Value of faith

The value of faith lies in the object of faith, not the amount of faith. Faith by itself has no value.

Number of apples in the seed of an apple

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit (John 12:24 KJV).
Heard this in a sermon by Rev. Yeow Koon Tin, about an analogy given by his wife. His wife asked him, "How many seeds are there in an apple?" Rev. Yeow replied, "That is easy, cut the apple and you can count the seeds, probably eight or nine seeds." Then she asked, "How many apples are there in the seed of an apple?"

True Salvation

True salvation comes from God. It is His gift.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

Those who want to be saved have to cast themselves at the mercy of God.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. (Luke 18:13 KJV)

Those who wanted to work their way out will not be recognised.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV)

Do what the hypocrites say

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. (Matthew 23:1-3 KJV)

Comment by Matthew Henry:
Note, We must not think the worse of good truths for their being preached by bad ministers; nor of good laws for their being executed by bad magistrates. Though it is most desirable to have our food brought by angels, yet, if God send it to us by ravens, if it be good and wholesome, we must take it, and thank God for it.

Dispute between Jews and Christians according to Quran

What was the dispute between Jews and Christians? This is what the Quran says in Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow) verse 113 (2:113):
The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing (i.e. are not on the right religion); and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing (i.e. are not on the right religion); though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans) who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing (Muhsin Khan translation).
The Jews say: "The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: "The Jews have naught (To stand) upon." Yet they (Profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment (Yusuf Ali translation).

This is the precise truth about the dispute between Jews and Christians:
The Christians said to the Jews, "Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) according to the Scriptures." The Jews said to the Christians, "Jesus is not the Messiah (Christ) according to the Scriptures."

Why can't the Quran be more specific or is Allah, the all-knowing, not aware of the details? Anyway, we do not have to wait till Judgment Day before we know who is right. The Jewish Scripture, which is the Old Testament of the Bible is available on the internet. Anyone who cares can always search the scriptures and determine whether the Christians or the Jews is right. We assure you that the Jews did not corrupt their Scripture just to win. And the same uncorrupted Scripture does not make any reference to Mohammed, despite what the Quran claims (7:157).

Both the Sunnis and Shiites study the same Quran, but they also have disputes, right?

Who should you follow, God or Mohammad?

Bible says those who follow God will prosper:
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 KJV
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

Quran says those who follow Mohammad will prosper:
7:157 Yusuf Ali
"Those who follow the messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),- in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is they who will prosper."

A Very Wealthy Man

I read this somewhere:
A tax assessor came one day to a poor pastor to determine the amount of taxes the pastor would have to pay. The following conversation took place:

"What property do you possess?" asked the assessor.
"I am a very wealthy man," replied the minister.
"List your possessions, please," the assessor instructed.

The pastor said:
"First, I have everlasting life, John 3:16.
Second, I have a mansion in heaven, John 14:2.
Third, I have peace that passes all understanding, Philippians 4:7.
Fourth, I have joy unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8.
Fifth, I have divine love which never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8.
Sixth, I have a faithful pious wife, Proverbs, 31:10.
Seventh, I have healthy, happy obedient children, Exodus 20:12.
Eighth, I have true, loyal friends, Proverbs 18:24.
Ninth, I have songs in the night, Psalms 42:8.
Tenth, I have a crown of life, James 1:12."

The tax assessor closed his book, and said, "Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation."