₦airaland Forum

DeepSight:
Are you saying you are not aware of the huge power that accrues by the sustenance of such a movement to which people will be willing to devote their entire resources and lives?

Are you also not aware that Christianity would surely have faded away if it was not taken on by the Romans as state religion? Do you think they did so for puristic reasons or reasons of power?

What huge power? Mention any other time in human history where this happened.

Rome HAD NO CHOICE!!! They did everything possible to destroy Christianity because they intuitively knew it would destroy their society as they knew it and their precious gods with it. Instead those who witnessed Christians being martyred became Christians themselves. Constantine's own mother and several of his generals were already Christians before he purportedly had his vision that changed his mind about Christianity

22jumpstreet:
You are quoting a book of myth for me.
All these things is what the Romans/Greeks wrote in the gospel stories. It is not worth a bag of sawdust.
Like I said before, Immanuel is Isaiah's second son. The prophecy is in verse 16. Isaiah 9:6 is talking about somebody who was already born. That would be future king HEZEKIAH....none refer to j.man. this is what you get when you take a text out of context.

Jesus is a myth.... Christianity started as the worship of serapis...which originated in Alexandria in Egypt...serapis became Jesus at the council of chalcedon.

Serapis became Jesus
Isis became Mary (the queen of heaven).

This is what you get when you isolate a part of the Bible. Christ was foretold about 400 times in the OT. Are they all Hezekiah? Did anybody ever call Hezekiah God or was he ever worshipped??
So all Paul's letters to the various churches were made up, and all the acts of the apostles, you truly believe that?
Persecution of Christians never happened? Something documented in history books?

LordReed:
Vested interest in the ideals they believed in.

Which of his disciples was fed to lions or crucified?

These ones below.
What ideals?

22jumpstreet:
The Romans on the command of emperor Constantine who wanted a single religion for his empire.
But on the other hand, Jesus does not need to exist before that can happen. People has been writing fictional stories from the beginning. Nothing new.
The so called persecution was written by Christians as part of their propaganda...
Everything the Jews ever needed, God already gave them in the Torah and Tanakh. Anybody coming to change it can't ever be from God. For miracles see Deuteronomy 13.
Jesus is a made up character..... Christianity is about Lucifer and her son. Same mother and son worship, just rebranded by Romans.

A single religion that would trash all their precious gods, even Jupiter. And declare the god-emperor himself just another lowly sinner in need of salvation?
Who comes up with this stuff??

Kobojunkie:
1. What subsequent events?

2. Actually, YHWH Himself is responsible for the eventual division of His original nation of Israel, the eventual exile and destruction of the second nation of Israel, as well as the eventual destruction and exile of the sister nation of Judah. The books describe it all as being orchestrated by Him as judgment against the people of Israel. However, nowhere in the books is it written that YHWH sent Jesus Christ of Israel to give salvation to all of mankind, no matter how many of them pretended to believe in Him. Why? Because YHWH's Covenant, which promised the sending of the Messiah, was specifically tailored towards the gathering of the lost Sheep of Israel back to Himself and His Holy Jerusalem.

3. And the same Jesus Christ said that His Father sent Him only to the Lost sheep of Israel. One does not have to have a Ph.D to realize that those who were given to Him are the people of Israel.

4. Why would Israel have needed to have been sacked and dispersed shortly after Jesus Christ of Israel made that statement? I am afraid I am lost.

As an FYI, the second nation of Israel was destroyed and the people exiled from their land by the Assyrian army around 720 BC, that was hundreds of years before Jesus Christ was born. The sister nation of Judah was sacked and then destroyed — renamed Palestine eventually — beginning in 70 AD. I am just attempting to give you an idea of the history around the time of Jesus Christ here.

1. & 4.) Salvation was thrown open to all primarily via Paul whom Jesus commissioned to do just that through a vision. Also, Judea and the temple were destroyed. All per that parable

2. & 3.) See the relevant part of the Bible below. Jesus was clearly not talking about only Jews. And SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (till today!) bear that out!

--------------------------

35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away... EVERYONE who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

41 At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ EVERYONE who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.

22jumpstreet:
God is inside all of us...if Jesus existed, he is not different from us. Worshipping a man as God is tantamount to idolatry.

But none of us has ever said we can lay down our lives and pick it up again - then go ahead to do just that. Infact none of us can even stop our heart for one second - our own heart o.
Also, the Jews has never tried to stone anyone else to death for claiming to be God. Also, the prophets did not Prophesy any of us would be comming as God (Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Emmanuel). Also, none of us has said directly that we are God ("before Abraham I AM"}

LordReed:
Everyone who had a vested interest in perpetuating the legend; his disciples primarily then all the people they influenced after his death.

What sort of vested interest? Jesus was dead and died having nothing. The natural thing would have been to scatter, everyone moving on with his life.
Instead his disciples were willing to be fed to lions and crucified for a legend they created, as shown below? Hmmm

Kobojunkie:
You indicated in your previous comment that it mattered the particulars of the parable, and that is why I had to drill down to reveal to you tjoiughts fail when you in fact parse the details. The story was about events that took place in a particular kingdom between a King and his people, not people of other kingdoms or mankind, as you claim.

2. The story is clear that those formerly invited from his kingdom pissed the king off leading to him choosing to extend the invite instead to the poor and disenfranchised of his people. We know who those are.

3. Again, Nonsense! Jesus Christ of Israel stated that He did only the Will of His Father, YHWH. He also said that His Father gave Him his people.... He did not choose them of His own. And so, when Jesus Christ of Israel said His Father, YHWH, sent Him only to the Lost sheep of Israel — the bloodline of Jacob, this was before He later declared that His Word is Everlasting — never changing. We can clearly state that Jesus Christ of Israel could not have changed His mind without risking being seen as a fraud.

With all due respect, you are wrong. Subsequent events prove you wrong. And you can't say God didn't know that Israel would get sacked and dispersed and Christ salvation opened up to all who believed in him.

Christ said he would not lose "any of those whom the Father has given me", do you think he meant Israel. Definitely not. Israel was sacked and dispersed shortly after he said this so he definitely did not mean Israel

Kobojunkie:
.1. And as I said, you are wrong to assume that all He ever said would have needed to have made it into the book before one could conclude that He never said such a thing.

2. I see your little lie there.

The parable you pretend you refer to actually goes a lot differently from what you claim here. First, the wedding feast was thrown by a King who then invited people in His kingdom — no indication that people from faraway kingdoms were invited. The day of the feast arrived, but those who were invited — sounded like the nobles —were a no-show; they even killed the servants sent by the King to invite them to the party. The king, furious, killed them all and burned their cities. Then he instructed His servants to go to the street corners to bring in those people instead to His banquet, which was already ongoing. This is a summary of the parable in Matthew 22 vs 14.

So, my question is, where do you get that the King of this Kingdom threw the party open to all of mankind? Where do you get this notion that mankind resided on the street corners of this King's kingdom?

It really doesn't matter the particulars of the parable, the idea is very clear - the banquet went to those for whom it was not initially intended. Who would that be?

Bottom line, you can say what Jesus said but you can't say what Jesus NEVER said!

Kobojunkie:
The accounts in the Bible indicate that Jesus Christ of Israel, in submission to His Father, God of Israel, limited His scope to the bloodline of Jacob. He proclaimed that He only did as commanded by His Father— what He saw His Father do, too — without mincing words, that He was sent only to the Lost Sheep of Israel. Last I checked, that ain't mankind.

Like I said 99% of what he said never made it into the Bible. He said what you mentioned at one point, but he later gave a parable about a man who invited his rich friends ("bloodline"} to a party but none of them showed up. The man then threw the party open to all (mankind)

MaxInDHouse:
Guy i am not chatting with you so if you don't mind stop quoting me!

AngelahFlo:
It's just a banter Bro. You don't need to be incensed.

No mind am. It is because I posted things like this below about his Jehovah's Witnesses cult

Kobojunkie:
And I said you are wrong since Jesus Christ of Israel made it abundantly from even that which is recorded about Him that He could not have said any such.

Your reference is the Bible. Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus NEVER said he came to save mankind??

Kobojunkie:
You commented without a clear understanding of what it was you were commenting on?

I said you have no way of knowing if Jesus ever said he came to save the world. (You were so sure that you wrote "NEVER" in bolded capitals!)

Kobojunkie:
I have never said such things myself, and I am much older than Jesus Christ of Israel was at the time of His death. And I could never utter such ridiculous words even if I live to be a hundred or more. So, do we just assume that He may have said it for the sake of simply assuming that He may have? :-

I'm confused. Said what things?

Kobojunkie:
I read the books, and it is never recorded that He ever did that.

Probably 99% if what Christ said in his 33 years on earth never made it into any book

Kobojunkie:
Jesus Christ of Israel NEVER did say that He was a savior of mankind.

How do you know?

MaxInDHouse:
Well i wasn't here for you it's the OP that i'm interested in telling the truth from the Bible that Jesus is God's Son not God. John 3:16

Thanks for your time!

God's son is God - APPROXIMATELY same way your son is made of same "substance" as you, but is not you.
Same way, Jesus is God but not the Father.
Get it now?

GindoX:
My brother has been westernized. marriage na spiritual thing and it requires spiritual eyes. Indians know this. Forget inner maturity and decision making abilities, all those are plus.

Define "spiritual thing". Everything is spiritual thing

LordReed:
It is. Legendised means there was a person whose qualities or deeds took on a very elaborate dimension that is an overexaggeration of those deeds or qualities.

Oh, ok, I see. In that case who legendised him and what would be the motive and are all the acts of the apostles, and epistles of St. Paul, and Roman persecution of early Christians also legendised?

AngelahFlo:
In reality God is sexless. He is an embodiment of both male and female. We use "He" in reference to God as a generic term.

Exactly. God is INESCRIBABLE from human perspective. Like I said, it is like trying to describe a sphere or circle to someone who lives in a world of straight lines and can only think in terms of straight lines!

Petalss:
While Jesus was on earth, He was clearly male in terms of His human identity. However, my question is this: if Jesus is God and now resides in heaven, what is His gender in that divine, glorified state? Does the concept of gender still apply to Him in the same way it does to humans on earth?

The concept of gender would probably be laughable in heaven. For one thing there probably is no duality - something we can't even imagine

LordReed:
Huh? Where did I say that?

You wrote this:

Jesus is either a legendised individual or legendised composite of several individuals

Unless my understanding of "legendised" is faulty

MaxInDHouse:
According to Jesus himself the father is GREATER THAN him. John 14:28

Father > Jesus ~ Jesus himself

Father = Jesus ~ Religionists

According to the same Jesus He and the Father are one, and once you see Him you've seen the Father, and they are both inside each other!

Also, what do you call someone who can raise Himself from dead if not God. "Destroy this temple and I will raise it in 3 days!"

MaxInDHouse:
Jesus said:

The father is GREATER THAN him! John 14:28

So if your religion is twisting any verse in God's word remember what Jesus himself said about GREATER THAN and EQUAL TO!

I already told you, greater than in approximately the same sense the peak of Mount Everest is higher than a lower peak - but they are both Mount Everest!

LordReed:
Some of them probably came from ancient writings that were already familiar literature in those days. They get absorbed into the culture and take on the likeness of the culture.

I doubt that everything written to have been said by Jesus was actually said by him because some of it could not have been known by the authors.

The bolded, I thought you just said Jesus didn't exist

MaxInDHouse:
Well this is contrary to what Jesus taught and what his disciples believe.

Regarding Psalms 110:1

Peter (a born again Christian in the first century) said:

For David did not ascend to the heavens, but he himself says, ‘Jehovah said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”’ Act 2:34-35

Jehovah (YWWH) spoke to Jesus not Jesus speaking to Jesus or Jehovah speaking to Jehovah.

In the first century Jesus said:

I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative. Just as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous because I seek, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me. John 5:30

Jesus' disciples said:

The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a stake. Act 5:30

Paul told the Jews:

During his life on earth, Christ offered up supplications and also petitions, with strong outcries and tears, to the One who was able to save him out of death, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear. Hebrews 5:7

So both Jesus and his disciples told us that he (Jesus) is God's Son not God! John 3:16; Matthew 16:13-16

Thanks!

But the same Jesus said that the God He was praying to was inside Him, and that once you see Him you've seen that God!

MaxInDHouse:
You didn't answer the question.

How many lords do you know in the Bible?

Or better still tell me which among these two is YHWH:
‬
The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Psalms 110:1 NIV

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Psalms 110:1 KJV

Please which between the two is YHWH?

The answer:
it is BEYOND your compression! You are INCAPABLE of grasping the structure of the spirit world!! It is like telling someone in a two-dimensional world that if you keep going in a straight line on a sphere you'd come back to where you started. He'd keep insisting they're two different points and there is no way you can convince him they are the same point!

So on what basis do you believe other aspects of the Spirit world??
You believe God can simultaneously listen to millions of prayers. You believe God and Jesus can simultaneously dwell INSIDE lots of people. You believed Jesus when He said He and the Father are one, and that once you see Him you've seen the Father. The only thing you can't believe is that God (the Son) can sit beside God (the Father)! Wow!

Jashub:
It is just one God bros.

Just think of it like water in the form of steam, ice and regular liquid : just because the state of changes doesn't mean it is not water . Same applies here with Jesus, His Father and the Holy Spirit: three persons but one God

He won't understand that this is a very rough approximation - that there is actually no human analogy that can describe God. Just as we use "He" for God when in reality "He" does not at all apply to God

MaxInDHouse:
You didn't answer the question.

How many lords do you know in the Bible?

Or better still tell me which among these two is YHWH:
‬
The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” Psalms 110:1 NIV

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Psalms 110:1 KJV

Please which between the two is YHWH?

The answer:
it is BEYOND your comprehension! You are INCAPABLE of grasping the structure of the spirit world!! It is like telling someone in a two-dimensional world that if you keep going in a straight line on a sphere you'd come back to where you started. He'd keep insisting they're two different points and there is no way you can convince him they are the same point!

So on what basis do you believe other aspects of the Spirit world??
You believe God can simultaneously listen to millions of prayers. You believe God and Jesus can simultaneously dwell INSIDE lots of people. You believed Jesus when He said He and the Father are one, and that once you see Him you've seen the Father. The only thing you can't believe is that God (the Son) can sit beside God (the Father)! Wow!

delkuf:
maxi you and twisting the biblical na 5 and 6.
The Bible said no one has seen God at any time but the only begotten son but you twisted it and said the only begotten god.
What do you want gain with this twisting and false doctrine.

He belongs to a cult where the fear of disfellowship is the begining of wisdom. He is INCAPABLE of deviating from JW governing body line

LordReed:
Jesus is either a legendised individual or legendised composite of several individuals from the 1st century CE during the Roman occupation of the Levant. That period had a bunch of apocalyptic preachers who could have been the basis for the Jesus of the Bible.

So where did all those profound words in the Bible come?

AngelahFlo:
Noted Sir
Will always try and rephrase my contents just like I did with my latest post on "Origins"

It's no big deal of course. I mean, so what, It's not as if you're writing exam or getting paid or anything. You're quite prolific, which is good. I'll enjoy reading all your threads whenever I can, even the old ones, though maybe not always comment. Keep it up

The story jumped from Igboanugo to Okonkwo. Confused journalism.
RIP

Good write-up, but...
Every situation is different. Every couple is different. What works in one instance may not work in another. What works with a person today may not work with same person tomorrow.
Life is NOT formulaic!

AngelahFlo:
It's Grace Sir.
When it's your tIme to be noticed; you get noticed.

Well-said. Really happy for ya.
Per the below, next time just put "copied" at the bottom. You probably didn't know that's how it's done here on NL

thatigboman:
he or she did. There's a guy that gives awards to different classes of students on Facebook and Instagram. That's where the Op copied it from. That's plagiarism and it's too much here on nairaland. I have called out Seun on some occasions to do something about it, but looks like nothing is being done.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has become widely recognized as an effective strategy for weight loss and improving overall health. Among its many benefits, one of the most appealing aspects of intermittent fasting is its potential to reduce belly fat. This comprehensive guide will explore how intermittent fasting works, its effectiveness for losing belly fat, different methods of fasting, health benefits, potential challenges, and tips for successful implementation.

ALSO READ: Mediterranean Diet Breakfast Recipes for Weight Loss


Understanding Intermittent Fasting

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. It does not prescribe specific foods but focuses on when to eat. This approach can help regulate food intake, boost metabolism, and promote fat loss, particularly in the abdominal area.

Mechanism of Action

When you engage in intermittent fasting, several physiological changes occur in your body that facilitate fat loss:

1. Hormonal Changes:

o Insulin: During fasting periods, insulin levels drop significantly. Lower insulin levels promote fat breakdown and prevent fat storage. High insulin levels are often linked to increased fat accumulation, particularly in the belly area.

o Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Fasting can increase levels of HGH, which supports fat loss and muscle gain.

o Norepinephrine: This hormone increases fat breakdown, raising your metabolic rate.

2. Cellular Repair: Fasting initiates autophagy, a process where the body cleans out damaged cells and regenerates new ones. This cellular repair can contribute to better metabolic health.

3. Caloric Deficit: Intermittent fasting often leads to a natural reduction in calorie intake. By limiting the eating window, many individuals consume fewer calories overall, which can lead to weight loss.

The Science Behind Belly Fat Loss

Belly fat, particularly visceral fat, poses significant health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation. Intermittent fasting can effectively target this type of fat for several reasons:

Improved Insulin Sensitivity: By reducing insulin levels, intermittent fasting helps improve insulin sensitivity. This allows the body to utilize glucose more effectively and reduces fat storage.
Increased Fat Oxidation: During fasting, the body shifts from using glucose for energy to burning fat, which can lead to a reduction in belly fat.

Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to the accumulation of visceral fat. Intermittent fasting may help reduce markers of inflammation, contributing to fat loss.
Methods of Intermittent Fasting

There are several popular methods of intermittent fasting, each with its unique structure. Here are some of the most common approaches:

1. 16/8 Method

This method involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window. For example, you might eat between noon and 8 PM and fast from 8 PM until noon the next day. This method is popular due to its simplicity and flexibility.

2. 5:2 Diet

In this approach, you eat normally for five days and restrict caloric intake to about 500-600 calories on two non-consecutive days. This method allows for significant calorie reduction while still providing days of normal eating.

3. Eat-Stop-Eat

This method involves fasting for 24 hours once or twice a week. For instance, you would fast from dinner one day until dinner the next day. This approach can be effective but may be challenging for beginners.

4. Alternate-Day Fasting

In this method, you alternate between days of normal eating and fasting or consuming very few calories (around 500). This approach can lead to significant weight loss but may be difficult to maintain over time.

5. Warrior Diet

This diet involves eating small amounts of raw fruits and vegetables during the day and having one large meal in the evening. The emphasis is on eating whole, unprocessed foods.

Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

1. Weight Loss and Belly Fat Reduction

Numerous studies have shown that intermittent fasting can lead to significant weight loss and a reduction in belly fat. By promoting fat oxidation and improving insulin sensitivity, this approach can effectively target abdominal fat.

2. Improved Metabolic Health

Intermittent fasting can enhance various metabolic markers, including insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and lipid levels, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

3. Enhanced Brain Health

Fasting may improve brain health by promoting the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the growth of new neurons and protects against neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Longevity

Research indicates that intermittent fasting may extend lifespan by promoting cellular repair processes and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.

5. Reduced Inflammation

Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation, contributing to improved overall health and a lower risk of chronic diseases.

Potential Challenges of Intermittent Fasting

1. Hunger and Cravings

Initially, you may experience hunger pangs and cravings during fasting periods. This is normal and often subsides as your body adjusts to the new eating pattern.

2. Social Situations

Fasting can be challenging in social settings where food is the main focus. Planning ahead and communicating your dietary preferences can help manage these situations.

3. Nutrient Deficiency Risk

If not planned properly, intermittent fasting may lead to nutrient deficiencies. It’s essential to focus on nutrient-dense foods during eating periods.

4. Overeating During Eating Windows

Some individuals may overcompensate by overeating during eating windows. Mindful eating and portion control are crucial to avoid negating the benefits of fasting.

5. Not Suitable for Everyone

Intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with a history of eating disorders. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable before starting.

Tips for Successful Intermittent Fasting

1. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water during fasting periods to stay hydrated. Herbal teas and black coffee can also be consumed without breaking the fast.

2. Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods

During eating windows, prioritize whole foods rich in nutrients, including:

Fruits and Vegetables: Provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Whole Grains: Offer sustained energy and fiber.
Lean Proteins: Help preserve muscle mass.
Healthy Fats: Support satiety and overall health.
3. Plan Your Meals

Meal planning can help ensure you have healthy options available during eating windows. Prepare balanced meals in advance to avoid impulsive eating.

4. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to your body's hunger cues and energy levels. If you feel excessively tired or unwell, consider adjusting your fasting schedule or consulting a healthcare professional.

5. Be Consistent

Consistency is key to success with intermittent fasting. Stick to your chosen method and give your body time to adjust to the new eating pattern.

6. Incorporate Physical Activity

Regular exercise complements intermittent fasting and can enhance fat loss. Aim for a combination of aerobic and strength training exercises for optimal results.

Sample Intermittent Fasting Schedule

16/8 Method Example

8:00 AM: Start fasting after dinner.
12:00 PM: Break the fast with a nutritious meal, including lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables.
3:00 PM: Snack on fruits, nuts, or yogurt.
6:00 PM: Dinner with a balanced plate of protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods.
8:00 PM: Start fasting again until noon the next day.
Conclusion

Intermittent fasting is a powerful tool for losing belly fat and improving overall health. By promoting hormonal changes, enhancing fat oxidation, and encouraging better eating habits, it can lead to significant weight loss and improved metabolic health.

While there may be challenges, the long-term benefits of intermittent fasting make it a worthwhile approach for many individuals. As with any dietary change, it is essential to approach intermittent fasting mindfully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

If you are looking to reduce belly fat and enhance your overall health, consider incorporating intermittent fasting into your lifestyle. With dedication and a focus on nutrient-dense foods, you can achieve your health and wellness goals.