struggle become pawns in a dangerous quest for power. If Trump were to become president again, many fear he will take an authoritarian approach here in the U.S., and the thought of him aligning with leaders like Putin is deeply troubling. It could put democratic values at risk in ways that would impact all of us, reshaping our world in ways we may not yet fully understand.

I wrote a post back in 2013 that I think may be very helpful to read and think about.

'Where's God"

The Future of Our Planet Earth

https://sl.bing.net/iM3CkD4zgIu

I envision two potential futures for Earth, heavily influenced by the outcome of the 2024 United States presidential election. If Trump is elected, I fear a catastrophic future where our planet is ravaged by fire. Conversely, if Kamala Harris wins, I see a unifying force through the Holy Spirit, guiding people to alter the course of climate change.

Under Trump's presidency, I'm concerned we may witness a historical regression reminiscent of Hitler and the Nazis, with Trump potentially ruling as a dictator. Several former administration officials have labeled him a fascist, a sentiment echoed by General Milly. I worry that they will eliminate dissent, implement the measures outlined in Project 2025, and seize complete control, nationalizing religion and the media, thereby intensifying climate change to the point of global destruction by fire.

However, at political rallies led by Harris and Walz, I've observed a diverse coalition of individuals, including those historically marginalized, which fills me with hope. Native Americans, in particular, show a profound respect for our lands and a desire to safeguard them. Joined by many from various cultures and backgrounds who wish well for our planet, I believe that with the Holy Spirit's guidance, positive change is possible.

Hypocrisy

When I woke up this morning, I was thinking about hypocrisy.

Bible verses on hypocrisy:

1 John 4:20

New International Version

20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

1 Peter 2:16

New International Version

16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.

Galatians 6:3

New International Version

3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.

Jeremiah 23:11

New International Version

11 “Both prophet and priest are godless;

    even in my temple I find their wickedness,”

declares the Lord.

Luke 6:46

New International Version

The Wise and Foolish Builders

46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

Luke 12:2

New International Version

2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

Mark 7:6

New International Version

6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:

“‘These people honor me with their lips,

    but their hearts are far from me.

Matthew 6:1

New International Version

Giving to the Needy

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Romans 10:3

New International Version

3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

Titus 1:16

New International Version

16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Matthew 23:27-28

New International Version

27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Luke 20:46-47

New International Version

46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

James 1:22-23

New International Version

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror

Matthew 6:16-18

New International Version

Fasting

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 7:21-23

New International Version

True and False Disciples

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

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I am writing about this because there are some in congress who want to change the way the United States of America operates. They want our laws and the way the country is run based on their interpretation of the Bible. God is perfect, man is not. If those who create our laws are not willing to obey them themselves, then they are hypocrites. 

Intriguing Thought

This morning, I had an intriguing thought. In every language on Earth, we have different names for the same entity. For instance, I call God “Father God” or simply “God,” and I refer to Jesus as “Jesus” or sometimes “Yeshua.” In Spanish, God is called “Dios,” “Señor,” or “Padre,” and in Mexico, the Child Jesus is known as “Niño Dios,” “Chucho,” or “Chuy.”

Regardless of the country we live in or the language we speak, the image of God in our minds is likely quite similar. The same goes for Jesus.

It’s truly amazing to think that God can communicate with all of us in our own languages simultaneously, and Jesus can do the same.

This led me to wonder if God has a native language. Jesus existed with Father God long before creation. Does Jesus have a native language, and is it the same as Father God’s? Since Jesus is known as the Son of God, I imagine they would share the same native language. However, perhaps language, as we understand it, doesn’t exist in God’s realm.

This is what I pondered this morning. If God and Jesus have a native language, what would their names be? Would we even be able to pronounce them? I know, these are kind of unusual thoughts.

Can You Love; Without God?

Can someone who does not believe in a god, love? I believe that they can because there is "that of God in everyone". 

What do Quakers mean by the “Inner Light”?

Here's their answer;

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Here is the problem:

Imagine if we could love all the time—there would be peace, wouldn't there? Picture this: you have a close friend; someone you always enjoy being with. Life feels peaceful. But then something happens, and that peace is shattered. You stop communicating, and suddenly, you don’t want to see them anymore.

This is where Jesus comes in. He did what he did to restore peace, just like a mediator who steps in to heal the broken bond between friends. Jesus would do whatever it takes to bring you back together—even if it meant giving his life.

That's how deeply Father God and His Son, Jesus, love us. They will go to any length to restore peace.

God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to take on human form. There needed to be a human who could live a flawless life, fully upholding the law, to stand in our place. It wasn't enough for God to simply forgive our sins without justice. Jesus, out of love for the Father and for us, willingly accepted this mission.

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Love is not a solitary feeling; it thrives in connection with others.

Love is a deep emotional bond that transcends mere affection or attraction. It's a multifaceted experience that can encompass feelings of care, compassion, respect, and connection toward others or oneself. Love can manifest in different forms, such as romantic love, familial love, friendship, and self-love, each with its unique dynamics. At its core, love often involves selflessness, vulnerability, and a genuine desire for the well-being of another.

Obeying The Laws VS Love

I had an interesting thought last Sunday morning.

Jews teach about the laws and obeying them. Gentiles - Christians teach about love. If you love but you don't know the laws, will that cause you to obey the laws? Or if you're a Jew and you obey the laws, does that cause you to love?

Here is what ChatGPT came up with:

This question touches on deep theological and philosophical ideas about the relationship between love and law, particularly in the context of Jewish and Christian teachings.

### Jewish Perspective:

In Judaism, the laws (mitzvot) are central to religious practice. They are seen as God's commandments and a way to live a holy and righteous life. While the law is fundamental, it is not merely about external obedience but also about cultivating a relationship with God and fellow humans. The Torah emphasizes love, such as in the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). In this sense, love and law are intertwined; obeying the laws is seen as an expression of love for God and for others.

### Christian Perspective:

In Christianity, particularly in the New Testament, there is a strong emphasis on love as the fulfillment of the law. For example, in Romans 13:10, it says, "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law." The idea is that if one truly loves God and others, they will naturally fulfill the moral requirements of the law. Love is seen as the guiding principle that transcends and encompasses the law.

### Interaction Between Love and Law:

1. **If You Love but Don’t Know the Laws:** From a Christian perspective, genuine love can lead to a natural alignment with the moral essence of the law. Love motivates actions that are in harmony with the ethical teachings found in the law. However, without knowledge of the specific laws, a person might unintentionally overlook certain aspects of moral or ritual behavior that are emphasized in religious teachings.

2. **If You Obey the Laws, Does That Cause You to Love?**: From a Jewish perspective, the practice of the laws is intended to cultivate a relationship with God and others. Obeying the laws can indeed foster love, as it involves engaging with the community and living out the values of justice, kindness, and mercy. However, mere obedience without understanding or intention might not lead to love. The laws are ideally obeyed with a heart full of love and devotion, which deepens the experience of those laws.

In summary, love and law are not mutually exclusive. In Judaism, obeying the laws can lead to love, especially when done with the right intention. In Christianity, love is seen as fulfilling the law, and a person who truly loves will naturally act in ways that align with the law’s moral imperatives. Both traditions suggest that love and law are deeply interconnected, and each can lead to the other when approached with the right mindset.

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Then I thought, we are all sinners and have broken the peace between each other and God. God's son, Yeshua Jesus, came to earth as a human, lived a perfect obedient life, so he could be the spotless sacrifice for our disobedience so that peace may be restored. We can repent and accept the forgiveness provided to us through his sacrifice?

Repenting means that we want to change, and God wants to help us with that as well.