What Time is it Anyway

Choose your battles. In order to win a war you must decide which battles you will fight, and from which you will retreat.

The Allied Forces won in World War II because God wanted them to win. That is true. If it weren't, they wouldn't have won. But the Allies didn't fight every battle. They retreated from Operation Market Garden (where the Germans handed it to them pretty bad). They held back from a full invasion of Japan. Top Command even allowed innocent people to die in order to hide the fact that the code-breakers had broken the German code.

They didn't fight every battle. Maybe they should have fought some they didn't, and maybe they should have retreated from some they fought. But the point is, they consciously chose not to fight every battle. Why? Because they knew they could not win every battle.

It's like that with civil rights, discrimination, harassment, and things like that. Be careful which battles you fight. Some just cannot be won. Of course, some need to be fought despite having no chance for victory. (Remember the Alamo?)

It has been my observation that nothing hurts a cause so much as its members going overboard to proclaim the innocence of one of its members when that member is actually guilty. Prejudice and hatred may be the motivation behind the opposition's assault, but if the member is guilty, be careful how you defend. Concentrate on the real prejudice without demonstrating your own. Remember, the member is actually guilty. Let that stand on its own, and seek forgiveness if need be. But don't claim innocence by reason of someone else's hatred. Their prejudice and hatred doesn't change what was done.

Don't find yourself arguing a lie in order to crush prejudice and hatred. That only hurts your cause in the long run.

Through Solomon, God confirms the concept of choosing battles.

Ecclesiates (chapter three) New King James Version

[1] To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

[2] A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;

[3] A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up;

[4] A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance;

[5] A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

[6] A time to gain, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to throw away;

[7] A time to tear, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

[8] A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.

So the real question is this: What time is it?

From the Quran

Here is a bit from the Quran. I confess to being absent from it for a couple of weeks now. Been busy and been wiped. To be completely honest, I have not been reading my Bible every morning either. But today I am posting from the Quran.

It brings to mind a conversation I had with a relative recently. We were discussing the Bible and what certain passages might be telling us. He made a comment about inspiration. I don't recall it word-for-word, but basically, he said that the Quran and Jewish texts left out of the Bible are not inspired of God.

There was a time when I would have agreed with him without thinking. Now, however, I am thinking, and I am not so sure. Not when I read the Quran and find the same messages that I'm finding in the Bible.

Possibly, the only real conflict between Christianity and her sister faiths is what one chooses to believe about Jesus. People of the Christian Faith believe that Jesus is God, and that his death and resurrection are the reason people can again be united with God. Muslims will go as far as to say Jesus was a great prophet, but hold back from calling him God. I don't think Jews go even that far.

Personally, I don't see my role as being one to convince people of anything. I will simply state I believe Jesus is God. I am fine with what you believe. Talk to God about Jesus and let him tell you. That's between you and him.

Regarding God inspiring the Quran, I'll be honest. Coming from a Christian perspective I don't know. Those of you who are Muslim have no doubt whatsover, just as I have none regarding my Bible. What I do know is that the Quran and the Bible often are saying the same thing, as I found in this passage I read this morning.

Oh, I got it from this website.

2- The Heifer (Al-Baqarah)

[2:151] (Blessings) such as the sending of a messenger from among you to recite our revelations to you, purify you, teach you the scripture and wisdom, and to teach you what you never knew.

[2:152] You shall remember Me, that I may remember you, and be thankful to Me; do not be unappreciative.

[2:153] O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere.

[2:154] Do not say of those who are killed in the cause of GOD, "They are dead." They are alive at their Lord, but you do not perceive.

[2:155] We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.

[2:156] When an affliction befalls them, they say, "We belong to GOD, and to Him we are returning."

[2:157] These have deserved blessings from their Lord and mercy. These are the guided ones.

[2:158] The knolls of Safa and Marwah are among the rites decreed by GOD. Anyone who observes Hajj or `Umrah commits no error by traversing the distance between them. If one volunteers more righteous works, then GOD is Appreciative, Omniscient.

[2:159] Those who conceal our revelations and guidance, after proclaiming them for the people in the scripture, are condemned by GOD; they are condemned by all the condemners.

[2:160] As for those who repent, reform, and proclaim, I redeem them. I am the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

[2:161] Those who disbelieve and die as disbelievers, have incurred the condemnation of GOD, the angels, and all the people (on the Day of Judgment).

[2:162] Eternally they abide therein. The retribution is never commuted for them, nor are they reprieved.

[2:163] Your god is one god; there is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

[2:164] In the creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, the ships that roam the ocean for the benefit of the people, the water that GOD sends down from the sky to revive dead land and to spread in it all kinds of creatures, the manipulation of the winds, and the clouds that are placed between the sky and the earth, there are sufficient proofs for people who understand.

[2:165] Yet, some people set up idols to rival GOD, and love them as if they are GOD. Those who believe love GOD the most. If only the transgressors could see themselves when they see the retribution! They will realize then that all power belongs to GOD alone, and that GOD's retribution is awesome.

[2:166] Those who were followed will disown those who followed them. They will see the retribution, and all ties among them will be severed.

[2:167] Those who followed will say, "If we can get another chance, we will disown them, as they have disowned us now." GOD thus shows them the consequences of their works as nothing but remorse; they will never exit Hell.

[2:168] O people, eat from the earth's products all that is lawful and good, and do not follow the steps of Satan; he is your most ardent enemy.

[2:169] He only commands you to commit evil and vice, and to say about GOD what you do not know.

[2:170] When they are told, "Follow what GOD has revealed herein," they say, "We follow only what we found our parents doing." What if their parents did not understand, and were not guided?

[2:171] The example of such disbelievers is that of parrots who repeat what they hear of sounds and calls, without understanding. Deaf, dumb, and blind; they cannot understand.

[2:172] O you who believe, eat from the good things we provided for you, and be thankful to GOD, if you do worship Him alone.

[2:173] He only prohibits for you the eating of animals that die of themselves (without human interference), blood, the meat of pigs, and animals dedicated to other than GOD. If one is forced (to eat these), without being malicious or deliberate, he incurs no sin. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[2:174] Those who conceal GOD's revelations in the scripture, in exchange for a cheap material gain, eat but fire into their bellies. GOD will not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. They have incurred a painful retribution.

[2:175] It is they who chose the straying instead of guidance, and the retribution instead of forgiveness. Consequently, they will have to endure Hell.

We're Not Getting Better at All, Are We

There is an ugly tendency for people of faith and/or religion to view the misfortune of others as God's judgment upon them. This was done when Jesus walked the earth. This was his response.

Luke (chapter thirteen)

[1] There were some present at that very time who told him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

[2] And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus?

[3] I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

[4] Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem?

[5] I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

[6] And he told them this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.

[7] And he said to the vinedresser, 'Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down; why should it use up the ground?'

[8] And he answered him, 'Let it alone, sir, this year also, till I dig about it and put on manure.

[9] And if it bears fruit next year, well adn good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"

We love to tell ourselves that "others" are offending God and that God is happy with us. Not likely at all.

Luke (chapter eighteen)

[9] He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others:

[10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

[12] I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'

[13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!'

[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Last evening, on the news, I learned about a new atrocity being committed against women. This time in Afghanistan. The new regime, put in place by the Bush Administration, has just signed into law an edict which basically makes women sex slaves of their husbands. They can't even leave the house without permission. And they say they are treating their women better because now their women don't have to worry about money. I'm not sure I follow the logic. Afghanistan women are in the streets protesting - risking their very lives in the doing.

I do not know what to do to help those women, except to say to the world that it's happening.

In times of great fear and change there are always those who will seek to put under foot others, who threaten to displace them as supreme. It happens in this country. That is why our country, while more free than most, has never been free for everyone. If it hasn't been women being subjugated, it has been Native Americans, African Americans, Irish Americans, Italian Americans, German Americans, Japanese Americans, Gay and Lesbian Americans, Bisexual and Transgender Americans, Old Americans, Poor Americans. There are others, and if I skipped a group you happen to belong to, I apologize.

I think the fear of losing power must only be superceded by the fear of losing life.

Also on the news was the evidence that America tortured prisoners during the Bush Administration. They claimed it wasn't torture. Then let them be subjected to the treatment. That's what I say. I think they would change their minds quite quickly.

We have a lot to answer for, we who think we're better than others. We don't steal corn, and so we claim ourselves honest, despite the fact we steal wheat. We are no better than the Taliban. We just use different methods. We don't torture and murder people in the streets. We do in the privacy of prisons and internment camps. We don't make laws prohibiting women from enjoying equal rights with men. We just ignore those laws which say we must give them equality. We don't say out loud that women should be sex slaves of men. Yet look at our advertising, movies, and television shows. Not everything we're accused of is a lie or misunderstanding. Some things they got very right.

We have to be on guard in the west. We have to defend the rights of those who are different from us. For if we don't, and they lose their rights, we're next in line. Don't you understand? We hang together or we hang separately. (Forget who said that, but it's as true today as ever.)

Portion of Scripture - 1006

From today's reading.

Luke (chapter twelve)

[22] And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on.

[23] For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.

[24] Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

[25] And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life?

[26] If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

[27] Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

[28] But if God so clothes the grass which is alive in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O men of little faith!

[29] And do not seek what you are to eat and waht you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind.

[30] For all the nations of the world seek these things; and your Father knows that you need them.

[31] Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things shall be yours as well.

[32] Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

[33] Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

[34] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Portion of Scripture - 1005

Happy Easter!

I must confess that, despite being a Christian, the day does not do much for me emotionally. It's not that I don't care. There just aren't that many days which stand out to me. Probably the one which stands out most is my birthday, because it was in the dark hours just before dawn on my 19th birthday that I became a Christian. Born Again. So I like to say I was born twice on the same date, if not the same year.

But every day should be a holy day. We should treat each other kindly every day. We should respect each other every day. We should cease our rapes and murders and thefts every day. We should love each other in heart every day.

I've been a bit under the weather this past week. A nasty cold took hold of me and I just haven't been able to shake loose from it. Even so, I feel I should post this Sunday. So I am going to post from my morning reading. I didn't read much today. In fact, I almost forgot to read at all. It's just not a normal day. Sorry.

Luke (chapter eleven)

[1] He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples."

[2] And he said to them, "When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.

[3] Give us each day our daily bread;

[4] and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation.'"

[5] And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves;

[6] for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him';

[7] and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'?

[8] I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs.

[9] And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

[10] For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

[11] What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent;

[12] or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?

[13] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Portion of Scripture - 1004

From today's reading.

Luke (chapter nine)

[46] And an argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.

[47] But when Jesus perceived the thought of their hearts, he took a child and put him by his side,

[48] and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is the one who is great."

[49] John answered, "Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us."

[50] But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid him; for he that is not against you is for you."

[51] When the days drew near for him to be received up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.

[52] And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him;

[53] but the people would not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.

[54] And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?"

[55] But he turned and rebuked them.

[56] And they went on to another village.

Portion of Scripture - 1003

From todays' reading.

Luke (chapter 9)

[18] Now it happened that as he was praying alone the disciples were with him; and he asked them, "Who do the people say that I am?"

[19] And they answered, "John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others , that one of the old prophets has risen."

[20] And he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

[21] But he charged and commanded them to tell this to no one,

[22] saying, "The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised."

[23] And he said to all, "If any man wouuld come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

[24] For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.

[25] For what does it profit a man if he gains teh whole world and loses or forfeits himself?

[26] For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

[27] But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death befoe tehy see the kingdom of God."

Portion of Scripture - 1002

Just an excerpt from this morning's reading. I've missed a few days. Shame on me.

This is taken from the Revised Standard Version.

Luke (chapter eight)

[40] Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.

[41] And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus's feet he besought him to come to his house,

[42] for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him.

[43] And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and could not e healed by any one,

[44] came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased.

[45] And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter said, "Master the multitudes surround you and press upon you!"

[46] But Jesus said, Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me."

[47] And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.

[48] And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace."

[49] While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more."

[50] But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well."

[51] And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child.

[52] And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping."

[53] And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.

[54] But taking her by the hand he called, saing, "Child, arise."

[55] And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat.

[56] And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Portion of Scripture - 1001

This is a portion of what I have read this morning. I will begin with Genesis, shift to the Quran, and end with Luke. I offer no interpretation. This is simply scripture reading.

Genesis 1:1-31 New King James Version

[1] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

[2] The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

[3] Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.

[4] And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.

[5] God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

[6] Then God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters."

[7] Thus God made teh firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so.

[8] And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

[9] Then God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered toether into one place, and let the dry land appear"; and it was so.

[10] And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

[11] Then God said, "Let th earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, who seed is in itself, on the earth"; and it was so.

[12] And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, adn the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

[13] So the evening and the morning were the third day.

[14] Then God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them bef or signs and seasons, and for days and years;

[15] "and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so.

[16] Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.

[17] God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on th eearth,

[18] and to rule over th day and over the night, and to divide the light from te darkness. And God saw that it was good.

[19] So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

[20] Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face o fthe firmament of the heavens."

[21] So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

[22] And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on earth."

[23] So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

[24] Then God said, "Let the earth bring for the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of th earth, each according to its kind"; and it was so.

[25] And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

[26] Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all th earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

[27] So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

[28] Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

[29] And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields see; to you it shall be for food.

[30] "Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so.

[31] Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

2- The Heifer (Al-Baqarah)

[2:101] Now that a messenger from GOD has come to them, and even though he proves and confirms their own scripture, some followers of the scripture (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) disregard GOD's scripture behind their backs, as if they never had any scripture.

[2:102] They pursued what the devils taught concerning Solomon's kingdom. Solomon, however, was not a disbeliever, but the devils were disbelievers. They taught the people sorcery, and that which was sent down through the two angels of Babel, Haroot and Maroot. These two did not divulge such knowledge without pointing out: "This is a test. You shall not abuse such knowledge." But the people used it in such evil schemes as the breaking up of marriages. They can never harm anyone against the will of GOD. They thus learn what hurts them, not what benefits them, and they know full well that whoever practices witchcraft will have no share in the Hereafter. Miserable indeed is what they sell their souls for, if they only knew.

[2:103] If they believe and lead a righteous life, the reward from GOD is far better, if they only knew.

[2:104] O you who believe, do not say, "Raa`ena" (be our shepherd). Instead, you should say, "Unzurna" (watch over us), and listen. The disbelievers have incurred a painful retribution.

[2:105] Neither the disbelievers among the followers of the scripture, nor the idol worshipers, wish to see any blessings come down to you from your Lord. However, GOD showers His blessings upon whomever He chooses. GOD possesses infinite grace.

[2:106] When we abrogate any miracle, or cause it to be forgotten, we produce a better miracle, or at least an equal one. Do you not recognize the fact that GOD is Omnipotent?

[2:107] Do you not recognize the fact that GOD possesses the kingship of the heavens and the earth; that you have none besides GOD as your Lord and Master?

[2:108] Do you wish to demand of your messenger what was demanded of Moses in the past? Anyone who chooses disbelief, instead of belief, has truly strayed off the right path.

[2:109] Many followers of the scripture would rather see you revert to disbelief, now that you have believed. This is due to jealousy on their part, after the truth has become evident to them. You shall pardon them, and leave them alone, until GOD issues His judgment. GOD is Omnipotent.

[2:110] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Any good you send forth on behalf of your souls, you will find it at GOD. GOD is seer of everything you do.

[2:111] Some have said, "No one will enter Paradise except Jews or Christians!" Such is their wishful thinking. Say, "Show us your proof, if you are right."

[2:112] Indeed, those who submit themselves absolutely to GOD alone, while leading a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:113] The Jews said, "The Christians have no basis," while the Christians said, "The Jews have no basis." Yet, both of them read the scripture. Such are the utterances of those who possess no knowledge. GOD will judge them on the Day of Resurrection, regarding their disputes.

[2:114] Who are more evil than those who boycott GOD's masjids, where His name is commemorated, and contribute to their desertion? These ought not to enter therein except fearfully. They will suffer in this life humiliation, and will suffer in the Hereafter a terrible retribution.

[2:115] To GOD belongs the east and the west; wherever you go there will be the presence of GOD. GOD is Omnipresent, Omniscient.

[2:116] They said, "GOD has begotten a son!" Be He glorified; never! To Him belongs everything in the heavens and the earth; all are subservient to Him.

[2:117] The Initiator of the heavens and the earth: to have anything done, He simply says to it, "Be," and it is.

[2:118] Those who possess no knowledge say, "If only GOD could speak to us, or some miracle could come to us!" Others before them have uttered similar utterances; their minds are similar. We do manifest the miracles for those who have attained certainty.

[2:119] We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of good news, as well as a warner. You are not answerable for those who incur Hell.

[2:120] Neither the Jews, nor the Christians, will accept you, unless you follow their religion. Say, "GOD's guidance is the true guidance." If you acquiesce to their wishes, despite the knowledge you have received, you will find no ally or supporter to help you against GOD.

[2:121] Those who received the scripture, and know it as it should be known, will believe in this. As for those who disbelieve, they are the losers.

[2:122] O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I blessed you more than any other people.

[2:123] Beware of the day when no soul will help another soul, no ransom will be accepted, no intercession will be useful, and no one will be helped.

Luke 7:18-35 New King James Version

[18] Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things.

[19] And John, calling two of his disiples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"

[20] When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?'"

[21] And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.

[22] Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.

[23] And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."

[24] When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

[25] "But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings' courts.

[26] "But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

[27] "This is he of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.'

[28] "For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

[29] And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John.

[30] But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

[31] And the Lord said, "To what then shall I liken the men of this gneration, and what are they like?

[32] "They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling one another, saying: 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance. We mourned to you, and you did not weep.'

[33] "For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'

[34] "The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'

[35] "But wisdom is justified by all her children."