Christ is Sovereign

In Matthew 23:34, Jesus declares that He sent prophets, wise men, and teachers as part of His divine mission, reflecting His authority and glory. These messengers are sent to guide the people back to truth and righteousness, yet Jesus laments that they will be rejected, persecuted, and even killed—just as their ancestors did to the prophets before them. This verse highlights both Christ’s sovereign role in commissioning His followers and the tragic pattern of resistance to God's messengers, pointing to the coming judgment for those who persist in such rebellion. Read more

Christ affirmed His identity as the Supreme Almighty, based on His words and actions in Scripture:

Revelation 22:13, Jesus Himself says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End," clearly equating Himself with the Almighty. These statements reveal His claim to eternal existence, divine authority, and absolute supremacy.

Christ affirmed His identity as the Supreme Almighty, based on His words and actions in Scripture:

In John 8:58, Jesus makes a powerful declaration of His eternal and divine nature: "Before Abraham was, I AM." This statement directly echoes the name God used to describe Himself in Exodus 3:14—"I AM WHO I AM"—when speaking to Moses at the burning bush. By using the phrase "I AM," Jesus was not only claiming pre-existence before Abraham but also identifying Himself with Yahweh, the eternal, self-existent God of Israel. This was so clear to His audience that they picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy (John 8:59), understanding that He was making a direct claim to divinity. This is one of the clearest affirmations from Jesus about His supreme, eternal identity. Another compelling confirmation comes from John 10:30, where Jesus states, "I and the Father are one." The Greek word used for "one" here, hen, implies unity in essence or nature—not just purpose. The Jewish leaders’ reaction in the next verses confirms their understanding of His claim: "You, a mere man, claim to be God" (John 10:33). Furthermore, in Revelation 1:8, a title often ascribed to God the Father is echoed in Jesus’ words: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. ” Later in Revelation 22:13, Jesus Himself says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End," clearly equating Himself with the Almighty. These statements reveal His claim to eternal existence, divine authority, and absolute supremacy. Other References: John 8:58 – Jesus’ claim: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Exodus 3:14 – God’s name revealed to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM.” John 10:30-33 – “I and the Father are one.” Revelation 1:8 – “I am the Alpha and the Omega. .. the Almighty.” Revelation 22:13 – Jesus: “I am the Alpha and the Omega…” Read more

Christ affirmed His identity as the Supreme Almighty, based on His words and actions in Scripture:

In John 8:58, Jesus makes a powerful declaration of His eternal and divine nature: "Before Abraham was, I AM." This statement directly echoes the name God used to describe Himself in Exodus 3:14—"I AM WHO I AM"—when speaking to Moses at the burning bush. By using the phrase "I AM," Jesus was not only claiming pre-existence before Abraham but also identifying Himself with Yahweh, the eternal, self-existent God of Israel. This was so clear to His audience that they picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy (John 8:59), understanding that He was making a direct claim to divinity. This is one of the clearest affirmations from Jesus about His supreme, eternal identity. Another compelling confirmation comes from John 10:30, where Jesus states, "I and the Father are one." The Greek word used for "one" here, hen, implies unity in essence or nature—not just purpose. The Jewish leaders’ reaction in the next verses confirms their understanding of His claim: "You, a mere man, claim to be God" (John 10:33). Furthermore, in Revelation 1:8, a title often ascribed to God the Father is echoed in Jesus’ words: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Later in Revelation 22:13, Jesus Himself says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End," clearly equating Himself with the Almighty. These statements reveal His claim to eternal existence, divine authority, and absolute supremacy. Other References: John 8:58 – Jesus’ claim: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Exodus 3:14 – God’s name revealed to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM.” John 10:30-33 – “I and the Father are one.” Revelation 1:8 – “I am the Alpha and the Omega... the Almighty.” Revelation 22:13 – Jesus: “I am the Alpha and the Omega…” Read more

CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM HEATED DEBATE (PART 2) - FINAL

Hi friends, thank you for your patience! I’m excited to share with you part two of our ongoing debate. This has been a thorough process, as I’ve had to carefully review and compile the hours of recordings, extract key points, while at the same time, devoting time to my studies and pastoral duties. If you haven’t yet read part 1, I highly recommend you start there by clicking the link below before reading part 2. Part 1 link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/RcSqkBJpkdZxTyaV/?mibextid=oFDknk Meanwhile, for those who have read part 1, I hope you find this second part interesting and inspiring. It is quite long because I didn't want to make any part 3, please read patiently and see how they got converted in the end. Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, follow for more teachings, and spread the word by sharing with others. I remain open to further discussions on this important matter. Happy reading! MUSLIM SCHOLAR: Fr. Chinaka, peace be upon you. I refer to my last message to you, stating my belief as a staunch Muslim who respects Jesus (peace be upon him) as a prophet, but I cannot accept that He claimed divinity. I believe the Bible does not contain any direct statement from Jesus where He says, “I am God, worship me.” What do you have to say about this?! FR. CHINAKA: Peace be with you too, Dr Ibrahim! Before we go deeper into this argument, I notice you’ve used the phrase “peace be upon him” when referring to Jesus several times. While I understand this is customary in Islamic tradition, I’d like to point out that, according to your own Quran, it might not be entirely appropriate to say this in reference to Jesus. In Surah 4:158, it says that Allah “raised Him up to Himself.” Therefore, if Jesus is with Allah, He is already at peace. Besides, in Surah 19:33, Jesus Himself says, “Peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I will be raised up to life again.” If Allah has already assured that Jesus is at peace by raising Him to Himself, saying ‘peace be upon him’ almost implies that He still requires peace just like an ordinary person who have died, as if He is not at rest. It’s somewhat like saying ‘rest in peace’ to someone who is already exalted in paradise. So, out of respect for your own Quran, I suggest we refrain from this phrase when referring to Jesus. Now, let’s address your main concern about Jesus’ divinity. You asked for a direct statement from Jesus in the Bible where He says, “I am God, worship me.” Let’s examine this step by step. First, do you accept that Jesus made other statements that, in the Jewish context, were clearly understood as claims to divinity? MUSLIM SCHOLAR: Thank you for the clarification on the phrase “peace be upon him.” I can see your point, though I’ve never thought it that way, but we use it out of respect. But in this argument, I will avoid it, for theological clarity and for your belief. That aside, on Jesus’ claim to divinity in the Jewish context, I know you're about to quote the famous “I AM.” Yes, I have seen how you argued in one of your posts that Jesus made such statement, which you interpreted as a claim to divinity. But we must be clear: Jesus never said outright that He was God. If He was truly God, wouldn't He have made that clear to avoid any confusion? What I am looking for is a direct statement. Also, the Bible says that Jesus prayed to God (e.g., in the Garden of Gethsemane). If He were God, why would He pray to another? FR. CHINAKA: I see… But let me respond to each of your points in turn. First, the Bible makes it abundantly clear that Jesus did, in fact, claim divinity in a way that His Jewish audience would immediately recognize. For instance, in John 8:58, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I Am.” This is not just a casual statement. The phrase “I Am” directly parallels the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God says, “I AM WHO I AM.” The Jews understood exactly what Jesus was claiming here, which is why they immediately picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy. In a similar way, at His trial before the Sanhedrin, the High Priest asked Him directly if He was the Christ, the Son of God, and Jesus responded, “You have said so” (Matthew 26:64), affirming His identity. The High Priest tore his robes, accusing Him of blasphemy, because to claim to be the Son of God in that context was understood as claiming equality with God. Jesus made His identity known in ways consistent with Jewish understanding, and he was well understood. As for your question about why Jesus prayed to the Father, you must remember that we Christians believe in the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – three distinct Persons, yet one God. In His human nature, Jesus prayed to the Father, not because He was a lesser god, but because of His humility, a path He voluntarily chose as seen in Philippians 2:6-11: “Though He was in the form of God, Jesus did not count equality with God, a thing to be grasp, He humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men…” And you must also note that prayer doesn't always or automatically mean submission to a higher authority; rather, it can mean communication, blessing, or relationship. Just as the Quran speaks of Allah “praying” or sending blessings upon His prophets and followers in the original Arabic language (cf. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:157 and Surah Al-Ahzab 33:56), it can be understood that Jesus, as part of the Holy Trinity, prays as a means of communication with the Father, not as an act of subordination. MUSLIM SCHOLAR: Fr. CJay, I’m a very honest person. I need you to convince me more to believe this truth. While I’m still not convinced, I need this to sink into your heart – in Surah 5:116, it’s made clear that Jesus would never claim divinity. Allah will ask Jesus on the Day of Judgment, “Did you say to people, ‘Take me and my mother as gods besides Allah?’” And Jesus will respond, “Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right to say.” This proves that Jesus never claimed divinity and rejected any notion of being worshiped. FR. CHINAKA: First, nowhere in the Bible or Christian Tradition is it written for us to take both Jesus and His Mother as gods. The Christian faith upholds that the Blessed Virgin Mary be honoured, as she herself said it in the Bible “all generations will call me blessed.” (Luke 1:48), she is not divine and is never worshipped. So, while Mary is not God, Sacred Scripture, which existed 600 years before Islam, affirms strongly that Jesus is God. One of the most affirmations of Jesus' divinity is found in the opening verse of the Gospel of John: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). When we place emphasis on the last couple of terms in that passage, we read: “and the Word was God" in Greek, “kai Theos ēn ho Lógos” (καὶ Θεὸς ἦν ὁ Λόγος). Here, Jesus is referred to as "the Word" (ὁ Λόγος, ho Lógos), and John is not simply calling Jesus a messenger of God or a prophet. The verse explicitly states that Jesus, as the Word, was God. This is an unambiguous declaration of Jesus’ divinity. And you know that in the Quran, Jesus is also referred to as “the Word” of Allah. In Surah 3:45, the Quran says that Jesus is “His Word” (kalimah) that He cast down to Mary and a “Spirit from Him.” This description of Jesus as the “Word” tallies with the Christian understanding of Jesus as the Word of God, which John 1:1 declares to be divine. So, the Quran, in this regard, points to something unique about Jesus – He is not created like other prophets, but rather comes directly from God as His Word and Spirit. This sets Jesus apart from all other prophets. To call Jesus simply a “mere man” or “mere prophet” is a rejection of the truth found in both the Quran and the Bible, and the fact that He is described as a spirit and Word of Allah in the Quran with titles that suggest His pre-existence and divine origin. This idea is perfected in John 1:1, which points clearly to the pre-existence of Jesus before the creation of the world. Jesus existed with God and was God even before His incarnation as a man. Therefore, Jesus cannot be just another prophet like those before Him; He is the eternal Word of God who took on human flesh (John 1:14). Thus, while the Quran recognizes Jesus as the Word of God and a Spirit from God, it stops short of acknowledging His divinity. But this Word and Spirit, who pre-existed creation and came into the world as man, cannot merely be a human prophet. His very nature as the divine Word, as affirmed in both the Bible and implicitly in the Quran, testifies to His unique identity as God. MUSLIM SCHOLAR: You seem to have made a beautiful analysis. But my doubt remains – how can a God really come down to the world as man? That is impossible! FR. CHINAKA: I understand your difficulty in accepting the idea of God becoming man Dr., as it can seem impossible from a human perspective. However, both the Quran and the Bible prove the possibility to us. Doesn’t the Quran affirm that Allah can do all things? In Surah 2:117, it says, “To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: when He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.” This means that nothing is impossible for Allah. Also, in Surah 27:8-9, Allah Himself appears to Moses in the form of a burning bush. Here, we see Allah manifesting Himself in a physical form – something created (fire). If Allah can manifest through something as simple as fire, then why should it be impossible for Him to take on human form if He so wills? And when Mary questioned how she could bear a son without a man, Allah responded, “He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.” If Allah can bring about the miraculous conception of Jesus, why should we doubt His power to come into the world as a man? So, if Allah is truly almighty, as the Quran and the Bible affirm, there should be no doubt about His ability to enter into creation, even as a human being. After all, nothing is impossible for God. If we both accept that Allah can do anything, then we should not limit His ability to reveal Himself in the manner He chooses – whether through a burning bush or by taking on human form. So, why should it be impossible for God, who created everything, to take on human flesh to save humanity? MUSLIM SCHOLAR: Sounds true, but the Quran, which is perfect, well detailed and complete does not say all these. FR. CHINAKA: I will simply tell you that the Quran, in a way, points to the Bible for its better understanding. If you read the Quran properly, and eventually hear of the Biblical truth, you should be led by the Holy Spirit to become a Christian. This is why I believe that the Quran is somehow a step in helping you become a Christian. Now, consider the areas that talk about the life of Christ… This is most likely to have been drawn from pseudo-gospels or non-canonical Christian writings because the stories of Jesus in the Quran resemble stories found in those non-canonical literatures that were not accepted into the Bible in the fourth century (before Islam). For instance, the story of Jesus’ Speaking as an Infant in Surah 19:29-30, depicting Jesus talking while still in the cradle. This story is not found in the canonical Gospels but is present in the Infancy Gospel of St. Thomas, a non-canonical text from early Christianity. This raises the question: if the Quran is supposed to be a direct revelation from God, why does it include a story absent from the canonical Gospels but present in what we refer to as false (apocryphal) texts? The Infancy Gospel of Thomas was not accepted by early Christian communities due to its speculative nature. Also, in Surah 3:49 and Surah 5:110, the Quran describes Jesus creating birds from clay and breathing life into them. This miracle is not recorded in the canonical Gospels in the Bible but is found in the Infancy Gospel of St. Thomas, an apocryphal text written 600 years before Islam and known in the Christian Community then. Now, as the Quran portrays Jesus as a prophet and servant of Allah, denying His divinity (Surah 4:171), this idea is not strange for it mirrors certain Gnostic ideas, such as those found in the Gospel of Barnabas and other apocryphal texts, where Jesus is described in purely human terms, denying His divine nature. The Gnostic tradition, which was considered heretical by the early Church, viewed Jesus as a lesser, purely human figure or a divine being in disguise, depending on the specific text. Thus, the Islamic narrative of Jesus seems more in line with these heretical views of early Christianity even before the advent of Islam. Lemme drop my last point before I present the major points before you. The Quran denies the crucifixion of Jesus in Surah 4:157, stating that it was made to appear as though Jesus was crucified but that He was not actually killed. Even this belief parallels the teachings of some Gnostic sects, like the Gospel of Judas, where Gnostic beliefs portray Jesus as not suffering physically on the cross, or where someone else is substituted in his place. The Gospel of Judas, a Gnostic text dated to the 2nd century, presents a unique perspective where Judas Iscariot is depicted as playing a role in releasing Jesus from his physical body, suggesting that Jesus did not undergo physical suffering in the same way that orthodox Christian teachings hold. This doctrine was rejected by the early Church as heretical way before Islam arrived. The resemblance of this Quranic claim to Gnostic ideas raises questions about the sources the Quran drew upon. These are critical and serious issues that I need clear responses from you, doctor! MUSLIM SCHOLAR: Wait! let’s come on Google Meet, Hassan my colleague has a lot to tell you. We’ve been together since lunch time. I will send you the link shortly. FR. CHINAKA: [Thinking 💭 aloud, oh, I’ve been arguing against two...] Alright, lemme make my environment conducive, and do not forget to record it. [GOOGLE MEET SESSION…] MUSLIM SCHOLARS: [Hassan speaks up…] Thanks for raising all these claims. Returning to your argument that Islam copied from your apocryphal gospels, we know for sure that Islam did not copy or borrow ideas from the Gnostic Gospels or the false gospels that were removed. That they appear in the Quran simply indicates Allah’s way of validating that those gospels you took off your Bible were indeed valid and that Christianity was mistaken, and Islam needed to come and rectify the falsity in Christianity. FR. CHINAKA: Wow! I’m speechless. You've not answered my questions. I’ll take it as your “escapist statement.” No worries… Let us deal with the crux of our argument. Since your main argument is for me to show you in the Bible where Jesus says “I’m God, worship me.” Before answering you directly, I’d also like to ask you: you both accept that Jesus is the Messiah and a prophet, correct? Where in the Quran does Jesus say, “I am the Messiah” or “I am a prophet”? MUSLIM SCHOLARS: Yes, Jesus is a Prophet and the Messiah. However, Jesus does not explicitly say, “I am the Messiah” or “I am a prophet” in the Quran, but I believe it because Allah revealed it in the Quran. Since you claim to know the Quran, take your mind to Surah 3:45, Allah says that Jesus is the Messiah. So, we accept what Allah has revealed. But still, this is different from claiming divinity. There is nothing in the Bible where Jesus explicitly says He is God. Even if the Jews misunderstood His statements, that doesn’t mean He was claiming to be God. Prove this, and I will become a Christian! FR. CHINAKA: Ok, you are willing to accept that Jesus is the Messiah based on what Allah says in the Quran, even though Jesus Himself does not make that claim explicitly. I see! So, going by your logic, then, shouldn't you also accept what God says about Jesus in the Bible, even if Jesus does not say it in the exact words you are looking for? MUSLIM SCHOLARS: How exactly do you mean? FR. CHINAKA: For instance, in Hebrews 1:8, God the Father speaks of Jesus: “But of the Son He says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the sceptre of justice is the sceptre of Your kingdom.’” Here, God Himself calls Jesus “God.” This is a divine affirmation of Jesus’ identity, much like how Allah affirms Jesus as the Messiah in the Quran. Do you agree to this? [I noticed the confusion between both of them, one checking his phone to browse the Bible online, while the other who couldn’t hide his confusion, mutters some unintelligible words] MUSLIM SCHOLARS: [Hassan spoke up, while still checking his phone]. You said Hebrews chapter 1 verse what? FR. CHINAKA: Verse 8, but read from verse 5 to understand the context. MUSLIM SCHOLARS: [Reading…and reaching verse 8…]: “But of the Son He says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the sceptre of justice is the sceptre of Your kingdom.’” [One of them letting out a sigh, and says to the other, what do you think? Then they muted the video and spoke for a minute, in what seemed like a kind of dispute or mini conflict among them, and Hassan said]: But should I build my faith only on this Scriptural verse to prove Jesus is God? It is not so solid for us [Dr. Ibrahim interrupted, speak for yourself, for me, it is clear. And Hassam asked again]: show me from the Bible other proofs of Jesus’ divinity? FR. CHINAKA: Okay, I expected this question, and I’m prepared for it. Let’s turn to Revelation 1:17-18, where Jesus says, “I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore.” Now, compare this to Surah 57:3 in the Quran, where Allah is described as “the First and the Last.” How do you reconcile the fact that both Jesus and Allah claim this title? Mind you, the Scriptures were written about 600 years before Islam. MUSLIM SCHOLARS: [Hassan speaks up]. Well, we believe this title belongs only to Allah. But still, I am cautious because we believe the Bible has been altered and corrupted over time. Even though these passages may exist, we cannot trust them fully. FR. CHINAKA: But let’s be clear: the Quran itself never claims that the Torah and the Gospels were completely corrupted. Surah 5:47 even says, “Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein.” If the Gospels were truly corrupted, why would Allah tell the Christians to judge by them? The Bible, especially the New Testament, was written by eyewitnesses and those who received testimony from eyewitnesses. These texts were preserved with care. The message of Jesus' divinity is consistent throughout the New Testament. You asked for a clear statement from Jesus, and while He does not literally say “I am God, worship me” in those exact words, His actions, titles, and the divine affirmation from both God the Father and Himself leave no doubt about His divinity. If you accept Allah’s revelation about Jesus being the Messiah, why not accept God’s revelation in the Bible that Jesus is also divine? Okay, let me return to Jesus as the Word of Allah, according to your Quran. Now, I need your response – true/false: In human terms, when a person speaks a word, that word is intrinsically linked to the speaker. It reflects the nature of the person speaking. A human's word, therefore, is human. True/False? MUSLIM SCHOLARS: [Both answered unanimously] True! FR. CHINAKA: Thank you for your honest response. The Quran explicitly refers to Jesus as the "Word of Allah" in Surah 4:171. This phrase, "His Word," carries great implications, and I will prove it. If Allah, who is divine, speaks a word, that word cannot be anything less than divine because the very nature of the word must be reflective of the nature of the one who utters it. If Jesus is the "Word of Allah," then He shares in the divine essence because Allah’s word cannot be mere creation; it must be a part of His eternal nature. Even, this is also supported in Surah 3:45, where Jesus is called a "Word from Him," further strengthening our understanding of the unique and eternal nature of Jesus. Do you agree with this? MUSLIM SCHOLARS: [Dr. Ibrahim answers Yes, while Hassan remains quiet]. Then Dr. Ibrahim added, what about the words of Jesus? If the Word of Allah is divine as you have shown, and equally illustrated as Jesus, how about the words of Jesus, which being would it produce? And please, I want us to continue this argument the video, maybe returning to Facebook Messenger. [Google Meet video call ends…and I quickly went to Messenger to drop the response] FR. CHINAKA: Greetings, Dr. Ibrahim. I trust you are good today. Returning to your last question concerning Jesus’ words, the Bible answers this directly where Jesus Himself says: “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63). Here, Jesus is clearly saying that His words are not just ordinary words but are spiritual and life-giving, the same with the Father. This also explains why in John 5:25, Jesus says: "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live." This is an indication of Jesus' divine authority and power over life and death. He proclaims that at the sound of His voice – the Word of God – the dead will rise. And remember that the Quran, in Surah 2:258, states that Allah is the one who gives life and death. So, when we connect this with John 5:25, where Jesus says, “the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live,” we see a strong parallel. Jesus is claiming the very power that the Quran attributes solely to Allah – He can give life through His word. This is a direct assertion of divine authority. Jesus, by His word, can raise the dead, both spiritually and physically, just as Allah is described as the one who gives life in the Quran. Also, in John 11:25, Jesus further weighs into this truth by declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." This shows that Jesus not only speaks of life but is Himself the source of life, an ability that, according to the Quran, belongs to Allah alone. Therefore, He that gives me life, that is in fact, my hope of resurrection and life will always be my God. [Message delivered and seen on Messenger but there was no response until after three days] MUSLIM SCHOLARS: Hello, dear brother! How are you? We were not disposed for this discussion for some days, because we needed to make more research and ask more questions from other colleagues after our Jumu'ah, but the answers we got were not sufficient enough to convince us, and I was disappointed. Hassan will travel to Egypt by next week and stay for a while before I join him because his visit visa is due, but believe us, both of us have understood you properly, having taken into consideration all you have put together. Remember, I told you “I’m a honest person.” I never understood all these the way you’ve explained, and to be honest, we are holding unto these teachings for now. We need you to compile all these are send to us. We can talk better on the phone. Before we end our chat, I would like to ask whether you have more truths from the Quran about Jesus’ divinity? FR. CHINAKA: Hello, dear brothers! I am glad to hear from you and even more encouraged that our discussions have been fruitful. Your openness and honesty are deeply appreciated, and I will gladly compile everything we've covered so far and send it to you. It’s important that these matters are understood clearly and that we approach them with sincerity, just as you’ve done. Well, there are a host of points that could be made for you from the Quran pointing to the divinity of Jesus. Before we close up this chapter, I will like to clarify further one of my earlier points regarding Surah 3:55, which says that Allah raised Jesus to Himself: “Allah said, O Isa (Jesus), I will take you and raise you to Myself...” Here, the Quran is clear that Jesus was taken up to Allah. Now, Surah 57:4 says that Allah is above all creation, beyond space and time. If Allah raised Jesus to Himself, and Allah is above all creation, then Jesus too must be above all creation. And if Jesus is raised to be with Allah, and Allah is above creation, Jesus cannot be a creature, for a creature can never exist above creation. He must partake in a divine reality, which makes Him more than a prophet or a servant. MUSLIM SCHOLAR: Awesome! Jesus bless you, Father Chinaka! The reality gets better. I expect your compiled teachings. Also, which Church should we go to so that a Roman Catholic Priest like you can also tutor us likewise? And can we receive the Communion? Brother Hassan sends his greetings. FR. CHINAKA: I’ll compile the teachings Dr., but I also need you to send me the recorded videos to compile them all. Check for the nearby Roman Catholic Church in your vicinity, and introduce yourselves to the Parish Priest, and also explain your situation. Before you receive Holy Communion, you have to undergo a period of Catechesis in order to understand the faith more deeply, learn the teachings of the Church, and prepare your hearts and minds to fully embrace the Sacraments. This process will guide you through the foundational aspects of the Christian faith, including the sacraments, the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the significance of the Eucharist. Once you have completed this formation, and after further discernment, you will be able to receive the sacraments, including Baptism and Holy Communion. Meanwhile, I’ll assist your conversion journey by preparing a one-year catechetical plan. So, we are in this together, okay. Feel free to reach out to me or your local priest if you have any questions or concerns during this journey. I'm here to support you every step of the way. MUSLIM SCHOLAR: You can suspend the doctor title, please. I feel so embarrassed with it. I will send the video, but do not publish them yet. You can go ahead and compile the teachings and publish them for other Muslim brothers. It is highly inspirational. Thank you once again, Catholic Priest. FR. CHINAKA: You are always welcome, my friend. I pray that God will guide you on your journey. If you ever have more questions, feel free to reach out again. I'm at your pastoral service. Peace be with you (Shalom). [THE END...] Dear friends, let's have our deer brothers and new converts - Ibrahim and Hassan in our prayers. You're free to share this post... Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ #SoulOfAMissionary Read more

CHRISTIAN - MUSLIM HEATED DEBATE (Part 1)

CHRISTIAN - MUSLIM HEATED DEBATE (Part 1) Dear friends, I present to you the long-awaited compilation of the arguments and debates with my new friends - the newly converted Christians, who were previously Muslim scholars at the time of the debate. Bear in mind that this compilation is to enable you to understand the kind of questions asked by Muslims and how to clarify and also refute attacks against the Christian faith. I selected the basic conversations from the chats with the two friends on Facebook and Google Meet Videos, and thus, present them in a systematic and improved way here. This is just part 1, part 2 is the heart of our debate, which led to their conversion. Do share with others as you come across this piece... Happy reading! MUSLIM SCHOLARS: Fr. Chinaka, peace be upon you. I have been following your posts for the last three weeks, especially the rebuttal you wrote against Reno Omokri’s claims. Your Greek exegesis caught my attention, but I have my reservations. I believe you may have misinterpreted some key passages regarding Jesus (peace be upon him) and His role in Christianity. First of all, can I meet you? I also have a colleague of mine who shall also contact you here on messenger and also get to debate you on video. FR. CHINAKA: Hmmm, peace be with you sir, and nice to meet you here. I'm open to further discussion regarding the Christian faith, and particularly, the divinity of Jesus. I'm Fr. Chinaka (Fr. CJay), a missionary Priest serving in São Paulo Archdiocese, Brazil. Could we discuss this tomorrow? I'm in school for the whole day today. So, who am I chatting with? MUSLIM SCHOLAR: I'm Dr. Ibrahim, currently in Houston, Texas. I've got my Ijazah - Certificate of Authority to Teach and interpret Islamic sciences, such as Quranic exegesis (tafsir), Hadith, and Islamic law (fiqh). I also have my Ph.D. (Doctorate in Islamic Studies). So, you can call me doctor. I see on your page that you're a Bible scholar and an Exegete, and you mentioned that you were in school the other day. Are you a student or lecturer? So, what's your academic qualification? FR. CHINAKA: (Thinking aloud 💭 ...Hmmm, this guy wants to begin by intimidating me with his fat qualifications and degrees sha, but there's no need to go that route with him. I'll tell him it's not necessary jare). Dr. Ibrahim, could we just forget about the academic qualifications here? I'm simply a Roman Catholic Priest. You can address me as Fr. CJay or Chinaka. So, what are your reservations concerning Christianity, the Bible and the divinity of Jesus Christ? MUSLIM SCHOLAR: Good morning, Fr. CJay. I'll respect your wish. So, Fr. CJay, as you know, we Muslims regard Jesus as a prophet and the Messiah, but we cannot accept the claim that He is divine. I would like to engage you in a respectful dialogue because, as far as I know, there is no place in the Bible where Jesus explicitly says, “I am God, worship me." But before we discuss further, I'd like to point out various contradictions in Christianity, for the Bible is full of contradictions and inconsistencies. It has been changed many times, and there are multiple versions. How can Christians claim that it is the Word of God when it has been altered over the centuries? The Quran, on the other hand, is perfect and without contradiction. It is clear, fully explained, and unchanged since it was revealed. Allah said in Surah 2:85 that the Quran is fully detailed. Can we discuss this on Google Meet or Zoom? We can record if you don't mind. FR. CHINAKA: [Fast forward to Google Meet session] Before I address the issue of contradictions and versions, let's clarify the nature of the Bible. The Bible is not a single book; it is a collection of writings spanning thousands of years, written by different authors in different contexts, all inspired by God. Its purpose is not to provide a manual on every scientific or historical detail but to guide humanity in faith and morals. Yes, there are different translations based on manuscript traditions, but the message remains coherent across versions. Now, you mentioned contradictions in the Bible. Most of what you Muslims point out as contradictions are either misunderstandings of the text, or you fail to recognize the literary genres used. For instance, the apparent differences in the Gospels are not contradictions but different perspectives on the same events. Let me ask you: if four different people describe the same event in their words, would their accounts be identical? Of course not, but they can still present the truth of what happened. Let’s now talk about the Quran. You claim the Quran has no contradictions. However, in my study of Islam, I discovered that Surah 2:62 says: "Indeed, those who believed, and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans - those who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve." But in Surah 3:85, it says: "And whoever desires other than Islam as a religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers." Now, do Jews and Christians have hope for salvation as Surah 2:62 suggests, or will they be condemned as Surah 3:85 states? This is a direct contradiction, despite the Quran’s claim in Surah 4:82 that 'had it been from any other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.' MUSLIM SCHOLAR: You're misinterpreting the verses. The Quran is clear and fully explained in everything. Surah 16:89 says, 'We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things.' These two verses are not contradictory; they refer to different times. Surah 2:62 refers to those before the coming of Islam, and Surah 3:85 refers to those after Islam has been revealed. FR. CHINAKA: That looks like a convenient explanation, but it doesn’t hold up. If Surah 16:89 claims that the Quran clarifies everything, why does the Quran have verses that even Islamic scholars admit are 'allegorical' and impossible to fully understand? In Surah 3:7, it says: 'It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific.' So, are all things fully explained or not? If you say the unclear verses are allegorical, how can you claim that the Quran is completely clear and fully detailed? Also, your explanation of Surah 2:62 and Surah 3:85 doesn’t solve the problem. There is no clear indication in the Quran that these verses refer to different periods You’re reading into the text to justify the contradiction. You see, this is why Christians interpret Scripture through the Church and guided tradition, ensuring that the message remains coherent over time. Meanwhile, Islamic scholars have differing interpretations of these same 'fully explained' verses. As for the claim that the Quran has never been changed, historical evidence proves otherwise. The Quran we have today was finalized under Uthman, the third caliph, who ordered the destruction of other Quranic versions to preserve uniformity (Sahih al-Bukhari 4987). And if you must know, the Quran underwent revisions over centuries, with different dialects and readings. In fact, the Cairo edition of the Quran, which is widely used today, was printed in the 1920s based on the 'Hafs' reading, one of many variants. So, stop accusing the Bible of having many versions and aiming the Quran is so perfect without contradictions. You and I know that is not true, and those who truly know the history of the Quran like I do, know where your loopholes stand. MUSLIM SCHOLAR: Well, I'll research what you've said and get back to you. Let me pass this on to my brother Hassan to clarify you better. [Hassan speaks up] Fr. Chinaka, Allah promised to preserve the Quran, which is why we believe it is perfect. In Surah 15:9, it says, 'Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian.' The Uthmanic codification was part of Allah's plan to ensure that the Quran remained unchanged. While there were different readings, the core message has always been the same. (Network glitch... Google Meet call ended abruptly... The next is on Facebook Messenger) FR. CHINAKA: Hi Doctor, how're you doing today? Returning to our last conversation which left us with many unclear stands... Now, if Allah promised to guard the Quran from change, why were there different readings to begin with? Why did Uthman need to destroy other copies? If the Quran was truly preserved from the start, such differences should not have existed at all. Moreover, your claim about the Quran’s clarity and lack of contradictions is problematic because the Quran itself claims in Surah 39:23 that it is consistent and free of error. Yet we’ve already seen that contradictions exist. In addition to Surah 2:62 and Surah 3:85, consider the issue of whether there is compulsion in religion. Surah 2:256 says, 'There shall be no compulsion in religion,' but Surah 9:29 commands Muslims to fight those who do not believe in Allah. How can these two verses be reconciled? This is not to mention other inconsistencies, such as the different creation accounts in Surah 41:9-12, where the timeline for the creation of the earth and heavens doesn’t tally with other parts of the Quran. MUSLIM SCHOLAR: My brother, Fr. Chinaka! Peace be upon you. These verses can be explained by scholars. I'll reach out to my colleagues and return to you. Besides, there is no real contradiction if you understand the context of each passage in the Quran. FR. CHINAKA: Hmmm, I see! [smiling] Context is important, but if the Quran claims to be fully detailed, then these contradictions should not exist, nor should they require outside explanations. Meanwhile, the Bible, despite being written over centuries by different human authors, remains consistent in its message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Any seeming contradictions in the Bible can be explained through understanding the different literary forms, contexts, and purposes of the writings. The Bible, unlike the Quran, doesn’t claim to be a fully explained book of everything but a sacred text to guide believers in faith. So, while you assert the Bible has been corrupted, it is in fact the Quran that shows inconsistencies both in its content and its historical transmission and in fact, corrupted. The Bible, on the other hand, has stood the test of time, and its message remains unchanged - salvation is found in Christ alone. MUSLIM SCHOLAR: Well, can we leave this argument and focus more on Jesus Christ's claim of divinity? In this area, I'm convinced you have no escape route. See, as a Muslim, I revere Jesus as a prophet, but I cannot accept that He claimed divinity. I believe the Bible does not contain any direct statement from Jesus where He says, “I am God, worship me.” Let's look into this and I can't wait to see your false claims and refute you. Salam, brother! FR. CHINAKA: I'm quite tired now, and I've got classes tomorrow. I hope to engage you by the weekend. How about that? MUSLIM SCHOLAR: Sure, Fr. Chinaka. Talk to you later. Salam! Click on the link below for part 2 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/px7GJth172My5ftY/?mibextid=oFDknk Do share with others too and let us know how this argument has touched you. Shalom! ©️ Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ #SoulOfAMissionary All reactions: Read more

Christ and the Temple Tax

In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus and His disciples arrive in Capernaum, where tax collectors approach Peter, asking whether Jesus pays the temple tax. This tax, rooted in Exodus 30:13-16, was a half-shekel offering required of every Jewish male for the maintenance of the temple. Peter affirms that Jesus does pay it, but when he enters the house, Jesus anticipates his question and teaches a deeper lesson. He asks Peter whether kings tax their own children or strangers, to which Peter replies, "strangers." Jesus then declares, "Then the children are free," implying that, as the Son of God, He is exempt from paying a tax meant for His Father's house. Despite His exemption, Jesus instructs Peter to go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish he catches, which miraculously contains a coin sufficient for both their taxes (Matthew 17:27). This act demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority over creation while also illustrating humility and submission to avoid causing unnecessary offense. Rather than asserting His rights, He willingly complies, setting an example of wisdom and peace in dealing with authorities. This passage reveals Jesus’ identity as the divine Son and the ultimate fulfillment of the temple’s purpose. It also teaches believers about responsible citizenship, balancing spiritual freedom with social responsibility. Romans 13:7 reinforces this principle by urging believers to give due respect and taxes where required. While Jesus was not obligated to pay the temple tax, His decision to do so models humility, obedience, and the greater mission of leading others to God through His example. Read more

Chief Minister's Kissan Card

The Punjab government has started registration of farmers under the “Chief Minister's Kissan Card” scheme from June 01, 2024, to provide interest-free agricultural loans

Lucifer Was Never Created in Heaven.

Lightupglo Gospel of Truth on Dr. Abel Damina's teaching titled "Lucifer Was Never Created in Heaven." However, Dr. Damina's teachings have sparked significant discussions within the Christian community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC_YiiIkf0s In October 2024, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) issued an open letter expressing concerns over Dr. Damina's messages. They highlighted topics such as "There is no heaven," "You don't need God to Succeed," and "Jesus is not coming back," labeling them as heretical and cautioning believers against these teachings. Dr. Damina responded to these allegations, refuting claims that he denied heaven's existence or Jesus's return. He emphasized that his teachings were being misinterpreted and taken out of context, asserting that his interpretations are rooted in a deep understanding of the scriptures. Read more

Lightupglo Gospel of Truth on Dr. Abel Damina's teaching titled "Lucifer Was Never Created in Heaven." However, Dr. Damina's teachings have sparked significant discussions within the Christian community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC_YiiIkf0s In October 2024, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) issued an open letter expressing concerns over Dr. Damina's messages. They highlighted topics such as "There is no heaven," "You don't need God to Succeed," and "Jesus is not coming back," labeling them as heretical and cautioning believers against these teachings. Dr. Damina responded to these allegations, refuting claims that he denied heaven's existence or Jesus's return. He emphasized that his teachings were being misinterpreted and taken out of context, asserting that his interpretations are rooted in a deep understanding of the scriptures. Read more

The Connection Between African Circumcision Practices and Biblical Theory (Written Over 400 Years Ago) Circumcision is a deeply rooted practice in many African cultures, often symbolizing initiation, purity, and transition into adulthood. Similarly, in the Bible, circumcision is presented as a covenant between God and His people, particularly in the Old Testament. The practice of circumcision in Africa, though primarily cultural, aligns with some biblical principles of purification and consecration. From a biblical perspective, circumcision was first commanded to Abraham as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:9-14) and later reinforced in Mosaic Law. In African traditions, circumcision often signifies spiritual cleansing, tribal identity, and readiness for responsibility—paralleling how circumcision in the Bible was associated with being set apart as God’s chosen people. However, biblical circumcision had a theological significance, symbolizing obedience and submission to God, while African circumcision, in many cases, is more of a social and cultural rite of passage. Over 400 years ago, African societies had already practiced circumcision for generations, independent of biblical influence. However, when Christian missionaries arrived, they often drew connections between these traditions and biblical teachings. In the New Testament, circumcision became symbolic rather than mandatory, as Paul emphasized spiritual circumcision of the heart rather than the flesh (Romans 2:28-29). This shift mirrors how some African communities today perform circumcision as a cultural tradition rather than a strictly religious act. Commentary on Leviticus 16 Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), a sacred ritual where the high priest makes atonement for the sins of Israel. This chapter highlights the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the necessity of purification. The chapter begins with a reference to the death of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before God (Leviticus 16:1-2). This sets the stage for God’s strict requirements regarding worship and atonement. The high priest, Aaron, had to follow detailed procedures, including washing, wearing holy garments, and offering sacrifices for himself and the people (Leviticus 16:3-6). One of the most significant aspects of this chapter is the scapegoat ritual (Leviticus 16:7-10). Two goats were chosen—one to be sacrificed for the people's sins and the other to be sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away their transgressions. This foreshadows Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice for sin, replacing the need for repeated atonement rituals (Hebrews 9:11-14). The emphasis on purification and holiness in Leviticus 16 aligns with the broader biblical theme that sin separates humanity from God, but atonement restores the relationship. In many African traditions, cleansing rituals are also performed to purify individuals from spiritual impurity, resembling the symbolic role of the Day of Atonement in removing sin. Ultimately, Leviticus 16 underscores God's mercy and provision for reconciliation. It serves as a foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work, demonstrating that true cleansing comes not through external rituals but through faith and repentance. Read more

The Bible's Heaven is a reality NOW. Heaven is at first, the day you receive Christ, is the day you make heaven. (Eph 2:5-6 and Luke17:19-21) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtMkA8Pzq58

Dr. Abel Damina Unveils a Major Truth About the Book of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhxtbUw2uIs Dr. Abel Damina Unveils a Major Truth About the Book of Genesis. Feel free to leave your comments, and if you have any questions, please be constructive in your writing. Genesis. Feel free to leave your comments, and if you have any questions, please be constructive in your writing. Read more

Mark 7:21 (KJV) states: "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders," This verse highlights Jesus' teaching that sin originates from within a person rather than from external influences. He explains that moral corruption comes from the human heart, not merely from outside temptations. This counters the idea that people are defiled by what they consume or external rituals, emphasizing instead that true defilement comes from sinful desires and intentions that arise internally. God created human beings with the ability to choose between good and evil rather than forcing them to obey Him. Sin entered the world when Lucifer, an angel, rebelled against God, followed by Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Their choices, not God’s creation, brought sin into existence. While God is sovereign and omniscient, He is not the author of sin but permits it for a greater purpose, such as demonstrating His justice and mercy. The Bible teaches that God is perfectly holy and cannot be the source of evil (James 1:13). However, through Christ’s redemption, He offers salvation from sin, turning human failures into opportunities for grace and reconciliation. Read more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFH5EahH3_I Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Power City International Ministries in Uyo, Nigeria, has recently shared his perspectives on tithing and certain biblical interpretations, challenging traditional Christian practices. On Tithing: In a discussion on the Honest Brunch podcast, Pastor Damina emphasized that tithing, as practiced in many modern churches, is not a New Testament mandate. He explained that the Old Testament describes three types of tithes: one paid every three years, another from annual harvests, and a third where families bring foodstuffs to the temple. He noted that these practices were specific to the Israelites and the Levites, who were dedicated to temple service and had no other means of livelihood. Damina argued that since most contemporary believers are neither Israelites nor farmers, and pastors are not Levites, the traditional concept of tithing does not apply. He stated, "In the New Testament, Christianity is historic and apostolic. We should only do what the apostles did and teach what Jesus taught. Jesus did not pay tithe. He further contended that the emphasis should be on generosity rather than a fixed percentage, urging believers to give willingly and cheerfully without compulsion. Damina highlighted that the New Testament focuses on voluntary giving driven by love and commitment to God's work, rather than adhering to Old Testament tithing laws. On 2 Kings 1:12-13: Regarding the biblical passage in 2 Kings 1:12-13, which describes the prophet Elijah calling down fire from heaven to consume soldiers sent by King Ahaziah, Pastor Damina offered a controversial interpretation. He asserted that it was Satan, not God, who sent the fire in response to Elijah's prayer. This perspective challenges traditional readings of the text and has sparked debate within Christian communities. Pastor Damina's views have led to significant discussions and, in some cases, controversy within the Christian community. His teachings on tithing have reportedly resulted in financial challenges for his ministry, including the shutdown of their television station and staff layoffs, as members adjusted their giving in response to his messages. These perspectives continue to influence conversations about traditional practices and interpretations within modern Christianity. Read more

Paying Taxes (Matthew 17:24-27 and 22:15-22) In Jesus’ day, Jews paid taxes both locally to the Jewish temple and to the pagan government in Rome. Matthew records two separate instances depicting Jesus’ view on paying these taxes. The first incident is recorded in Matthew 17:24-27, where the collectors of the temple tax ask Peter whether Jesus pays that tax. Jesus, knowing of this conversation, asks Peter, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” Peter answers, “From others.” Jesus responds, “Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.” The second incident, concerning the Roman tax, is found in Matthew 22:15-22. Here the Pharisees and Herodians want to entrap Jesus with the question, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” Jesus knows the malice in their hearts and responds with a cutting question, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” When they hand him a denarius, he asks, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They respond, “The emperor's.” Jesus ends the conversation with the words, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Our true citizenship is in God’s kingdom, and we devote our resources to God’s purposes. But we give to earthly powers what is due. Paying taxes is one of the bedrock obligations we as citizens or residents undertake for the services we enjoy in any civilized society. Those services include the work of first responders (police, firefighters, medical people, and so on), as well as the social nets in place to assure justice or aid for the poor, the aged, and others in need. The Roman Empire was not governed primarily for the benefit of the common people, yet even so it provided roads, water, policing, and sometimes relief for the poor. We may not always agree on the type or extent of services our governments should provide, but we know that our taxes are essential in providing for our personal protection and for the help of those who cannot help themselves. Even though not all of government activity serves God’s purposes, Jesus does not call us flout the tax requirements of the nations where we reside (Romans 13:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Jesus is saying in essence that we do not necessarily have to resist paying taxes as a matter of principle. When possible, we should “live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14; cf. 1 Peter 2:12), while also living as lights shining in the darkness (Matthew 5:13-16; Philippians 2:15). To work at our jobs and to refuse to pay our taxes in a way that brings dishonor to God’s kingdom would be neither peaceable nor winsome. This has direct applications to work. Workplaces are subject to governmental laws and powers, in addition to taxes. Some governments have laws and practices that may violate Christian purposes and ethics, as was true of Rome in the first century. Governments or their employees may demand bribes, impose unethical rules and regulations, subject people to suffering and injustice, and use the taxes for purposes contrary to God's will. As with taxes, Jesus does not demand that we resist every one of these abuses. We are like spies or guerrillas in enemy territory. We can’t get bogged down in fighting the enemy kingdom at every stronghold. Instead, we must act strategically, always asking what will most further the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. Of course, we must never engage in abusive practices for our own benefit. (This topic is also discussed under "Luke 19:1-10; 20:20-26" in Luke and Work at www.theologyofwork.org.) https://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/matthew/tales-of-two-kingdoms-matthew-11-17/paying-taxes-matthew-1724-27-and-2215-22/ Read more

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus