Friday, July 31, 2015

Number of Witnesses - Bible vs Koran

For the making a will of inheritance, two just persons are required as witnesses.
O ye who believe! When death approaches any of you, (take) witnesses among yourselves when making bequests,- two just men of your own (brotherhood) or others from outside if ye are journeying through the earth, and the chance of death befalls you (thus). If ye doubt (their truth), detain them both after prayer, and let them both swear by Allah: "We wish not in this for any worldly gain, even though the (beneficiary) be our near relation: we shall hide not the evidence before Allah: if we do, then behold! the sin be upon us!" (5:106 Yusuf Ali version)

For divorce (talaq), two just persons are required as witnesses.
Then, when they have reached their term, take them back in kindness or part from them in kindness, and call to witness two just men among you, and keep your testimony upright for Allah. Whoso believeth in Allah and the Last Day is exhorted to act thus. And whosoever keepeth his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him, and will provide for him from (a quarter) whence he hath no expectation. And whosoever putteth his trust in Allah, He will suffice him. Lo! Allah bringeth His command to pass. Allah hath set a measure for all things. (65:2-3 Pickthall version)

For a charge against chaste women, four witnesses are required.
And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after.  ... (24:4 Sahih International version)

If you accuse your wife of adultery, your own witness is sufficient if you swear five times by Allah.
As for those who accuse their wives but have no witnesses except themselves; let the testimony of one of them be four testimonies, (swearing) by Allah that he is of those who speak the truth; and yet a fifth, invoking the curse of Allah on him if he is of those who lie. (24:6-7 Pickthall version)

For financial contracts, two men, or two women for one man, is required.
O you who believe! When you contract a debt for a fixed period, write it down. Let a scribe write it down in justice between you. Let not the scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him, so let him write. Let him (the debtor) who incurs the liability dictate, and he must fear Allah, his Lord, and diminish not anything of what he owes. But if the debtor is of poor understanding, or weak, or is unable himself to dictate, then let his guardian dictate in justice. And get two witnesses out of your own men. And if there are not two men (available), then a man and two women, such as you agree for witnesses, so that if one of them (two women) errs, the other can remind her. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (for evidence). You should not become weary to write it (your contract), whether it be small or big, for its fixed term, that is more just with Allah; more solid as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, save when it is a present trade which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, then there is no sin on you if you do not write it down. But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract. Let neither scribe nor witness suffer any harm, but if you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So be afraid of Allah; and Allah teaches you. And Allah is the All-Knower of each and everything. (2:282 Muhsin Khan version)

The Bible is quite straightforward. Two or more witnesses is required to convict a crime.
A single witness may not testify against another person for any trespass or sin that he commits. A matter may be legally established only on the testimony of two or three witnesses. (Deuteronomy 19:15 NET)

More examples:
If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death based on the word of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of one witness. (Numbers 35:30 HCSB)
On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. (Deuteronomy 17:6 ESV)
But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
(Matthew 18:16 ESV)
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (2 Corinthians 13:1 KJV)
Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. (1 Timothy 5:19 ESV)

Even God has to have two or more witnesses. That is why God is One but Three.
So the Pharisees said to him, "You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true." Jesus answered, "Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me." (John 8:13-18 ESV)

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Abomination of Desolation

The little horn from the four horns from the big horn of the goat for 2300 days:
Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the glorious land. It grew great, even to the host of heaven. And some of the host and some of the stars it threw down to the ground and trampled on them. It became great, even as great as the Prince of the host. And the regular burnt offering was taken away from him, and the place of his sanctuary was overthrown. And a host will be given over to it together with the regular burnt offering because of transgression, and it will throw truth to the ground, and it will act and prosper. Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, "For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?" And he said to me, "For 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state." (Daniel 8:9-14 ESV)

A future prince in the middle of the last week:
"Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator." (Daniel 9:24-27 ESV)

The king of the north:
"At the time appointed he shall return and come into the south, but it shall not be this time as it was before. For ships of Kittim shall come against him, and he shall be afraid and withdraw, and shall turn back and be enraged and take action against the holy covenant. He shall turn back and pay attention to those who forsake the holy covenant. Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time. (Daniel 11:29-35 ESV)

The 1290 days:
And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, "O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?" He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days. But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days." (Daniel 12:7-13 ESV)

Now on the fifteenth day of Chislev, in the one hundred forty-fifth year, they erected a desolating sacrilege on the altar of burnt offering. They also built altars in the surrounding towns of Judah, and offered incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets. (1 Maccabees 1:54-55 NRSV)

In 167 B.C. a Greek ruler by the name of Antiochus Epiphanies set up an altar to Zeus over the altar of burnt offerings in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. He also sacrificed a pig on the altar in the Temple in Jerusalem. This event is known as the abomination of desolation. This fulfilled Daniel 8:9-14 and Daniel 11:29-35. But there is another fulfilment of the prophecy for the middle of the week, Daniel 9:24-27 and Daniel 12:7-13. Jesus warned us to look out for it.

So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Matthew 24:15-16 ESV)

But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Mark 13:14 ESV)

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 NASB)

Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:11-15 NASB)

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

DNA

DNA size, smallest to biggest:
Nucleotide, DNA, Gene, Chromosome, Genome

Nucleotide
adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine

DNA
one long molecules spiraling around in a double helix. The helix is made of four smaller molecule by the letters A, T, C, G.

Gene
special sequence of DNA

Genome
defining set of chromosomes that contain all of its genetic information, e.g. human genome, for example, is the set of genetic information encoded in 46 chromosomes found in the nucleus of each cell.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Evolution - What Darwin Never Knew

Darwin propose natural selection as the means of evolution, but he did not know the actual mechanism of how it work.

This video "Evolution - What Darwin Never Knew" attempt to fill in what Darwin did not know, that genes is the actual mechanism of natural selection.

The basic conclusion is that small changes in genes can have profound effect. For example, humans and chimpanzee genes are 99% identical. Thanks to these small changes, it is always possible that fins can be evolved into limbs because the same genes contain all the functions for the making of fins and limbs - Hox genes.

The example given in the video of the evolution of tiktaalik evolved limbs to escape predators in the ocean is ridiculous. Not only would tiktaalik need limbs, it would need lungs. How does the tiktaalik evolve limbs and lungs mindlessly and without planning? To me, all these discovery do not prove evolution. It proved that there is a God who use a basic design to design all vertebrates.

Children are imaginative because they do not let facts get into the way of their imagination.
Likewise evolution flourish when we do not know the facts of the actual mechanism of change.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Warning Against False Prophets

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12 ESV)

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Romans 16:17–18 ESV)

Friday, July 24, 2015

Prophecy in Greek

προφητεία (prophēteia) — 6 Occurrences
Matthew 13:14 N-NFS
GRK: αὐτοῖς ἡ προφητεία Ἠσαίου ἡ
NAS: In their case the prophecy of Isaiah
KJV: is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias,
INT: them the prophecy of Isaiah which
1 Corinthians 12:10 N-NFS
GRK: ἄλλῳ δὲ προφητεία ἄλλῳ δὲ
NAS: and to another prophecy, and to another
KJV: to another prophecy; to another
INT: to another moreover prophecy to another moreover
1 Corinthians 14:6 N-DFS
GRK: ἢ ἐν προφητείᾳ ἢ ἐν
NAS: or of prophecy or
KJV: or by prophesying, or by
INT: or in prophecy or in
1 Corinthians 14:22 N-NFS
GRK: ἡ δὲ προφητεία οὐ τοῖς
NAS: but to unbelievers; but prophecy [is for a sign], not to unbelievers
KJV: but prophesying [serveth] not
INT: those who moreover prophecy not to the
2 Peter 1:20 N-NFS
GRK: ὅτι πᾶσα προφητεία γραφῆς ἰδίας
NAS: of all, that no prophecy of Scripture
KJV: that no prophecy of the scripture is
INT: that any prophecy of Scripture of its own
2 Peter 1:21 N-NFS
GRK: ἀνθρώπου ἠνέχθη προφητεία ποτέ ἀλλὰ
NAS: for no prophecy was ever made
KJV: For the prophecy came not
INT: of man was brought prophecy at any time but

1 Corinthians 12:10
KJV To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
NASB and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.
HCSB to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of languages, to another, interpretation of languages.
NLT He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Tongues in Greek

γλώσσῃ (glōssē) - 7 Occurrences
1 Corinthians 14:2 N-DFS
GRK: γὰρ λαλῶν γλώσσῃ οὐκ ἀνθρώποις
NAS: For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak
KJV: he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh
INT: indeed speaks with a tongue not to men
1 Corinthians 14:4 N-DFS
GRK: ὁ λαλῶν γλώσσῃ ἑαυτὸν οἰκοδομεῖ
NAS: One who speaks in a tongue edifies
KJV: He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth
INT: He that speaks with a tongue himself builds up
1 Corinthians 14:13 N-DFS
GRK: ὁ λαλῶν γλώσσῃ προσευχέσθω ἵνα
NAS: let one who speaks in a tongue pray
KJV: let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray
INT: he that speaks with a tongue let him pray that
1 Corinthians 14:14 N-DFS
GRK: γὰρ προσεύχωμαι γλώσσῃ τὸ πνεῦμά
NAS: I pray in a tongue, my spirit
KJV: I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my
INT: indeed I pray with a tongue the spirit
1 Corinthians 14:19 N-DFS
GRK: λόγους ἐν γλώσσῃ
NAS: ten thousand words in a tongue.
KJV: words in an [unknown] tongue.
INT: words in a tongue
1 Corinthians 14:27 N-DFS
GRK: εἴτε γλώσσῃ τις λαλεῖ
NAS: speaks in a tongue, [it should be] by two
KJV: speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by
INT: If with a tongue anyone speak
1 John 3:18 N-DFS
GRK: μηδὲ τῇ γλώσσῃ ἀλλὰ ἐν
NAS: or with tongue, but in deed
KJV: neither in tongue; but
INT: nor with tongue but in

1 John 3:18
KJV My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
NASB Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
ESV Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
HCSB Little children, we must not love with word or speech, but with truth and action.
NLT Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

γλώσσαις (glōssais) — 15 Occurrences
Mark 16:17 N-DFP
GRK: δαιμόνια ἐκβαλοῦσιν γλώσσαις λαλήσουσιν καιναῖς
NAS: they will speak with new tongues;
KJV: they shall speak with new tongues;
INT: demons they will cast out with tongues they will speak new
Acts 2:4 N-DFP
GRK: λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γλώσσαις καθὼς τὸ
NAS: with other tongues, as the Spirit
KJV: other tongues, as
INT: to speak with other tongues as the
Acts 2:11 N-DFP
GRK: ταῖς ἡμετέραις γλώσσαις τὰ μεγαλεῖα
NAS: we hear them in our [own] tongues speaking
KJV: in our tongues the wonderful works
INT: [in] our tongues the great things
Acts 10:46 N-DFP
GRK: αὐτῶν λαλούντων γλώσσαις καὶ μεγαλυνόντων
NAS: them speaking with tongues and exalting
KJV: them speak with tongues, and magnify
INT: them speaking with tongues and magnifying
Acts 19:6 N-DFP
GRK: ἐλάλουν τε γλώσσαις καὶ ἐπροφήτευον
NAS: on them, and they [began] speaking with tongues and prophesying.
KJV: they spake with tongues, and
INT: they were speaking moreover with tongues and prophesying
Romans 3:13 N-DFP
GRK: αὐτῶν ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν
NAS: GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,
KJV: with their tongues they have used deceit;
INT: of them with the tongues of them they practice deceit
1 Corinthians 12:30 N-DFP
GRK: μὴ πάντες γλώσσαις λαλοῦσιν μὴ
NAS: do not speak with tongues, do they? All
KJV: do all speak with tongues? do all
INT: not all do speak with tongues not
1 Corinthians 13:1 N-DFP
GRK: Ἐὰν ταῖς γλώσσαις τῶν ἀνθρώπων
NAS: I speak with the tongues of men
KJV: I speak with the tongues of men
INT: If with the tongues the of men
1 Corinthians 14:5 N-DFP
GRK: ὑμᾶς λαλεῖν γλώσσαις μᾶλλον δὲ
NAS: spoke in tongues, but [even] more
KJV: all spake with tongues, but rather
INT: you to speak with tongues rather however
1 Corinthians 14:5 N-DFP
GRK: ὁ λαλῶν γλώσσαις ἐκτὸς εἰ
NAS: one who speaks in tongues, unless
KJV: he that speaketh with tongues, except
INT: he that speaks with tongues except if
1 Corinthians 14:6 N-DFP
GRK: πρὸς ὑμᾶς γλώσσαις λαλῶν τί
NAS: to you speaking in tongues, what
KJV: speaking with tongues, what
INT: to you with tongues speaking what
1 Corinthians 14:18 N-DFP
GRK: ὑμῶν μᾶλλον γλώσσαις λαλῶ
NAS: I speak in tongues more
KJV: God, I speak with tongues more than ye
INT: of you more with tongues speaking
1 Corinthians 14:23 N-DFP
GRK: πάντες λαλῶσιν γλώσσαις εἰσέλθωσιν δὲ
NAS: speak in tongues, and ungifted men
KJV: speak with tongues, and
INT: all should speak with tongues come in however
1 Corinthians 14:39 N-DFP
GRK: μὴ κωλύετε γλώσσαις
NAS: and do not forbid to speak in tongues.
KJV: not to speak with tongues.
INT: not do forbid with tongues
Revelation 10:11 N-DFP
GRK: ἔθνεσιν καὶ γλώσσαις καὶ βασιλεῦσιν
NAS: and nations and tongues and kings.
KJV: nations, and tongues, and kings.
INT: nations and tongues and kings

γλῶσσαι (glōssai) — 4 Occurrences
Acts 2:3 N-NFP
GRK: αὐτοῖς διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός
NAS: And there appeared to them tongues as of fire
KJV: cloven tongues like as
INT: to them divided tongues as of fire
1 Corinthians 13:8 N-NFP
GRK: καταργηθήσονται εἴτε γλῶσσαι παύσονται εἴτε
NAS: if [there are] tongues, they will cease;
KJV: whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease;
INT: they will be done away whether tongues they will cease whether
1 Corinthians 14:22 N-NFP
GRK: ὥστε αἱ γλῶσσαι εἰς σημεῖόν
NAS: So then tongues are for a sign,
KJV: Wherefore tongues are for
INT: So that tongues for a sign
Revelation 17:15 N-NFP
GRK: ἔθνη καὶ γλῶσσαι
NAS: and nations and tongues.
KJV: nations, and tongues.
INT: nations and tongues

γλῶσσάν (glōssan) — 7 Occurrences
Luke 16:24 N-AFS
GRK: καταψύξῃ τὴν γλῶσσάν μου ὅτι
NAS: and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony
KJV: cool my tongue; for I am tormented
INT: cool the tongue of me for
1 Corinthians 14:26 N-AFS
GRK: ἀποκάλυψιν ἔχει γλῶσσαν ἔχει ἑρμηνείαν
NAS: has a tongue, has
KJV: hath a tongue, hath
INT: a revelation has a tongue has an interpretation
James 1:26 N-AFS
GRK: μὴ χαλιναγωγῶν γλῶσσαν αὐτοῦ ἀλλὰ
NAS: and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives
KJV: not his tongue, but deceiveth
INT: not bridling [the] tongue of himself but
James 3:8 N-AFS
GRK: τὴν δὲ γλῶσσαν οὐδεὶς δαμάσαι
NAS: tame the tongue; [it is] a restless
KJV: But the tongue can no
INT: but [the] tongue no one to subdue
1 Peter 3:10 N-AFS
GRK: παυσάτω τὴν γλῶσσαν ἀπὸ κακοῦ
NAS: MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL
KJV: let him refrain his tongue from evil,
INT: let him cause to cease the tongue from evil
Revelation 13:7 N-AFS
GRK: λαὸν καὶ γλῶσσαν καὶ ἔθνος
NAS: and people and tongue and nation
KJV: kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
INT: people and tongue and nation
Revelation 14:6 N-AFS
GRK: φυλὴν καὶ γλῶσσαν καὶ λαόν
NAS: and tribe and tongue and people;
KJV: kindred, and tongue, and people,
INT: tribe and tongue and people

γλῶσσα (glōssa) — 7 Occurrences
Luke 1:64 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα αὐτοῦ καὶ
NAS: was opened and his tongue [loosed], and he [began] to speak
KJV: and his tongue [loosed], and he spake,
INT: and the tongue of him and
Acts 2:26 N-NFS
GRK: ἠγαλλιάσατο ἡ γλῶσσά μου ἔτι
NAS: WAS GLAD AND MY TONGUE EXULTED;
KJV: and my tongue was glad; moreover
INT: rejoiced the tongue of me and
Romans 14:11 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ
NAS: TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE
KJV: and every tongue shall confess to God.
INT: and every tongue will confess
Philippians 2:11 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσηται ὅτι
NAS: and that every tongue will confess
KJV: [that] every tongue should confess
INT: and every tongue should confess that
James 3:5 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα μικρὸν μέλος
NAS: So also the tongue is a small part
KJV: Even so the tongue is a little
INT: also the tongue a little member
James 3:6 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα πῦρ ὁ
NAS: And the tongue is a fire,
KJV: And the tongue [is] a fire, a world
INT: and the tongue [is] a fire the
James 3:6 N-NFS
GRK: ἀδικίας ἡ γλῶσσα καθίσταται ἐν
NAS: of iniquity; the tongue is set
KJV: so is the tongue among our
INT: of unrighteousness the tongue is set in

γλῶσσαι (glōssai) — 4 Occurrences
Acts 2:3 N-NFP
GRK: αὐτοῖς διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός
NAS: And there appeared to them tongues as of fire
KJV: cloven tongues like as
INT: to them divided tongues as of fire
1 Corinthians 13:8 N-NFP
GRK: καταργηθήσονται εἴτε γλῶσσαι παύσονται εἴτε
NAS: if [there are] tongues, they will cease;
KJV: whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease;
INT: they will be done away whether tongues they will cease whether
1 Corinthians 14:22 N-NFP
GRK: ὥστε αἱ γλῶσσαι εἰς σημεῖόν
NAS: So then tongues are for a sign,
KJV: Wherefore tongues are for
INT: So that tongues for a sign
Revelation 17:15 N-NFP
GRK: ἔθνη καὶ γλῶσσαι
NAS: and nations and tongues.
KJV: nations, and tongues.
INT: nations and tongues

γλώσσας (glōssas) — 1 Occurrence
Revelation 16:10 N-AFP
GRK: ἐμασῶντο τὰς γλώσσας αὐτῶν ἐκ
NAS: and they gnawed their tongues because
KJV: they gnawed their tongues for pain,
INT: they were gnawing the tongues of them for

γλώσσης (glōssēs) — 4 Occurrences
Mark 7:33 N-GFS
GRK: ἥψατο τῆς γλώσσης αὐτοῦ
NAS: He touched his tongue [with the saliva];
KJV: and touched his tongue;
INT: he touched the tongue of him
Mark 7:35 N-GFS
GRK: δεσμὸς τῆς γλώσσης αὐτοῦ καὶ
NAS: and the impediment of his tongue was removed,
KJV: of his tongue was loosed,
INT: band of the tongue of him and
1 Corinthians 14:9 N-GFS
GRK: διὰ τῆς γλώσσης ἐὰν μὴ
NAS: you utter by the tongue speech
KJV: by the tongue words
INT: by means of the tongue if not
Revelation 5:9 N-GFS
GRK: φυλῆς καὶ γλώσσης καὶ λαοῦ
NAS: tribe and tongue and people
KJV: kindred, and tongue, and people,
INT: tribe and tongue and people
γλωσσῶν (glōssōn) — 5 Occurrences
1 Corinthians 12:10 N-GFP
GRK: ἑτέρῳ γένη γλωσσῶν ἄλλῳ δὲ
NAS: [various] kinds of tongues, and to another
KJV: [divers] kinds of tongues;
INT: and to a different one kinds of tongues to another moreover
1 Corinthians 12:10 N-GFP
GRK: δὲ ἑρμηνεία γλωσσῶν
NAS: the interpretation of tongues.
KJV: the interpretation of tongues:
INT: moreover interpretation of tongues
1 Corinthians 12:28 N-GFP
GRK: κυβερνήσεις γένη γλωσσῶν
NAS: [various] kinds of tongues.
KJV: governments, diversities of tongues.
INT: administrating various kinds of tongues
Revelation 7:9 N-GFP
GRK: λαῶν καὶ γλωσσῶν ἑστῶτες ἐνώπιον
NAS: and peoples and tongues, standing
KJV: people, and tongues, stood before
INT: peoples and tongues standing before
Revelation 11:9 N-GFP
GRK: φυλῶν καὶ γλωσσῶν καὶ ἐθνῶν
NAS: and tribes and tongues and nations
KJV: kindreds and tongues and nations
INT: tribes and tongues and Gentiles

ἑτερογλώσσοις (heteroglōssois) — 1 Occurrence
1 Corinthians 14:21 Adj-DMP
GRK: ὅτι Ἐν ἑτερογλώσσοις καὶ ἐν
NAS: it is written, BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS
KJV: With [men of] other tongues and other
INT: By other tongues and by

διαλέκτῳ (dialektō) — 6 Occurrences
Acts 1:19 N-DFS
GRK: τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ αὐτῶν Ἁκελδαμάχ
NAS: that in their own language that field
KJV: proper tongue, Aceldama,
INT: in the own language of them Akeldama
Acts 2:6 N-DFS
GRK: τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ λαλούντων αὐτῶν
NAS: them speak in his own language.
KJV: speak in his own language.
INT: the own language speaking them
Acts 2:8 N-DFS
GRK: τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ ἡμῶν ἐν
NAS: [them] in our own language to which
KJV: own tongue, wherein
INT: the own language of us in
Acts 21:40 N-DFS
GRK: τῇ Ἐβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ λέγων
NAS: to them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,
KJV: unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
INT: with the Hebrew language saying
Acts 22:2 N-DFS
GRK: τῇ Ἐβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ προσεφώνει αὐτοῖς
NAS: them in the Hebrew dialect, they became
KJV: in the Hebrew tongue to them,
INT: in the Hebrew language he spoke to them
Acts 26:14 N-DFS
GRK: τῇ Ἐβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ Σαούλ Σαούλ
NAS: to me in the Hebrew dialect, 'Saul,
KJV: in the Hebrew tongue, Saul,
INT: in the Hebrew language Saul Saul

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Gifts of the Spirit

Different gifts, but one body / same Spirit (Romans 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:4)
Different gifts according to the grace given to us (Romans 12:6, Ephesians 4:7)

Romans 12:4-8 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 Ephesians 4:11-12
ProphecyProphecyProphecyProphecy
Serving
TeachingTeachingTeaching
Exhortation
Giving
Leadership
Compassion
HealingHealing
MiraclesMiracles
TonguesTongues
InterpretationInterpretation
Wisdom
Knowledge
Faith
Discernment
ApostleshipApostleship
Helps
Administration
Evangelism
Pastoring

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 ESV)

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:27-30 KJV)

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:4-8 KJV)

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV)

Command
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:18 KJV)

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Work of the Holy Spirit - 2

Another list of works of the Holy Spirit found in another website, which seemed to have summarized from Dr John Owen's "The Communion of the Holy Spirit in His Love", but added two more points 8 and 9.
  1. The Spirit helps the believer remember the words of Christ and teaches what they mean.
  2. The Spirit glorifies Christ.
  3. He pours out the love of God in the Christian's heart.
  4. He witnesses to the believer that he/she is a child of God.
  5. He seals faith in the Christian.
  6. As the earnest of our inheritance, He assures the believer of salvation.
  7. He anoints the believer.
  8. As the indwelling Spirit He sheds the love of God abroad in the believer's heart. (Romans 5:5)
  9. He becomes to him the Spirit of supplication.
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5 KJV)

Monday, July 20, 2015

Work of the Holy Spirit - 1

The following was summarized from "The Communion of the Holy Spirit in His Love by Dr John Owen", the full version in be found here or here.

The first and general work of the Holy Spirit is to bring to mind the words and promises of Christ.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26 KJV)

The second general work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. (John 16:14 KJV)

The third general work of the Holy Spirit is to 'pour the love of God into our hearts'
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5 KJV)

The fourth general work of the Holy Spirit is to bear witness with our spirits that we are the children of God
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:16 KJV)

The fifth general work of the Holy Spirit is His work in sealing us
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:22 KJV)
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV)
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30 KJV)

The sixth work of the Holy Spirit is his being an 'earnest' of 'deposit' or 'guarantee'
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:22 KJV)
Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 5:5 KJV)
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV)

The seventh general work of the Holy Spirit is to anoint believers
Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; (2 Corinthians 1:21 KJV)
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. (1 John 2:20 KJV)
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27 KJV)

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Governing Authorities

Be subject to governing authorities
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Romans 13:1 ESV)
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. (Titus 3:1-2 NASB)
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. (1 Peter 2:13-14 NASB)

Behind all governing authorities is Jesus Himself
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16 ESV)

Law is good, when used lawfully, in accordance to the Gospel
But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. (1 Timothy 1:8-11 NASB)

We obey the all authorities as far as possible
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. (Romans 12:18 NASB)

But we must obey God rather than men
But Peter and the apostles answered, We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29 ESV)

Thursday, July 16, 2015

The Journal Once Lost

The following are taken from "The Journal Once Lost : Extracts from the diary of John Sung" Page 460.
Prophet Elijah was able to call down fire from the Heavens (1 Kings 18:38).
However, he prayed that he would die under a juniper tree as he ran into difficulties (1 Kings 19:4).
Samson was strong, but asked to die when he became very thirsty (Judges 15:18).

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Answered Prayers - Paul's Journey To Rome - 2

Paul's Prayer Request found in Romans 15:30-33
  1. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
  2. That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
  3. That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
  4. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 15:30-33 KJV

Brian Bill tells this story:
In a small Texas town, a bar began construction on a new building to increase their business. The local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and many prayers. Work progressed right up till the week before opening when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground.
After losing his building the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building. The church vehemently denied all responsibility in its reply to the court. After looking at all the facts, the judge commented, "I don’t know how I’m going to decide this, because it appears that we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not."

Three requests
31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea (Answered in Acts 23:12-17)
31 that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints (Not answered in Acts 21:17-26)
32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God (Answered in Acts 25,26,27,28)

An example of Paul's deliverance from them that do not believe in Judea.
When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. There were more than forty who formed this plot. They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, "We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. Now therefore, you and the Council notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place."

But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, "Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him."
(Acts 23:12-17 NASB)

The elders in Jerusalem were pleased with the conversion of the Gentiles but insist that Jew should keep the Mosaic Law.
On the next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James. All of the elders were present. After greeting them, he gave them a detailed report of what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. Those who heard this praised God. Then they said to him, "Brother, you see how many thousands of Jews have become believers, and all of them keep the Law passionately. They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to reject Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to live according to our customs. What about this? Without a doubt, they will hear that you have arrived. You must therefore do what we tell you. Four men among us have made a solemn promise. Take them with you, go through the purification ritual with them, and pay the cost of having their heads shaved. Everyone will know there is nothing to those reports about you but that you too live a life in keeping with the Law. As for the Gentile believers, we wrote a letter about what we decided, that they avoid food offered to idols, blood, the meat from strangled animals, and sexual immorality." (Acts 21:18-25 CEB)

Paul's last prayer was answered, but not in the way he expected. He came as a prisoner, not as an apostle on a visit.
And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. (Acts 28:16 ESV)
He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (Acts 28:30-31 ESV)

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Two Wives

In a sermon "Goal & Means of Sanctification" preached at Christ Church, Radford on Wednesday 26-March-2014, Paul Washer spoke about two wives. One is confident, joyful, the other nervous, miserable. One striving to please her husband because of he does love her and the other striving to please her husband so that he will love her.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Religion - Truth or Preference

When I was in UK, I was invited by a church friend for lunch at home. Although I know that the staple diet of the English is potato and was not surprised to see a plate of potato in front of me, I did not expect was to see rice as a dish placed in the middle of the table. Back home, I would have rice in front of me and potato as a dish in the middle of the table.

Some people believe that religion is like a dish, whether it is rice or potato, it is your preference. If you are a Chinese, your preferred staple diet is rice and your religion would be either Buddhism or Taoism. If you are English, then you have potato and Christianity.

Then there are those who believe that religion is a matter of truth. Just as 1 + 1 is always 2, you cannot say I prefer 1 + 1 to be 3. 1 + 1 = 2 has to be accepted. It is true and there is no alternative.

Monotheistic religions tend to believe that religion is a matter of truth, not preference. Polytheistic religions then to believe that religion is a matter of preference. When you have many gods to choose from, it is naturally a preference. When there is only one God, He better be true. After all, within the monotheistic religion, there is already no choice.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Created And Redeemed

God has a double claim on me. He is my creator and my redeemer.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

God Is One

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. (Deuteronomy 4:39 KJV)

Now look into it: into days long past, before your time — all the way back to the day God first created human beings on earth, from one end of heaven to the other. Has anything this amazing ever happened? Has anything like it ever been heard of before? Has any people ever listened to a god’s voice speaking out of fire, as each of you have, and survived? Or has any god ever tried to take one nation out of another nation using tests, miracles, wonders, war, a strong hand and outstretched arm, or awesome power like all that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt while you watched? You were shown these things so that you would know this: The Lord is the only God. There’s no other god except him. From heaven he made you hear his voice in order to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire. You heard his words from that very fire. And because he loved your ancestors and chose their descendants after them, God brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his own great power, in order to remove larger and stronger nations from before you and bring you into their land, giving it to you as an inheritance. That’s where things stand right now. Know then today and keep in mind that the Lord is the only God in heaven above or on earth below. There is no other. Keep the Lord’s regulations and his commandments. I’m commanding them to you today for your well-being and for the well-being of your children after you, so that you may extend your time on the fertile land that the Lord your God is giving you forever. (Deuteronomy 4:32-40 CEB)

Chosen by God, therefore we must know, believe and understand Him.
"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and I am God. Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?" (Isaiah 43:10-13 ESV)

For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): "I am the LORD, and there is no other. I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, 'Seek me in vain.' I the LORD speak the truth; I declare what is right. (Isaiah 45:18-19 ESV)

Friday, July 3, 2015

Redeemed

I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:2-6 KJV)

And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:17-19 ESV)