Leaderboard

Mabel, I have spent a lot of time studying Islam, both as the theocracy that it is and it's history. This question seems to come up from a lot of people. Simply speaking I could just say no they are not the same.... While it is true that allah is the Arabic word for god, just because you use that word does not mean that you are speaking of what we refer to as the Father. Historically you could say that the god of Ishmael is the god of Abraham.... problem is, when you study the history of the Arabic People, they, as did the Israelites, fell from the god of Ishmael and went after many pagan gods. As time went along an angel visited Mohammad and gave him some instructions.... Mohammad thought it was a demon and was afraid of it. It was his wife who convinced him that it was from 'god'. So he kept letting this spirit give him instructions..... Mohammad's tribal god was the moon god. So when he was instructed that there was only one god he just picked up on that his god must be the one and only one and pushed that into his forming religion. The symbols and much of his god's attributions stayed with his forming what he called his Islamic religion. At that time he was in Mecca and for several years he kept getting messages from this demon entity and built up his religion. He had very little success in Mecca as he was being very peaceful in the way he was teaching. Finally the people there got tired of him and they ran him out of town. He went to Medina where he built an army and started forcing his beliefs on everyone. He later went back to Mecca for forced his god on everyone and booted all the gods out of the kabba in Mecca and placed his own there and built Islam around that. He kept getting instructions from his demon guide and over years spread over all the middle east and after his death into Europe itself. Basically they claim that their Allah is the same as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but in truth their Allah god isn't even the god of Ishmael. His history and character are completely different from the Father, and overall he is more like Satan than he is the Father. It is not a good idea to propose this to a devout Muslim though for they will be offended to the point of violence when you say such things about Mohammad or allah. All you can really do to help is to explain who and what Jesus really is and let the Holy Spirit speak to their spirits to accept the knowledge and go with it. I have learned over the years not to put down Islam to Muslims for it ends any kind of productive conversation. And I still get death threats from my follies. Keep in mind that the majority of the Muslims of the world are not Arabic, and many do not even know how to read.... like a lot of Christians who never read the Bible for themselves, they go to church/mosque and have someone tell them what their laws are and the instructions of Mohammad. The Koran itself is really in two parts. The parts that were given to Mohammad while he was in Mecca seem to be peaceful instructions to his followers, however much of the Koran written after he moved to Medina is totally violent... and according to Mohammad's teaching himself, the later scripture abrogates the earlier writings. The way the Koran is printed is dependent on how long the verses are and are all jumbled into an impossible to make complete sense of unless you understand the order they were given to him. The Imam's understand this from studying Bukhari's hadiths of the things Mohammad had said while he was alive.... So the Imams can pretty much tell their followers whatever fits their needs as to peacefulness or violence. And this they do. Allah and the Father are two distinctly different entities, assuming that Allah exists at all or is just a made up thing by the demon that was channeling through Mohammad.

I don't see that as the "dream" of every parent. While we did not have kids we did half raise a nephew and two nieces, and our dreams for them were not material, but spiritual. Above all our desire was that they come to know the Lord, so that whether in poverty or riches here on earth they would have riches not afforded by this world. As to the reason things are "taken" in the Tribulation, I take the view that we see the withdrawal of God's grace upon a secular world as the primary reason for the very tribulation that takes place. The primary reason that they suffer this judgment is because... 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 King James Version (KJV) 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; God bless.

When I memorize scripture in KJV for so many years then hear another version, I begin to doubt my ailing memory. In church hearing another quote a scripture from a different version is like same language with a different dialect. Like a Texan trying to listen to my Cajun cousins. I understand them, yet their accent creates a greater need of paying attention. I can study any version and gain understanding, same as anybody. Just don't want to re-memorize at my age.

"PC Bible Study" by BibleSoft. there are three versions of it at very different prices... What I bought several years ago was the lower priced one. At that time it was about $400. I think the price has dropped to about $150 or so. some of the things it has and they are pretty much linked together. There is more to it than I can show. The whole library is 13 pages of the things in it. And they allowed me to put in on my desk top and my laptop.

It happens to all of us. Do not let anyone question your faith in the Lord because you go thru trials and feel bad. Here is a neat trick. You see, the principalities and powers and those nasty little demons are all about making our lives miserable. They know that as long as they can DELAY the second coming they can win a few for their kingdom of darkness. They are territorial spirits (aka Psalm 82, Deut 32). They rule the nations, but not forever. And the nasty little demons try to get us down often... So what will really get to them is if thru our trials, we do what Yeshua did, and bless our God. Just like Job. When we are thankful to God in our trials, we really poke those fallen holy ones and remind them of their end. It is not far off: "...you are gods, but you will die like men..." God Presides in the Divine Assembly (psalm 82:7) …6. I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’ 7. But like mortals you will die, and like rulers you will fall.” It is not about feelings, but about God's Kingdom - "on earth as it is in heaven".

Here is all one needs to know about those that adhere to Satan’s Counterfeit to Christianity, Islam. They subtly say that Jesus is **** A **** son Of God, as opposed to ****THE**** Son Of God. Believe the former and you are damned. Believe the latter and you are saved.Ask the Ethiopian Eunich— it was enough to get “ him” saved.Many who put their faith unknowingly in Satan ( Allah) are coming to Christ in record numbers- especially Iran , of all places. Let us pray that this continues!

Bout time we give it a rest here. Pretty obvious this is a sorry testament to those fifteen hundred viewers/seekers watching us, the children of God having another family shouting match. Instead, maybe pray about it for a change.

Allah is Lucifer, so that should answer your questions.

Been there, done that... Also remember there is another powerful force trying to instill doubt, worry, confusion and questioning in your walk with Christ. The Apostle Paul addresses and explains what Christians should do in Ephesians Chapter 6:

Love your joy! Be blessed as you pursue Him, Not me Sometimes my heart wonders, if it could only understand what Christ did for me, seen from the eternal view point? I think my heart would explode with love and gratitude. Be blessed as we grow closer to Him, Not me That song is one of my favorites, for it is so true in my life. For apart from Christ, I am a disaster on legs. But in Christ, beauty for ashes. Be blessed in Him Worship Warrior, so He might be seen in you to the end you might get a full reward, many many blessings, Not me Yes, and that we might know this truth in an ever increasing way, each and every day. Be most blessed in Him, and may He prosper you in all you say and do, Not me

The idea of "Allah" as the Islamic name for God, is in fact just Political Correctness. Its what CNN wants you to think.... Its the same type of media baloney that created the idea that "Palestinian" is a true people of ancient middle eastern origin, somehow connected to the Philistines. When in fact this term , this political correctness term "Palestinian" is actually a (bumpersticker) (marketing) Media creation that originated within the Arab leadership, a bit less than 60 yrs ago. Its a fake "coined" term. The fact is, Palestinian's are simply ARABS. Now, lets look at 'Allah', so that we can get this mystery solved.. Allah, is in fact, one of 300 "godz". He was designated by the Bedouin Tribe from which Mohammed originated, as the "ONE".. He is in fact their "moon god". And if you can take time to notice, reader... you'll note that the Islamic FLAG, that RED one......has 3 stars and .......wait for it........a crescent MOON on it. And guess what that moon represents. ??? Did I hear you say the moon god "Allah"............good guess. Islam, in reality, is a sadly cloned fake copy of Christianity. Complete with a "god" (Allah), a "prophet",(mohammed) a "bible" (Q'uran, and Hadith), and of course, a heaven, that is an insult to the word. Can you imagine that a Holy God would OFFER as his heaven..... 63 virgins waiting to sexually please all the muslims that blow themselves up for him?? And this Paradise, the islamic heaven......You can't go if you are a woman. So, its not quite a paradise for them... And of course they have an angel. This one, they claim is the one that spoke to Mary. But theirs, he's a little different. He has WINGS. He has 600 wings. And he is responsible for delivering the Q'uran to Mohammed, in person., we are informed. This religious farce has even copied the ascent of Jesus back into heaven. They have Mohammed doing it on a white horse. And that reminds me of a story. I was in Jerusalem one day, looking across the Mt of Olives at the City of David, and a religious muslim walked up to me and began to tell me all about Mohammed and that white horse. He even showed me exactly where Mohammed and the Horse lifted off. (they teach)...... This particular muslim is very familiar with the Cross and Christ, and even Benny Hinn. He wanted me to pay him for all this information. He didn't get paid.

I don't want to harp on this. In fact, the sooner we can lay it to rest the better. The reason is, that we as a forum had some members at each other's throats just a couple of days ago. Someone in one of two topics that was discussed doubted my allegations about razor blades in Halloween candies, poisonings and the like. I'll just leave it with this and have had my say, with point of view made. Please Worthy brothers and sisters, let's not fight with one another anymore. A number of us were badly hurt by it. Thanks, and God bless. Police in two Connecticut towns are investigating Halloween tricks after the discovery of a razor blade handed out with candy in Waterbury and gummies containing THC given as treats in Waterford, reports said. One person is in custody after Waterbury police investigated reports that razor blades were handed out with candy, according to NBC CT. The razor blades were not placed in any candy but were loose in children's candy bags, Waterbury police said. The razor blades were traced to a home on Horseshoe Drive and police said they believe they have the person responsible in custody, NBC CT said. Waterbury police are warning anyone who went trick or treating on Horseshoe Drive Thursday night to carefully examine their candy and report anything suspicious. Waterford police were notified by parents that two kids under 18-years-old had each been given a sealed package of "gummy" style candy that indicated each gummy contained 10 milligrams of THC, according to the department's Facebook page. The parents discovered the gummies while inspecting their children's candy and called police at about 9 p.m., reports said. No one ingested the gummies and no was injured police said. The candy was handed out on Gallup Lane, police said. Officers have canvased the area and are investigating, police said. Related Stories 'Man Who Ruined Halloween': Recounting the horror story of the notorious ‘Candyman’ Investigators have not yet determined if the gummies were handed out intentionally or by mistake, police said. Connecticut Medical Marijuana dispensaries are not authorized to sell edible candies, police said. Parents should examine any candy their children received while trick or treating, police said. Anyone with information is requested to contact the WPD at 860-442-9451.

So many misconceptions presented but im not at home so i cant fully respond. Search for my post with the term abrogation. I have a list showing how allah of islam is not the same god as our God. In addition islam does not hold Christians or Jews in high regard and they think our scriptures are corrupt. Do not be deceived. Islam is not just another abrahamic religion. The quran twists the bible stories. If you read the story of how mohammed got the quran from the angel, in the words of islamic scripture, it is apparent that it is demonically inspired. However muslims need Jesus just as everyone else does. Pray for those who witness to them.

Question: "Christian fasting - what does the Bible say?" Answer: Scripture does not command Christians to fast. God does not require or demand it of Christians. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God. Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when fasting from food. Extended periods of time without eating can be harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God. Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example). Everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God. By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ. Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want. Fasting changes us, not God. Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men 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.” https://www.gotquestions.org/fasting-Christian.html

Revlori, have you considered the fact that you are being disciplined? The fiery trial is upon you? I say this with the intent of comforting you, and helping you to rejoice in these times. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:6-11) RE: the fiery trial Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4) God Bless.

Praying for you! I think if we're all honest, we'd all have to admit that we have feelings of worry, doubt, and fear. We're still human after all. The difference between us and those without Christ is that when those feelings begin overwhelm us, we do know in Whom we have believed and can take these feelings to Him - and He doesn't cast us away just because we're in a place of doubt or feeling fearful, He just lovingly reminds us again of Who He is (think of Thomas).

To an extent this is normal. We've got the nature of the flesh to deal with. As God pulls us through in the various trials we face our faith grows, which tends to diminish those feelings of doubt and fear.

Well, have you asked God if what you are asking of Him is within His will for you? If you have, and they are, i believe you will find we all go through these times now and then. Know you are not alone. When I am in the middle of a storm, one passage I hold dear to my heart. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Someone posted about all saints day. Elsewhere in the country all saints day is probably nice. I wouldnt know. In my area, it has a darker meaning ... Today is a mexican holiday called dia de los muertos. Day of the dead. It is a joyous holiday for those who celebrate it. Traditionally, families and even cities make altars set up with special food treats, decorated sugar skulls, pictures of dead loved ones, candles and flowers. People decorate themselves as skeletons. Skeletal objects are sold. Figures in everyday aspects of living are sold in skeletal figures. One of them goes by the name catrina. She has been coopted by the drug cartels as a narco saint, santa muerta. Families go to the cemetery to clean up graves and leave a trail of marigold petals for the spirits of dead loved ones to follow them back home. It is believed by many who have studied these rituals that they harken back to precolumbian days with the pagan beliefs of the indigenous tribes. This is how all saints day is recognized in my area.

I can only imagine, must have been a glorious revelation and insight. To actually see from God’s view point our salvation. Oh to see anything and everything from God’s view point. Be blessed as we strive to see all from His view point. Not me

I like it myself. The language used makes it feel like an ancient text and helps it feel distinct from modern writings. That said I do like looking at other translations as well as it can be interesting to see. Sometimes a particular wording can go a long way toward making a verse stand out.

If a woman is a true born again Christian she will not go for "the bad guy". There are very few of the Proverbs 31 women left in our world today. They are very uncommon.

Not me, When I first got saved, during the worship service, I had a revelation of what Jesus did for me on the cross. I saw him lifted me out of the pit of hell. Hell is full of snakes and so dark. I started out sobbing with loud cries and tears. This encounter awaken so much love in my heart that I never left my first love and never will.

Most "goody goody" Christian girls are incredibly naive. Others hope to change the bad guy. That is also being naive. Only God can change them. Most pity the bad guys, as God pities us all who are lost and need salvation. They don't understand yet that pitying love comes from God and they should let guys minister to guys; in other words, they don't understand how dangerous guys can be and how gullible they themselves are. Nor do they understand how strong a guys sex drive is because women think in terms of marriage, a home and family; even when girls like that are flirtatious they don't necessarily think in terms of sex. They want a guy's friendship. Most don't even understand yet that just because a guy comes from a Christian family, it doesn't mean they are born again. I have listened to many girls who were raped by someone they met at church. Some feel very fallen, that no one would want them afterwards, or even that God would never forgive them. They can't forgive themselves. This is not only true of church girls who are baby Christians. I have talked to women that were not Christians and not raised in Christian homes that felt the same way as far as feeling fallen and had a very low opinion of themselves after sex outside of marriage. They often feel totally worthless so they sleep around afterwards. That is their words.

Thought you was trying to find a life mate, your future bride. You seem to know an awful lot about the opposite sex. Realize, they all have the same problems all humans have, they're not perfect. If you're really looking, why not lay your burden before God, and ask for His direction. He does say to ask/seek and you will receive an answer. Then, wait upon the Lord.

Do Christian girls still go for bad boys? This was an unfortunate situation for you, and I'm sorry about the sour experience. I suppose some women even though seemingly upright and born again might find the aspect of a wild kind of guy exciting. But surely this isn't true for the majority. If you're living a sincere and honest life before the Lord, some nice lady will find that admirable. Don't give up, God certainly has plans for your life.

I love the Zodhiates Word Study - I used to love breaking down scriptures for fun and learning hidden truths in the greek and started with this one, the most famous verse ever, many moons ago. I can't be totally certain but I'm quite sure that's where I learned the above, but I know Strong's doesn't go as in depth as the Zodhiates does so I'd lean toward it being in there. I'm an ex Bible College nerd so

Your sins are forgiven Do not worry Get up ,pick up your mat and walk. Nice to hear and soothing to the heart isn’t it? But He also said you brood of vipers get behind me satan woe to you blind guides Jesus did not mince His word.He said it as it was.To turn the blind to Him and to wake up those who are sleeping. The word of God brings healing to those who need it and it should and does also bring a wake up call to those who use the name of God in vain and living a double life on this earth. He disciplines,He corrects. The question is’Do we want to be transformed in His likeness under His grooming? or do we want to be moving in fantasy clouds and in our camouflage skin? The word of God speaks to us and heals us and at the same time the word of God speaks to us and corrects us. Thank You Jesus. amen

Hi Coemgen, Your questions would take a whole lot of explaining; for brevity I'm omitting supporting scripture and answering from memory. This is only a personal opinion and my hermeneutic views. Matthew 27:51. The vail in the Temple was torn from top to bottom as a sign that we can now access God personally, one on one, through the Lord Jesus Christ. The law was made obsolete, no more Temple sacrifices or Temple priests needed. Jesus fulfilled the sacrifice once and for all with His finished work. There are no more barriers between Him and us. Matthew 27: 52-53. Prior to Jesus resurrection Saints didn't go to Heaven. As illustrated with Lazarus and the rich man [parables don't use proper names], people went to Hades in the earth [a temporary holding area]. There were two sides of Hades divided by a great gulf. One side of Hades was called paradise and Abraham's bosom, where they were comforted until the completion of Christ's work on the cross. Remember the criminal also being crucified next to Jesus whom believed in Him? Jesus told him, "today you will be with me in paradise". Paradise was not Heaven. At Jesus's death He descended into the earth and preached to captivity [probably the Gospel to those in the paradise side]. He lead captivity captive, meaning as I believe, those on Abraham's bosom's side out of there to Heaven. The torment side still remains as a holding cell if you will, reserved for the Great White Thrown Judgment at the end of the millennium. It's a mystery to me of who and how many were resurrected and allowed to visit their families, friends and loved ones and how long. I highly suspect this event was for a witness of what Jesus had done on the Cross and conquered death forever. Again there's many opinions on this, and the above is only my understanding.

No problem at all. I got it from the web - free with no legal issues. Use away!

They do not believe in the same God, did Allah have a son who died for mankind so they might be saved? Allah is a moongod.

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Psalm 86:5

Read Isaiah 58 - this speaks a lot about fasting.

Im not familiar with A.F Ministries, but i watched enough of the video to appreciate his response. "Its all about Grace". You know, Religion says....."you do this",.... While Christianity. = God says, "here, take my love". So, its not even a close call is it. Islam says, "give me your sons, i need them to die for me".......and Christianity is God coming as a SON to take you back home. You dont even have to blow yourself up. God became JESUS< to give you all his love, = Grace. And here is something else.... Many of you want to tell an unsaved someone about the way you feel about God, and you want them to know that God loves them. But this is , uncomfortable.... isn't it? Its easy for preachers to talk about God and Christ and the Cross, as everyone in the room is there to hear about this, but, maybe your neighbor is not ... Just remember that every person on the earth is looking for love, and contentment, and a satisfied heart., and its only us, the born again, who have this to give to them, as its only Jesus who can give them the love that makes them contented and satisfied, and fulfilled. The "good news" is that that we have what THEY want, but they don't know it. There is this disciple named Arthur Blessitt, and he suggests that you look for an opportunity to ask someone, a stranger perhaps.... if you can pray for them, and they'll let you, and then you can talk about it more... Have you ever handed out a Tract? I was led to the Lord by a Tract that i read when i was about 6 yrs old that i remembered all my life. Its called "This is your Life". The reality is, a person's life, over time, becomes one big question.... and the only real answer is Jesus. Reader, Can you type? Can you use a printer? Well, let say you had the idea of writing down your "witness", maybe your testimony, or something like this, and then you print 50, put them in 50 envelopes and drive very early in the morning one Friday morning, and find mail boxes on the street and put the envelopes in them. Does not have to be your street. You could address the envelope as "JUST FOR YOU">. And if 4 people's hearts are touched that read it, and one of them trust's Christ, then that is worth it all. And even more so, you have planted 49 seeds of Grace into the hearts of 49 readers, and this gives God a way into their heart. We plant seeds. God waters the seed and changes Hearts. If you hate to drive, but wanted to get the mail out, you can always buy 50 stamps, open a phone book, and there all the addresses..... For example, You could write something that says.. Hello. I just wanted you to know that God Loves you. He really does, and He wants you to be a part of his Family. God sent Jesus for us, for you, and for me, because He loves us that much. Will you open your heart to Him today? Maybe you were once very close to God and you use to Love Jesus with all your heart ? Is this true ? Jesus wants you to know that you are always welcome to come home. In fact, He is waiting there right now, arms wide open, . .... always. Will you open your heart to Him today? - God is Love

Thank you all for explaining that to me! It now makes much more sense!

Where does the Bible say “ thou shalt not go out to gather up all the free candy you can get because candy is fun to eat” ? That is what Halloween is all about.Wild imaginations can turn anything into something ugly.

Fasting is done as a means of direct intercession before the Lord. All who are able physically and without causing health concerns, can benefit spiritually from fasting and prayer. It's good for breaking bondages as well - especially for the purposes of deliverance, for example. Jesus had this to say concerning fasting, but first a passage from Joel. Joel 2:12 12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: KJV Matthew 6:16-18 16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. KJV

@ayin jade Oh how awful. I have just prayed for your area.

1. Through His word. 2. Through nature and God's creation. 3. Through other believers. 4. Through circumstances. 5. Through the Holy Spirit. 6. Through prayer.

All of these and I will add through service towards those in need. The way you feel when you are selflessly helping others is confirmation that God’s spirit is in you. Also, as I get older, nature has a profound effect on me because I know it wasn’t an accident and it testifies of God’s beauty and power everyday.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom 8:1-2

It's up to 8300 acres now. The wind is pushing it.

How does God speak to us today? Yes! Well said! John 16:13-15 13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he will take of mine, and shall shew in unto you. KJV

Yes Jesus took our place,as the perfect sacrifice he took our punishment that we deserve. We were all born into sin and shaped by iniquity. As we reach the age of accountability, where we understand that were sinners and need a savior. God calls us and we can choose to receive Christ as our savior. We understand that we have sinned and deserve a punishment for those acts of rebellion against God's law.That punishment is an eternal punishment in Hell. Jesus said I'll pay that price for you so you don't have to go there. Through him and him alone is salvation. Before the cross, Jesus bore all sickness and disease that by his strips we were healed. This is our claim that we can be healed. No matter what, weather mental, emotional, phsyical, we were healed. Just remember, Jesus has done it all for you, all for each one who will receive him. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that who so ever believes in Me shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Nope, three Entities that make up one God.

There are, of course, passages in the Bible that declare all three. I think that's awesome. It's indisputable proof that God is Triune and that Jesus, himself, is God. Acts 2:24 = "But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches. John 10:18 = "“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” Romans 8:11 = "The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. If the same Holy Spirit lives in you, He will give life to your bodies in the same way." God's word never contradicts itself. The Father is God. Jesus is God. The Holy Spirit is God. The Father is not the Son nor the Holy Spirit. The Son is not the Father nor the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not the Father nor the Son. But all are God. Hence the use of all three Persons responsible for the resurrection.

Lazarus also saw corruption but he came forth from the tomb bound up like a mummy when Jesus commanded it. Many people were saved by seeing this. I believe we are to take your passage literally.

I have no problem taking these verse literally. When Jesus cried out, "It is finished!" and willingly died - tremendous things happened in the spiritual world. Death, sin, and the grave were conquered. Those spiritual wonders spilled over into the natural world. God tore the curtain of the Temple in half. Earthquakes came and even dead bodies were brought to life as Lazarus' body was. Jesus performed a mighty miracle in raising Lazarus and now even in his death - his dying to conquer sin and evil - produced an even mightier miracles. The religious elite tried to kill Lazarus because of the testimony it bore of Jesus as THE Christ. See John 12. It says that people were leaving the tradition of the Jewish leaders and coming to Jesus in belief that he was the Messiah because of Lazarus. Just think what this miracle of MANY saints rising from the dead did to solidify that the man who just died on the cross was literally the Messiah. It's a strange miracle, but a miracle nonetheless.

The verses are original - some things we take on faith. The Bible is what it says it is. Yes, we can read it literally. That doesn't mean there can't be a symbolic message, also, but I don't see it. The people who rose from their graves were saints and would have been recognized as such.