₦airaland Forum

mrmayor:
Whats in a Name?Is Jehovah,Yahweh the same as Allah who knows,but the real question is what about the myriad of names given to the Christian God in Africa?
Is Chukwu,Chineke,Obasi,Oluwa etc used by Africans are these names the same as Jehovah or Yahweh?If it is,I need some proofs.
Cheers.

Dear mrmayor:
There are three primary Names of God: (1) Elohim, (2) Jehovah or Yahweh, and (3) Adonai. However, this is different from what or how different languages call God in their language. However, in the African languages you referred to, they are worshipping and referring to the same God in 'their' own language since He wants us to have a personal relationship. Unlike those who can only pray or read their holy book in their 'official' religious language.
Our God i.e the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, God of Jacob, the holy one of Israel, when Moses asked Him who He is before going to the Israelites in Egypt (ref Exodus 3 vs 13 - 15) God replied that he is the I AM THAT I AM (i.e the self existing /self sufficient God), He further identified Himself as Jehovah in Ex 6 vs 1. He told Abraham that He is the El-Shaddai i.e the All powerful God.(ref Gen 17 vs 1- These are the self identities of God with each of the names a reference to His awesome characteristic. Because God reveals Himself in His names, Christians should understand them in order to serve Him better.It is this same God who we've accepted as our God through faith in Jesus Christ that Yorubas refer to in our language as Olorun, Eledumare, and Ibos call Him Chineke in their language etc. I hope you understand better. God bless you.

Recent discussions on the forum and others seem to refer to our God as the same as allah, all in the spirit of interfaith understanding. This is a very dangerous inference and people need to beware. Some muslims have said all sort about horrible things about Jesus in view of the recent statement of the Holy Pontiff, yet we will not carry arms or kill but we will pray and still peacefully defend our doctrine.
Our God, Jehovah, Yahweh, the Alpha and Omega who came down to earth to redeem us from our sins as Jesus the Christ, is not the same as allah.
(1) Why do muslim face the east to pray? they say they are facing mecca!!, but even muslims in far east still face east (ideally they should face west if they want to face mecca; and the ones in north pole and south pole should face maybe south-east and north-east respectively if they want to face mecca) But they all face east all over the world- it is not that they are facing mecca but rather worshipping the sun. Read Ezekiel Chapter 8 vs 14 to 17.[i][/i]
(2) Why is the islamic symbols the crescent (half moon) and a star?
(3) Why do muslims always wait for the appearance of moon before they can start or end their so called ramadan at this time and age of 21st century? The reason is because their's is an idolatrous religion that worship the consterllations, i.e the sun, the moon and the stars, no wonder the constant urge to violence and shedding of blood, because sacrifice must be made to their master in "hades".
(4) Do you know that the black cloth used to cover the big stone in mecca has it's route in ancient egyptian magic arts? All this takes a deeper spiritual understanding and we must continue to pray for the salvation of their souls and continue to bombard your neighbouhood, Europe, Nigeria, Africa, the middle east etc with gospel of Jesus through satellite TV, missionary works, evangelism and charity etc. Their souls are still precious to God and we must take the gospel of Jesus to them. Pray for your muslim friends, for their eyes which has been blinded from knowledge of truth by the rulers of darkness of this world to open. Remember, JEHOVAH is NOT allah!! don't be deceived!!. Remember he is a jealous God, and we must have no other God beside him; this also means don't call Him by a name that is not His, or think He is who he is not. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! Shalom

@Olabowale et al:
It is very unfortunate how a discussion that should have been a pure intellectual exercise has turned rather distasteful, with exchange of nasty words. I tried to recap how it all started by reading through again from the beginning and I saw it was due to our all-knowing muslim 'friend' who will rather attack and educate the world (albeit ignorantly) on Jesus Christ and christianity at any given opportunity rather than discuss issues about their religion. It reminded me of one of the leading ignorant figures in islam today- a certain gentleman call Hamed Didat of South Africa. This man's own ministry is to attempt to discredit bible, Jesus and christianity like many of our discussant on this forum. He was very popular with our muslim students in my undergraduate days at OAU Ife but eventually they always end up more confused because  Christ is using the 'foolish things of the world to confound the worldly-wise like them'. Anyway, this could probably be my last post on this topic but I will like to go by informing everybody, christian and muslims, of a common false reference. We do not serve the same God. Our God, Jehovah, Yahweh, the Alpha and Omega who came doww to earth to redeem us from our sins as Jesus the Christ, is not the same as allah.
(1) Why do muslim face the east to pray? they say they are facing mecca!!, but even muslims in far east still face east (ideally they should face west if they want to face mecca; and the ones in north pole and south pole should face maybe south-east and north-east respectively if they want to face mecca) But they all face east all over the world- it is not that they are facing mecca but rather worshipping the sun. Read Ezekiel Chapter 8 vs 14 to 17.[i][/i]
(2) Why is the islamic symbols the crescent (half moon) and a star? (3) why do muslims always wait for the appearance of moon before they can start or end their so called ramadan at this time and age of 21st century? The reason is because their's is an idolatrous religion that worship the consterllations, i.e the sun, the moon and the stars, no wonder the constant urge to violence and shedding of blood, because sacrifice must be made to their master in "hades". All this takes a deeper spiritual understanding and we must continue to pray for the salvation of their souls and continue to bombard your neighbouhood, Europe, Nigeria, Africa, the middle east etc with gospel of Jesus through satellite TV, missionary works, evangelism and charity etc. Their souls are still precious to God and we must take the gospel of Jesus to them. Pray for your muslim friends, for their eyes which has been blinded from knowledge of truth by the rulers of darkness of this world to open. Remember, JEHOVAH is NOT allah!! don't be deceived!!. Remember he is a jealous God, and we must have no other God beside him; this also means don't call Him by a name that is not His, or think He is who he is not. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! Shalom

@Olabowale:
Really, Islam is a religion in fast decline. It use to be the fastest growing religion until Sept 11 2001. What happened then? the veil was removed and the truth revealed. However, the reason for the decline is not just the violence that characterise the religion but I believe it is due to what is glaringly displayed in your mail. Muslims spend a lot of time searching and researching what is not lost. You are more interested in the history of Jesus and Christianity than in having a deeper understanding of God and how to operate your religion in an increasingly modernising world. No wonder the rise of fundermentalism among the ranks of muslims. Fundermentalism is the result of resistance of a religion to modernisation. Almost all groups denoted as terrorist organisation by the UN are islamic groups thus fulfiling the word of God in the Bible i.e Ishmael (progenitor of the arabs and thus islamic religion worldwide) will be a wild man, and that his hand will be against the rest of the world and the hand of the rest of the world will be against him. This is clearly the case in the world we are living now. An anonymous survey conducted among muslims here in the UK revealed that more than 25% of muslims actually supported the suicied bombers who killed on 7/7 (UK's 9/11) and also in support of matrydom. So what did mohammed bring into the world, if not hatred, violence etc. I believe this will also be the case if such a curvey were to be conducted in the US, Nigeria or whereever.

@Olabowale:
My dear, you mail has confirmed my thoughts, you are one absolutely ignorant individual-with all due respect. Let us look at this excerpt from one of your posts:

[center]You do not upset a person, just because you know the right button to push. You have to restrict yourself until you will have to voice your opinion. My opinion is to talk about what Muhammad brought. Afterall, he and Jesus (AS) who presided him are brothers in faith. Jesus was never a Jew or a Christian in faith. He was a man who worshiped god and did not associate anything with GOD>[/center]

Jesus was born in Bethlehem and referred to as Jesus of Nazareth because he grew up there. He is a seed of David which is one of His titles in fulfilling the prophesies of Prophet Isaiah. While Jesus is God, he is also a Jew by earthly nationality who came with a two fold ministry: first to fulfill the irrevocable covenant of God with Israel and Jews, and secondly as a light to the gentiles, that is us. Yes he worshiped God the father but he also said "I and my father are one" (read Matthew chapter 4 to 9) God is one being but 3 in nature, the father, the son and the holy spirit ("Let us make man in our image"-does it sound familiar?) Additionally, Jesus and Mohamed were and will never be 'brothers' in 'faith'. Christianity is NOT a faith or religion, it is a Kingdom i.e God's own kingdom on earth and Christians are citizens and ambassadors of this kingdom which God came to establish on earth to have dominion through Jesus Christ. The followers of Jesus were identified as Christians first in Antioch following the baptism of holy spirit after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Our 'faith' is in God Almighty through Jesus Christ our lord and Saviour. We know the God we serve, He is the God of Abraham, the God Isaac and the God of Jacob, the Holy One of Israel. He is also omnipotent(all powerful), omnipresent(everywhere NOT only in east that you face to pray to your allah) and Omniscience (all knowning God) who knows the thoughts and intent of everymind.
This is the reason why I said whenever there is discussion, just discuss the issues around your 'religion' rather than draw inferences about Christianity. This is the same pattern by almost all muslims. Read through your post, rather than address issues, you are talking about Jesus Christ, and Christian nations, violence blah blah blah. Nobody is talking about comparing religion or faith of Islam and faith in Christ (aka Christianity), the issue is 'violence and islam appear to be synonymous-debate. Assume that is an essay question, I doubt if you'll pass with what you've written. As we are talking churches are being burnt etc. I am not talking about you as an individual, but for the purpose of intellectual debate let us focus on the group or religion of Islam. Dont talk about Christianity or Jesus Christ, just focus on Muhammad and Islam, simple.

@Olabowale,
It really amaze me the universality of the "Atiku-approach" to issues among muslims. This approach is that of 'not-addressing-issues-but-drag-others-into-it' concept. Rather than address the question of what muhammed brought into the world, you started making inference to christianity which obviously like others before you, you know little or nothing about.
The Pontiff did NOT say anything wrong or new and unfortunately he was even trying to call for better interfaith understanding in his speech. His reference to the 14th century emperor was to show how perception of Islam as a violent religion has been from long ago. However, in the uni-directional and tunnel-thinking nature of the islamic world, this is another opportunity to start killing and looting and burning effigies. Cant you see the foolishness and irony in the issue: anybody that attempts to raise an intellectual debate now risk being killed by muslims. What you are saying is this: Islam is not a violent religion, but we will kill you if you talk about our prophet, what an irony! The Pope has nothing to apologise for, muslims need to wake up and stop terrorism rather embark on fruitless demostrations which only will further confirm what the whole world knows already.

Dear Fidau4us or whatever you name is
You and your so called scholars, imam etc are among the most ignorant individuals alive. Reason is that while we KNOW the God we serve, you guys do not. Our God is the God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Israel, he came and dwelt among us as IMMANUEL OR YEHSHUA OR JESUS (in greek) to redeem us from our sin. You god called allah is who you face the east to worship. You are worshipping the constellations and your master in Hegeon. If you have a bible or have access to one, read the book of Ezekiel, chapter 8 vs 14 to 17, and you will have a very good idea. However, Jesus or Yehshua still loves you very much, you need to lay hold of this love by accepting Him as your lord and saviour and leave the god of violence you serve. It is excruciatingly idiotic when morons like you, under spiritual inspiration from your equally idiotic religious leaders want to start lecturing on what you dont know anything about. Humility and wisdom suggests you research before asking question, but you've been blinded from the knowledge of truth by the kings of the world. This is why educated able body but mentally lazy men will strap bomb to themselves and blow up people. Idiot!![b][/b]

Dear Giggite and Omofine boy,
Really, I doubt if the money could have wholly come from 'investments'. We are talking about a civil servant in the federal government. Let EFCC investigation prove that. But my point is let Christians use this as an example that you not only represent yourself in whatever you do, but the whole of church of God. Hence our conducts and attitude must reflect this. It is nonsense to compare him with Abacha; Abacha was and is still a man of the devil his master when he was on earth and now that he is rotting in Hell; but Akanni was a man of God. Both of them have gone to their masters now for judgement. Let the law of Nigeria investigate and take it's course and leave Akanni to his maker. However, from here let each of us start examining his own life at your place of work, school, relationship etc. Who is your master?

Dear Hardware et al:
(PART A) It is very easy to start calling other peoples character into question following certain untowards discovery, but be very careful and examine your own lives. Pastor Akanni is a 'man' of God not God; i.e he is still a man therefore subject to human emotions, failing and mistakes like all of us. Most peoples see pastors as super-human beings, they are not. Matured christians understand this and therefore are always praying for their pastors for GOD'S HELP and GRACE. This is because situations like this can bring shame and dishonour to the church IF IT IS TRUE. This is between the legacy of Pastor Akanni, the law of the land and God's judgement in the eternal. For many of us who are calling him names now, becareful and rather learn from this rather than judge and condemn.

(PART B) For your information dear Hardware, Christians and muslims do not serve the same God. We serve the God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Israel, whose name is JEHOVAH, ELOHIM AND ADONAI, EMMANUEL, JESUS CHRIST and other names, but the god of muslims I do not know his name (neither am I interested) but I know they face the east to pray to him. Our God is omnipresent, He is everywhere: east, west, south or north, He sits in heaven and the earth is His footstool; He sits in Heaven and directs the affairs of men. If you have the bible read the book of Ezekiel 8 vs 14-17, maybe you will know the god of muslims.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Shalom

My Dear Nameless,
Majority of those who responded to your call for help have been unfair, harsh, ignorant, judgemental and some have been outrightly stupid. However, a few have shown concern. I read through all and, if this story is true, then it's likely you are more confused, feel condemned than before you sent it. DO NOT BE AFRAID!! Your decision to cry for help is the best you have taken in this situation and your problem has been shared and 75% solved.
I can assure you, this is going to be a painful experience for you but you will come through if you are really determined. Reading your post, I can easily profile you: most likely you are in your late teens or early twenties, most likely deviod of a happy and stable home or upbringing because of divorce by parents or whatever, most likely an individual who does not see anything good in herself, low self esteem, somebody who likes to please everybody, wants people to love you in otehr to feel the empty void in your inner mind that is why you always want to please people. In other words, you are an emotional orphan.
You definitely are a vulnerable lady and you've been taken advantage of. However, there is a way out for you. Devil will seek to condemn you in your mind that you are worthless and he is using some of those who replied to your mail, they are calling you all sorts of name; housebreaker, annointing stealer, making a pastor weak etc. To all of them, "let him or her who has no sin throw the first or next stone at her" I had been were you are and it is painful.
KNOW THIS AS A FACT: JESUS CHRIST IS SO MUCH IN LOVE WITH YOU!! Nothing can change that love, only one person can, YOU Dear Miss Nameless. Accept it and do the following (know that I will immediately pray for you now after sending this mail).
1) Ask God for forgiveness of this sin, and repent. He is just and able to forgive and forget our sins.
2) FORGIVE the Pastor, Yes! forgive him. Most of us think of pastors as superhuman being. They are human being with emotion and potential for failings too. Pray for him and tell him, you have forgiven him about what has happened and you want him to forgive you too.
3) Tell the pastor to confess to his wife and ask her for forgiveness, and then you must do the same, ask the wife for forgiveness.She opened her hands of love to you, but you made this mistake. Yes, you were not raped, understand that and stop saying you did not have sex with the pastor. What you've done is SEX pure and simple. If he can do this, there is no need for you to leave and go to another church because it seems as if you love the church. However, if he refuses, then pack you emotional bag and leave and find another church. If he refuses, know that it is left to him, his wife, his congregation and the BIG GOD. He is All Knowing God, who sees in secret and rewards us openly.
4) If you can do as advised, you will overcome a big emotional battle, you will become stronger, more matured and you will help the man of God and help yourself.
5) If you refuse, then know that you will feel condemned for ever, in this life and thereafter because you have refused to take advantage of the free love of God available to us through the blood of Jesus Christ. Forget about going to hell, the reall Hell will be in your mind or heart because you will always condemn yourself. In fact you can eventually become emotionless and eventually feel no guilt about ruining peoples home simply if it will make you feel good or take care of soem certain need. PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE, you have done the biggest thing which is coming out in the open, now the rest is up to you. Unless, you are enjoiying the relationship which I dont think so.
God loves you.
To the rest of us, again I say:" Let him or her who has never sinned before, throw the first/next stone at Nameless."