Why Do Priests & Preachers Enter Islam? The story of conversion of the Preacher Yusuf Estes (10)

Doesn’t it bother you to have left the way of peace, justice and love for a religion of hatred, violence and oppression toward women and others?

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How a preacher or priest in Christianity can ever go to Islam?

How could a preacher have turned his back on the perfect plan of salvation of Jesus Christ on the cross for you sins and converted to Islam?

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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

The ex- American preacher Yusuf Estes continues saying:

Now as I promised here are the answers to the questions many have asked me connected with my choice of Islam:

Question:

8. “Doesn’t it bother you to have left the way of peace, justice and love for a religion of hatred, violence and oppression toward women and others?”

Answer:

All the prophets, peace be upon them all, called the people to worship Almighty God as One God and One Lord. As such, those who did not want to submit to Almighty God would combat them and treat them with hostilities, even unto death, as Paul had done while still being a Pharisee. The prophets, peace be upon them all, did encourage their followers to live in peace and deal with people in justice and certainly love is the highest form of emotion a human can have for another human being.

Yet at the same time, believers have to defend themselves, their families and the religion itself, lest those who are not believers should remove belief from the very face of the earth. Islam, like Christianity preaches a message of peace and tolerance – to a point. But when this is no longer possible without totally compromising and loosing one’s way of life and belief system, then there is no alternative except to engage in open combat against those who are combating against the believers.

Jesus called upon his followers to sell their coats and buy swords. He explained that he did not come with peace, but rather a sword. He and his companions were engaged in mortal combat with their enemies, the Pharisees when one of the priests slaves had his ear cut by the sword. Jesus then told them to put down their swords. This is mentioned in the Bible.

The word “sword” appears over 200 times in the Bible – but even though the Arabic language has more than a dozen words for sword, there is not a single occurrence of any of these words anywhere in the Quran.

Combat is ordered in the Quran, only under very specific and limited conditions and it is nothing more than what we would today call “The War on Terrorism.” Fighting against all acts of organized aggression, oppression, persecution and terrorism is an obligation on all believers. But it certainly has limits and women, children, elderly and any innocents are not to killed or injured during such occasions. Treatment of prisoners is not to be humiliating or torture of any kind. Even the dead of the enemy are to be buried with dignity and respect.

Now since writing my story and publishing here on the internet many other websites have picked up this story and it had become a famous example of how “Priest and Preachers Are Coming to Islam.”

Again, I thank you for visiting. And I thank our Christian friend for his email. If he hadn’t sent it, I probably would still not have completed this task of putting down the story once and for all of how my family, friends and myself all came to Islam.

Please feel free to share this story with others. You should print it out and make copies for everyone. Give them our links, add our story to your website or blog page, and send out emails to everyone you know. Maybe it could make a difference for others like us, God Willing.

May Allah guide you on your journey to all truth? Ameen. And May He open your heart and your mind to the reality of this world and the purpose of this life, ameen.

Peace to you and Guidance from Allah the One Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.

Your friend,

Yusuf Estes, Chaplain Yusuf Estes

Why Do Priests & Preachers Enter Islam? The story of conversion of the Preacher Yusuf Estes (9)

3. How did your family respond to your conversion?

4. How about your congregation? What did they say?

5. Did you experience a lot of difficulties in changing religions?

6. Who was responsible for converting you?

7. Don’t you ever think about coming back to being a Christian?

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How a preacher or priest in Christianity can ever go to Islam?

How could a preacher have turned his back on the perfect plan of salvation of Jesus Christ on the cross for you sins and converted to Islam?

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

The ex- American preacher Yusuf Estes continues saying:

Now as I promised here are the answers to the questions many have asked me connected with my choice of Islam:

 

3. “How did your family respond to your conversion?”

Answer: This is always difficult for families to adjust to and it usually takes time. My family was no exception. Although my wife, children entered into Islam and eventually my father came to declare Islam to be the way of salvation for himself, still my own mother and many others in my family resented our going to Islam at first. Eventually, things became more normalized and we do stay in touch, although they are all still very much involved in Christianity.

Allah promises to test those who declare their faith in Him with many types of difficulties and family is one of those mentioned as a test in the Quran. I do pray for them and ask Allah to guide them to the very best in this life and the very best in the Next Life. But it is up to Allah if He wants them to be in Submission to Him (Islam means, submission to Allah) or not.

 

4. “How about your congregation? What did they say?”

Answer: I never had my own church. I was a music minister in the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana branch) in Texas and did my preaching to businessmen and informal gatherings. Those who knew me for the most part did not object and some even came to Islam, but there were a few who felt very upset and accused me of “Turing my back on Jesus, peace be upon him.” No matter what I tried to say or do, these particular individuals would not listen nor did they want to learn anything about Islam.

 

5. “Did you experience a lot of difficulties in changing religions?”

Answer: Certainly anyone who wants to consider Islam in these times, just as in times gone by, will have to recognize there will be certain difficulties and tests along the way. The followers of Jesus, peace be upon him, were highly criticized and persecuted even until death (read what Paul said he used to do to them in the Bible; Book of Acts of the Apostles). Those who followed Muhammad, peace be upon him, suffered at the hands of their very own tribes, yet they were determined to continue to worship Almighty God Alone, without partners and submit to His Will.

The biggest problem with non-Muslims, is their lack of understanding and lack of knowledge as to what Islam is really all about and who the Muslims are supposed to be. I pray for them all and ask Allah to forgive the Muslims for not showing a better picture to everyone.

 

6. “Who was responsible for converting you?”

Answer: As Muslims we believe that it is only Allah who guides the people and whoever He guides will not be misguided and whomever He lets go astray none will be able to guide them. As such, it means we don’t believe anyone really can “convert” someone else.

Also, we accept that all children are born in the natural state of submission to Almighty God and as such that means they are Muslims. Should a child die he or she would go to Heaven as they are not responsible for what they do not understand.

 

7. “Don’t you ever think about coming back to being a Christian?”

Answer: “Christian” indicates a follower of Christ. When Jesus, peace be upon him, returns to earth in the Last Days, all the Muslims will be obliged to follow him. But we would not call ourselves “Christians” anymore than he would. He never called himself or his companions “Christians.” The Bible tells us they were never even called “Christians” until Paul was preaching his message in Antioch.

 

Written by: Chaplain Yusuf Estes

To be continued.

Why Do Priests & Preachers Enter Islam? The story of conversion of the Preacher Yusuf Estes (8)

1. “How could you have turned your back on the perfect plan of salvation of Jesus Christ on the cross for you sins?”

2. “Do you consider you were really “saved” and that you had in fact, been “born again?”

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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Now as I promised here are the answers to the questions many have asked me connected with my choice of Islam:

1. “How could you have turned your back on the perfect plan of salvation of Jesus Christ on the cross for you sins?”

The ex- American preacher Yusuf Estes answers this question by saying:

Your question implies you have not considered the similarities and teachings of the Bible and the Quran.

“ISLAM” means – “Surrender, submit and obey your Lord in sincerity and peace.” Whoever is trying to do this, is a “MUSLIM.” If someone believes in Almighty God as One God and One Lord and wants to commit their life to serving Him and obeying His Commandments, then that person will be in the right way and they will be “saved” according to God’s Mercy. No one can take the sins of another and the guilty must stand accused for what they have done. It will be up to Almighty God to Forgive or Punish according to His Judgment on that Day.

According to the remains of the translations of the Bible [see: “Bible, A Closer Look”] Jesus, peace be upon him, did not preach a message of salvation by worshipping him. This was something added later by Saul (who later became Paul). We find clear statements indicating salvation would come only through acknowledging Almighty God as One God and worshipping Him with all the heart, mind and strength. Jesus, peace be upon him, taught his followers to worship “My God and your God, My Lord and your Lord.”

Again, according to the remains of the English translation of the Bible, we see the one on the cross crying out a very blasphemous statement, “Eli! Eli! Lama sabachthani?” (Which being translated means, “My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?”) This statement on the cross clearly indicates the one on the cross is not pleased with the situation nor does he consider it right or just. Therefore, one would have to conclude this was not something Jesus approved of nor did he accept, or else someone else was on the cross in his place. Either way you look at it, the one on the cross did not accept this as a plan of salvation.

The Quran is absolutely in agreement with these teachings and Muslims do worship the same God and Lord of Jesus, Moses, Abraham and Adam, peace be upon them all. The Quran states in many places, no one will be taken to task for the sins of another, nor can anyone carry the burden of another. We will all be on our own on that Day. And I ask Allah to have Mercy and Forgiveness for all those who believe in Him, ameen.

I consider that I have not left the teachings of Jesus Christ, peace be upon him. On the contrary, I feel much closer to Jesus, peace be upon him, and I look forward to His return on earth more than ever before. Now I am worshipping the same God he worships and I serve the same Lord he serves, in the very same way he does. Jesus prayed to Almighty God and taught his followers to do the same. I am simply doing what he commanded to the best of my ability and ask Almighty God to accept it.

 

2. “Do you consider you were really “saved” and that you had in fact, been “born again?”

Answer:

The Baptists have a statement, “Once saved, always saved.” I asked one of them about this and he agreed it was true. Then I mentioned at one time I had become a Baptist (in my teen years) but now I was a Muslim. I had also been “saved” and baptized at the age of 12. I had accepted the very statement of Jesus being the way, the light and the truth and no man coming on to the Father except by him. I understood these statements to mean I must follow Jesus and his teachings. Therefore, I read the Bible for myself and did not let others tell me what to think about what I was reading.

The Bible states that Jesus prayed for salvation for himself in the garden of Gethsemane in this way, “Let this cup pass from me, even so, Thy Will be done.” This prayer was repeated by Jesus, peace be upon him, a number of times and it is mentioned in more than one Gospel. Yet, according to Biblical accounts, the cup did not pass from him and his prayers were NOT ANSWERED. Islam teaches us his prayers were answered and he did not have to endure the cruel treatment and death on the cross, but rather he was taken up while still alive and is with Almighty God even now and ready to return in the Last Days to bring victory to the believers.

Additionally, we find Jesus, peace be upon him, teaching his disciples to pray like this, “Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and Glory, forever and ever, ameen.” Every Muslim I have met accepts every single word of this pray with the exception of calling “Allah” our “Father.” Muslims consider it better to call on Almighty God by His Names, which we do consider to be “Hallowed.”

 

Written by: Chaplain Yusuf Estes

To be continued.

In Bible vs. Quran, and Paul too denies that Jesus is God (20)

In the Bible: Paul says: “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

In the Quran: Jesus says: “Allah is my lord and your lord. Therefore, worship him. This is the straight path”. The great name “Allah” is mentioned in every Arabic versions of the Bible more than 2222 times.

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In the Bible: Paul says: “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Paul prayed for the saints who are at Ephesus, and to the faithful God’s people living in Ephesus; he asked his God to give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him

Now see how Paul did pray, he says: I pray that “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ”, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Ephesians 1:17 according to 21st Century King James Version)

Herein, we have two different beings,

§  The first being is the God and

§  The second being is the Lord Jesus Christ 

Paul defines the first being as “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Does anyone need a proof that Jesus is not God when Paul said it clearly, obviously, undoubtedly and unmistakably: “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Study of the available 42 different versions of the Bible shows that 39 versions say: “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ”, two versions say “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” and one version ignores Paul’ saying completely (See the appendix 1-3).

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In the Quran: Jesus says: “Allah is my Lord and your lord. Therefore, worship him”

On the other hand, the Quran plainly says that Allah is Jesus’ God

Who said that? Paul? No, there is no Paul in the Quran.

Then who said that? It is the lord Jesus himself

Jesus said: “Allah is my Lord and your lord. Therefore, worship him” (the verse 3:51)

Allah in the Bible:

It should be emphasized that the great name “Allah” is never ever found in the available 42 English versions of the Bible. However, the great name “Allah” is mentioned in every Arabic versions of the Bible more than 2222 times.

Read the verse 3:51 in the appendix (4)

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Appendix:

(1) “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” is found in 39 Bible’s versions; they are:

21st Century King James Version, American Standard Version, Amplified Bible, Common English Bible, Darby Translation, Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition, Easy-to-Read Version, English Standard Version, English Standard Version Anglicised, Expanded Bible, GOD’S WORD Translation, Good News Translation, Holman Christian Standard Bible, J.B. Phillips New Testament,  King James Version, Knox Bible, Lexham English Bible, Mounce Reverse-Interlinear New Testament, New American Standard Bible, New Century Version,  New English Translation, New International Reader’s Version, New International Version, New International Version 1984, New International Version – UK, New King James Version, New Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised, New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition, New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, Revised Standard Version, Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, Today’s New International Version, Young’s Literal Translation, Complete Jewish Bible, Orthodox Jewish Bible, Wycliffe Bible, Contemporary English Version and The Message.

 

(2) The New Life Version says: “the great God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”

The New Living Translation says: “God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”

 

(3)The Worldwide English (New Testament) ignores Paul’ saying completely; it says:

“I ask him that you may understand these things in your hearts. I ask him that you may know what a great hope you have because God has called you. I ask him that you may know the rich and great blessings God has promised to his people.” (Forged Word of God!).

 

(4) The verse 3:51 in different translations:

QARIB:

Allah is my lord and your lord. Therefore, worship him. This is the straight path”.

SHAKIR:

Surely Allah is my lord and your lord, therefore serve him; this is the right path.

PICKTHAL:

Lo! Allah is my lord and your lord, so worship him. That is a straight path.

YUSUFALI:

“‘it is Allah who is my lord and your lord; then worship him. This is a way that is straight.'” 

 

Written by Professor Dr. Ibrahim Khalil, Articlebase.com

http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/in-bible-vs-quran-paul-denies-that-jesus-is-god-2-6406623.html

In Bible vs. Quran: and Paul too denies that Jesus is God (19) three Heads

In the Bible, Paul declares that God has authority over Jesus, God is supreme over Jesus.

On the other hand, Paul is not mentioned in the Quran; however, the Quran says that Jesus is but a great prophet.

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In the Bible, Paul says: “But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God”. (1 Corinthians 11:3; American Standard Version)

 

Herein, Paul announces and defines three types of Heads

§  The head of the woman is the man

§  The head of every man is Christ

§  The head of Christ is God

Study of 41 different versions of the Bible reveals that “the head of Christ is God” is found in 22 versions and “God is the head of Christ” is found in 11 versions.

Herein, the meaning of the word “Head” will be discussed both in language and religion.

From the linguistic point of view, Head means position of leadership, greatest authority, or honor. Head also means a person to whom others are subordinate, as the director of an institution or the manager of a department; leader or chief, master, president, lord.

From the religious point of view, What is the meaning of “God is the head of Christ?”

§  The editors of four different versions of the Bible answer this question as follow:

§  The editors of the Contemporary English Version say “God is the head over Christ”

§  The editors of the GOD’S WORD Translation say “God has authority over Christ”

§  The editors of the Good News Translation say “God is supreme over Christ”

§  The editors of the New Living Translation say “the source of Christ is God and Christ is responsible to God”

This shows that God is over Jesus, God has authority over Jesus, God is supreme over Jesus and God is the source of Jesus.

Now, I will let the smart reader to answer this question: Are God and Jesus equal?

Also, the smart reader is invited to read the series of articles: In Bible vs. Quran, Jesus denied that He is God (1-18)

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On the other hand, Paul is not mentioned in the Quran; however, the Quran says that Jesus is but a great prophet and Allah sent him to the Israelites.

The verse 4:171 gives guidance to the Christians to help them to know the truth. The verse says:

“O people of the scripture! do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. the messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and his word which he conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from him. So believe in Allah and his messengers, and say not “three” – cease! (it is) better for you! – Allah is only one Allah. far is it removed from his transcendent majesty that he should have a son. his is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. and Allah is sufficient as defender”. (The verse 4:171; PICKTHAL translation)

 

Written by Professor Dr. Ibrahim Khalil, Articlebase.com

http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/in-bible-vs-quran-paul-denies-that-jesus-is-god-1-6377538.html

In Bible vs. Quran, Jesus denied that He is God (18) His Lost Gospel

The Bible says that Jesus had His Gospel. Nevertheless, Jesus’ Gospel is either Lost or hidden for some reasons.

The Quran says that Allah gave Jesus the gospel; and the readers will find out that the prophet Muhammad and his distinguishing personality is written down in the Gospel of Jesus.

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What is the difference between the following two verses?

“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached” (New King James Version)

“Now, I assure you that wherever the gospel is preached” (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Are both the same? No

The New King James Version says: this gospel. And so do seven other versions.

The Holman Christian Standard Bible says: the gospel. And so do 33 other versions.

From the Linguistic point of view, we all know that, “This” is used to indicate a thing as present, near, or pointed out; referring to the thing nearer in place and/or time.

This indicates that the Lord Jesus had “His Gospel” and he pointed out and showed it to His followers saying: “”This Gospel”.

Nowadays, we have the gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Also, Paul claims that he has his own gospel.

Nevertheless, “This” Gospel of Jesus is either completely Lost or hidden for some reason.

Furthermore, in an attempt to hide “This” and replace it by “the”, only eight (out of 42) different versions of the Bible say “This” Gospel (good news) while 34 versions say: “the” Gospel (good news). This means that 81% of editors of the 42 versions are trying to hide “This” Gospel and replacing it by “the” Gospel. For details, see the appendix.

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On the other hand, the Quran says that Allah gave Jesus the gospel (the verse 5:46).

Also, the readers will find the unlettered prophet (Muhammad) written down in the Gospel of Jesus (the verse 7:157).

in other word, Jesus declares in His Gospel that He is but a Prophet and He foretells about the last prophet Muhammad..

Now, the smart reader may understand why the Gospel of Jesus is either Lost or Hidden.

The verse 5:46 (Pickthal translation)

and we caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and we bestowed on him the gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah – a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil).

The verse 5:46 (Pickthal translation)

Those who follow the messenger, the prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honor him, and help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are the successful.

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Appendix: Study of 42 different versions of the Bible reveals that:

Eight versions say: “This” Gospel (good news); they are: 21st Century King James Version, Easy-to-Read Version, King James Version, Knox Bible, New Life Version, New King James Version, Wycliffe Bible and Young’s Literal Translation.

Thirty four versions say: “the” Gospel (good news); they are: American Standard Version, Amplified Bible,  Common English Bible, Complete Jewish Bible, Contemporary English Version, Darby Translation, Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition, English Standard Version, English Standard Version Anglicised, Expanded Bible, GOD’S WORD Translation, Good News Translation, Holman Christian Standard Bible, J.B. Phillips New Testament,  The Message, Lexham English Bible, Mounce Reverse-Interlinear New Testament, New American Standard Bible, New Century Version,  New English Translation, New International Reader’s Version, New International Version, New International Version 1984, New International Version – UK, New Revised Standard Version, New Living Translation, New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised, New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition, New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, Orthodox Jewish Bible, Revised Standard Version, Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, Today’s New International Version and Worldwide English (New Testament)

 

Written by Professor Dr. Ibrahim Khalil, Articlebase.com

http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/in-bible-vs-quran-jesus-denied-that-he-is-god-15-his-lost-gospel-6369250.html