Re: Scripture of the Day

**Admin** Mon Jan 09, 2017 3:43 pm

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] MUSLIMS DECEITFULLY ATTACK THE APOSTLE PAUL

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 383A]

For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 Indeed, a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and whoever has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not accept his torture stake and follow after me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his soul will lose it, and whoever loses his soul for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:35 – 39, [New World Translation Revised; NWTR]

Jesus (Yeshua) showed that members of one family could be divided with respect being obedient to Almighty God (YHWH) and him as shown by what was recorded with respect what he stated at Luke 12:52, [authorized King James Bible; AV] “The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” And this reality was foretold at Micah 7:6 – 7, [AV] “For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.”

Jesus (Yeshua) showed that members of one family could be divided with respect being obedient to Almighty God (YHWH) and him as shown by what was recorded with respect what he stated at Luke 12:52, [authorized King James Bible; AV] “The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” But he stated at
Matthew 19:29, [AV] “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” This was in keeping with Matthew 16:24 – 25, [AV] “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Finally he made it clear that anyone doing the will of his Father would be acceptable at Mark 3:34 -35, [AV] “And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”

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Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] MUSLIMS DECEITFULLY ATTACK THE APOSTLE PAUL

INTRODUCTION:

Many Muslims deceitfully attack the Apostle Paul with misleading and untrue accusations. They make such claims such as accusing him of being a self-proclaimer instead of proclaiming Jesus (Yeshua) Christ. In doing so they overlook and/or are ignorant that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ was the one who personally selected the Apostle Paul as he saw much good in him even though at the time of his selection he was actually persecuting Christ genuine (true) footstep followers. Now let's look at the Biblical account of his personal selection by the resurrected Jesus (Yeshua) Christ at Acts 9:1-22, "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10 ¶ And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).

Of course, immediately after is dramatic conversion by none other than Jesus (Yeshua), himself, many of the disciples and apostles still doubted his conversion as testified to at Acts 9:26-27, "And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus." (AV). Therefore, there can be no doubt that he was personally selected by Jesus (Yeshua) to be a proclaimer of the good news or gospel with respect to Jesus (Yeshua) and the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, Kingdom.

Now let's view some of the deceitful and misleading things some Muslims say about the Apostle Paul.

MISLEADING AND DECEITFUL THINGS SAID ABOUT THE APOSTLE PAUL BY SOME MUSLIMS:

Let's look at some of the misleading and deceitful things some Muslims are saying wrongly about the Apostle Paul in their own words.

COMMENT 1, which we shall examine.
<<" Galatians 1:6 ''I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a DIFFERENT GOSPEL...'' You said there was no other gospel, who is the deceiver now?. As i said before that there was another gospel and when Paul heard and saw it he got very angry. Im still of the opinion that the other gospel was the real gospel of Christ and Pauls gospel was not so inspiring because the Galatians started to reject Pauls gospel and accepted the DIFFERENT GOSPEL." [source - A Sunni Muslim]>>.

First, Let's look at Galatians 1:6 in context and see how wrong this Sunni Muslim is, Galatians 1:1-9, "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 6 ¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (AV), clearly the Apostle Paul was speaking of false gospels at Galatians 1:6 that some were starting to listen to instead of the gospel of Christ, i.e., some were perverting the gospel of Christ per Galatians 1:7.

Now let's get a better understanding of the above Bible scriptures by looking at a dictionary definition of 'gospel' is several dictionaries:

[1] The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000. Defines gospel as follows:

NOUN:
1. often Gospel The proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus and the Apostles, which is the central content of Christian revelation. 2a. Gospel Bible One of the first four New Testament books, describing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and recording his teaching. b. A similar narrative. 3. often Gospel A lection from any of the first four New Testament books included as part of a religious service. 4. A teaching or doctrine of a religious teacher. 5. Music Gospel music. 6. Something, such as an idea or principle, accepted as unquestionably true: My parents' rules were gospel.

ADJECTIVE:
1. Of or in accordance with the Gospel; evangelical. 2. Of or relating to gospel music.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English gdspel (ultimately translation of Greek euangelion) : gd, good; see good + spel, news.

[2] Easton Bible Dictionary, a religious dictionary, gives two definitions for gospel.

Gospel - a word of Anglo-Saxon origin, and meaning "God's spell", i.e., word of God, or rather, according to others, "good spell", i.e., good news. It is the rendering of the Greek evangelion, i.e., "good message." It denotes (1) "the welcome intelligence of salvation to man as preached by our Lord and his followers. (2.) It was afterwards transitively applied to each of the four histories of our Lord's life, published by those who are therefore called 'Evangelists', writers of the history of the gospel (the evangelion). (3.) The term is often used to express collectively the gospel doctrines; and 'preaching the gospel' is often used to include not only the proclaiming of the good tidings, but the teaching men how to avail themselves of the offer of salvation, the declaring of all the truths, precepts, promises, and threatenings of Christianity." It is termed "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24), "the gospel of the kingdom" (Matt. 4:23), "the gospel of Christ" (Rom. 1:16), "the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15), "the glorious gospel," "the everlasting gospel," "the gospel of salvation" (Eph. 1:13).

Gospels - The central fact of Christian preaching was the intelligence that the Saviour had come into the world (Matt. 4:23; Rom. 10:15); and the first Christian preachers who called their account of the person and mission of Christ by the term evangelion_ (= good message) were called _evangelistai (= evangelists) (Eph. 4:11; Acts 21:8).
There are four historical accounts of the person and work of Christ: "the first by Matthew, announcing the Redeemer as the promised King of the kingdom of God; the second by Mark, declaring him 'a prophet, mighty in deed and word'; the third by Luke, of whom it might be said that he represents Christ in the special character of the Saviour of sinners (Luke 7:36; 15:18); the fourth by John, who represents Christ as the Son of God, in whom deity and humanity become one. The ancient Church gave to Matthew the symbol of the lion, to Mark that of a man, to Luke that of the ox, and to John that of the eagle: these were the four faces of the cherubim" (Ezek. 1:10).
Date. The Gospels were all composed during the latter part of the first century, and there is distinct historical evidence to show that they were used and accepted as authentic before the end of the second century.
Mutual relation. "If the extent of all the coincidences be represented by 100, their proportionate distribution will be: Matthew, Mark, and Luke, 53; Matthew and Luke, 21; Matthew and Mark, 20; Mark and Luke, 6. Looking only at the general result, it may be said that of the contents of the synoptic Gospels [i.e., the first three Gospels] about two-fifths are common to the three, and that the parts peculiar to one or other of them are little more than one-third of the whole."
Origin. Did the evangelists copy from one another? The opinion is well founded that the Gospels were published by the apostles orally before they were committed to writing, and that each had an independent origin

[3] World English Bible Glossary, gives the following definition for gospel,

Gospel means "good news" or "glad tidings," specifically the Good News of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for our salvation, healing, and provision; and the hope of eternal life that Jesus made available to us by God's grace.

So as we can see, 'gospel,' has the meaning of "good news" or "glad tidings;" therefore, the Apostle Paul was clearly simply warning all to only accept the 'good news' that originated with Jesus (Yeshua) Christ as shown by Galatians 1:7-9, and definitely NOT a proclaimer of gospel as the Sunni Muslim was deceitfully implying. Let's consider the dictionary definition of 'proclaimer.'

PROCLA'IMER, n. One who publishes by authority; one that announces or makes publicly known.[source - Webster's 1828 Dictionary]

COMMENT 2, which we shall examine.
<<" And yes Paul did get very angry when he found out people where dumping his gospel for a different gospel which many x christians call the ''Genuine Gospel of Christ'''[source - A Sunni Muslim]>>.

First, as we previously saw looking at Galatians 1:6 in context, Paul was warning all to only accept the genuine "good News" or gospel that emanated from Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, and NOT some other gospel that emanated from a source controlled by Satan the Devil per 2 Corinthians 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (AV). Galatians 1:7-9, "Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (AV) where he makes very clear that he is not proclaiming another gospel other than the gospel or 'good news' that emanated from Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, but CLEARLY warning others NOT to accept any other gospel except that which originated with Christ. But as usual, there are deceitful individuals who will take a scripture, in this case Galatians 1:6 out of context and misleadingly try to make it seem that it is saying just the opposite from what its original writer/speaker intended.

That is why the Apostle Paul wrote the following about the Bereans, Acts 17:10-11, "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (AV). Basically the Apostle Paul was congratulating the Bereans on their diligence in carefully searching the scriptures daily to see that what he told them was the truth in keeping with John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (AV).

COMMENT 3, which we shall examine.
<<" You are not dealing with the facts that Paul told Timothy to hold onto the translation which includes the extra books of the Catholics and Paul said they are all inspired. Please show us solid evidence that Paul told Timothy to hold onto the original Old Testament, im looking forward to your evidence

I see that you are trying to protect your faith by being deceitful as Paul the self acclaimed deceiver has instructed you to do so. I appeal to the christians that are not deceitful to research for them selves of the scripture Timothy knew from childhood, which is a translation. Iris, I can understand you cannot accept that Paul was wrong to say what he said to Timothy. You will not find ''mans words'' in the Glorious Quran, Ameen."[ Source - a Sunni Muslim]>>.

Just another deceitful and misleading item by this Sunni Muslim. Notice, he calls Paul a self acclaimed deceiver and tries to call the Apocrypha books inspired canon which they are not. Let's first consider what the Apocrypha is.

[1] Easton Bible Dictionary, a religious dictionary, gives the following definition for Apocrypha.

Apocrypha - hidden, spurious, the name given to certain ancient books which found a place in the LXX. and Latin Vulgate versions of the Old Testament, and were appended to all the great translations made from them in the sixteenth century, but which have no claim to be regarded as in any sense parts of the inspired Word.

(1.) They are not once quoted by the New Testament writers, who frequently quote from the LXX. Our Lord and his apostles confirmed by their authority the ordinary Jewish canon, which was the same in all respects as we now have it.

(2.) These books were written not in Hebrew but in Greek, and during the "period of silence," from the time of Malachi, after which oracles and direct revelations from God ceased till the Christian era.

(3.) The contents of the books themselves show that they were no part of Scripture. The Old Testament Apocrypha consists of fourteen books, the chief of which are the Books of the Maccabees (q.v.), the Books of Esdras, the Book of Wisdom, the Book of Baruch, the Book of Esther, Ecclesiasticus, Tobit, Judith, etc.
The New Testament Apocrypha consists of a very extensive literature, which bears distinct evidences of its non-apostolic origin, and is utterly unworthy of regard.

[2] Smith's Bible Dictionary, a religious dictionary, gives the following definition for Apocrypha.

<<" Old Testament Apocrypha ._The collection of books to which this term is popularly applied includes the following (the order given is that in which they stand in the English version); I. 1 Esdras; II. 2 Esdras; III. Tobit; IV. Judith; V. The rest of the chapters of the book of Esther, which are found neither in the Hebrew nor in the Chaldee; VI. The Wisdom of Solomon; VII. The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus; VII. Baruch; IX. The Song of the Three Holy Children, X. The History of Susanna; XI. The History of the destruction of Bel and the Dragon; XII. The Prayer of Manasses king of Judah; XIII. 1 Maccabee; XIV. 2 Maccabees. The primary meaning of apocrypha , "hidden, secret," seems, toward the close of the second century to have been associated with the signification "spurious," and ultimately to have settled down into the latter. The separate books of this collection are treated of in distinct articles.">>

[3] Irivng Hexham's Concise Dictionary of Religion, a religious dictionary, gives the following definition for Apocrypha.

<<" APOCRYPHA: in Greek this means "hidden things" and is a term applied to both JEWISH and CHRISTIAN writings which were excluded from the official CANON of SCRIPTURE".>>.

As can be seen from all of these definitions, the Apocrypha are spurious writings NOT by the claimed writers, NOT in harmony with the inspired scriptures, etc.

In fact with respect to the Septuagint, LXX, there were different versions, some contained some of the Apocrypha and others did not, but all contained all of the inspired books of the Bible. One encyclopedia said this,
<<" Septuagint: A page from Codex vaticanus, the basis of Sir Lancelot Brenton's English translation.
The Septuagint (or simply "LXX") is the name commonly given in the West to the ancient, Koine Greek version of the Old Testament translated in stages between the 3rd to 1st century BC in Alexandria. It is the oldest of several ancient translations of the Hebrew Bible into Greek. The name means "seventy" and derives from a tradition that seventy-two Jewish scholars (LXX being the nearest round number) translated the Pentateuch (or Torah) from Hebrew into Greek for one of the Ptolemaic kings. As the work of translation went on gradually, and new books were added to the collection, the compass of the Greek Bible came to be somewhat indefinite. The Pentateuch always maintained its pre-eminence as the basis of the canon; but the prophetic collection changed its aspect by having various hagiographa incorporated into it. Some of the newer works, those called anagignoskomena in Greek, are not included in the Hebrew canon. Among these books are Maccabees and the Wisdom of Ben Sira. Also, the LXX version of some works, like Daniel and Esther, are longer than the Hebrew.[1] Several of the later books apparently were composed in Greek." [source - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia] >>.

Of the Apocrypha books, the encyclopedia said several of these books were apparently composed in Greek; whereas, all of the inspired books of the Old Testament were composed in ancient Hebrew. This being a feature that immediately identifies them as spurious.

Paul NEVER said any of the Apocrypha were inspired as this Sunni Muslim deceitfully says. In fact, as we previously say in Galatians 1:1-9, the Apostle Paul warned against perverted gospels, i.e., spurious ones such as the books of the Apocrypha. However, this Sunni Muslim deceiver is trying to twist the meaning of 2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (AV). He is trying to falsely imply that the Apocrypha is part of what the Apostle Paul was referring to which of course is very unreasonable and illogical to the extreme and especially so if 2 Timothy 3:16 is looked at in context, 2 timothy 3:12-17, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (AV). He, the Sunni Muslim, is one of those covered by 2 Timothy 3:13.

Now in other comments by this same Sunni Muslim he has inferred that Timothy had and learned from a copy of the LXX containing the Apocrypha as he only knew Koine Greek which is of course untrue. His father was a Greek, but his mother was a Jew who spoke Hebrew. His mother, not his father, was the one who taught him, and this fact was recognized by the Apostle Paul at 2 Timothy 1:1-5, "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." (AV).

Undoubtedly his mother Eunice would have regularly taken him to the Synagogue where he would have listened to Rabbis reading the sacred inspired scripture per the canon of Ezra or Jerusalem canon so the inspired scripture the Apostle Paul was referring to in 2 Timothy 3:16 would have been only the inspired scripture and NOT the spurious Apocrypha.

In addition, scripture in those days was NOT written/printed in books as it is today, but was hand written on scrolls which made copies very expensive. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that young Timothy had a personal copy of of the scriptures, let alone a copy of the LXX containing spurious Apocrypha.

Timothy undoubtedly knew exactly which writings the Apostle Paul was speaking of . For example, I often use the Catholic New American Bible (NAB) which contains some Apocrypha books, but I well know which books are the Holy Scriptures as did Timothy, and which are spurious Apocrypha. In other words, this Sunni Muslim is implying that Timothy was both stupid and gullible, a fact NOT in anyway supported by scripture as quite the contrary is supported by scripture.

CONCLUSION;

Members of Islam get irrationally insane over silly cartoons, a speech in a university where the Pope quoted from something a Byzantine Emperor said which they mistook as the Pope trying to insult them - which he was not trying to do, and other minor and silly nonsense. However, they feel it is okay to tell untruths and deceitful things about the Apostle Paul - what a double standard they have as shown in this article.

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**Admin** Tue Jan 10, 2017 3:25 pm

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] SOME MAKE A BIG DEAL OUT OF A MISTAKE IN A TRANSLATIONAL CONSTRUCT:

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 384A]

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. Genesis 3:16, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Indeed, the Bible clearly shows women as having great child birth pains with one account being given at 1 Chronicles 4:9, [AV] “And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.” And, one women is shown as having actually died from the great pains of child birth at Genesis 35:16 - 18, [AV] “And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. 17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. 18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/

7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] SOME MAKE A BIG DEAL OUT OF A MISTAKE IN A TRANSLATIONAL CONSTRUCT:

INTRODUCTION:

There are men being led by the Devil per 2 Corinthians 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (Authorized King James Bible; AV) who make a big deal out of seemingly contradictions in a Bible translation such as the Authorized King James Bible such as the following,

Acts 9:7, "And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man." (Authorized King James Bible; AV)

And,

Acts 22:7, "And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" (Authorized King James Bible; AV)

Who do not bother to consider that translators are faced with a very difficult task of trying to capture what the original writer was saying in his own language. Some do a better job than others in capturing in another language what the thoughts of the original writer, writing in his own language, was really saying. This task is even more difficult when the original language Koine Greek is no longer a spoken language and one is translating and/or trying to translate into another language of an entirely different language group such as English. Yet these false prophets and false accusers try and mislead and deceive as warned against at Matthew 24:24, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (AV).

Let's look at an actual example of this deceitful practice.

ACTUAL EXAMPLE OF A DECEITFUL CHARGE OF CONTRADICTION:

Here is an actual example of this deceptive and deceitful practice of charging falsely contradiction; whereas, in reality it is nothing but a trivial faulty translational construct which many occur in the Authorized King James Bible for two distinct reasons, as follows:

[1] The original translators did NOT have access to many ancient manuscripts for cross comparison and the knowledge of ancient Koine Greek was way below what it is today.

[2] The actual translators strived to do a good job but were handicapped due to their insufficient knowledge of the ancient language so could NOT always accurate capture the thoughts of the original writer writing in his own language.

Now with that in mind, let's look at the misleader's actual post:
<<"Let me deal with the first part of your article[*1] about paul seeing jesus on path to damascus you said, Acts 9:7 ''And the men which journeyed with (paul) stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.'' I find this very difficult to believe infact i have a verse which contradicts the mentioned above. Acts 22:9 ''And they that were with me (paul) saw indeed the light and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.'' But then again what can you expect from a uninspired man. The next part i would like to deal with is the Galatians, you said, that there was no other gospel, let me show you that there was another gospel. GALATIANS 1:6 ''...I AM SO ASTONISHED THAT YOU ARE SO QUICKLY DESERTING THE ONE WHO CALLED YOU BY THE GRACE OF CHRIST AND ARE TURNING TO A DIFFERENT GOSPEL...''. I know many former christians which believe the ''DIFFERENT GOSPEL'' was the genuine gospel of christ. The ''DIFFERENT GOSPEL'' carried alot of weight because people started turning away from the one Paul preached.">>.
[*1 = Muslims Deceitfully Attack the Apostle Paul by Iris the Preacher, 2006, and can be now viewed at,
http://religioustruths.proboards59.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=recognize&thread=1163880097]

Note, he also takes an unwarranted attack on the Apostle Paul, a man personally selected by the resurrected Jesus (Yeshua) Christ to carry on his work of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus (Yeshua) as clearly shown in the Ninth Chapter and Twenty Second Chapter of the Book of Acts, how far can one go with false accusations?

Now let's look at the translational construct situation.

TRANSLATIONAL CONSTRUCTS - THE REALITY:

This transnational construct trivial difference in the Authorized King James Bible between Acts 9:7 and 22:9 is well known, let's look at some data on it:

<<"... the most well-known alleged contradiction came up - that of Acts 9:7 and Acts 22:9. In October of 1986, I received a letter from Mr. Barker. He sent me a four page document entitled "Did Paul's Men Hear A Voice?" In it he gave a great deal of information on the usage of the genitive and accusative cases relevant to the word akouo (to hear) and its direct objects, primarily phone (sound, voice) since these are the important terms in discussing Acts 9:7/22:9. Though not dealing with all of the issues involved (in my opinion), Mr. Barker did a fine job in stating his belief that the two passages are contradictory. To close our presentation of "Letters to an Anti-Theist," we will examine this "contradiction."

It is quite easy to see the supposed contradiction at this point. The King James Version reads:
9:7 - "And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
22:9 - "And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me."
Clearly the question is - did the men hear the voice or not? To answer that question, we must, obviously, deal with the text as written by Luke in its original languages. This is an excellent example of a situation where the original words must be allowed to be heard in the argument, for we could be charging Luke with a simple mistake that he did not make. Also, we need to notice that modern versions translate the passage differently. For example, the New International Version reads as follows:
9:7 - "The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.
22:9 - "My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me."
Note that in the NIV the contradiction no longer exists; in the first passage the men hear a sound; in the second they do not understand the voice of the one speaking to Saul. Mr. Barker and other critics would assert that the NIV has translated in accordance with interpretation and convenience rather than according to language and usage. But is this so? Lets examine these passages and see.

First, before going into the text itself, we must address the issue of "what is a contradiction?" The law of contradiction, stated briefly, would be that you cannot have A and non-A simultaneously. You cannot have a chair in a room and outside the room at the same time. That would be a contradiction. But, is this what we have in this case in Acts?

The answer can only be no, we do not have a contradiction here. First, let's transliterate the passages so that their differences can be seen:
9:7 - akouontes men tes phones
22:9 - ten de phonen ouk ekousan phones legouses moi
It would be good to list the differences between the passages:

1. In 9:7 akouo is found as a nominative plural participle; in 22:9 it is a plural aorist verb.
2. In 9:7 phone is a singular genitive noun; in 22:9 it is a singular accusative noun.
3. In 9:7 akouo precedes its object; in 22:9 it follows its object.
4. In 9:7 the phrase is not modified; in 22:9 it is modified by "of the one speaking to me."
5. In 9:7 Luke is narrating an event in Greek; in 22:9 Paul is speaking to a crowd in Hebrew (or Aramaic).

Clearly the critic is placed in an impossible position of forcing the argument here, for the differences between the two passages are quite significant. Hence, the argument must proceed on the grounds of contradictory meanings only, for the grammar of the two passages will not support a clear "A vs. non-A" proposition.
We then must answer the question, are the differences between these passages significant enough to warrant the NIV's translation? Do we have a solid basis upon which to assert that what Paul meant was that the men heard a sound but did not understand what the voice was saving? I believe we do, and I am not alone on this. Following are some of the comments made by some eminent Greek scholars about these passages:
Thus in Acts 9:7, "hearing the voice," the noun "voice' is in the partitive genitive case [i.e., hearing (something) of], whereas in 22:9, "they heard not the voice," the construction is with the accusative. This removes the idea of any contradiction. The former indicates a hearing of the sound, the latter indicates the meaning or message of the voice (this they did not hear). "The former denotes the sensational perception, the latter (the accusative case) the thing perceived." (Cremer). In John 5:25, 28, the genitive case is used, indicating a "sensational perception" that the Lord's voice is sounding; in 3:8, of hearing the wind, the accusative is used, stressing "the thing perceived." (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words by W.E. Vine, pages 204-205).
Instead of this being a flat contradiction of what Luke says in 9:7 it is natural to take it as being likewise (as with the "light" and "no one') a distinction between the "sound' (original sense of phone as in John 3:8) and the separate words spoken. It so happens that akouo is used either with the accusative (extent of the hearing) or the genitive (the specifying). It is possible that such a distinction here coincides with the two senses of phone. They heard the sound (9:7), but did not understand the words (22:9). However, this distinction in case with akouo, though possible and even probable here, is by no means a necessary one for in John 3:8 where phonen undoubtedly means "sound" the accusative occurs as Luke uses ekousa phonen about Saul in Acts 9:4. Besides in Acts 22:7 Paul uses ekousa phones about himself, but ekousa phonen about himself in 26:14, interchangeably. (Word Pictures in the New Testament by Dr. A.T. Robertson, volume III, pages 117- 118).
The fact that the maintenance of an old and well-known distinction between the acc. and the gen. with akouo saves the author of Acts 9:7 and 22:9 from a patent self-contradiction, should by itself be enough to make us recognize it for Luke, and for other writers until it is proved wrong. (A Grammar of New Testament Creek by James Hope Moulton, vol I., page 66. Robertson quotes this approvingly in A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in Light of Historical Research on pages 448-449).
The partitive gen. occurs in NT with verbs of perception, especially with a personal object. For akouo, the class(ical) rule is that the person whose words are heard is in the gen. ...but the thing (or person) about which one hears is in the accus., and akouo c. accus. may mean to understand...We have to ask whether the class, distinction between gen. and accus. has significance for exegesis in NT. There may be something in the difference between the gen. in Ac. 9:7 (the men with Paul heard the sound ) and the accus. in Ac 22:9 (they did not understand the voice). (A Grammar of New Testament Greek vol. III by Nigel Turner, pg. 233).

Basically, these writers are referring to the possibility that the difference in the case of the term akouo would in this instance (9:7, 22:9) point to a difference in meaning. However, as Mr. Barker points out in his letter to me, and as Dr. A. T. Robertson said above many years earlier, this distinction cannot be written in stone. Why then do we feel that we are correct in asserting this difference as the the "answer" to this supposed contradiction? Context. Though none of the above authors went deeply into the subject, an examination of the context of the passages in question here make it very clear that Luke meant a difference to be understood in what he was writing.

The key element in this investigation is pointed out by R. J. Knowling (Expositor's Greek Testament vol. 2 ed. by W. Robertson Nicoll pages 231 -233) and by John Aberly (New Testament Commentary edited by H. C. Alleman page 414). In Acts 22:9 Paul is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem. According to Acts 21:40 Paul addressed the crowd in Hebrew (NIV says Aramaic - exactly which dialect it was is not very relevant). He mentions to his Hebrew listeners that when Jesus called him, he called him in their own language - Hebrew. How do we know this? In both Acts 9:4 and in Acts 22:7 Saul is not spelled in its normal form, but is spelled in its Hebrew (or Aramaic) form Saoul. What does this tell us? It tells us that the "voice" spoke in Hebrew. Therefore, Acts 22:9 would he referring to the fact that the men who accompanied Paul did not understand what was said for they could not understand Hebrew! The text supports this very strongly, for Paul modifies his saying "they did not hear (understand) the voice" by adding the vital phrase, "of the one speaking to me (to lalountos moi)." The emphasis is on the speaking of the voice, which would indicate comprehension and understanding. Now, given the above scholar's quotations, and the context of the passages, can anyone seriously deny that there is a perfectly plausible explanation for this supposed contradiction? I think not." [source - The Hall of Shame by by James White of Alpha & Omega Ministeries]>>.

So we can see that this false accuser of the Apostle Paul is only blowing hot air as there is no real contradiction, but simply a trivial error in the translational construct.

CONCLUSION:

This supposed contradiction was not a contradiction in reality, but a simple and trivial failure by the translator to fully capture the thoughts of the original writer writing in his own language, a simple error in a translational construct.

Interestingly, all supposed contradictions are of the same and/or similar nature; the inability of the translator to fully capture the thoughts of the original writer, writing in his own language, or failure to comprehend some ancient culture thing or item such as "pim" whose meaning was not known until a very recent archaeological study, for details, see, THE BIBLE'S HISTORICITY AND CORRECTNESS TESTIFIED TO BY A "PIM", by Iris-the-Preacher, 2005, now can be read at,
http://religioustruths.proboards59.com/index.cgi?board=history&action=display&thread=1163273452

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

**Admin** Wed Jan 11, 2017 10:15 am

COMBINATION OF THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES. With the Scripture of the Day first.

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 385A]

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5 – 6, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

As testified to at Psalms 62:8, [AV] “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” And trust in him and not yourself as directed at Proverbs 28:26, [AV] “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered” Yes, per Colossians 3:17, [AV] “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Ask Almighty God (YHWH) for guidance according to James 1:5 - 6, [AV] “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
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To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Marula bears small round shaped fruit; (green in colour when unripe) that ripens to a yellow colour and can be harvested by being collected from the ground from January to March. According to Matt Marten operations manager of MNP, an analysis of the ripe fruit in the 2004 season yielded the following results: Average weight of 19.6g, peel of 31.6 %, stone 33.7% and pulp of 34.7%. The pulp is used as a base for juices, jams, jellies, ciders and alcohol drinks. The peel of the fruit is believed to have more than 27 different kinds of flavours and contains ten newly-isolated volatile esters that may be able to be extracted for use in aromatherapy, homeopathic medicines and essential oils and the freeze dried pulp of the marula fruit can be used in a number of cosmetic applications. Other products are the marula tea and as flavourant for ice –creams, etc. The fruit pulp contains up to four times vitamin C than oranges. Even though this fruit is seasonal, it can be processed into pulp in large volumes and stored frozen for a period of over a year. [source - retrieved from http://www.marula.org.za/abfruit.htm on 4/25/2014]

Sclerocarya birrea, the marula, (Greek skl?rós, "hard", and káryon, "nut", in reference to the stone inside the fleshy fruit) is a medium-ized dioecious tree, indigenous to the miombo woodlands of Southern Africa, the Sudano-Sahelian range of West Africa, and Madagascar. The tree is a single stemmed tree with a wide spreading crown. It is characterised by a grey mottled bark. The tree grows up to 18 m tall mostly in low altitudes and open woodlands. The fruitsare used in the liqueur Amarula. The distribution of this species throughout Africa and Madagascar has followed the Bantu in their migrations, as it has been an important item in their diet since time immemorial.

The fruits which ripen between December and March have a light yellow skin, with white flesh, rich in vitamin C—about eight times the amount found in an orange—are succulent, tart with a strong and distinctive flavour.[2] Inside is a walnut-sized, thick-walled stone. These stones, when dry, expose the seeds by shedding 2 (sometimes 3) small circular plugs at one end. The seeds have a delicate nutty flavour and are much sought after, especially by small rodents who know to gnaw exactly where the plugs are located.

Relationships: Belongs to the same family Anacardiaceae as the mango, cashew, pistachio and sumac, and is closely related to the genus Poupartia from Madagascar.

Common names:
Tshivenda:mafula
English: jelly plum, cat thorn, morula, cider tree, marula, maroola nut/plum
Afrikaans: Maroela[3]
Bambara: nkuna, nkuntan
Portuguese (Mozambique): canhoeiro
Hausa: dania
Sotho: Morula[3]
Swahili: mng'ongo
Shona: mutsomo, mukwakwa, mushomo, muganu, mupfura; [fruits] pfura; [tree] mufura, mafuna, marula
Tswana: Morula[3]
Northern/Southern Ndebele: iganu, ikanyi, umganu, umkano
Swazi: [fruits] emaganu, [tree] umganu
Zulu: Umganu,[3] [fruits] amaganu, [seeds, tree] umganu
Other: Boran (Kenya) – didissa ; Kamba (Kenya) – muua; Kwangali – ufuongo; Lovedu – marula; Maasai (Kenya) – ol-mangwai; Meru (Kenya) – mura; Pedi [fruits] – lerula, marula; Pedi [tree] – morula, merula; Pokot (Kenya) – oruluo; Ronga (Mozambique) – ncanhi; Sebei (Kenya) – katetalum; Shangaan – nkanyi, inkanyi; Diga (Kenya) – mngongo; Tonga: tsua, tsula, umganu; Tugen (Kenya) – tololokwo; Dinka (Sudan) – Gummel; Nuer (Sudan) – Kamel, Omel; Moru (Sudan) – Kyele; Luo (Kenya) Ong'ono.
The Marula tree is protected in South Africa.[3]

Traditional Uses
While little known globally, the fruit is traditionally used for food in Africa, and has considerable socioeconomic importance.[4]

The seed kernels are high in protein and fat, with a subtle nutty flavour, and constitute an important emergency food. Marula oil, made from the seed kernel, is a delicious additive to meals in Africa. It contains antioxidants and oleic acid. The bark is used both as treatment and a prophylaxis for malaria. An infusion of the inner bark of the marula tree may be applied toscorpion stings and snake bites to alleviate pain. The leaves are chewed on to help indigestion and to treat heartburn. Marula oil, made from the seed kernel, can be used as a type of skin care oil. Products of fruits and the tree are useful in crafts and agriculture. Gums exudates from the stem are mixed with water and soot to make ink by certain tribes in the region. The bark also yields a red-brown dye used in colouring traditional craft ware. The fruit infusion is used to bathe tick-infested livestock. The fruit is regarded as a potent insecticide

Commercial Uses
On an industrial level the fruit of the marula tree is collected from the wild by members of rural communities on whose land the trees grow. This harvest and sale of fruit only occurs during two to three months but is an important income to poor rural people. The fruit is delivered to processing plants where fruit pulp, pips, kernels and kernel oil are extracted and stored for processing throughout the year.

The most important industrial product is Amarula which is probably still the second largest selling cream liquor in the world. Mirma, based in Phalaborwa, assembles and processes 4,000 tons a year of fruit. They produce a pulp from the skin and flesh which is refrigerated and shipped to Distel in the Cape Winelands. Here it is fermented, distilled, matured, blended and bottled before being internationally distributed.

Another fruit based product is a frozen marula puree, which is produced by Bronpro in Nelspruit. Bronpro supply puree to food manufacturers who use it as an ingredient in their products. The best known of these products is Marula Mania a juice blend produced by The Ceres Beverage Company under the Liquifruit label.

The third largest marula fruit based industry, is the production of marula oil as an ingredient for cosmetics. This tends to be scattered amongst many producers although PhytoTrade Africa is probably the leading "supplier" to the cosmetics industry through its integration of the production of many producers.

Popular culture
The alcoholic distilled beverage (maroela mampoer) made from the fruit is referenced in the stories of the South African writer Herman Charles Bosman.
The marula fruit is also eaten by various animals in Southern Africa. In the movie Animals Are Beautiful People by Jamie Uys, released in 1974, some scenes portray elephants, warthogs and monkeys becoming intoxicated from eating fermented marula fruit. Later research showed that these scenes, at least in large animals were improbable and, in all probability, staged. Elephants would need a huge amount of fermented marulas to have any effect on them, and other animals prefer the ripe fruit. The amount of water drunk by elephants each day would also dilute the effect of the fruit to such an extent that they would not be affected by it.[5] Reports of elephants becoming intoxicated from marula fruit, however, are persistent.[6]

References
1. Jump up^ "Entry for Sclerocarya birrea". JSTOR Global Plants. JSTOR. Retrieved 2014-01-12.
2. Jump up^ Wickens, G. E.; Food and Agriculture Organization (1995). "Potential Edible Nuts". Edible Nuts. Non-Wood Forest Products 5. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization. ISBN 92-5-103748-5. OCLC 34529770. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
3. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e "Protected Trees". Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Republic of South Africa. 3 May 2013.
4. Jump up^ National Research Council (2008-01-25). "Marula". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume III: Fruits. Lost Crops of Africa 3. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press.ISBN 978-0-309-10596-5. OCLC 34344933. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
5. Jump up^ Morris, Steve; David Humphreys and Dan Reynolds (2006). "Myth, marula, and elephant: an assessment of voluntary ethanol intoxication of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) following feeding on the fruit of the marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea)". Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 79 (2): 363–9. doi:10.1086/499983.PMID 16555195. Retrieved 2012-07-30.
6. Jump up^ Couper, Ross. "Elephants drunk on native fruit at South Africa's Singita Sabi Sand". Retrieved 25 April 2014. [source - retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sclerocarya_birrea on 4/25/2014]

In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].

To view images of the tree and its fruit, go to, https://www.google.com/search?q=Marula+fruit&espv=2&es_sm=90&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=NvVaU6HwOYPJsQSH0YGICA&ved=0CEoQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=935&dpr=1

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Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth."Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!

**Admin** Thu Jan 12, 2017 11:02 am

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] WHY JESUS (YESHUA) HAD TO DIE AND BENEFIT TO MANKIND:

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 386A]

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ … 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:10 and 12, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yes, as brought out at Luke 6:37 – 38, [AV] “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Jesus (Yeshua) will be the judge of all as testified to at Acts 10:42, [AV] “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” And the time has been appointed for this judging of all per Acts 17:31 – 32, [AV] “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” We should be obedient to Almighty God (YHWH) and His son per Matthew 12:36 -37, [AV] “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned”

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Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] WHY JESUS (YESHUA) HAD TO DIE AND BENEFIT TO MANKIND:

INTRODUCTION:

Some contend that Jesus (Yeshua) did not die and/or did not need to die, but this will be shown to be false in three parts.

THREE PART SHOWING THAT CHRIST HAD TO DIE FOR MANKIND AND THAT HE DID:

FIRST, Let's look at one unbelievers comment on the subject, and then read the facts on same.
<<" willingness of jesus christ to die for our sins
peter and the two sons of zebedee were with jesus christ before the elders of the people and the chief priests came to take him to be crucified. jesus at this point talked to peter and the two sons of zebedee as in matthew 26:38 "then saith he unto them, my soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me." then jesus went a little further away from them and prayed to god as in matthew 26:39 "and he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, o my father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as i will, but as thou wilt."

it is very clear from the above verse in matthew 26:39 that jesus had no intention of dying. in this verse it is shown that jesus was praying strongly (matthew mentions jesus repeating this prayer three times) to have this death removed from him. had jesus christ been sent to be crucified, he would not have hesitated to be killed at all. ">>.

WRONG, First, he knew he was going to be betrayed and die as shown by Matthew 26:20-25, "Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said." (Authorized King James Bible; AV)

Second, He also knew that Peter would deny him three times as recorded at Matthew 26: "Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." (AV)

Third, Then the scripture you mentioned, but in context, Matthew 26:36-46, "Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me." (AV)
Which clearly shows Jesus (Yeshua) as an obedient Son that knew he had to die as a ransom sacrifice for all of mankind as shown in his prayer when he said, ", O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." Clearly indicating that he wanted his Father's, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, to be done even if it involved his death as a human.

SECOND, Some believe that Jesus (Yeshua) is His Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, which of course he is not. That is why the Bible calls him the Son of God at many diverse places such as at Matthew 8:29, 14:33, 26:63, 27:40, 27:43, Mark 1:1, 3:11, 15:39, etc. Ones that fail to recognize this fact wrongly believe he is his own Father, but the fleshly side or form. Of course they forget several facts as follows:

[1] No one can see the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, and live as recorded at Exodus 33:20, "And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live." (AV)

[2] That the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, is invisible; whereas, his Son Jesus (Yeshua) was seen by many, 1 Timothy 1:17 says, "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (AV)

[3] And the apostle John said clearly at John 1:18, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." (AV)

THIRD, Now let's consider why Jesus (Yeshua) had to die, and did die by execution by the Romans as recorded at Matthew 27: "And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
36 And sitting down they watched him there;
37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
50 ¶ Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.
57 ¶ When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch." (AV)

Now why did he have to die? Let's look at why this was necessary. It was because the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, law required like for like.

[1] A ransome price corresponds to the perfect human life lost by Adam's disobedience had to be provided.

1 Timothy 2:5-6, "For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, [himself] man, Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony [to be borne] in its own times;" (American Standard Version; ASV)

Philippians 2:5-6, "but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient [even] unto death, yea, the death of the cross." (ASV).

1 Corinthians 15:22, "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." (ASV).

[2] Christ died to provide a ransom to open the way to everlasting life for all who would believe:

Ephesians 1:3-7, "Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ: 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: 5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved: 7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace," (ASV).

John 3:16-18, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him. 18 He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God." (ASV).

1 John 4:9-10, "Herein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins." (ASV)

John 3:36, "He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. " (ASV).

1 Timothy 2:5-6, "For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, [himself] man, Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony [to be borne] in its own times;" (ASV).

[3] The Need of mankind for a ransom to free us from bondage to sin and death:

Romans 5:12, "Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned:--" (ASV) as I previously told you.

Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;" (ASV)

Psalms 49:7-9, "None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him; 8 (For the redemption of their life is costly, And it faileth for ever;) 9 That he should still live alway, That he should not see corruption." (ASV).

Psalms 51:5, "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me." (ASV).

[4] The price paid for release from bondage to sin and death;

Matthew 20:28, "even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (ASV).

Romans 3:24, "By God's grace, without earning it, all are granted the status of being considered righteous before him, through the act redeeming us from our enslavement to sin that was accomplished by the Messiah Yeshua." (The Complete Jewish Bible, Jewish Net Testament Publications; TCJB).

Hebrews 2:14-15, "Therefore, since the children share a common physical nature as human beings, he became like them and shared that same human nature; so that by his death he might render ineffective the one who had power over death (that is, the Adversary) 15 and thus set free those who had been in bondage all their lives because of their fear of death." (TCJB).

[5] The ransom was paid by Christ with his human life blood poured out in death:

John 10:11, ""I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (TCJB).

Ephesians 1:7, " In union with him, through the shedding of his blood, we are set free - our sins are forgiven; this accords with the wealth of the grace" (TCJB).

1 Peter 1:18-19, "You should be aware that the ransom paid to free you from the worthless way of life which your fathers passed on to you did not consist of anything perishable like silver or gold; 19 on the contrary, it was the costly bloody sacrificial death of the Messiah, as of a lamb without defect or spot." (TCJB).

Revelations 5:9, "and they sang a new song, "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals; because you were slaughtered; at the cost of blood you ransomed for God persons from every tribe, language, people and nation." (TCJB).

[6] Christ died, not due to sin, but as a sacrifice on behalf of mankind;

Hebrews 7:26 & 9:25-26, "This is the kind of cohen gadol that meets our need - holy, without evil, without stain, set apart from sinners and raised higher than the heavens; " & "Further, he did not enter heaven to offer himself over and over again, like the cohen hagadol who enters the Holiest Place year after year with blood that is not his own; 26 for then he would have had to suffer death many times - from the founding of the universe on. But as it is, he has appeared once at the end of the ages in order to do away with sin through the sacrifice of himself." (TCJB).

1 John 4:10, "Here is what love is: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the kapparah for our sins." (TCJB).

1 Peter 2:22, "who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:" (ASV).

[7] After Christ was resurrected, he presented the value of his sacrifice to his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), in heaven:

Hebrews 9:11-12 & 24, " But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. " & " For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us:" (ASV).

Ephesians 5:2, "and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell." (ASV).

Romans 8:34, "who is he that condemneth? It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (ASV).

[8] The Purpose and benefits of the ransom:

Isaiah 53:12, "Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (ASV).

Hebrews 2:9, "But we do see Yeshua - who indeed was made for a little while lower than the angels - now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by God's grace he might taste death for all humanity. " (TCJB).

Galatians 1:4, "who gave himself for our sins, so that he might deliver us from the present evil world-system, in obedience to the will of God, our Father." (TCJB).

CONCLUSION:

So as we can see, those who claim he did not die or a ransom for the wrong committed by Adam are in gross error.

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COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SACRIFICE OF ABRAHAM

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 387A]

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

This important point is made in one way or another throughout the Bible such as at Proverbs 18:24, [AV] “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” And this genuine love was shown between David and Jonathan, the son of King Saul at 1 Samuel 18:3 - 4, [AV] “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.” And between Ruth and Naomi at Ruth 1:16 - 18, [AV] “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. 18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.”

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[2] THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SACRIFICE OF ABRAHAM

INTRODUCTION:

Let's look at what an encyclopedia says to give you a feel for the situation, <<" The Binding of Isaac (Hebrew: ???????? ???????, Akedát Yitzhák) in Genesis 22, is a story from the Hebrew Bible in which God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah. To many readers the tale is one of the most challenging, complex, mystifying, and perhaps ethically troublesome episodes in the entire Bible. The story is referred to as the Akedah (????) or Akedat Yitzchak (????? ????) in Hebrew (the binding of Isaac) and as the Dhabih in Arabic.
Abraham agrees to God's command without argument, even though God gives him no reason for the sacrifice (called an Olah in Hebrew -- for the significance of sacrifices, especially in Biblical times, see the korbanot). The text of the story says that God wishes to test Abraham, which indicates that he does not intend for Abraham to actually sacrifice his son. Indeed, after Isaac is bound to an altar, an angel stops Abraham at the last minute, at which point Abraham discovers a ram caught in some nearby bushes. Abraham then sacrifices the ram in Isaac's stead.
According to Josephus, Isaac is twenty-five years old at the time of the sacrifice, while the Talmudic sages teach that Isaac is thirty-seven. In either case, Isaac is a fully grown man, strong enough to prevent the elderly Abraham (who is 125 or 137 years old) from tying him up had he wanted to resist.
In 2 Chronicles 3:1, the Bible seems to identify the location of this event as the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, though Genesis only states that it occurred on a mountain somewhere in "the region of Moriah," and not necessarily on the hill of that name. This space is currently occupied by the Dome of the Rock. Some have speculated that the binding may have occurred at Golgotha, i.e., Calvary, the hill on which Jesus was crucified, which is also a hill in the same general vicinity." [source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia on 11/21/2006]

GOD (YHWH) MADE A COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM FOR THE PROMISED 'SEED' TO COME THROUGH HIS SON ISAAC:

First, let's consider the fact Abraham was of the line of Shem, and in an earlier prophecy Noah had spoken of Jehovah as "Shem's God" per Genesis 9:26-27, "And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. 27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant." (Authorized King James Bible; AV). This indicated God's favor on Shem. In Abraham's time the "seed" of promise was foretold to come through Abraham at Genesis 15:5, "And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be." (AV) .

So we can see the promised 'seed' was foretold to come through Abraham. This seed was to come through the only son of Abraham by his wife Sarah, and was to be a vital link in the line of descent leading up to Christ as shown by Luke 3:34, "Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor," (AV). The birth of this only son of Abraham's wife Sarah was under the most unusual circumstances. How so? Both his father and his mother were very old, his mother long before having stopped menstruating as testified to at Genesis 18:9-14, "And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent. 10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? 13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? 14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." (AV). Therefore, as can be seen from the scriptures, that when the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, told him this, both he nor his wife, Sarah, had a hard time believing it. In fact Abraham said at Genesis 17:17, "Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?" (AV).

Now this son of Abraham and his wife Sarah was to be the one whom the promised 'seed' and the everlasting covenant would come as testified to in Genesis 17:, "And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. 20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. 21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. 22 And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham." (AV).

Now some may ask just what is a covenant, and for an understanding of that we shall look at a Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, <<"An agreement between two or more persons to do or refrain from doing some act; a compact; a contract. The Hebrew word berith', whose etymology is uncertain, appears over 280 times in the Hebrew Scriptures; more than 80 of these occurrences are in the five books of Moses. That its basic meaning is "covenant," comparable to our modern legal word "contract," is seen from cuneiform tablets found in 1927 at Qatna, an ancient non-Israelite city SE of Hamath. "The contents of the two tablets [of 15 found] are simple. Tablet A contains a list of names . . . Tablet B is a ration list . . . List A is thus a compact in which the men in question . . . agree to enter someone's service or to carry out certain obligations. List B, written by the same scribe, then illustrates the nature of the compact; the men were to receive specified rations in return for their services. . . . the Israelite concept of berit, 'covenant,' was a central theme in Yahwist theology. Here we have the first published extra-biblical occurrence of the word from early times-not later than the first third of the fourteenth century B.C." [source - Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, February 1951, p. 22.]>>.

Now in some translations of the Christian Greek Scriptures the word di•a•the'ke is variously rendered "covenant," "will," "testament" (testamentum, Vg). However, M'Clintock and Strong's Cyclopaedia (1891) says, under "Covenant": <<"There seems, however, to be no necessity for the introduction of a new word [other than "covenant"] conveying a new idea. The Sept[uagint] having rendered [berith'] (which never means will or testament, but always covenant or agreement) by [di•a•the'ke] consistently throughout the O.T., the N.T. writers, in adopting that word, may naturally be supposed to intend to convey to their readers, most of them familiar with the Greek O.T., the same idea. Moreover, in the majority of cases, the same thing which has been called a 'covenant' (berith') in the O.T. is referred to in the N.T. (e.g. 2Cor. iii, 14; Heb. vii, ix; Rev. xi, 19); while in the same context the same word and thing in the Greek are in the English [in KJ] sometimes represented by 'covenant,' and sometimes by 'testament' (Heb. vii, 22; viii, 8-13; ix, 15)."-See also NW appendix, pp. 1584, 1585.">>.

So we can see that a covenant is a contract for something to be received and or done. A covenant always involves two or more parties. Covenants can be unilateral - where one side has the sole responsibility to carry out the terms, or bilateral - where both sides have the responsibility to carry out its terms.

Therefore, the promise made by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, with Abraham is a covenant or contract. However, when the the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, makes a covenant, it is certain to be carried out; it can be relied on with confidence for its fulfillment as testified to at Hebrews 6:18, "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:" (AV). In this case the covenant and promised 'seed' was to be through Abraham's son, Isaac - he had another son, but it was NOT through his wife Sarah.

This son of Abraham, Isaac, was indeed born and the account at Genesis 21:1-9 says, "And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. 2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. 3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. 6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. 7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age. 8 And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned." (AV)

WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF GOD (YHWH) ASKING ABRAHAM TO SACRIFICE ISAAC?

First, let's consider that all sacrifices commanded under the Law covenant all pointed forward to Jesus Christ and his sacrifice or to benefits that flow from that sacrifice per Hebrews 8:3-5, "For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." (AV); and Hebrews 9:9, "Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;" (AV); and Hebrews 10:5-10, "Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 ¶ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (AV).

Now, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, tested Abraham's faith by requesting that he offer up his son Isaac through whom the promised 'seed' was to come as recorded at Genesis 22:1-2, "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. 2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." (AV).

Now Abraham must have wondered when asked by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, to sacrifice his son, Isaac, through whom the promised seed was to come, but he new a covenant with the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, would NOT fail. Abraham well knew that anything with the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, was possible, and that the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, could raise his son, Isaac, from the dead so the covenant could be fulfilled.

However, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, did not let Abraham kill his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice, but on seeing his unquestionable faith provided an animal in place of Isaac as the sacrifice as recorded at Genesis 22:3-19, "And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? 8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. 9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 11 ¶ And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. 15 ¶ And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, 16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. 19 So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba." (AV).

This dramatic episode proved the faith and obedience not only of Abraham but also of his son Isaac. Jewish tradition, recorded by Flavious Josephus, says that Isaac was 25 years old at the time. Flavious Josephus may not be completely correct on this, but at least he was old enough and strong enough to carry a lot of firewood up a mountain; therefore he could easily have resisted his approximately 125 year old father when the time came to bind him if he had choosen to be rebellious against the commandment of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is. [reference - Jewish Antiquities by Flavious Josephus], but instead, Isaac submissively let his father proceed to offer him as a sacrifice in harmony with the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael's, will.

For this remarkable demonstration of faith, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, repeated the covenant and enlarged on it; which covenant was transferred by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, to Isaac after the death of his father as recorded at Genesis 26:1-5, "And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. 2 And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: 3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; 4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; 5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." (AV); and highlighted at Romans 9:7, "Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called." (AV); and also at James 2:21, "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" (AV).

CONCLUSION:

Not only did this test of Abraham's faith show he firmly believed in the promise of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, for the promised 'seed' to come through the line of Abraham's son, Isaac, but it even resulted in an enlargement of the promised covenant that was to come through the line of Isaac.

More important, a great prophetic picture was there enacted, portraying how Christ Jesus, the Greater Isaac, would in due time willingly lay down his human life as the Lamb of God for mankind's salvation per John 1:29 and 36, "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (AV) and "And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!' (AV); and John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).

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COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] DIVINE JUDGMENT FORETOLD IN JEREMIAH 16

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 388A]

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. 38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. Psalms 37:37 - 38, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

The righteous shall have a peaceful life in the new system to come, but the evil ones will not be found as shown by Isaiah 32:17 - 18, [AV] “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” But those leading susceptible righteous ones will have no future per Proverbs 28:10, [AV] “Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.”

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[2] DIVINE JUDGMENT FORETOLD IN JEREMIAH 16

INTRODUCTION:

Both Noah and Jeremiah were prophets of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, they both had the task of warning of a coming judgment by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is. In Noah's case, he had the unpleasant job of warning his generation about the coming judgment from the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, because of their extreme wickedness and their turning their backs on God (YHWH) as shown at Genesis 6:5-8' "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD."(Authorized King James Bible; (Authorized King James Bible; AV). However, Noah preached to the people of his day, but only his own household listened to him with respect the coming judgement of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is. Noah was commanded to build an ark for the salvation of his family and all living creation as testified to at Genesis 6:11-22, "The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 13 ¶ And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. 15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. 16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. 17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. 18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. 20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. 21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.
22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he." (AV). In this judgment of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, is summed up at 2 Peter 2:5, "And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;" (AV).

Now the prophet of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, had the unpleasant task of proclaiming judgment on his nation, Judah, because they had forsaken serving the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, and had lapsed into evil ways.

Now we shall investigate from the Bible the proclamation of Jeremiah against his wicked generation at the directions of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is.

THE TRUE GOD (YHWH) OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND ISHMAEL, WILL NOT RELENT:

The first part of Jeremiah chapter Fifteen is recorded what the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, told Jeremiah through an angel as recorded at Jeremiah 15:1-9, "Then said Yahweh unto me, Though Moses and Samuel should stand, before me, My soul could not, be toward this people,--Send them away from before me, And let them go forth. 2 And it shall come to pass, when they say unto thee, Whither, shall we go? Then shalt thou say unto them, Thus, saith Yahweh--Such as are for death, to death, and, Such as are for the sword, to the sword, and, Such as are for famine, to the famine, and, Such as are for captivity, to captivity. 3 And I will set in charge over them--four species, Declareth Yahweh, The sword, to slay, and, The dogs, to trail along,--and, The bird of the heavens, and, The beast of the earth, to devour and to destroy. 4 And I will make them a terror, to all the kingdoms of the earth,--On account of Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, For what he did in Jerusalem. 5 For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? And who shall lament for thee? And who shall turn aside, to ask for thy welfare? 6 Thou, hast abandoned, me, Declareth Yahweh, Backward, thou wilt go, Therefore have I stretched forth my hand against thee and laid thee waste,--I am weary, of having compassion. 7 Therefore have I winnowed them with a winnowing shovel, in the gates of the land,--I have bereaved--I have destroyed my people, From their own ways, have they not returned. 8 Their widows have become multiplied to me, beyond the sand of the seas, I have brought against them--upon the mother of young men--the spoiler, in the broad noon,--I have let fall upon her, suddenly, excitement and terrors. 9 Languisheth! she who had given birth to seven, She hath breathed out her life, Her sun, hath gone in, while yet it was day, She hath turned pale, and hath turned red,--And, the remnant of them, to the sword, will I deliver before their enemies, Declareth Yahweh." (Rotherham Bible of 1902; RB).

After hearing of the pronouncement of judgment on Judah by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, Jeremiah felt very down in spirit.

JEREMIAH'S FEELING OF DEJECTION AND SUBSEQUENT ASSURANCE:

The Bible shows that Jeremiah felt bad at hearing the pronouncement of judgment of Judah by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, and this is recorded at Jeremiah 15:10-18 as follows, "Woe to me! my mother, That thou didst bear me, A man of litigation and a man of contention to all the land,--I have not lent on interest, Nor have they lent on interest to me, Every one, hath treated me with contempt. 11 Said Yahweh,--Verily, I will loose thee for good! Verily, I will intercede for thee, In the time of calamity, and, In the time of distress, with the enemy! 12 Shall, iron, crush, the iron from the North, and the bronze? 13 Thy substance, and thy treasures--for a prey, will I give, without price,--Even for all thy sins, and in all thy bounds: 14 Therefore will I make thee pass, with thine enemies, into a land thou knowest not,--For, a fire, hath been kindled in mine anger, Upon you, shall it burn. 15 ¶ Thou, knowest--O Yahweh, Remember me, and visit me, and avenge me upon my persecutors, Do not, of thy longsuffering, take me away,--Know--I have borne, for thy sake, reproach. 16 Thy words, were found, and I did eat them, Then became thy words unto me, the joy and gladness of my heart,--For, thy Name, hath been called, upon me, O Yahweh, God of hosts! 17 I sat not in the circle of mockers, Nor became I uproarious,--Because of thy hand, by myself, did I sit, For, with indignation, hadst thou filled me. 18 Wherefore, hath my pain become, perpetual? And my wound, incurable? Refuseth to be healed? Wilt thou, indeed be, to me As a brook that disappointeth, Waters that cannot be trusted?" (Rotherham Bible of 1902; RB).

Then the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, reassured the prophet Jeremiah as recorded at Jeremiah 15:19-21, "trusted? 19 Wherefore, Thus, saith Yahweh--If thou wouldst return, I will cause thee to return, Before me, shalt thou stand, Yea, if thou wilt bring out the precious from among the vile, As mine own mouth, shalt thou be,--Let, them, return unto, thee, But, thou, shalt not return unto, them; 20 So will I make thee, to this people, a wall of bronze, fortified, When they fight against thee, they shall not prevail against thee,--For, with thee, am, I, to save thee and to deliver thee, Declareth Yahweh; 21 Thus will I deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked,--And redeem thee out of the grasp of the tyrants." (Rotherham Bible of 1902; RB).

JEREMIAH PROCLAMATION AND LIFE STYLE:

The prophet Jeremiah delivers a proclamation of judgment that foretells of many terrible things that will occur when Jerusalem falls to an enemy because they did NOT listen to the words of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, and these terrible conditions that will befall Jerusalem are recorded at Jeremiah 16:1-13, "And the word of Yahweh came unto me, saying: 2 Thou shall not take to thee a wife,--Neither shalt thou have sons or daughters, in this place. 3 For, Thus, saith Yahweh, Concerning the sons, and concerning the daughters, that are being born in this place,--and concerning their mothers who do bear them, and concerning their fathers who do beget them, in this land, 4 Of deaths from diseases, shall they die, They shall not be lamented, Neither shall they be buried, As heaps of dung on the face of the ground, shall they serve,--Yea, by sword and by famine, shall they be consumed, And, their dead bodies, shall become, food--To the bird of the heavens, and, To the beast of the earth. 5 For, Thus, saith Yahweh--Do not thou enter into the house of crying, Neither do thou go to lament, nor do thou bemoan for them,--For I have withdrawn my blessing from this people, Declareth Yahweh, Both lovingkindness and compassion. 6 So shall great and small die in this land, They shall not be buried,--Neither shall men lament for them, Nor cut themselves, Nor make themselves bald for them; 7 Neither shall they break bread to them in mourning, To console one over his dead,--Nor cause them to drink the cup of consolation, Over one's father, Or over one's mother; 8 And, the house of banqueting, shall thou not enter, To sit with them, To eat and to drink. 9 For, Thus, saith Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel,--Behold me! causing to cease, out of this place, Before your eyes, And in your days, The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, The voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, 10 ¶ And it shall be, when thou shalt declare to this people, all these words,--and they shall say unto thee--For what reason, hath Yahweh pronounced against us, all this great calamity? Or what is our iniquity, or what our sin, which we have sinned against Yahweh our God? 11 Then shalt thou say unto them,--For that your fathers forsook, me, Declareth Yahweh, And walked after other gods, and served them, and bowed down to them,--Whereas, me, they forsook And, my law, kept they not; 12 And, ye, have done more wickedly than your fathers,--for, look at you! walking every man after the stubbornness of his wicked, heart, so as not to hearken unto me,
13 Therefore will I hurl you forth, from off this land, unto a land, which ye have not known, ye, nor your fathers,--and ye can serve there, other gods, day and night, in that I will grant you no favour." (Rotherham Bible of 1902; RB).

However the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, told Jeremiah that he would restore the nation, and both history and the Bible show it was restored after 70 years.

THE NATION TO BE RESTORED:

The true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, informed the prophet Jeremiah that he would restore the nation to its rightful owners, the Israelites at Jeremiah 16:14-21, "herefore, lo! days are coming, Declareth Yahweh, When it shall be said no more, By the life of Yahweh, who brought up the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but-- 15 By the life of Yahweh, who hath brought up the sons of Israel out of the land of the North, and out of all the lands, whither he had driven them,--So will I bring them back upon their own soil, which I gave to their fathers. 16 Behold me! sending for many fishers, Declareth Yahweh, And they shall catch them,--and, thereafter, will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from off every mountain, and from off every hill, and out of the clefts of the crags.
17 For, mine own eyes, are upon all their ways, they have not been hid from my face--neither hath their iniquity been concealed from being straight before mine eyes. 18 Thus will I recompense, first, twofold, their iniquity and their sin, because of their profaning my land,--with the carcase of their disgusting and detestable things, have they filled mine inheritance. 19 O Yahweh, my strength, and my refuge, and my place to fly to, in the day of distress,--Unto thee, shall nations come in, out of the ends of the earth, that they may say--Surely! Falsehood, did our fathers inherit, Vanity, among whom is none that can profit: 20 Shall, a son of earth, make for himself, gods, Seeing that, they, are no-gods? 21 Therefore, behold me! causing them to know, by this stroke, I will cause them to know my hand, and my might,--That they may know, that, my name, is, Yahweh!" (Rotherham Bible of 1902; RB).

Now let's consider the sins of Judah and the punishment for them.

JUDAH'S SIN AND PUNISHMENT:

Let's look at Judah's sins and punishment as recorded at Jeremiah 17:1-13, "The sin of Judah, is written, With a stylus of iron, With the point of a diamond: It is engraved, Upon the tablet of their heart, And upon the horns of your altars; 2 So long as their sons remember, their altars, and their Sacred Stems, By the green tree,--Upon the high hills, 3 O my mountain in the field, Thy substance, all thy treasures, for a prey, will I give: Thy high places for sin, within all thy bounds. 4 So shalt thou, even of thyself, suffer to rest the inheritance which I gave thee, Seeing that I will cause thee to serve thine enemies, in the land which thou knowest not; For, a fire, have ye kindled in mine anger, Unto times age-abiding, shall it burn. 5 Thus, saith Yahweh, Accursed, is the man--Who trusteth in a son of earth, And hath made flesh, his arm,--And whose heart, from Yahweh, turneth aside: 6 Therefore shall he become as a shrub in the waste plain, Neither shall he perceive, when good cometh,--But shall inhabit, Parched places in a wilderness, A land of salt that cannot be dwelt in. 7 Blessed, is the man, Who trusteth in Yahweh, To whom Yahweh is his ground of confidence; 8 For he shall become like a tree planted by waters, And, by a stream, shall he send out his roots, Neither shall he perceive when heat cometh, But his leaf shall continue green: Even, in a year of dearth, shall he not be anxious, Neither shall he cease from bearing fruit. 9 Deceitful, is the heart above all things And, dangerously wayward,--Who can know it? 10 I--Yahweh, Searching the heart, Testing the affections; And giving to every man, According to his way, According to the fruit of his doings. 11 As a partridge gathereth eggs she did not lay, So is he that maketh riches, but not with justice,--In the midst of his days, shall he leave them, And, in his latter end, prove to have been base. 12 A throne of glory, exalted from the beginning, hath been the place of our sanctuary. 13 Thou hope of Israel, Yahweh, All who forsake thee, shall turn pale,--Yea, all who depart from me, in the ground, shall be written, For they have forsaken a fountain of living water, even Yahweh." (Rotherham Bible of 1902; RB).

CONCLUSION:

Some look at one or two scriptures in Jeremiah without looking at the context around them and/or what is being spoken about and come up and/or conjure up all kinds of wrong ideas and/or understandings. This is especially true with respect to Jeremiah 16:4 as it paints a very gruesome picture, but when looked at in context is nothing but a foretelling, a prophesying, of coming events, a judgment for wrong doing and wickedness.

It is to be noted that this article was done using the writing style 'solo scripture,' and not the doctrine 'solo scripture,' and involves using more than 50% scripture. Also, most quotes were taken from the Rotherham Bible of 1902 as its rendering is superior to the Authorized King James Bible for this part of Jeremiah.

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**Admin** Sat Jan 14, 2017 8:46 pm

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] EXPLANATION OF MARK 7:24-29:

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 389A]

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 2 Peter 2:5, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Almighty God (YHWH) wants both the angels and humans He created to be obedient as shown by 2 Peter 2:4, [AV] “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;” Yes, we must also believe that is is the Creator to win His approval as testified to at Hebrews 11:6 – 7, [AV] “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” And this wicked systems will soon be destroyed as shown by 2 Peter 3:5 – 7, [AV] “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men”.

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[2] EXPLANATION OF MARK 7:24-29:

INTRODUCTION:

Before considering Mark 7:24-29, it is important to realize that the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, is no respecter of persons as he created all of mankind not just one particular group. This point that he is no respecter of persons, a discriminator, was clearly made at Acts 10:34-35 by the Apostle Luke as follows, "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).

EXPLANATION OF MARK 7:24-29:

To understand this scripture, we first must know what his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, who sent Jesus (Yeshua), the Isa, to earth with a specific assignment stated at Matthew 15:24, "But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (AV); however, because of his great love and compassion for mankind, he was moved to assist her, nevertheless as recorded at Mark 7:24-29, "Mark 7:24-30, "And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. 25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. 28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. 29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed." (AV).

This was not the only time was persuaded to deviate from his specific assignment from his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, but another similar case is reported by the Apostle Matthew at Matthew 15:21-28, "Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." (AV).

CONCLUSION:

The true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, is no respecter of persons, discriminator, but finds all doing his will and serving him in obedience acceptable regardless of what race
and/or nationality they are.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

**Admin** Mon Jan 16, 2017 2:10 pm

COMBINATION OF THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES. With the Scripture of the Day first.

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 390A]

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. Ephesians 4:17 – 19, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

And 1 Peter 4:3, [AV] “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:” shows we should give up our wrong ways. Yes, many of those doing what Almighty God (YHWH) does not want knew who He is , but as stated at Romans 1:21, [AV] “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Yes, all need to per Acts 26:18, [AV] “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” For those not wanting to be obedient to him, He per Romans 1:28, [AV] “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” So we should per Isaiah 56:11 - 12, [AV] “Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.”

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Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES:
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Matau, Garcinia Tinctoria, Garcinia is a plant genus of the family Clusiaceae native to Asia, Australia, tropical and southern Africa, and Polynesia. The number of species is highly disputed, with various sources recognizing between 50 and about 300 taxa as specifically valid. Commonly, the plants in this genus are called saptrees, mangosteens (which may also refer specifically to the purple mangosteen, G. mangostana), garcinias or, ambiguously, "monkey fruit".
Garcinia species are evergreen trees and shrubs, dioecious and in several cases apomictic. Many species are threatened due to habitat destruction, and at least G. cadelliana from South Andaman Island is almost or even completely extinct already.

The fruit are a food source for several animals, such as the archduke butterflies (Lexias) of tropical eastern Asia which relish the sap of overripe mangosteens.

Many species of Garcinia have fruit with edible arils, but most are eaten locally; some species' fruits are highly esteemed in one region, but unknown just a few hundred kilometres away. The best-known species is the purple mangosteen (G. mangostana), which is now cultivated throughout Southeast Asia and other tropical countries, having become established in the late 20th century. Less well-known, but still of international importance, are kandis (G. forbesii) with small round red fruits with subacid taste and melting flesh, the lemon drop mangosteen (G. intermedia) with yellow fruit that look like a wrinkled lemon, and the thin-skinned orange button mangosteen (G. prainiana).

In addition, mangosteen rind (exocarp) extract is used as a spice. It figures prominently in Kodava culture, and G. multiflora is used to flavour and colour the famous bún riêu soup of Vietnam, where this plant is known as h?t ?i?u màu. Gambooge (G. gummi-gutta) yields a spice widely used in South Asia, in particular in Kerala, where it is called kodumpulli.

Most species in Garcinia are known for their gum resin, brownish-yellow from xanthonoids such as mangostin, and used as purgative or cathartic, but most frequently – at least in former times – as a pigment. The colour term "gamboge" references the gambooge, whose obsolete scientific name is G. cambogia.

Hydroxycitric acid, a toxic appetite suppressant found in mangosteen rind.
Extracts of the exocarp of certain species – typically gambooge, but also purple mangosteen – are often contained in appetite suppressants such as Hydroxycut, Leptoprin or XanGo. But their effectiveness at normal consumption levels is unproven, while at least one case of severe acidosis caused by long-term consumption of such products has been documented. Furthermore, they may contain significant amounts of hydroxycitric acid, which is somewhat toxic and might even destroy the testicles after prolonged use. Fruit extracts from bitter kola (G. kola) have been claimed to be effective at stopping Ebola virus replication in laboratory tests,its seeds are used in folk medicine. G. mannii is popular as a chew stick in western Africa, freshening the breath and cleaning the teeth.
G. subelliptica, called fukugi in Japanese, is the floral emblem of Mobuto and Tarama on Okinawa. The Malaysian town of Beruas – often spelled "Bruas" – derives its name from the seashore mangosteen (G. hombroniana), known locally as pokok bruas. (source - retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garcinia on 1/21/2013)
In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].

Pictures of various fruits of this plant family can be viewed at https://www.google.com/search?q=Garcinia+tinctoria&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=2ie&tbo=u&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=mFX9UPqeCayG0QGJ_4CIAg&ved=0CE0QsAQ&biw=1152&bih=720

How this tree and other plants absorb water from the ground. Plants have developed an effective system to absorb, translocate, store, and utilize water. Plants contain a vast network of conduits, which consists of xylem and phloem tissues. These conducting tissues start in the roots and continue up through the trunks of trees, into the branches and then into every leaf. Phloem tissue is made of living elongated cells that are connected to one another and responsible for translocating nutrients and sugars (carbohydrates), which are produced by leaves for energy and growth. The xylem is also composed of elongated cells but once the cells are formed, they die. The walls of the xylem cells still remain intact and serve as an excellent peipline to transport water from the roots to the leaves.

The main driving force of water uptake and transport into a plant is transpiration of water from leaves through specialized openings called stomata. Heat from the sun causes the water to evaporate, setting this ‘water chain’ in motion. The evaporation creates a negative water vapor pressure. Water is pulled into the leaf to replace the water that has transpired from the leaf. This pulling of water, or tension, occurs in the xylem of the leaf. Since the xylem is a continuous water column that extends from the leaf to the roots, this negative water pressure extends into the roots and results in water uptake from the soil. [adapted from: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=follow-up-how-do-trees-ca ]

Clearly this clever water transport system shows a superior intelligence of the Creator (YHWH).

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Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth."Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!

**Admin** Tue Jan 17, 2017 5:53 pm

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] A CHECK ON THE WORD HELL

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 391A]

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 1 John 5:14, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yes, he hearth us as shown by 1 John 5:15, [AV] “And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” Almighty God (YHWH) will hear us if per 1 John 3:21 - 22, [AV] “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” Then, per Hebrews 4:16, [AV] “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Clearly as recorded at John 9:31, [AV] “ Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”

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Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] A CHECK ON THE WORD HELL

INTRODUCTION:

Many have different concepts of what hell is, but let's consider what the original words commonly translated 'hell' meant in the specific ancient languages.

MEANINGS OF THE WORD 'HELL' IN ORIGINAL LANGUAGES:

First, <<"A word used in the King James Version (as well as in the Catholic Douay Version and most older translations) to translate the Hebrew she´ohl' and the Greek hai'des. In the King James Version the word "hell" is rendered from she´ohl' 31 times and from hai'des 10 times. This version is not consistent, however, since she´ohl' is also translated 31 times "grave" and 3 times "pit." In the Douay Version she´ohl' is rendered "hell" 64 times, "pit" once, and "death" once.
In 1885, with the publication of the complete English Revised Version, the original word she´ohl' was in many places transliterated into the English text of the Hebrew Scriptures, though, in most occurrences, "grave" and "pit" were used, and "hell" is found some 14 times. This was a point on which the American committee disagreed with the British revisers, and so, when producing the American Standard Version (1901) they transliterated she´ohl' in all 65 of its appearances. Both versions transliterated hai'des in the Christian Greek Scriptures in all ten of its occurrences, though the Greek word Ge'en•na (English, "Gehenna") is rendered "hell" throughout, as is true of many other modern translations.
Concerning this use of "hell" to translate these original words from the Hebrew and Greek, Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (1981, Vol. 2, p. 187) says: "HADES . . . It corresponds to 'Sheol' in the O.T. [Old Testament]. In the A.V. of the O.T. [Old Testament] and N.T. [New Testament], it has been unhappily rendered 'Hell.'"[source - , Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words ]>>.

Second, <<"Collier's Encyclopedia (1986, Vol. 12, p. 28) says concerning "Hell": "First it stands for the Hebrew Sheol of the Old Testament and the Greek Hades of the Septuagint and New Testament. Since Sheol in Old Testament times referred simply to the abode of the dead and suggested no moral distinctions, the word 'hell,' as understood today, is not a happy translation."
It is, in fact, because of the way that the word "hell" is understood today that it is such an unsatisfactory translation of these original Bible words." [source - Collier's Encyclopedia (1986, Vol. 12, p. 28)>>.

Third, <<"Webster's Third New International Dictionary, unabridged, under "Hell" says: "fr[om] . . . helan to conceal." The word "hell" thus originally conveyed no thought of heat or torment but simply of a 'covered over or concealed place.' In the old English dialect the expression "helling potatoes" meant, not to roast them, but simply to place the potatoes in the ground or in a cellar." [source - Webster's Third New International Dictionary]>>.

Fourth, <<"The meaning given today to the word "hell" is that portrayed in Dante's Divine Comedy and Milton's Paradise Lost, which meaning is completely foreign to the original definition of the word. The idea of a "hell" of fiery torment, however, dates back long before Dante or Milton." [references - Dante's Divine Comedy and Milton's Paradise Lost]>>.

Fifth, <<"The Grolier Universal Encyclopedia (1971, Vol. 9, p. 205) under "Hell" says: "Hindus and Buddhists regard hell as a place of spiritual cleansing and final restoration." [source - The Grolier Universal Encyclopedia}>>.

Sixth, <<"Islamic tradition considers it as a place of everlasting punishment." The idea of suffering after death is found among the pagan religious teachings of ancient peoples in Babylon and Egypt. Babylonian and Assyrian beliefs depicted the "nether world . . . as a place full of horrors, . . . presided over by gods and demons of great strength and fierceness." Although ancient Egyptian religious texts do not teach that the burning of any individual victim would go on forever, they do portray the "Other World" as featuring "pits of fire" for "the damned." [source references -The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria, by Morris Jastrow, Jr., 1898, p. 581; The Book of the Dead, with introduction by E. Wallis Budge, 1960, pp. 135, 144, 149, 151, 153, 161, 200]>>.

Seventh, <<""Hellfire" has been a basic teaching in Christendom for many centuries. It is understandable why The Encyclopedia Americana (1956, Vol. XIV, p. 81) said: "Much confusion and misunderstanding has been caused through the early translators of the Bible persistently rendering the Hebrew Sheol and the Greek Hades and Gehenna by the word hell. The simple transliteration of these words by the translators of the revised editions of the Bible has not sufficed to appreciably clear up this confusion and misconception." Nevertheless, such transliteration and consistent rendering does enable the Bible student to make an accurate comparison of the texts in which these original words appear and, with open mind, thereby to arrive at a correct understanding of their true significance." [source - The Encyclopedia Americana (1956, Vol. XIV, p. 81)]>>.

NOW LET'S LOOK AT THE WORD 'GEHENNA' OFTEN TRANSLATED AS 'HELL':

<<"(Ge•hen'na) [Gr. form of the Heb. Geh Hin•nom', "Valley of Hinnom"].
This name appears 12 times in the Christian Greek Scriptures, and whereas many translators take the liberty to render it by the word "hell," a number of modern translations transliterate the word from the Greek ge'en•na.-Mt 5:22, Ro, Mo, ED, NW, BC (Spanish), NC (Spanish), also the footnotes of Da and RS.
The deep, narrow Valley of Hinnom, later known by this Greek name, lay to the S and SW of ancient Jerusalem and is the modern-day Wadi er-Rababi (Ge Ben Hinnom). (Jos 15:8; 18:16; Jer 19:2, 6; see HINNOM, VALLEY OF.) Judean Kings Ahaz and Manasseh engaged in idolatrous worship there, which included the making of human sacrifices by fire to Baal. (2Ch 28:1, 3; 33:1, 6; Jer 7:31, 32; 32:35) Later, to prevent such activities there in the future, faithful King Josiah had the place of idolatrous worship polluted, particularly the section called Topheth.-2Ki 23:10.

No Symbol of Everlasting Torment. Jesus Christ associated fire with Gehenna (Mt 5:22; 18:9; Mr 9:47, 48), as did the disciple James, the only Biblical writer besides Matthew, Mark, and Luke to use the word. (Jas 3:6) Some commentators endeavor to link such fiery characteristic of Gehenna with the burning of human sacrifices that was carried on prior to Josiah's reign and, on this basis, hold that Gehenna was used by Jesus as a symbol of everlasting torment. However, since Jehovah God expressed repugnance for such practice, saying that it was "a thing that I had not commanded and that had not come up into my heart" (Jer 7:31; 32:35), it seems most unlikely that God's Son, in discussing divine judgment, would make such idolatrous practice the basis for the symbolic meaning of Gehenna. It may be noted that God prophetically decreed that the Valley of Hinnom would serve as a place for mass disposal of dead bodies rather than for the torture of live victims. (Jer 7:32, 33; 19:2, 6, 7, 10, 11) Thus, at Jeremiah 31:40 the reference to "the low plain of the carcasses and of the fatty ashes" is generally accepted as designating the Valley of Hinnom, and a gate known as "the Gate of the Ash-heaps" evidently opened out onto the eastern extremity of the valley at its juncture with the ravine of the Kidron. (Ne 3:13, 14) It seems obvious that such "carcasses" and "fatty ashes" are not related to the human sacrifices made there under Ahaz and Manasseh, since any bodies so offered would doubtless be viewed by the idolaters as "sacred" and would not be left lying in the valley.

Therefore, the Biblical evidence concerning Gehenna generally parallels the traditional view presented by rabbinic and other sources. That view is that the Valley of Hinnom was used as a place for the disposal of waste matter from the city of Jerusalem. (At Mt 5:30 Ph renders ge'en•na as "rubbish heap.") Concerning "Gehinnom," the Jewish commentator David Kimhi (1160-1235?), in his comment on Psalm 27:13, gives the following historical information: "And it is a place in the land adjoining Jerusalem, and it is a loathsome place, and they throw there unclean things and carcasses. Also there was a continual fire there to burn the unclean things and the bones of the carcasses. Hence, the judgment of the wicked ones is called parabolically Gehinnom."

Symbolic of Complete Destruction. It is evident that Jesus used Gehenna as representative of utter destruction resulting from adverse judgment by God, hence with no resurrection to life as a soul being possible. (Mt 10:28; Lu 12:4, 5) The scribes and Pharisees as a wicked class were denounced as 'subjects for Gehenna.' (Mt 23:13-15, 33) To avoid such destruction, Jesus' followers were to get rid of anything causing spiritual stumbling, the 'cutting off of a hand or foot' and the 'tearing out of an eye' figuratively representing their deadening of these body members with reference to sin.-Mt 18:9; Mr 9:43-47; Col 3:5; compare Mt 5:27-30.
Jesus also apparently alluded to Isaiah 66:24 in describing Gehenna as a place "where their maggot does not die and the fire is not put out." (Mr 9:47, 48) That the symbolic picture here is not one of torture but, rather, of complete destruction is evident from the fact that the Isaiah text dealt, not with persons who were alive, but with "the carcasses of the men that were transgressing" against God. If, as the available evidence indicates, the Valley of Hinnom was a place for the disposal of garbage and carcasses, fire, perhaps increased in intensity by the addition of sulfur (compare Isa 30:33), would be the only suitable means to eliminate such refuse. Where the fire did not reach, worms, or maggots, would breed, consuming anything not destroyed by the fire. On this basis, Jesus' words would mean that the destructive effect of God's adverse judgment would not cease until complete destruction was attained.

Figurative Use. The disciple James' use of the word "Gehenna" shows that an unruly tongue is itself a world of unrighteousness and that one's whole round of living can be affected by fiery words that defile the speaker's body. The tongue of such a one, "full of death-dealing poison" and so giving evidence of a bad heart condition, can cause the user to be sentenced by God to go to the symbolic Gehenna.-Jas 3:6, 8; compare Mt 12:37; Ps 5:9; 140:3; Ro 3:13.
The Biblical use of Gehenna as a symbol corresponds to that of "the lake of fire" in the book of Revelation.-Re 20:14, 15; " [source - Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 1]>>.

CONCLUSION:

We must consider what the original writer, scribe used by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, to put the thoughts of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, into the words of man intended when considering words found in the Bible. Why? Because they, not translations and/or mistranslation, are inspired. The fact that the Bible is NOT the product of one committee or strongman. It has over 40 individual writers who wrote under divine inspiration/guidance putting the thoughts of God (YHWH) into the words of men much as transcribing secretaries today taking transcription and then later typing it out. In other words one real author, God (YHWH), and many scribes each of whom wrote in his own style over a period of approximately 1,600 years. All of what people call or consider inconsistencies are really not such, but most often just a problem of translation and/or understanding, i.e., lack of understanding of what the original writer writing in his own language and culture meant/said in his original writing. What is remarkable, is the writers over such a period of time all wrote in harmony when even most posters on threads on this forum can not even stay on track or subject over a period of a few days and/or weeks at most with the original subject of the thread. This fact of harmony over a period so great as to almost stagger the imagination shows that it had one guiding force or author who divinely inspired its writers as humans of their own volition can not keep on track over short periods of time.

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**Admin** Wed Jan 18, 2017 12:52 pm

THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] DISCOURSE ON THE WHETHER CHRIST IS DIVINE:

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 392A]

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31 – 32, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

As shown by John 8:14, [AV] “Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.” That he bore the truth, and this was shown by the approval of his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) at Matthew 3:17, [AV] “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” This fact was also recorded at Mark 9:7, [AV] “And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.” And, John 12:30, [AV] “Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.”

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Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] DISCOURSE ON THE WHETHER CHRIST IS DIVINE:

Many claim are made with respect the Divinity of Jesus Christ, but when we use a little reasoning on the subject it is seen as much ado about nothing.

Sure he is divine as clearly shown by common sense as follows:

The son of a dog is a dog; whereas, a son of Almighty God (YHWH) is of course a god or godlike thus divine. This is clearly shown by the meaning of the word as follows:

(from Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
divine (GOD-LIKE) adjective
connected with a god, or like a god:
The Ayatollah described the earthquake in Iran as a divine test.
Some fans seem to regard footballers as divine beings.
England have fallen so far behind in the championship that their only hope of victory is divine intervention (= help from God).
Just because you've been promoted that doesn't give you a divine right (= one like that of a god) to tell us all what to do.

Oxford Dictionary
divine = /d"van/ adjective (-r, -st) 1 of, from, or like God or a god; sacred. 2 colloquial excellent. verb (-ning) 1 discover by intuition or guessing. 2 foresee. 3 practise divination. noun theologian. divining-rod dowser's forked twig. divinely adverb.

Wordsmyth Dictionary
1. a religious scholar or clergyman. Similar Words exegete , minister , cleric , clergyman , bishop , theologian , prelate , priest , religious
2. Definition 2. (cap.) God (usu. prec. by the). Synonyms Godhead {godhead (2)} , Divinity {divinity (2)} , Omnipotent {omnipotent} , Omniscient {omniscient} , God {god (2)} , Deity {deity (4)} Similar Words celestial
3. Definition 3. (sometimes cap.) the spiritual or godlike, as opposed to the earthly or worldly. Similar Words divinity

The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. Divine
SYLLABICATION: di•vine PRONUNCIATION: /61/wavs/43/D0304300.wav/61/wavs/43/D0304300.wavd-vn ADJECTIVE: Inflected forms: di•vin•er, di•vin•est
1a. Having the nature of or being a deity. b. Of, relating to, emanating from, or being the expression of a deity: sought divine guidance through meditation. c. Being in the service or worship of a deity; sacred. 2. Superhuman; godlike. 3a. Supremely good or beautiful; magnificent: a divine performance of the concerto. b. Extremely pleasant; delightful: had a divine time at the ball. 4. Heavenly; perfect. NOUN: 1. A cleric. 2. A theologian. VERB: Inflected forms: di•vined, di•vin•ing, di•vines
TRANSITIVE VERB: 1. To foretell through or as if through the art of divination. See synonyms at foretell. 2a. To know by inspiration, intuition, or reflection. b. To guess. 3. To locate (underground water or minerals) with a divining rod; douse. INTRANSITIVE VERB: 1. To practice divination. 2. To guess. ETYMOLOGY: Middle English, from Old French devine, from Latin dvnus, divine, foreseeing, from dvus, god. See dyeu- in Appendix I. V., Middle English divinen, from Old French deviner, from Latin dvnre, from dvnus.

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]

**Admin** Thu Jan 19, 2017 8:21 am

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] DISCOURSE ON GOD (YHWH) IS LOVE:

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 393A]

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38 – 39, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Jesus (Yeshua) has returned to heaven to plead our case before his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) as testified to at 1 Peter 3:22, [AV] “Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.” He is now per Ephesians 1:21, [AV] “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:”

What, now, must we do is spelled out at Ephesians 6:11 - 17, [AV] “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” But unfortunately many are not heeding this warning as shown by 2 Timothy 3:5, [AV] “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,

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7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] DISCOURSE ON GOD (YHWH) IS LOVE:

1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (American Standard Version; ASV)

All of God's (YHWH's) attributes are outstanding, perfect, and appealing. But the most endearing quality of God (YHWH) is love. Nothing else can draw so strongly to God (YHWH) as his love. Happily, love is also his dominant quality. Now how do we know that?

The Bible says something about love that it never does about his other attributes. The scriptures never say that God (YHWH) is power or that God (YHWH) is justice or even that God (YHWH) is wisdom; although he possess all these attributes. He, in fact, is the ultimate source of all three.

However, with respect love, something more profound is said at 1 John 4:8, quoted before, "God is love." Yes, love runs very deeply in God (YHWH). It is his very essence or nature.

We might consider it this way (1) God's (YHWH's) power enables him to act; (2) His justice and wisdom guide the way he acts; but most important, his love is always reflected in the way he uses his other attributes.

He is the very personification of love. Therefore, True Christians want to learn about God (YHWH). Now let's consider some of the aspects of God's (YHWH's) matchless love.

His greatest act of love was sending his only begotten Son, the first of creation per Colossians 1:15, "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." (Authorized King James Bible; AV), to suffer and die for us. This can safely be said to be the greatest act of love in all history. Why is this?

The Bible as previously quoted at Colossians 1:15, says, "the firstborn of every creature;" Just think the Creator, God's (YHWH's) Son who was in existence before the physical universe, but not before God (YHWH) who had no beginning, can you imagine. How long before the universe was created was Jesus (Yeshua) created, the Bible does not state. This son had for untold times served as God's (YHWH's) 'master worker' per Proverbs 8:30, "Then I was beside Him, {as} a master workman; And I was daily {His} delight, Rejoicing always before Him, " (ASV); and John 1:3, "All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being." (ASV), thus God (YHWH) and his Son worked together to bring all else into existence.

Therefore they had a very strong bond; they are united by the strongest bond of love ever known. Nevertheless, God (YHWH) sent his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) to earth to be born as a human. This was a great sacrifice of love on his part, and on one occasion he spoke fro heaven saying, Matthew 3:17, "and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.." (ASV).

While on earth, Jesus (Yeshua) faithfully carried out his Father's (YHWH's) directions. Yet, he let his Son be betrayed, and executed to fulfill prophecy, and be for a period no longer in existence. Since God (YHWH) has feelings, the pain he must have suffered over the death of his Son is beyond the power of our words to express. Why did he permit this to happen? This is revealed as an act of great love for mankind at John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." (ASV). So God's (YHWH's) motives amounted to pure love. No greater love has ever been shown.

Now, how can we tell who are the faithful footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ? Easily by their example of love. As Jesus (Yeshua) testified to at Matthew 5:43-44, "Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: 44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;" (ASV); And at, Matthew 22:39, "And a second like [unto it] is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (ASV): and at Mark 12:31, "The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these" (ASV); And at Luke 6:27, "But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you," (ASV).

Thus those doing these things are the faithful footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua) God's (YHWH's) only begotten Son, second only to God (HYWH) [not coequal] in heaven after his Father (YHWH) resurrected him as affirmed at 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, "For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; 5 and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve; 6 then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep; 7 then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to the [child] untimely born, he appeared to me also." (ASV).

Clearly, then, if any group hates, persecutes, and kills others, it is NOT of God (YHWH) since it has been shown, "for God is love"; therefore, it is of God's (YHWH's) arch enemy as shown at 2 Corinthians 4:4, "in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn [upon them]." (ASV).

Now the choice is each persons, do we go to God's (YHWH's) side and take on his chief attribute of love or do we attach ourselves to a group that has hated, persecuted, and killed others without just cause, i.e., a group belonging to the god of this system. Only you can make that choice for yourself.

APPENDIX:

(1) "[RATSACH] is a purely Hebrew term. It has no clear cognate in any of the contemporary tongues. The root occurs thirty -eight times in the OT, with fourteen occurrences in Num 35. The initial use of the root appears in the Ten Commandments (Exo 20:13). In that important text it appears in the
simple Qal stem with the negative adverb, "You shall not murder, " being a more precise reading than the too-general KJV "thou shalt not kill." Much has been made of the fact that the root r¹faµ appears in the Mosaic legislation, as though this term bore a special connotation of premeditation, as though the Decalogue only proscribed premeditated crime.

This is not the case, The many occurrences in Num 35 deal with the organization of the six cities of refuge to which manslayers who killed a person accidentally could flee. Numbers 35:11 makes completely clear that the refuge was for those guilty of unpremeditated, accidental killings.
This makes clear that [RATSACH] applies equally to both cases of premeditated murder and killings as a result of any other circumstances, what English Common Law has called, "man slaughter." The root also describes killing for revenge (Num 35:27, 30) and assassination (2Kings 6:32). It appears in a few poetic contexts, as an "A" word in a peculiar parallel construction (Job 24:14); as an "A" word parallel to a general term for immorality, zimma (Hos 6:9); as a "B" word parallel to another synonym "to kill, " "to slay" (Psa 94:6). In only one case in the whole OT is the root used of the killing of man by an animal (Prov 22:13). But even in that context it is the enormity and horror of the deed which is primary. In all other cases of the use of [RATSACH], it is man's crime against man and God's censure of it which is uppermost. W.W."

* Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Harris. L. R, Archer G.L, Waltke B. K, 1980

(2) A comparison of several versions of the Bible gives the following is the result.

Ex. 20:13
Murder: CEV ESV TEV GW LITV NASB MSG NWT NIV NKJV NLT NRSV WEB,
Rotherham, YLT, Byington, Goodspeed, ISR, Concordant

Kill: Darby, KJ21, KJV, MKJV, NJB, RSV, NET, Brenton, AKJV, RNKJV,
Revised Webster,

Mark 10:19
Murder: CEV HCSB EMTV ESV TEV GW LITV NASB MSG NET NWT NIV NKJV NLT
NRSV WEB Weymouth Montgomery, 21st Century NT, Rotherham, YLT,
Byington, Goodspeed, Christian Bible, Concordant

Kill: Darby, Diaglott, KJ21, KJV, MKJV, NJB, RSV, AKJV, Murdoch,
RNKJV, RVIC, Revised Webster, 20th Century NT,

It seems the MURDERS have it, and the NET Bible seems to be
inconsistent as it moves from the Exodus (kill) to the NT (murder).

(3) In an essay on capitol punishment talk show host and Jewish theologian Dennis Prager highlighted the difference between "murder" and the broader term of "killing". He wrote: "As William F. Buckley Jr. has argued, if capitol punishment is state murder, then imprisonment is state kidnapping. Many opponents of capitol punishment claim not to grasp the moral distinction between the murder of an innocent person and the execution of a murderer. This reductionist mode of thinking (moral equivalence) has come to dominate opposition to capitol punishment. thus, the head of Amnesty International-USA has called the United
States "a serial killer" because it executes murderers. To put it succinctly, this claim that the murder of an innocent and the execution of the murderer are morally equivalent because they both involve taking a life is as morally perverse as a claim that rape and lovemakeing are morally equivalent because both involve sexual intercourse. (That some prominent radical feminists, such as Andrea Dworkin, make such a claim doesn't diminish its moral perversity, it only illustrates the prevalence of moral equivalence and moral illiteracy in our time.)" While I don't agree with them, I can see how a soldier that is a member of Christendom might seek to justify the killing of Saddam and his thugs. But how do they justify or rationalize the killing of innocent men women and children who get caught in the crossfire or are mistaken as the enemy? I've asked people before that tried to rationalize military service which army would Jesus or the Apostles join if they were on earth today? Christians are to follow Christ example. As someone wanting to follow his footsteps as close as possable I need to know so I can sign up. I never have received an
answer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

**Admin** Fri Jan 20, 2017 9:01 am

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] GOD (YHWH) IS IMPARTIAL:

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 394A]

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Mark 10:18, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yes, as shown by Psalms 86:5 – 6, [AV] “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. 6 Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.” The Lord is good and listens to our prayers. And the same point is made at Matthew 19:17, [AV] “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Jesus (Yeshua) repeated this reality at Luke 18:19, [AV] “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,

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2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/

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5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/

7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] GOD (YHWH) IS IMPARTIAL:

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God. (New American Standard Bible, Ref. Ed. By Moody Press; NASB-MP)

The Apostle Peter stated at Acts 10:34-35, "And Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him." (American Standard Version, ASV). This fact was clearly shown with respect the Canaanite Rahab and her family. When Joshua attacked the walled Canaanite City of Jericho, and defeated it with the help of God (YHWH), who caused an earthquake that made the walls fall down, except for one small area where the house of Rahab was.

Why was this house on the wall spared? It was because Rahab, although a Canaanite, had acted in good faith to protect some of Joshua's spies as recorded at Joshua 2:1-11, "And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men as spies secretly, saying, Go, view the land, and Jericho. And they went and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and lay there. 2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to-night of the children of Israel to search out the land. 3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, that are entered into thy house; for they are come to search out all the land. 4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them; and she said, Yea, the men came unto me, but I knew not whence they were: 5 and it came to pass about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out; whither the men went I know not: pursue after them quickly; for ye will overtake them. 6 But she had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof. 7 And the men pursued after them the way to the Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they that pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. 8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; 9 and she said unto the men, I know that Jehovah hath given you the land, and that the fear of you is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10 For we have heard how Jehovah dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were beyond the Jordan, unto Sihon and to Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. 11 And as soon as we had heard it, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more spirit in any man, because of you: for Jehovah your God, he is God in heaven above, and on earth beneath." (ASV). She and her family were spared while all the other Canaanites in the city were devoted to destruction by Joshua. This clearly demonstrates a Truth as stated in the previously quoted Acts 10:34-35, that "God is no respecter of persons," i.e., he is impartial.

His impartiality was demonstrated in his dealings with Abraham. The disciple James drew attention to God's (YHWH's) undeserved kindness in his dealings with Abraham and his offspring. It was Abraham's faith, NOT his ethnic origin that made him God's (YHWH's) friend as recorded at James 2:23, "and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'And Abraham Believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God." (NASB-MP). In fact, Abraham's faith and love (agape) for God (YHWH) brought blessings to his descendants as recorded at 2 Chronicles (2 Paralipomenon), 20:7, "didst not thou our God kill all the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?" (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible). In fact, God (YHWH) promised Abraham at Genesis 22:17-18, "I will bless thee, and I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that is by the sea shore; thy seed shall possess the gates of their enemies. 18 and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice." (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible)..

Thus far from showing partiality, God (YHWH) demonstrated by his dealings with Israel what he will and can do for those who obey him. The dealings are an example of how God (YHWH) shows loyal love with respect his faithful servants. Although Israel was God's (YHWH's) special people, this did not signify that other people were excluded from experiencing God's benevolence as shown by Exodus 19:5, "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine:" (ASV); and Romans 4:1-8, " What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. 3 For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. 6 Even as David also pronounceth blessing upon the man, unto whom God reckoneth righteousness apart from works, 7 [saying], Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, And whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom, the Lord will not reckon sin." (ASV).

Likewise, his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua) was impartial. During his earthly ministry, Jesus (Yeshua), who is the exact representation of his Father (YHWH), imitated God's (YHWH's) impartiality as testified to at Hebrews 1:3, "who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (ASV). For example, he did not hold back from witnessing to a Samaritan women at a well as shown at John 4:7-30, "There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. 8 For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food. 9 The Samaritan woman therefore saith unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, who am a Samaritan woman? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered and said unto unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his sons, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life. 15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17 The woman answered and said unto him, I have no husband. Jesus saith unto her, Thou saidst well, I have no husband: 18 for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: this hast thou said truly. 19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father. 22 Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh (he that is called Christ): when he is come, he will declare unto us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am [he]. 7 And upon this came his disciples; and they marvelled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why speakest thou with her? 28 So the woman left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the people, 29 Come, see a man, who told me all things that [ever] I did: can this be the Christ? 30 They went out of the city, and were coming to him." (ASV).

This impartiality was shown in the early Christian congregation. To wit, Jews and non-Jews were equal as the Apostle Paul wrote at Romans 2:10-11, "but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God." (NASB-MP).

In fact, the Apostle John saw in a vision a vast spiritual group from every nation as testified to at Revelation 7:9-10, "9 After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of [all] tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, arrayed in white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 and they cry with a great voice, saying, Salvation unto our God who sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb." (ASV). Therefore, no ethnic group or language is excluded from the modern-day true Christian congregation. Individuals from all backgrounds have the prospect of surviving the coming 'great tribulation,' the end times culmination, and drinking from 'fountains of water of life' in the new world as testified to at Revelation 7:14-17, "And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat: 17 for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes." (ASV).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

**Admin** Sat Jan 21, 2017 2:12 pm

COMBINATION OF THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES. With the Scripture of the Day first.

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 395A]

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 1 Timothy 1:15 – 16, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yes, this is a faithful saying all should heed per 1 Timothy 4:9, [AV] “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.” Yes, Jesus (Yeshua) gave his life as a ransom for all obedient mankind per 1 John 2:2, [AV] “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” As he said as recorded at John 6:40, [AV] “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” And per Jude 21, [AV] “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,

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2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/

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5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/

7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Mate, Ilex paraguariensis A. St-Hil. var. paraguariensis

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Common names. English: maté, Brazilian tea, Paraguay tea: Guarani: ka'a; Kaingangue: kongóñ: Spanish: yerba maté, té de los jesuitas: Portuguese: congonha, erva mate

Maté, with a very restricted distribution outside America, is a tree that produces a raw material for industrialization and consumption as a stimulating infusion. So far, this has been the main use of this somewhat overlooked crop.
Although no archaeological remains have been found that show that it was used in pre-Columbian times. it is assumed that it was the Guarani Indians who taught the Spanish how to use it. However, what seems to be an indirect consequence of the discovery is the fact that the first people to have cultivated this species were the Jesuit missionaries who, around 1670, already had artificial maté plantations. In time, the settlements of Guarani Indians converted to Christianity were to become economically dependent on maté production.

The expulsion of the Jesuits from the Spanish dominions (1767) was a step backwards in the history of maté. There was a return to the forest exploitation method which utilized the natural maté plantations exclusively and inadequately. It may be said that this type of laborious and uneconomical forest management extended up to the first decades of the twentieth century, in spite of maté planting having been renewed in Nueva Germania, Paraguay and in Santa Ana, Argentina, in 1897.

Although very much reduced, maté production did not disappear with the Jesuit plantations. During the remainder of the colonial period, the use of this herb, which had spread extensively, persisted even in the region of the Viceroyalty of Peru, where there was another methyl xanthine stimulant of the same genus: Ilex guayusa Loes. emend. Shemluck, also marketed by the Jesuits from that region in Quito.

It has been established that trade in maté was not interrupted and that it was commonly used in what is now Peru and Ecuador. However, following the independence of the Spanish colonies and the adoption of free trade, English tea began to be introduced into those countries and so maté gradually lost the markets of those Andean countries.

The decline and complete disappearance of the maté plantations in the settlements of Christianized Indians (which ended around 1820 after a series of wars waged in the region between the Spanish and Portuguese Crowns, followed by the struggles for independence) and the policy of isolation and control of international trade maintained by the first governor of independent Paraguay meant that, in the 1820s, Brazil began commercial exploitation of its natural maté plantations.

The most accessible plantations were situated in the vicinity of Curitiba, Paraná, and as they were slowly exhausted they were gradually replaced by the others located towards the west. The Brazilian product, which then began to spread on the markets as "Paranagua maté", was considered to be of inferior quality to that from Paraguay. However, in the course of time it replaced the Paraguayan product, a development which became more marked after the war of the Triple Alliance ( 1870).

At the end of the nineteenth century, the limitations of the exhaustive exploitation of this forestry resource stimulated efforts to produce large plantations of I. paraguariensis once again. Eventually. these efforts were successful, especially in Argentina.

At the same time as the increase in Argentinian maté production, the extraordinary expansion of the agricultural frontiers in traditional maté-growing states of southern Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina. Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul) took place. Regrettably, the disappearance of enormous areas of natural forests in those states jeopardized the conservation of maté's genetic richness.

The complicated economic history of this crop (barely sketched out here) which is characterized by periods of scarcity alternating with periods of excessive demand, the sporadic but real existence of periods during which it was adulterated with other plants and the most common method of preparation—maté sucked through a small tube—considered by many to be unhygienic, had a bearing on the limited spread of maté outside southern South America.

Its main use is in infusions prepared as tea with leaves and dried stems which have been industrially shredded. Generally speaking, it is drunk by tilling small gourds (maté gourds or cuias) with maté. to which boiling water is gradually added, the liquid being sucked up through a metal tube (the bombilla). Infusions of cimarrón, or bitter maté, are usually modified with sugar (sweet maté), milk or aromatic herbs. Other methods of consumption are boiled maté, tereré (maté prepared with cold water, common in Paraguay and northeastern Argentina), liqueurs prepared with maté, ice-creams, desserts, etc. The industry also produces compound maté (which contains aromatic and/or medicinal herbs), soluble maté and maté teabags.

The aqueous infusion of maté owes its stimulant properties to the caffeine content (between 1 and 2 percent) so that, 60 minutes after consuming maté, an average of 80 to 120 mg of this pseudoalkaloid is consumed. Its nutritional qualities are due to its content of vitamins A, C and B complex and the existence of minerals (P, Ca and Fe).

Argentina, the main producer and consumer, grows around 130000 ha of maté in the northeast of the country (Misiones and Corrientes), which produce about 140000 tonnes per year. Brazil is the world's second producer, followed by Paraguay. For the Argentinan province of Misiones, maté cultivation represents an important part of the country's GDP.

Botanical description
The maté is a dioecious evergreen tree which grows up to 18 m in height. The leaves are alternate, coriaceous and obovate with a serrate margin and obtuse apex. The inflorescences are in corymboid fascicles, the male ones in a dichasium with three to 11 flowers, the female ones with one or three flowers. The flowers are small, and simple, number four or five and have a whitish corolla. The fruit is in a nucule; there are four or five single seed pyrenes (propagules).

Maté flowers in the spring (from October to November), has entomophilous pollination (diptera, hymenoptera) and fruits from March to June; dissemination is endozoic (birds). There is a rudimentary embryo in many externally ripe seeds which causes a long period of germination From the time of sowing.

Ecology and phytogeography
Prominent among the ecological requirements of this subtropical species are climatic conditions, especially mean annual precipitation and an even distribution of rainfall throughout the year. This must not be less than 1200 mm annually and, during the driest quarter—which in the region is winter—the minimum must be 250 mm. I. paraguariensis' wild distribution area is always unaffected by water shortages. The mean annual temperature of the area is approximately 21 to 22°C. The absolute minimum temperature that this species is able to tolerate is -6°C, even though winter snows are frequent on the plateaus and mountain regions to the south of Brazil and east of Misiones.
It requires lateritic, acid (pH between 5.8 and 6.8) soils that are of medium to fine texture.

Figure 30 shows the natural distribution of I. paraguariensis. The area of economic cultivation of maté coincides approximately with the main dispersion area of the var. paraguariensis.

Genetic diversity
There is still no exhaustive modern picture that explains in biological terms the infraspecific variability of this species, which is widely dispersed geographically in South America. Up to the present, taking as a basis the morphological characteristics alone, at least two varieties are recognized: I. paraguariensis A. St-Hill var. paraguariensis (cultivated maté, almost completely glabrous) and I. paraguariensis var. vestita (Reisseck) Loes. (not acceptable for industrialization, of dense pubescence). Both varieties coexist in limited areas of Brazil.

The wild species closest to I. paraguariensis belong to the subgenus euilex Loes., subsection repandae Loes. Only I. cognata Reisseck lives in the distribution area of maté. I. cognata is very little known; its vernacular name is chá do mato and it is used to adulterate maté.

A number of wild species of Ilex are sympatric with genuine maté and have been, or are, used to manufacture the product although, up to the present and according to the legislation in force, they are to be considered adulterations. Of those most frequently referred to, the following deserve mention: Ilex affinis Gardner (the ca' a chirí or congonha of Goyaz, a species abundant in central Brazil and northeastern Paraguay); I. dumosa Reisseck var. guaranina Loes. (yerba señorita, aperea ka'a, cauna, caá chiri), native to Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil, the producer of a bitter-tasting maté and supposedly cultivated in Misiones by the Jesuits to produce their famous "caá miní" maté; I. theezans, C. Martius ex Reisseck (cauna de folhas largas, ca'a na, congonha), a good substitute for I. paraguariensis, found in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. I. brevicuspis Reisseck, known as cauna or voadeira, like the previous species, is a faithful companion of I. paraguariensis in plant communities characteristic of the region—where Araucaria is also prominent—but the product obtained from its experimental industrialization is of low quality.

Outside the natural area of distribution and production of maté, in northwestern Argentina and southeastern Bolivia, Ilex argentina Lillo, a related species that is known not to accumulate caffeine but theobromine, has been used to prepare maté. It is a tree characteristic of the area of transition between the forests of Myrtaceae and alder (Alnus spp.) of the phytogeographical province of the yungas.
Known cultivars of I. paraguariensis. The infraspecific classification of I. paraguariensis is still under study. Consequently, the correspondence between the biological varieties and the horticultural varieties of genuine maté is not clear. Following is a list of some of the varieties recognized as such by growers in the three countries: Erva de talo roxo, Erva de talo branco, Erva piriquita (Brazil); Caá verá, Caá manduví, Caá panambi, Caá cuatí, Caá ñú, Caá eté, Caá mi, Caá chacra, Caá-je-he-ni (Paraguay); Yerba colorada, Yerba señorita, Caá miní (Argentina).

INTA in Argentina recently began to distribute seeds of clones and selected clonal progeny which, following comparative trials, demonstrated their superiority.

In wild South American Ilex species and in the maté-growing region, the risks of genetic erosion are high because the natural forest is gradually giving way to agroforestry and livestock production, a process accentuated by the relatively low germinating capacity of many species (especially that of maté). As no suitable method has yet been discovered for maintaining the germinating capacity of I. paraguariensis for prolonged periods, there are no seed banks of the species. Nevertheless, at the Cerro Azul de Misiones experimental agricultural station in Argentina, a maté clonal garden began to be developed in 1976, complemented by the nursery started in 1986 with I. paraguariensis of various origins and with other species of Ilex.

Cultivation practices
In the wide and varied economic production area of maté, the practices for the cultivation or exploitation of natural maté vary considerably in their technical aspects, resulting in different yields per hectare.
Three methods of production can be distinguished which are arranged here in increasing order of importance reflecting the use of techniques and their yields:

Extractive exploitation of the natural forest. Here the richness of natural maté plantations is utilized. Harvesting is not mechanized and the pruning system is generally incorrect. This form of production is diffused mainly in Brazil.
Mixed system or system for the enrichment of the natural forest. This consists of increasing the number of natural plantations and reconstituting those that have been lost. In Brazil, where this method is most commonly practiced, it is called densifying the maté plantation. Since, generally speaking, this technique is accompanied by others that increase the yield, such as cultivation care and improved pruning methods, the higher production cost is compensated for.
Cultivated maté plantations. This is undoubtedly the best system, and came into general use in Argentina around 1915. In spite of higher costs, the yield per hectare greatly increases. Complemented by measures such as improvement in the layout of plantations (which have evolved from trees planted in quincunxes, with spaced out plants used by Jesuits, to cultivation following contour lines, with a high density per hectare and use of the corte mesa pruning and plant management system), with well-timed pruning, cultivation work and harvesting, this system enabled Argentinian production to exceed that of Brazil, in spite of the former being carried out in a very reduced area and even outside the environments most suited for maté. For example, rising from a density of 1000 to 1500 plants per hectare (still fairly widespread) to a density of 2500 or 4000 plants per hectare, production can increase from around 1000 to 1800 kg to 2100 to 3300 kg per hectare.

The corte mesa system not only increases the yield but is also better suited to mechanical harvesting.

Yields are improved by: planting following contours; the use of natural or introduced cover (rape, legumes, etc.); fertilization (NPK); weed control (mechanical and/or using herbicides); suitable phytosanitary treatments; and rational harvesting. The relevant experiments have been going on for some years but, regrettably, their results have not become generalized. The introduction into cultivation of improved cultivars is much less widespread.

Conventional propagation techniques. Sexual propagation ("seeds" = pyrenes). This is the most common reproduction technique. In the case of maté, the advantage of sexual propagation lies in the fact that the variability in descendants may give rise to individuals better suited to different environments (which on other occasions may not be desired).

The seeds are harvested in the region (from February to April). They must be stratified or sown immediately, otherwise they quickly lose their viability.
Stored at 5°C, they maintain a very reduced germinating capacity (1.7 to 6.6 percent) for a further 11 months. The relatively short period of viability together with the low germination rate (immature embryos, phytosanitary problems) have undoubtedly been the cause of the difficulties in its cultivation spreading to other continents in the past.

Agamic reproduction. Grafting, propagation by cuttings and layering are not very widespread. It is relatively difficult to obtain rooted cuttings and this is generally achieved by using young branches from the stools, irrespective of whether plant hormone treatment is used. Additional experiments are necessary if the intention is to increase the rooting percentage.

In vitro cultivation of I. paraguariensis is being tried out in Brazil and Argentina by various research groups, with varying results which still do not clearly indicate which are the economically viable techniques for the clonal reproduction of selected individuals.

According to the Under-Secretariat for Agriculture and Livestock, in Argentina in 1988, the average yield of semi-processed maté was 1220 kg per hectare.

Prospects for improvement
The limitations of cultivation are due to the fact that there is no demand for the product on a macroeconomic scale. The recurrent cycles of surplus supply, low prices, disinvestment in plantations, scarcity of raw materials, high prices—very often linked with international trading terms between producer countries, which result in a greater distortion—have historically acted against a stable supply of the product in terms of quality and quantity. Even worse, they have discouraged the continuation of basic and/or applied research, which cultivation and processing require. The partial or total absence of knowledge concerning maté biology, plant chemistry, dietetics, agronomics and industrialization have made it difficult to adopt international standards which would lay down norms for the quality of the product and improve and guarantee it over time, depending on its distribution to the major international markets for the production of methyl xanthine infusions.

Potential areas for the introduction of this crop are subtropical regions with acid soils and a water supply similar to those of the species' natural area of dispersal.

It has recently been suggested that Ilex verticillata, a North American species, could be a source of biodegradable detergents because of its high saponin content. Since research regarding similar subjects is being continued on I. paraguariensis and, furthermore, since other related species are studied even less than maté from the chemical point of view, it would be advantageous to go into these aspects more deeply.

Ilex argentina is also a possible caffeine-free maté and is, moreover, remarkable for its richness in liver-protecting phenolics similar to those in artichokes (Cynara scolymus).

There are also reports of a range of non-traditional uses for I. paraguariensis, for instance as a source of edible oils, furfural and cosmetics.
Finally, the importance of the wild Ilex species in genetic improvement of the crop should be mentioned.

Lines of research
* Botanical: Infraspecific variability of I. paraguariensis and how it is related to other species of the genus; an updated chorology; crossing systems of I. paraguariensis and other species of Ilex; inheritance of sex.
* Physiology of the seed and micropropagation methods.
* Plant chemistry: Cycle of the xanthines in the species and its relatives; toxic and undesirable compounds of allied species; analytical determination of the infusion's flavour components.
* Updating, from the food point of view and with relation to allied species.
* Architecture of the individual of I. paraguariensis and of allied species; phenology and adaptation of these trees to mechanical harvesting.
* Industrialization: Improvements in the drying and accelerated seasoning systems without organoleptic losses; alternative industries with cultivation by-products.
* New ways of consuming and presenting the product.
Bibliography
* Abbott, T.P. et al. 1990. Major extractable components in Asclepias linaria (Asclepiadaceae) and Ilex verticillata (Aquifoliaceae), two potential hydrocarbon crops. Econ. Bot., 44(2): 278-284.
* Filip, R. et al. 1989. Estudio de compuestos presentes en Ilex argentina Lillo (Aquifoliaceae). Anal. Asoc. Quim. Argent., 77(4): 293-297.
* Fontana, H.P. et al. 1990. Estudios sobre la germinación y conservación de semillas de verba maté (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) . Infor. Técn.. 52: 14. Estación Exper. Agrop. Cerro Azul, INTA.
* Giberti, G.C.1989. Los parientes silvestres de la yerba maté y el problema de su adulteración. Dominguezia, 7(1): 3-21.
* Gomez Vara, M.E. et al. 1980. Investigaciones sobre la tecnología de la yerba maté. Informe, 4:226. APRYMA.
* Grondona, E.M. 1953. Historia de la yerba mate. Rev. Argent. Agron., 20(2): 68-95.
* Grondona, E.M. 1954. Historia de la yerba mate. II. Sinonimia, cariología y distribución geográfica. Rev. Argent. Agron., 21 (1): 9-24.
* Linhares, T.1969. História econômica do mate. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Editôra Livraria José Olympio.
* Loesener, T. 1901. Monographia Aquifoliacearum, l. Nola Acta Acad. Caes. Leop. Carol. German. Nat. Cur., 78: VIII + 600.
* Loesener, T. 1942/60. Aquifoliaceae. In H. Harms & Mattfeld, eds. Nat. Pflanzenfam, 2nd ed., p.36-86. Berlin.
* Martínez-Crovetto, R. 1980. Yerba mate: usos no tradicionales y posibilidades. Participar. 2(12): 58-61.
* Porto, A. 1943. História das Missões orientais do Uruguai, I. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ministry of Education and Health.
* Prat Kricun, S.D. et al. 1986. Yerba mate: informe de investigaciones realizadas. Período 84-85. Misiones, Convenio INTA-CRYM y CRYM-Asoc. Coop. EEA.
* Schultes, R.E. 1979. Discovery of an ancient guayusa plantation in (source - retrieved from http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/1492/mate.html on 3/21/2013)

In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].

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Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth."Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!

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**Admin** Sat Jan 21, 2017 9:12 pm

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] DISCOURSE ON CULTS AND FALSE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST JESUS'

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 396A]

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: Acts 17:26 – 27, [AV] “

In the beginning, Almighty God (YHWH) created humankind and blessed them per Genesis 1:28, [AV] “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” And they devided into nations as testified to at Deuteronomy 32:8, [AV] “When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.” He intended for all obedient ones to inherit the earth forever as revealed by Isaiah 34:17, [AV] “And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.”

So all obedient ones should per Isaiah 55:6, [AV] “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” Yes, His works are well known per Romans 1:20, [AV] “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

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Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] DISCOURSE ON CULTS AND FALSE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST JESUS' Followers:

Let's first look at how the dictionary, Funk & Wagnalls Standard College Dictionary, defines a CULT as follows: (noun)
1. A system of religious rites and observances; the cult of Aphrodite. 2. Zealous devotion to a person, ideal, or thing. 3. The object of this devotion.

The distinguishing features of a cult that are exclusive to cults are:
1 - A charismatic or appointed leader or prophet for which infallibility, either all the time or under special conditions is claimed on the basis of direct communications with a deity or on the basis of ex Cathedra (from the chair of Peter).
2 - Zealous devotion/dedication to a point beyond reason where the end justifies the mean, and such atrocities as genocide, burning others at the stake, giving members or others poison to drink, vicious bombings, etc. are conducted at the leaders direction or instigation. These terrible actions are4 not seen as wrong by the true cultist of which many claim and believe they are winning God's (YHWH's) approval by such wicked acts; of course they are not.
3 - The rejection of the authority of the Bible in favor of their own writings by men and/or unauthorized additions to the Bible Canon of Apocrypha or other books and/or parts of books of very doubtful character such as the Book of Mormon, etc.
4 - The making of their own prophecies instead of sticking to and trying to understand the prophecies that God (YHWH) inspired and had over 40 faithful men write down.
5 - The prophesizing or predicting of dates for the culmination of the end times when even Jesus (Yeshua) was not given the date by his Father (YHWH), see Matthew 24:36, "But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only." (American Standard Version; ASV).
6 - An unreasonable attention and/or demand for money without justification of need and amassing of property in excess of that needed for religious functions such as the ownership of a gun factory in Italy that makes military rifles.

Unfortunately, there are those individuals that try and paint groups they do not like as cults when infact the group is NOT a cult. In other words, they use the term in a wrong manner to falsely accuse the innocent in complete violation of Jesus' (Yeshua's) statement at Matthew 22:37-40, "And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second like [unto it] is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets." (ASV)..

This anti-Christian act should not be a surprise to the true Christians, the obedient footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ who look to him for their salvation. The Apostle Paul was falsely accused as shown at Acts 24:12-15, " and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; 15 having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust." (ASV); And at Acts 24:1-9, "Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they besought him, 3 asking a favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem; laying a plot to kill him on the way. 4 Howbeit Festus answered, that Paul was kept in charge at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to depart [thither] shortly. 5 Let them therefore, saith he, that are of power among you go down with me, and if there is anything amiss in the man, let them accuse him. 6 And when he had tarried among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and on the morrow he sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded Paul to be brought. 7 And when he was come, the Jews that had come down from Jerusalem stood round about him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove; 8 while Paul said in his defense, Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all. 9 But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?" (ASV). So should true Christians be surprised when they are falsely accused, of course not at the Devil maneuvers those he has already ensnared to do his dirty work as shown at Ephesians 6:12, "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. " (ASV).
Therefore, all true footstep followers of the lamb, Jesus, should be ready to answer false accusers as shown at 1 Peter 3:15-18, "but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: [being] ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear: 16 having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing." (ASV). Remember that the Apostle Paul foretold the end times would be difficult at 2 Timothy 3:1-3, "But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good," (ASV).
Therefore true followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ will be subject to attack and false accusations by those controlled by Satan; in fact, this type of action will be an identifying feature of those mentioned at 2 Timothy 3:1-3, previously quoted. This is vividly shown at Mark 14:55-59, "Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found it not. 56 For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together. 57 And there stood up certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, 58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands. 59 And not even so did their witness agree together." (ASV). When this occurred to the savior of true Christians, the Son of God (YHWH), Jesus (Yeshua); so sure it will also occur to his true followers. In fact, the identifying feature of true Christians will be they will be subject to false accusations and persecution as testified to a 2 Timothy 3:12-13, "Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." (ASV). Remember, what occurred to Stephen a disciple of Jesus (Yeshua) our savior as recorded at Acts 7:58-60, "and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [the Lord], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (ASV). This has always been the way of Satan and those who he has gained the mastery over as testified to at Psalms 27:12, "Deliver me not over unto the will of mine adversaries: For false witnesses are risen up against me, And such as breathe out cruelty." (ASV).

Remember, the first century true Christians suffered for Christ, not for any misdeeds, but for being who they were.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

**Admin** Mon Jan 23, 2017 10:24 pm

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] DISCOURSE ON THE SUBJECT OF ADULTERY:

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 397A]

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. Ephesians 4:17 – 19, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

And 1 Peter 4:3, [AV] “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:” shows we should give up our wrong ways. Yes, many of those doing what Almighty God (YHWH) does not want knew who He is , but as stated at Romans 1:21, [AV] “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Yes, all need to per Acts 26:18, [AV] “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” For those not wanting to be obedient to him, He per Romans 1:28, [AV] “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” So we should per Isaiah 56:11 - 12, [AV] “Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.”

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Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] DISCOURSE ON THE SUBJECT OF ADULTERY:

INTRODUCTION:

Today many do NOT consider adultery a major wrong, but these ones willfully forget that in the covenant, Mosaic Law, that God (YHWH), the party of the first part, concluded with Moses (Mosche) and the Israelite nation, the party of the second part, adultery was prohibited and series penalties were prescribed. This clearly shows that God (YHWH) took very seriously the principle he set forth in Genesis at Genesis 2:23-24, "and the man saith, `This `is' the `proper' step! bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh!' for this it is called Woman, for from a man hath this been taken; 24 therefore doth a man leave his father and his mother, and hath cleaved unto his wife, and they have become one flesh. " (Young's Literal Translation; YLT). Clearly showing that from the beginning God (YHWH) intended man to have one wife and stick with her and not go out and have relations with other women and for the wife to do likewise. This was emphasized by the statement, "they have become one flesh." Therefore, adultery would be willful disobedience with respect to God's (YHWH's) original purpose for mankind.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ON ADULTERY:

What is Adultery?

Adultery, as used in the Bible, generally refers to voluntary sexual intercourse by a married person with one of the opposite gender other than one's mate, or, during the time that the Mosaic Law was in effect, any such intercourse by any man with a married or a betrothed women. Let's consider the ancient Hebrew root meaning of 'commit adultery' which is 'na'sph',' and its Koine Greek counterpart is 'moi-dheu'a' as used at Ezekiel 16:32, "A wife that committeth adultery! that taketh strangers instead of her husband!" (American Standard Version; ASV), and Matthew 5:32, "but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery." (ASV).

Of course the pagan nations around about the nation of ancient Israel did not subscribe to a high moral code and indulged freely in many cases in promiscuity as shown in the history of adultery as found in the Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend (1949, Volume 1, page 15, says, "It occurs in all parts of the world and though it is considered reprehensible by many cultures it has enjoyed a considerable popularity in all cultures and at all times." This was shown in the Bible with respect the attempted seduction of Joseph by the wife of Potiphar as recorded at Genesis 39:7-10, "And it cometh to pass after these things, that his lord's wife lifteth up her eyes unto Joseph, and saith, `Lie with me;' 8 and he refuseth, and saith unto his lord's wife, `Lo, my lord hath not known what `is' with me in the house, and all that he hath he hath given into my hand; 9 none is greater in this house than I, and he hath not withheld from me anything, except thee, because thou `art' his wife; and how shall I do this great evil? -- then have I sinned against God.' 10 And it cometh to pass at her speaking unto Joseph day `by' day, that he hath not hearkened unto her, to lie near her, to be with her;" (YLT). Historically as well as at present, adultery is generally forbidden, but penalties are seldom imposed.

God's (YHWH's) Law Separates Ancient Israel:

However God's (YHWH's) law separated Israel from the pagan nations and raised the moral status of marriage and family life to a much higher plain than that of the surrounding nations. In fact, the Seventh Commandment of the Decalogue stated in clear, unmistakable language at Exodus 20:14, "`Thou dost not commit adultery." (YLT); and at Deuteronomy 5:18, "`Thou dost not commit adultery." (YLT). This commandment was NOT done away with when Jesus (Yeshua) Christ instituted the new covenant as clearly shown at Luke 18:20, "Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and mother." (ASV). Clearly showing that to present from the beginning that adultery was prohibited by God (YHWH) and went against his intended purpose for mankind.

Law Covenant:

Under the Law Covenant that God (YHWH) made with Moses (Mosche) and the ancient nation of Israel the penalty for adultery was severe; to wit, death for both guilty parties. This is recorded at Deuteronomy 22:22-24, "If a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall both of them die, the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away the evil from Israel. 23 If there be a damsel that is a virgin betrothed unto a husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; 24 then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them to death with stones; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbor's wife: so thou shalt put away the evil from the midst of thee." (ASV). Under this Law Covenant, if a wife was suspected of adultery she had to stand trial per Numbers 5:11-32, "And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, 12 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him, 13 and a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, and she be not taken in the act; 14 and the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled: 15 then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and shall bring her oblation for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is a meal-offering of jealousy, a meal-offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance. 16 And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before Jehovah: 17 and the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water. 18 And the priest shall set the woman before Jehovah, and let the hair of the woman's head go loose, and put the meal-offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal-offering of jealousy: and the priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that causeth the curse. 19 And the priest shall cause her to swear, and shall say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou have not gone aside to uncleanness, being under thy husband, be thou free from this water of bitterness that causeth the curse. 20 But if thou have gone aside, being under thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man have lain with thee besides thy husband: 21 then the priest shall cause the woman to swear with the oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the woman, Jehovah make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when Jehovah doth make thy thigh to fall away, and thy body to swell; 22 and this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, and make thy body to swell, and thy thigh to fall away. And the woman shall say, Amen, Amen. 23 And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out into the water of bitterness: 24 and he shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causeth the curse; and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her `and become' bitter. 25 And the priest shall take the meal-offering of jealousy out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the meal-offering before Jehovah, and bring it unto the altar: 26 and the priest shall take a handful of the meal-offering, as the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall make the woman drink the water. 27 And when he hath made her drink the water, then it shall come to pass, if she be defiled, and have committed a trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her `and become' bitter, and her body shall swell, and her thigh shall fall away: and the woman shall be a curse among her people. 28 And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed. 29 This is the law of jealousy, when a wife, being under her husband, goeth aside, and is defiled; 30 or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon a man, and he is jealous of his wife; then shall he set the woman before Jehovah, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law. 31 And the man shall be free from iniquity, and that woman shall bear her iniquity." (ASV). This requirement and God's (YHWH's) unique enforcement of it is no longer in force.

True Christians are not under the Mosaic Law:

While true Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, they are required to refrain from adultery. This is shown at Romans 13:8-:9, "Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (ASV); and at Romans 2:22, "thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou rob temples?" (ASV).

In teaching Bible principles, Jesus (Yeshua) raised the moral standard still higher for true Christians, his footstep followers. He broadened out the matter of adultery, saying it was not limited to sexual contact a man might have with a woman not his mate, but to wrong desire one may have for another as shown at Matthew 5:27-28, "Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (ASV); and at 2 Peter 2:14, "They want to look at nothing else but immoral women; their appetite for sin is never satisfied. They lead weak people into a trap. Their hearts are trained to be greedy. They are under God's curse!" (The New Testament in Today's English Version; TEV).

In fact, Jesus (Yeshua) pointed out that the only scriptural grounds for divorce was fornication, Koine Greek 'por-nei'a', which is adultery and deviant sexual behavior. The remarriage of either mate who divorced on grounds other than fornication would constitute adultery. Even a single man who took such a divorced women as his wife would be guilty of adultery as testified to at Matthew 5:32, "but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery." (ASV); and Matthew 19:9, "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery." (ASV); and at Mark 10:11-12, "And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her: 12 and if she herself shall put away her husband, and marry another, she committeth adultery." (ASV); and at Luke 16:18, "Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery." (ASV); and at Romans 7:2-3, "For the woman that hath a husband is bound by law to the husband while he liveth; but if the husband die, she is discharged from the law of the husband. 3 So then if, while the husband liveth, she be joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if the husband die, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she be joined to another man." (ASV).

Adultery is a Sin Against God (YHWH):

Adultery is actually a sin against God (YHWH) our creator, and this is clearly shown at Genesis 39:9, "none is greater in this house than I, and he hath not withheld from me anything, except thee, because thou `art' his wife; and how shall I do this great evil? -- then have I sinned against God.'" (YLT). This should NOT be taken lightly as God (YHWH) shall judge those guilty of adultery and deviant sex, and none who persist in such a course will per Malachi 3:5, "And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against the false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the sojourner `from his right', and fear not me, saith Jehovah of hosts." (ASV); and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." (ASV); and Hebrews 13:4, "`Let' marriage `be' had in honor among all, and `let' the bed `be' undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge." (ASV).

How true Proverbs 6:32-35, "He who committeth adultery `with' a woman lacketh heart, He is destroying his soul who doth it." (YLT). In fact, in a spiritual sense, adultery denotes unfaithfulness to God (YHWH) on the part of those who are joined to him in a covenant. Natural ancient Israel in the Law Covenant was, therefore, guilty of spiritual adultery because of deviant sex practices, including fornication/adultery, and false religious practices, some of which included sex-worship rites and the blatant disregard of the Seventh Commandment. This was brought out at Jeremiah 3:8-9, "And I saw, when, for this very cause that backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorcement, yet treacherous Judah her sister feared not; but she also went and played the harlot. 9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that the land was polluted, and she committed adultery with stones and with stocks." (ASV); and at Jeremiah 5:7-8, "How can I pardon thee? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they committed adultery, and assembled themselves in troops at the harlots' houses. 8 They were as fed horses roaming at large; every one neighed after his neighbor's wife." (ASV); and at Jeremiah 9:2, "Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging-place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they are all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men." (ASV); and at Jeremiah 13:27, "I have seen thine abominations, even thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, on the hills in the field. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! thou wilt not be made clean; how long shall it yet be?" (ASV); and at Hosea 7:4, "They are all adulterers; they are as an oven heated by the baker; he ceaseth to stir `the fire', from the kneading of the dough, until it be leavened." (ASV).

CONCLUSION:

For similar reasons to those of the prophets of old, Jesus (Yeshua) denounce as adulterous the generation of the Jews of his day as testified to at Matther 12:39, "But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet:" (ASV); and at Mark 8:38, "If, then, a man is ashamed of me and of my teaching in this godliness and wicked day, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." (TEV). As James 4:4 states, "Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God." (ASV).

Clearly then, since the Nation of Ancient Israel had concluded a covenant with him, Almighty God (YHWH) clearly had every right to expect that they should live up to it, and to impose severe sanctions for its violation. This being especially so since adultery is actually a sin against him.

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**Admin** Tue Jan 24, 2017 9:41 pm

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] A WRITTEN SERMON ON THE WICKEDNESS OF ADULTERY, FORNICATION, AND OTHER FORMS OF IMMORALITY

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 398A]

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. Romans 1:26 – 31, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

First, we must recognize what today constitutes a Jew in the Biblical sense as revealed at Romans 2:29, [AV] “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” So the scripture found at Psalms 14:7, [AV] “Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.” Applies to all obedient ones today. Yes, to win His approval, we must believe as revealed by Hebrews 8:8, [AV] “Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:” There is now no difference due to nationality as stated at Acts 15:9, [AV] “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.” This is made certain by Colossians 1:22, [AV] “In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:”

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Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] A WRITTEN SERMON ON THE WICKEDNESS OF ADULTERY, FORNICATION, AND OTHER FORMS OF IMMORALITY:

Dear Truth Seeker:

Today many immoral things are practiced by a great number of people, but this widespread committing of wickedness does not make it any less wrong. In fact, this condition, now existing, was foretold long ago in the Holy Bible at 2nd. Timothy 3:1-5 which reads as follows, "Do not forget this: there will be terrible times in the last days...Men will be lovers of self...They will be treacherous, reckless, pompous, lovers of pleasure rather than of God as they make a pretense of religion but negate its power..." (NAB). Immorality in its many forms is unlike other sins in that it is a sin against one's own body as shown at I Corinthians 6:18-19, "...Every other sin a man commits is outside his body, but the fornicator sins against his own body...(NAB). In fact, the truth that fornication is a sin against one's body can readily be seen from recent medical reports even without recourse to the Bible, God's written instructions for us. Specifically, reports about many types of diseases transmitted by illicit sexual relationships of various forms such as adultery, fornication, and other forms of immorality are much in the news. Who has not heard of AIDS, Herpes, Gonorrhea, etc. that plague homosexuals and other promiscuous individuals? Thus, obviously all forms of illicit sexual relationships, homosexual or heterosexual, are indeed sins against one's own body.

All forms of illicit sexual relationships are clearly works of the flesh and the Apostle Paul said, "Now the work of the flesh are..adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness..." (Galatians 6:18-19 per KJV). God does not view these unclean "works" of the flesh with pleasure no matter who may endorse them be he/she a high governmental official, a church leader, a community leader, or a common citizen. These works remain condemned by God as shown by the Apostle Paul at I Corinthians 6:9-10, "Know ye...the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God...be not deceived: neither fornicators,...nor adulteress, nor effeminate,...shall inherit the Kingdom of God." (KJV). In fact is plainly recorded that God will judge all adulteresses and fornicators at Hebrews 13:4 which reads, "...God himself will judge those who traffic in the bodies of others or defile the relationship of marriage." (TNTMB). This fact that God will punish those who practice illicit sexual relationships is made very clear by his actions in the past as shown by his destruction of the inhabitants of ancient Sodom for the practice of immoral sex relations both heterosexual and homosexual. Their sinful practices of adultery, fornication, and homosexuality were so salient that Moses wrote at Genesis 14:13 under God's inspiration, "...the inhabitants of Sodom were very wicked in the sins they committed against the Lord." (NAB). Their evil practices of various forms of illicit sexual relationships were so flagrant they even tried to have homosexual relationships with materialized angles of God as recorded at Genesis 19:1-7, "The two Angles reached Sodom in the evening...Before they went to bed, all the townsmen of Sodom,...closed in on the house. They called to Lot and said to him, 'Where are the men who came to your house tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have intimacies with them.'" (NAB). Because of their wicked action with respect illicit sexual relationships of various types, i.e., homosexuality, adultery, and fornication, God destroyed the Sodomites as recorded at Genesis 19:24, "Then the Lord rained upon Sodom...brimstone and fire...out of heaven;" (KJV).

Sex relations of course in the right context are not wrong. In fact, the Bible recommends that each person have his/her own marriage mate, "God went on to bless Noah and his sons and to say to them. 'Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth," Genesis 9:1 (NWT). It also recommends that each adult having sexual desires should, "Because of the prevalence of fornication, let each man have his own wife and each women have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife her due; but let the wife also do likewise to her husband...that Satan may not keep tempting you for your lack of self-regulation," 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 (NWT). What is wrong, sinful, etc. is illicit sexual relations of all types, not proper sexual relations between husband and wife. Illicit sexual relations include sexual relations before marriage as clearly shown, as follows, "This is what God wills...that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you should know how to get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in covetous sexual appetite such as also those have which do not know God; that no one go to the point of harming and encroach upon the rights of his brother in this matter, because Jehovah is one who exacts punishment for all these things, just as we told you beforehand and also gave you a thorough witness. For God called us, not with allowance for uncleanness, but in connection with sanctification. So, then, the man that shows disregard is disregarding, not man, but God, who puts his holy spirit in you," 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (NWT). Note: the Greek word translated as "fornication" is por-nei'a, and refers to sexual intercourse between unmarried persons, and to married persons having sexual intercourse with other than their mate. Since marriage is the official union of a man and a women to live together as husband and wife according to standards outlined in the Holy Bible; it is a divine institution. The Apostle Paul in one of his writings stated, "Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers," Hebrews 13:4 (NWT). Thus, getting legally married plays an important part in having a marriage that is accepted as being "honorable," and is part of being in subjection to the superior authorities in keeping with Titus 3:1 (NWT) which states, "Continue reminding them to be in subjection and obedient to governments and authorities as rulers." The Apostle Peter states, "Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works...glorify God in the day for his inspection," 1 Peter 2:12-15 (NWT).

Therefore let no one deceive you--illicit sexual practices bring God's disfavor as shown by many passages in God's written work, the Holy Scriptures. This point is made clear at Romans 1:24-25, "In consequence, God delivered them up in their lusts to unclean practices; they engaged in the mutual degradation of their bodies, these men who exchanged the truth of God for a lie....: (NAB). Rightly, as stated in the Bible at Ecclesiastes 7:29, "...God made mankind upright, but they themselves have sought out many plans." (NWT). These works or plans of the fallen flesh are clearly identified, and I Corinthians 6:13 states, "...God will do away with them in the end--but the body is not for immorality; it is for the lord...." (NAB). In addition, I Corinthians 6:18 warns all wishing to win God's favor to, "Shun lewd conduct." (NAB), since this sin is within the body; whereas, "Every other sin a man commits is outside his body." (NAB). Also, I Corinthians 7:2 warns us to avoid illicit sexual relations in the following words, "But to avoid immorality...." (NAB). The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians warned at Colossians 3:5, "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence..." (KJV).

Since as can be plainly seen from the foregoing we should strive not to be a part of the wrong doing of this sinful generation noted at Mark 8:38, "...this faithless and corrupt age..." (NAB), where all sort of uncleanness exist as noted at Ephesians 4:19 as follows, "Having come to be past all moral sense, they gave themselves over to loose conduct to work uncleanness of every sort...." (NWT). We should take heed to abstain from these things by noting what is God's will as expressed at I Thessalonians 4:3-5, "It is god's will that you grow in holiness: that you abstain from immorality, each of you guarding his members in sanctity and honor, not in passionate desire as do the Gentiles who know not God." (NAB). Not only must we not commit adultery, fornication, homosexuality (sodomy), and other illicit forms of sexual relationships; we must not as recorded at Matthew 5:28, "...look at a women lustfully...." (TNTMB). Specifically we must guard against committing any form of illicit sexual act as God wants us as shown at Hebrews 12:16, "that there may be no fornicator nor anyone not appreciating sacred things...." (NWT) among you; but wishes all to stop these wicked practices and repent as noted at Acts 26:20 as follows, "...they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." (KJB)>

However, for those who refuse to repent and turn aside from wicked acts of illicit sexual relationships such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality (sodomy), beastality, etc., and as directed at Romans 6:6, "...our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed and we might be slaves to sin no longer." (NAB). For those who refuse to repent and stop these things a certain judgment awaits as God will give them up to destruction as shown by what he did to Sodom. Also, as shown y his action at Sodom, he can deliver the righteous as recorded at 2 Peter 3:7, "He did deliver Lot...." (NAB). Thus in closing it is imperative to recall to memory that he destroyed Sodom as an example to the ungodly per 2nd Peter 3:6, "And turning the cities of Sodom...into ashes condemned them...making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly." (KJV). To emphasize this he caused to be recorded for our guidance a warning with respect to what will come to pass on those rejecting his teachings and practicing wrong acts such as sodomy at Matthew 10:15 which reads, "Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom...in the day of judgment, than for that city." Be of good cheer win God's approval by rejecting wickedness.

NAB ----- The New American Bible, St. Joseph Edition (Catholic Book Publishing Company)

KJV ----- King James Version of the Holy Bible

TNTMB --- The New Testament in Modern English by J.B. Phillips

NWT ----- The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures by The New World Bible Translation Committee

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**Admin** Wed Jan 25, 2017 1:10 pm

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] GOD'S VIEWS ON DEVIANT SEX AND OUTCOMES IN THE PRESENT

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 399A]

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; Ephesians 5:1, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

In ancient Israel, many of the religious leaders sought not Almighty God (YHWH) favor, but enrichment of their own position and stature per Matthew 23:4 – 5, [AV] “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,” And 1 Corinthians 10:14, [AV] shows we should also, “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”

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To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] GOD'S VIEWS ON DEVIANT SEX AND OUTCOMES IN THE PRESENT

Bad moral upbringing results in crime, disrespect for the rights of others, and an ever spiraling down quality of life for all, this must change if society is to survive, good moral role models must be a top priority. This was highlighted in several articles in The Palm Beach Post with respect priests, ministers, rabbis, and bishops who sexually abused children. One article, "Vatican struggles with issue of suspected pedophile priest," Sunday, January 13, 2002, clearly details how many who we look to for moral guidance are themselves morally bankrupt. This is a dysfunctional situation that we should NOT let continue, i.e., organizations and their leaders that should be active in combating or ameliorating this disastrous trend are in many cases contributing to it. The police, charitable organizations, and the churches should be in the forefront with respect to stopping and reversing this downward spiral toward complete moral bankruptcy, but unfortunately in many cases are doing just the opposite

This over emphasis on sex in modern society is the root cause behind many of the maladies afflicting our modern world, such as:

1. The AIDS/HIV epidemic.
2. The overpopulation serious situation existing in many countries.
3. Street children who have been tossed out and abandoned through the world.
4. Prostitution.
5. Unnatural sex perversion such as pedophiliasm, sex between members of the same sex, sex with animals, etc.
6. Slave trade in women for sexual purposes.
7. Sexually explicit material for minors.
8. Rapes.
9. Love triangle murders.
10. Lack of true neighborly love and fellow felling among many in the modern world.

The Greatest Plague Ever on Mankind:

First the "high-road" approach: With respect another very serious matter, the world wide plague of AIDS; this plague could quickly be stopped from acquiring new victims by living one's life in harmony with God's requirements. However, many nations and people seem to be looking in all the wrong places for answers such as medical science, when the answer to eliminating this plague is simple. It is, stop deviant and out-of- marriage sexual behavior. Homosexual conduct is condemned by God's word the Holy Bible and should be recognized as an unacceptable life style just as other deviant sex practices such as child sexual molestation are. Also, practices such as adultery and pre-marital sex are condemned.

To use a President W. Clinton era cliché, inappropriate sexual conduct and/or touching is the cause of Mankind's Greatest Plague Ever, AIDS. If it were not for widespread inappropriate sexual conduct and/or touching there would NOT BE ANY PLAGUE OF AIDS. Even those AIDS cases contacted from unclean needles and body fluids are the once or more removed results of inappropriate sexual conduct and/or touching as are most other sexually transmitted diseases. It is not a question of "safer sex," the development of vaccines, etc. as these are only the superficial treatment of this plague; whereas, the root cause is as just mentioned, inappropriate sexual conduct and/or touching. This plague and others like it will only truly be defeated when the root cause is eradicated; let's face reality/facts.

If God's condemnation of all these deviant sexual practices was respected, our society would not be plagued by the greatest disease plague of all times, AIDS, today, nor by all the other sexually transmitted diseases such as Hepatitis 'B,' 'C,' Genital Herpes, etc. Many nations in Africa say they do not know how to control the spread of AIDS, but the answer is simple, stop practicing deviant sex, adultery, and pre-marital sex, i.e., remain chaste.

Today many immoral things are practiced by a great number of people, but this widespread committing of wickedness does not make it any less wrong. In fact, this condition, now existing, was foretold long ago in the Holy Bible at 2nd. Timothy 3:1-5 which reads as follows, "Do not forget this: there will be terrible times in the last days...Men will be lovers of self...They will be treacherous, reckless, pompous, lovers of pleasure rather than of God as they make a pretense of religion but negate its power..." (NAB). Immorality in its many forms is unlike other sins in that it is a sin against one's own body as shown at I Corinthians 6:18-19, "...Every other sin a man commits is outside his body, but the fornicator sins against his own body...(NAB). In fact, the truth that fornication is a sin against one's body can readily be seen from recent medical reports even without recourse to the Bible, God's written instructions for us. Specifically, reports about many types of diseases transmitted by illicit sexual relationships of various forms such as sodomy and adultery are much in the news. Who has not heard of AIDS, Herpes, Gonorrhea, etc. that plague homosexuals and other promiscuous individuals? Thus, obviously all forms of illicit sexual relationships, homosexual or heterosexual, are indeed sins against one's own body.

All forms of illicit sexual relationships are clearly works of the flesh and the Apostle Paul said, "Now the work of the flesh are...adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness..." (Galatians 6:18-19 per KJV). God does not view these unclean "works" of the flesh with pleasure no matter who may endorse them be he/she a high governmental official, a church leader, a community leader, or a common citizen. These works remain condemned by God as shown by the Apostle Paul at I Corinthians 6:9-10, "Know ye...the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God...be not deceived: neither fornicators,...nor adulteress, nor effeminate,...shall inherit the Kingdom of God." (KJV). In fact is plainly recorded that God will judge all fornicators at Hebrews 13:4 which reads, "...God himself will judge those who traffic in the bodies of others or defile the relationship of marriage." (TNTMB). This fact that God will punish those who practice illicit sexual relationships is made very clear by his actions in the past as shown by his destruction of the inhabitants of ancient Sodom for the practice of homosexuality which now is also known as Sodomy due to the well known sinful practice of homosexuality among the inhabitants of ancient Sodom. Their sinful practice of homosexuality was so salient that Moses wrote at Genesis 14:13 under God's inspiration, "...the inhabitants of Sodom were very wicked in the sins they committed against the Lord." (NAB). Their evil practice of sodomy was so flagrant they even tried to have homosexual relationships with materialized angles of God as recorded at Genesis 19:1-7, "The two Angles reached Sodom in the evening...Before they went to bed, all the townsmen of Sodom,...closed in on the house. They called to Lot and said to him, 'Where are the men who came to your house tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have intimacies with them.'" (NAB). Because of their wicked action God destroyed the Sodomites as recorded at Genesis 19:24, "Then the Lord rained upon Sodom...brimstone and fire...out of heaven;" (KJV).

In fact, God so detested the practice of homosexuality (sodomy), including marriages of same gender individuals, he not only destroyed Sodom, but caused several Bible writers to specifically warn his followers against this practice. Moses wrote under inspiration at Leviticus 18:22. "You shall not lie with a male as with a women; such A thing is an abomination." (NAB), and the Apostle Paul wrote at I Timothy 1:9-10, "...for persons lawless and unruly,...fornicators, men who lie with males...and whatever other thing is in opposition to the healthful teaching." (NWT). Also, Hebrews 13:4 plainly shows that all illicit sex practices are condemned by God as follows, "...but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge," (KJV).

Therefore let no one deceive you--illicit sexual practices b ring God's disfavor as shown by many passages in God's written work, the Holy Scriptures. This point is made clear at Romans 1:24-25, "In consequence, God delivered them up in their lusts to unclean practices; they engaged in the mutual degradation of their bodies, these men who exchanged the truth of God for a lie....: (NAB). Rightly, as stated in the Bible at Ecclesiastes 7:29, "...God made mankind upright, but they themselves have sought out many plans." (NWT). These works or plans of the fallen flesh are clearly identified, and I Corinthians 6:13 states, "...God will do away with them in the end--but the body is not for immorality; it is for the lord...." (NAB). In addition, I Corinthians 6:18 warns all wishing to win God's favor to, "Shun lewd conduct." (NAB), since this sin is within the body; whereas, "Every other sin a man commits is outside his body." (NAB). Also, I Corinthians 7:2 warns us to avoid illicit sexual relations in the following words, "But to avoid immorality...." (NAB). The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians warned at Colossians 3:5, "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence..." (KJV).

Since as can be plainly seen from the foregoing we should strive not to be a part of the wrong doing of this sinful generation noted at Mark 8:38, "...this faithless and corrupt age..." (NAB), where all sort of uncleanness exist as noted at Ephesians 4:19 as follows, "Having come to be past all moral sense, they gave themselves over to loose conduct to work uncleanness of every sort...." (NWT). We should take heed to abstain from these things by noting what is God's will as expressed at I Thessalonians 4:3-5, "It is god's will that you grow in holiness: that you abstain from immorality, each of you guarding his members in sanctity and honor, not in passionate desire as do the Gentiles who know not God." (NAB). Not only must we not commit homosexuality (sodomy), adultery, and other illicit forms of sexual relationships; we must not as recorded at Matthew 5:28, "...look at a women lustfully...." (TNTMB). Specifically we must guard against committing any form of illicit sexual act as God wants us as shown at Hebrews 12:16, "that there may be no fornicator nor anyone not appreciating sacred things...." (NWT) among you; but wishes all to stop these wicked practices and repent as noted at Acts 26:20 as follows, "...they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." (KJB)>

However, for those who refuse to repent and turn aside from wicked acts of illicit sexual relationships such as homosexuality (sodomy), adultery, fornication, beastality, and all other forms of sex with other than one;s marriage mate of the opposite gender, and as directed at Romans 6:6, "...our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed and we might be slaves to sin no longer." (NAB). For those who refuse to repent and stop these things a certain judgment awaits as God will give them up to destruction as shown by what he did to Sodom. Also, as shown by his action at Sodom, he can deliver the righteous as recorded at 2 Peter 3:7, "He did deliver Lot...." (NAB). Thus in closing it is imperative to recall to memory that he destroyed Sodom as an example to the ungodly per 2nd Peter 3:6, "And turning the cities of Sodom...into ashes condemned them...making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly." (KJV). To emphasize this he caused to be recorded for our guidance a warning with respect to what will come to pass on those rejecting his teachings and practicing wrong acts such as sodomy at Matthew 10:15 which reads, "Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom...in the day of judgment, than for that city." Be of good cheer win God's approval by rejecting wickedness.

NAB ----- The New American Bible, St. Joseph Edition (Catholic Book Publishing Company)
KJV ----- King James Version of the Holy Bible
TNTMB --- The New Testament in Modern English by J.B. Phillips
NWT ----- The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures by The New World Bible Translation Committee

As can be seen, the AIDS plague can be quickly controlled by the elimination of inappropriate sexual conduct and/or touching since this is the root cause of its rapid and very destructive spread. In other words, a simple, known modification of our conduct would quickly make this plague "history." Our creator well knew his creation and as can be seen from the forgoing evidence how the plague of AIDS could devastate mankind long in advance of its actually happening. In other words, our society is now reaping its own recompense. We need to turn around.

Second, the "low-road" approach: Today AIDS is proving to be the greatest plague ever to hit mankind and at the same time the most preventable. Over a third of the workforce of several African countries are now afflicted with AIDS, i.e., test HIV positive. In several countries mine owners are having extreme difficulty maintaining a workforce as so many workers have contacted this disease. Recently the president of one of these countries appeared on a US television program telling of the devastation AIDS has wrought on his country. His story was truly dramatic. He detailed how many children were being born with aids and how many of the workers of his country were afflicted. Truly a bad scene, yes, but also truly preventable.

This president, instead dealing with the root cause, was looking for a medical solution to the effects of aids. He wanted the pharmaceutical companies to cut prices on AIDS drugs to poor African countries as they really should. He was also looking for various cheap devices to permit what he called "safer sex." This president is not alone, the governments of many African and non-African countries are looking for the same things. This approach to this terrible plague is a foolish approach that may stem the tide of the plague a little in the short run, but will ultimately fail in the long term.

In California and elsewhere the medical world is now discovering that all of the drugs used to treat AIDS start to lose their effectiveness over the long term. The drugs that were heralded as major breakthroughs when first used because of their short term miraculous results are losing their punch. Long term AIDS patients once more are on a downward spiral. Perhaps some new medical breakthrough will once more slow this inevitable downward spiral, but the victims quality of life will continue to decrease. Eventually all AIDS suffers will end up dying a painful death unless they die of an accident or other unforeseen circumstance first. Therefore, the only sensible course is to take all reasonable measures to prevent the spread of AIDS.

To prevent the spread of AIDS or any other infectious medium, its mechanism of spreading must be known. For example, it was discovered that Yellow Fever was spread by mosquitoes and great efforts were undertaken to eradicate the mosquitoes. Also, a vaccine was eventually developed. With respect AIDS, its common mechanisms of spreading, i.e., root causes, are well known. They are by contact with body fluids of an infected individual. Most commonly this occurs during sexual conduct of one type or another, by blood transfusion with contaminated blood, or by sharing unclean medical needles.

Since it is well known how AIDS spreads, the control and prevention of AIDS is rather simple. Stop doing the things that spread AIDS. To do this, we should do a Pareto's analysis of these root causes as to which contributes to the greater number of the AIDS cases. When this is done, it is quickly noted/found that over ninety (90) percent of all cases are the result of sexual contact; therefore, it is obvious this is the mechanism of spread to be reduced and/or eliminated just as mosquitoes in the case of Yellow Fever.

Now of course not all sexual contact can be eliminated as it is necessary for the reproduction of the human race. However, all none essential sexual contact should be eliminated/stopped immediately; both homosexual, heterosexual, and with animals by humans. Essential sexual contact should be made significantly safer by requiring HIV blood test of all couples applying for marriage certificates and requiring monogamy of them as part of the marriage contract. If these actions are taken, the number of new cases of AIDS will be so small as to be statistically insignificant. In addition, many other problems will go away such as illegitimate children, adultery and the resultant breakdown of marriages, etc. In fact, there are even so called charitable organizations, The United Way of Palm Beach County, who want to stop supporting the Boy Scouts of America just because they took a stand against the low moral tide sweeping the world.

Of course, to eliminate unnecessary sexual contact and to make essential sexual contact significantly safer requires drastic action by the governments of the world. This would not be easily acceptable by the populace, but the results would be outstanding, i.e., new AIDS cases would become statistically insignificant and many other problems would just go away. The world would become a healthier and better place to live in.

In addition, ceasing to do things that spread AIDS, i.e., inappropriate sexual touching, has other beneficial results. It also eliminates the risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus (HPV), and others. Women are anatomically more vulnerable to STDs than men. When a woman is exposed to infection, the warm, moist, internal environment of the vagina is a perfect place for bacteria and viruses to grow. The actual risks of inappropriate sexual touching are greater than most realize since individuals committing this folly fail to consider the fact that indulging in this wrongful practice actually exposes the individual to a risk from every man/women his/her partner has ever slept with. In fact, almost all cases of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous abnormalities are caused by a STD transmitted disease called human papillomavirus, or HPV according to Mary Jane Minkin, MD a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in New Haven, CT and clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicing. Thus, inappropriate sexual touching is nothing short of playing Russian Roulette with ones health and life.

Details On AIDS Plague In Africa:
1. Some 20% of adults are infected in South Africa; and 36% of adults are infected in Botswana.
2. South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria all have more than 2 million people with HIV/AIDS.
3. Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe all have between 1 and 2 million people with HIV/AIDS.
4. Burkina Faso, Cote D'Ivorie, Ghana, Cameroon, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mali, and Central African Republic all have between 100,000 and 1 million people with HIV/AIDS.
5. Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania all have over 1 million children orphaned by aids.
6. Burkina Faso, Cote D'Ivoire, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa all have between 100,000 and 1 million children orphaned by aids.
7. AIDS has become the leading cause of deaths in South Africa, and young adults are especially hard hit, says The New York Times, commenting on a study of South Africa's Medical Research Council. The researchers estimate that during the next decade, between five and seven million people in South Africa will die from AIDS. Young women in their 20's are dying at a greater rate than women in their 60's. South Africa "has more people known to be infected with H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS, than any other country," the article adds. "One in neine South Africans, and one in four adults [ages 30-34], is not believed to be living with H.I.V., government officials say," (Awake! June 8, 2002)

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

**Admin** Thu Jan 26, 2017 3:23 pm

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] THE PRACTICE OF EXECUTING THE INNOCENT BECAUSE OTHERS MAKE THE WRONG FIRST CHOICE IS WICKED AND AGAINST EXODUS 20:13, “THOU SHALT NOT KILL.”

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 400AA]

I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Psalms 77:11 – 12, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

This truth is echoed at Matthew 24:12 – 13, [AV] “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” And at Acts 26:20, [AV] “But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Clearly showing the need to repent and bring our thinking in line with that of the true God.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/

7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] THE PRACTICE OF EXECUTING THE INNOCENT BECAUSE OTHERS MAKE THE WRONG FIRST CHOICE IS WICKED AND AGAINST EXODUS 20:13, “THOU SHALT NOT KILL.”

INTRODUCTION: The Bible clearly states, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:8, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Almighty God (YHWH) has shown His love for mankind by providing many items for our enjoyment and for food out of love and He will judge the inhabited earth in righteousness. He will appoint His Son, Jesus (Yeshua)to accomplish this task as revealed at Acts 17:31, [AV] “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” This judgment will be a blessing for all rightfully disposed individuals as they will enjoy life in a peaceful earth without war and crime and corruption and murder as Jesus (Yeshua) will be in charge and not some individual basically only interested in himself.

Those who willfully take the life of other human beings because they made a bad first choice due to their pursuit of hedonist sexual pleasures without taking adequate protection to avoid adverse consequences will be held accountable by Almighty God (YHWH). All know or should know the consequences possible or outcomes from having sex without taking adequate precautions, which was their choice. They should NOT BE ALLOWED a second choice to rectify the consequences of their BAD original choice that involves the execution of an innocent human life. Yes, all should have a first choice, but if they willfully make a BAD one, no second choice that would murder another human life, not their own, should be permitted.

Even wicked criminals when they are executed have ‘rights’ such as having a painless death. But women who make a BAD first choice should NOT be given a second choice when it involves painfully stamping out a human life of an innocent one as is the case with respect abortion.

Not only is the execution of a viable human life of an innocent an abomination to our Creator, it is wickedness personified. Diabolic killers are provided attorneys to defend them and if they fail in that are given the right as previously mentioned to a painless death.

However, an unborn human is NOT given a right to an attorney even though it is well known he/she is guilty of NO WRONG DOING. Yes unborn humans, “As early as eight to ten weeks after conception, and definitely by thirteen-and-a-half weeks, the unborn experiences organic pain…. First, the unborn child's mouth, at eight weeks, then her hands at ten weeks, then her face, arms, and legs at eleven weeks become sensitive to touch. By thirteen-and-a-half weeks, she responds to pain at all levels of her nervous system in an integrated response which cannot be termed a mere reflex. She (he) can now experience pain.” [SOURC - RETRIEVED FROM http://www.abortionfacts.com/facts/13 ON 1/26/2017]

Why pain? “…"the unborn child's body parts (in an abortion) are grasped at random with a long-toothed clamp. The fetal body parts are then torn off of the body and pulled out of the vaginal canal.’ The text notes that this concern for the unborn child's possible pain is in keeping with laws having to do with the humane slaughter of livestock and lab animals.” [sourc - retrieved from http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1566772,00.html on 1/26/2017]

REALITY – “The Embryo of Me”
THE more man learns about how the fetus develops, the more he is confronted by evidence showing that, from early on, it is a gradually unfolding life with feeling, hearing, sight, movement, and other functions. He continues to be startled by discoveries showing that it is more than a mere collection of cells and tissue. In Chatelaine, a Canadian women’s magazine, Anne Beirne sets out what is now known. Moving: Though the mother may not feel it, the fetus starts to move its muscles as early as eight weeks—and its heart is already beating! “By 28 weeks, a normally developing fetus moves at least ten times every 12 hours.” Feeling: At 16 weeks, it reacts to pain, even kicking if stuck by the needle used in amniocentesis. Hearing: It can hear its mother’s heartbeat at 24 weeks and responds to loud sounds, music, and voices. “It can even bounce in rhythm to its mother’s voice.” Seeing: “By 16 weeks, its eyes have developed to the point where they can move around; by 24 weeks, . . . the fetus is able to detect light through the uterine wall.”

This fact is noted at Psalm 139:16, [NWTR] “Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were written in your book Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed.” Yes, Almighty God (YHWH) sees the conception of new life as it occurs. And as Genesis 1:22, [AV] “And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.” Clearly showing His original purpose for mankind was to multiply and fill the earth, NOT to murder the product of conception.

As reported in the Toronto Star a few years ago, “The prospect that a 2-day-old infant may actually be doing some rudimentary thinking has set the child development specialists abuzz,” Yes, this finding sets on end the old thinking that believed that infants younger than 8 or 12 months were incapable of coordinating data from more than one of their senses. This was per a report given by Meltzoff of the University of Washington several years ago at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Clearly indicating the fetuses undoubtedly develop rudimentary thinking much earlier than previously thought.

So much for technical, now vivid reality penned by an anonymous author and published in the Awake Magazine of 5/22/1980 that drive home how horrible abortion really is:

“Diary of an Unborn Child
OCTOBER 5:
Today my life began. My parents do not know it yet, but it is I already. And I am to be a girl. I shall have blond hair and blue eyes. Just about everything is settled though, even the fact that I shall love flowers.
OCTOBER 19:
Some say that I am not a real person yet, that only my mother exists. But I am a real person, just as a small crumb of bread is yet truly bread. My mother is. And I am.
OCTOBER 23:
My mouth is just beginning to open now. Just think, in a year or so I shall be laughing and later talking. I know what my first word will be: MAMA.
OCTOBER 25:
My heart began to beat today all by itself. From now on it shall gently beat for the rest of my life without ever stopping to rest! And after many years it will tire. It will stop, and then I shall die.
NOVEMBER 2:
I am growing a bit every day. My arms and legs are beginning to take shape. But I have to wait a long time yet before those little legs will raise me to my mother’s arms, before these little arms will be able to gather flowers and embrace my father.
NOVEMBER 12:
Tiny fingers are beginning to form on my hands. Funny how small they are! I’ll be able to stroke my mother’s hair with them.
NOVEMBER 20:
It wasn’t until today that the doctor told mom that I am living here under her heart. Oh, how happy she must be! Are you happy, mom?
NOVEMBER 25:
My mom and dad are probably thinking about a name for me. But they don’t even know that I am a little girl. I want to be called Kathy. I am getting so big already.
DECEMBER 10:
My hair is growing. It is smooth and bright and shiny. I wonder what kind of hair mom has?
DECEMBER 13:
I am just about able to see. It is dark around me. When mom brings me into the world it will be full of sunshine and flowers. But what I want more than anything is to see my mom. How do you look, mom?
DECEMBER 24:
I wonder if mom hears the whispering of my heart? Some children come into the world a little sick. But my heart is strong and healthy. It beats so evenly: tup-tup, tup-tup. You’ll have a healthy little daughter, mom!
DECEMBER 28:
Today my mother killed me.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

FIRST, What of the situation where both mother and child are in critical condition due to the pregnancy, but only one can be saved? Reality, this does NOT involve murder but the making the selection of whom to save – usually made by doctor and family.

SECOND, What of the situation with respect rape? Here is women has NOT made a bad choice, but a lustful wicked criminal has violated her. The question, what should be done? First, if this wicked individual is found, then he, not the innocent unborn should be executed if anyone is executed.

At the present for example, Europe is faced with a major perplexing rape problem where over 70% of rapes are committed by lustful male members of one religion that makes up less 4% of the population of Europe. Let’s look at this in more detail:

In most host countries the number of rapes and crimes committed by this group is statistically very great. In most of Europe they form Muslim rape gangs that go out and systematically rape young girls of the host country.

Let’s look at some examples. Muslim Child-Rape Gangs in Britain, the facts.

While Muslim groups have sought to discredit the police investigations by claiming "Islamophobia," it recently emerged that British police had known for more than a decade that Muslim rape gangs were targeting young girls in England, but they ignored evidence because they were afraid of being accused of racism.

To learn more, go to,

1) http://www.clarionproject.org/analysis/muslim-child-rape-gangs-britain
2) www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3846
3) www.frontpagemag.com/.../britain-grapples...muslim-sex-gangs
4) www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZCQ9ZWfCuQ
5) www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3068/muslim...rape-gangs-britain
6) www.caringforourchildrenfoundation.org/?p=21500
7) www.mrctv.org/videos/dispatches-muslim-rape-gangs-england

ALSO, SWEDEN: 77.6% OF ALL RAPES ARE COMMITTED BY MUSLIM MALES, WHO TOTAL ONLY 2% OF POPULATION – GOV REPORT
To see account of this, go to https://muslimstatistics.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/sweden-77-6-percent-of-all-rapes-in-the-country-committed-by-muslim-males-making-up-2-percent-of-population/

NOTE: Some Muslims berate European host countries due to their high birth rate among teen agers, BUT FAIL TO MENTION THEY ARE LARGELY AT FAULT DUE TO THEIR RAPE GANGS PRACTICING UNPROTECTED SEX. Also, they claim their women be more modest due to their wearing excessive clothing and sometimes even face covering masks, but in reality neither excessive clothing or lack there of makes one modest – only wearing conservative clothing in good taste does. WHAT HYPOCRITES.

This is a major problem and not a minor isolated problem like priest in the Roman Catholic taking advantage of girls to satisfy their sexual lust.

All rapist when caught should be made to pay for all expenses and damages resulting to the women until the illegitimate child they caused is adopted, plus triple putative penalty damages. There is a great demand to adopt children in most first world countries, and many profit and none profit groups to assist even including a fast food chain, Wendys.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON ABORTION METHODS IN A NUTSHELL:

Suction Aspiration. A suction curette (hollow tube with sharp-edged tip) is inserted into the womb, and suction 28 times stronger than that of a vacuum cleaner shreds the baby and draws the pieces into a container. This method is used in most abortions up to the 12th week. By then the child is completely formed and sensitive to pain.

Dilation and Curettage (D & C). Similar to the suction method, except for the insertion of a loop-shaped knife that dismembers the baby and scrapes the pieces out through the womb opening.

Saline Solution. Fluid is drawn out of the amniotic sac where the baby is and a concentrated salt solution injected in its place. The baby breathes and swallows the solution, struggles, hemorrhages, goes into convulsions, and in a few hours dies. Thereafter the mother goes into hard labor and delivers a dead or dying baby. This method is used in advanced pregnancies, four to six months. [MORE PAIN THE THAN WATERBOARDING TORTURE.]

Prostaglandin Abortion. Birth hormones are injected into the amniotic sac to induce premature birth. Salt is often injected first to prevent live births.

Yes, ungodly people even use abortion executions as a means of birth control or planned parenthood. Some couples do not wish to bother with contraceptives. Contrary to expectations, the pill has not turned back the rising tide of abortions. Many have repeat abortions. Now, how uncaring can you get when you use murder, in violation of Almighty God’s (YHWH’s) direct commandment at Exodus 20:13, Rutherford Translation, “Thou shalt not commit murder.” Obviously He will not look on this willful planned execution with favor. And in some countries, For sex control. By obtaining fetal cells from the amniotic fluid doctors can test for genetic defects in the baby. They also can tell the sex of the baby. This is resorted to by some, and on the basis of this information they decide whether to have an abortion or not. If it’s a girl and they want a boy, or if it’s a boy and they want a girl, an abortion eliminates the unwanted child.

The false claim is often made that the pregnant woman should have control of their own body, but the fetus is not her body. It is not an appendage or part such as the appendix or gallbladder the removal of which has been likened to the removal of the fetus from the mother’s body. Dr. A. W. Liley, world-renowned research professor of fetal physiology, said: “Biologically, at no stage can we subscribe to the view that the/she foetus is a mere appendage of the mother. Genetically, mother and baby are separate individuals from conception. ” He continues with a description of the activities of the fetus, as follows:
“We know that he/she moves with a delightful easy grace in his buoyant world, that foetal comfort determines foetal position. He/she is responsive to pain and touch and cold and sound and light. He/she drinks his amniotic fluid, more if it is artificially sweetened, less if it is given an unpleasant taste. He/she gets hiccups and sucks his thumb. He/she wakes and sleeps. He/she gets bored with repetitive signals but can be taught to be alerted by a first signal for a second different one. And finally he/she determines his birthday, for unquestionably the/she onset of labour is a unilateral decision of the/she foetus. . . . This is also the/she foetus whose existence and identity must be so callously ignored or energetically denied by advocates of abortion.”

CONCLUSION:

There is absolutely no justification for the execution/murder of innocent unborn humans that have committed no wrong.

I CHALLENGE ANYONE TO SHOW ANY FACTUAL ERRORS IN WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN – ALL HIGHLIGHT UNCALLED FOR MURDER IN VIOLATION OF EXODUS 20:13.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

**Admin** Fri Jan 27, 2017 8:40 am

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] CHILD SEXUAL MOLESTATION'S - TWO RELIGIOUS GROUPS DIFFERENT TAKE ON THE PROBLEM:

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 401A]

Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:22 – 24, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

As 2 Corinthians 13:11,says, [AV] “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” All genuine worshippers of Almighty God (YHWH), whould be per Romans 16:17, [AV] “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” And this is further testified to in Romans 15:5 – 6, [AV] “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/

7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] CHILD SEXUAL MOLESTATION'S - TWO RELIGIOUS GROUPS DIFFERENT TAKE ON THE PROBLEM:

All religious groups, counterfeit and genuine, are faced with clergy and members who are gross sinners, pedophiles. How they deal with them shows their concern for Biblical principles:

Consider two very different groups: Catholic and Jehovah's Witnesses:

Catholic Problem from News Media:

An article, "Scandal leaves gay priest bracing forinquisition," by Larry B. Stammer of the Los Angeles Times which said between 20 and 50 percent were either pedophiles or homosexuals,
"No one knows how many of the nation's 46,000 Catholic priests are homosexuals. At minimum, 20 percent of priests are believed to be homosexually oriented, according to the Rev. Donald Cozzens, author of the 'The Changing Face of the Priesthood.' Others say the number could be as high as 50 percent. Former priest and researcher H.W. Richard Sipe predicts that by 2010, homosexuals could well constitute a majority of Catholic priest." Whereas, Fritzie Green, Spokesperson for Singles, in her column 'Getting Personal,' in the Week Day newspaper, of June 7-13, Page 20, www.weekdaynewspaper.com, stated, "One scary aspect is now knowing how many of the nation's 46,000 Catholic priests are homosexuals. Consensus is from 20 to 50 percent could well constitute a majority of Catholic priests. On one hand, unbelievable, but on the other--are we surprised?"

Catholic Church Reaction:

Will the Catholic church really reform? Not very likely as shown by The New York Times in an Internet post. "American Bishops Allow Abusive Clergy to Remain in Priesthood Catholic bishops at a conference in Dallas today adopted a policy that will allow sexually abusive clergy to remain in the priesthood, but will bar them from having face-to-face contact with parishioners. Read More: www.nytimes.com/?8na "

Should this come as a surprise, not really, see, an article, "Scandal leaves gay priest bracing forinquisition," by Larry B. Stammer of the Los Angeles Times which said between 20 and 50 percent were either pedophiles or homosexuals, "No one knows how many of the nation's 46,000 Catholic priests are homosexuals. At minimum, 20 percent of priests are believed to be homosexually oriented, according to the Rev. Donald Cozzens, author of the 'The Changing Face of the Priesthood.' Others say the number could be as high as 50 percent. Former priest and researcher H.W. Richard Sipe predicts that by 2010, homosexuals could well constitute a majority of Catholic priest." Whereas, Fritzie Green, Spokesperson for Singles, in her column 'Getting Personal,' in the Week Day newspaper, of June 7-13, Page 20, www.weekdaynewspaper.com, stated, "One scary aspect is now knowing how many of the nation's 46,000 Catholic priests are homosexuals. Consensus is from 20 to 50 percent could well constitute a majority of Catholic priests. On one hand, unbelievable, but on the other--are we surprised?"

They only took the present half hearted measure of something significantly less than "0" tolerance when forced to do so by the news media; whereas, they should have thrown the bums out the minute they were discovered so not one more child would suffer damage. The Bible is clear on the subject, "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, "And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:" Romans 1:20-31 is clearly correct with respect deviant sex. The Catholic church surely was not ignorant of this scripture, but obviously choose to ignore it. This makes them all the more guilty in the sight of God for permitting his law to be broken especially when they deceitfully put themselves forth as his approved religious group on earth, and obviously false claim as recent events have clearly shown beyond doubt.

Jehovah's Witness Problem from News Media:

Top Story
09 May 2002 Letter to BBC Panorama
Why Christian parents can feel secure in their congregation worship

In responding to various inquiries from the British current affairs program Panorama, Jehovah's Witnesses give extensive details about their attitude toward the abhorrent crime of child molestation. They also explain their policies for handling occasions when an accusation occurs among their members. Of special interest - read why Christian parents can feel secure in the knowledge that much effort is put forth to screen out possible child abusers from appointment to responsible positions in congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Video News Releases

Education Through Publications
"[Jehovah's Witnesses] have some...very well-designed articles telling parents how to teach their children to deal with the molestation situation and in ways so that the child will feel secure about coming home and reporting it."-Dr. Rodney Stark, Professor of Sociology
View Education on Child Abuse-Publications of Jehovah's Witnesses. Select Speed: 28k/56k or ISDN

Jehovah's Witnesses Reaction:

The headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses, instead of vacillating on this issue as the Pope had done and the Cardinals and Bishops, quickly took a strong stand against child molestation. They immediately sent a strong letter to all their congregations throughout the world telling members to immediately report all molestation's to the authorities, but did not leave the matter there. They posted copies of all articles they had written on how to protect children against this on their web site for all to see and know the official stance on this issue and all other issues involving gross sin. For more factual details, go to www.watchtower.org.

It is strongly recommended that all readers of this post check out the links and see the truth for themselves.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

**Admin** Fri Jan 27, 2017 10:21 pm

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] INACTION ON ITEMS WHERE ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN OFTEN HAS UNPLEASANT CONSEQUENCES

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 402A]

Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:22 – 24, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

As 2 Corinthians 13:11,says, [AV] “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” All genuine worshippers of Almighty God (YHWH), whould be per Romans 16:17, [AV] “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” And this is further testified to in Romans 15:5 – 6, [AV] “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/

7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] INACTION ON ITEMS WHERE ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN OFTEN HAS UNPLEASANT CONSEQUENCES.

A NEWSPAPER HEADLINE SHOWS ONE OF THE CONSEQUENCES TO MUSLIMS BECAUSE THEIR RELIGIOUS LEADERS FAILED TO TAKE ACTION WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE.

IMMIGRANTS FROM MUSLIM NATIONS FEAR WHAT TRUMP CHANGES WILL BRING [A HEADLINE By Hamed Aleaziz, San Francisco Chronicle, January 26, 2017

The Muslim religious leaders failed to take action against some of their members who became radicalized early on and significant wrongs were committed by these members. No other significant religion has failed to take action or have any of their members become radicalized. Who ever heard of a radizalised Methodist, Quaker, ISB, Amish, Etc.? The answer, no one.

They had many opportunities early on including a major wake-up on 9/11/2001 in New York and 7/7/2005 in the United Kingdom, but failed to act.

Now they are starting to protest against actions being taken by the new American President that he has taken because they DID NOT ACT WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE.

Some time ago, I actually wrote an article stressing their need to take action and what action was required, and here it is:

Guilt Comes On Organizations That Fail To Clean House Of The Wicked Ones:

INTRODUCTION:

First, The world we live in is ruled by the wicked one as testified to by 1 John 5:19, “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” (Authorized King James Bible; AV). If we pick up a newspaper in any country, we find reports of cruelty and violence on an unprecedented scale. Man’s inhumanity to man is troubling for a righteous person to contemplate as testified to at Ecclesiastes 8:9, “All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.” (AV).

Second, Most individuals and/or groups seek to avoid responsibility for their own actions rather than take corrective actions. This also applies to so called religious groups that seek to absolve themselves of responsibility for the wrong actions of members, but fail, willingly, to take action against these wrong doers by purging themselves of these wicked ones.

THE REALITY:

If a religion fails to clean house of evil and wicked men when they are discovered, and especially of evil and wicked men/women taking the lead in a congregation, and/or congregations such as Pastors, Ministers, Sheiks, Imams, Bishops, Cardinals, Etc., then the religion is responsible for their wrong doing. Some religions such as Islam have never cleaned house of evil and wicked individuals when they are discovered and that religion has been violent since its beginning, and many of its members lust for violence in such acts as beheading of others, suscide bombers, makers of IEDs, etc. do to the teachings of their groups religious leaders. One notable example of an evil and wicked individual Islam well knows of who is a leader of a large group of members of Islam is Sheik Osama bin Ladin. Of course, Islam, is NOT the only religion that fails to take effective action against evil and wicked individuals and leaders of groups among them, another is the Catholic and Angalican churches that for many years just moved pedophiles to a new congregation when they were uncovered as the world's news media has so well identified. Groups seeking to keep themselves clean of evil and wicked individuals that sneak into their group take the appropriate action; to wit, they throw them out.

Now many religions seek to escape reality by claiming they have no provisions within their religion for purging out these wicked ones, but this is no excuse since it is their failure to provide measures for purging out these wicked ones and no one else’s.

Now let’s look at one such religion that tries to escape their responsibility for cleaning house so to speak.

ISLAM FAILS TO CLEAN HOUSE:

Now of course it is important to recognize that not all Muslims are terrorist and jihadists nor refuse to recognize the property rights of others, it is likewise equally important to recognize that all jihadists are members of Islam. Islam is totally responsible for their actions as they tacitly approve of their evil wrong doing and have never cleaned house of these wicked ones. To wit, by not doing so, they have taken on the responsibility for their wrongful actions upon themselves. Yes, of course they are not the only religion that has failed to clean house; thus taking on the guilt of these wrong doers. Any religion, no exception, which fails to clean house is nothing but an evil false religion. And as previously stated, ‘Now many religions seek to escape reality by claiming they have no provisions within their religion for purging out these wicked ones, but this is no excuse since it is their failure to provide measures for purging out these wicked ones and no one else’s.’

CONCLUSION:

Many are just fooling themself, it is not what either the Bible or the Bible knockoff the Qur'an actually say, but how religious leaders be they priest and/or imams or muftis or what ever teach the people is the interpretation of what is written either in the Bible or the bible knockoff the Qur'an that matters and governs actions. It matters not what the Bible and/or the Bible knockoff really say. People go by what they are taught by their religious leaders. Take the genocide committed by the Roman Catholic Church at the direction of their supreme religious leader, the pope (Pope Innocent III (1160 or 1161 – 16 July 1216)), what mattered was not that the Bible clearly said at Exodus 20:13, "Thou shalt not kill." (Authorized King James Bible; AV), but what their religious leaders told them. Therefore, it is the religion which is at fault, irregardless of what their particular holy book, be it the Bible or the Bible knockoff the Qur'an may say. Neither in so called Christianity or in Islam are most individuals actions really governed in any way by what their particular holy book really says, but they are governed by the interpretation of their religious leaders. Thus, knowing this reality, one would be either just plain stupid and/or dumb to even bother looking at a particular religion's holy book and expect the members would conform to it. Take the Rig Vede and find me for example a Hindu actually conforming to it instead of the interpretation given to it by his religious leaders, like looking for a needle in the haystack per K.S. Lal, India's greatest historian.

Likewise the failure to clean house of evil ones puts their wrongs directly upon the organization failing to throw out evil/wicked ones when they are found out.

BUT THE LEADERS OF ISLAM WOULD RATHER PROTEST AGAINST THE BACKLASH THAN TAKE ACTION THAT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED A GREAT NUMBER OF EVIL VIOLENT ACTIONS. WHY? I DO NOT KNOW.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

**Admin** Sat Jan 28, 2017 3:26 pm

COMBINATION OF THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES. With the Scripture of the Day first.

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 403A]

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21 – 23, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

As shown in Deuteronomy 32:- 29, [AV] “For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. 29 O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!” clearly showing that many are ‘stiff necked’ and confident in their own wisdom instead of obeying Almighty God (YHWH). But those who desire truth shall seek after it and win God’s approval per Psalms 51:6, [AV] “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/

7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES
Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Matico (Piper aduncum) is a flowering plant in the family Piperaceae. Like many species in the family, the Matico tree has a peppery odor.

The fruits are used as a condiment and for flavoring cocoa.[3] It is sometimes used as a substitute for long pepper.

Traditional medicine
In the Amazon Rainforest, many of the native tribes use matico leaves as an antiseptic. In Peru, it was used for stopping hemorrhages and treating ulcers, and in European practice in the treatment of diseases of the genitals and urinary organs, such as those for which cubeb was often prescribed.[4]

Characteristics
Matico is a tropical, evergreen, shrubby tree that grows to the height of 6 to 7 meter (20 to 23 ft) with lance-shaped leaves that are 12 to 20 centimeter (5 to 8 in) long. It is native to Southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and much of tropical South America. It is grown in tropical Asia, Polynesia, and Melanesia and can even be found in Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. In some countries Matico is considered as an invasive weed.[2] In parts of New Guinea, although Matico is notorious for drying out the soil in the areas where it is invasive, the wood of this plant is nonetheless used by local residents for a myriad of uses such as for fuel and fence posts.[5]

Etymology
According to legends, the plant was discovered by a wounded Spanish soldier named Matico.[2] He learned, presumably from the local tribes, that applying the leaves to his wounds stopped bleeding, and it began to be called "Matico" or "soldier's herb". It was introduced into the profession of medicine in the United States and Europe by a Liverpool physician in 1839 as a styptic and astringent for wounds.[2]

Notes
1. ^ Barlow, Prof. Snow (2003). "Sorting Piper names". University of Melbourne. Retrieved 2007-03-29.
2. ^ a b c d Taylor, Dr. Leslie (2006). "Technical Data Report for Matico (Piper aduncum, angustifolium)" (PDF). Raintree Nutrition, Inc. Retrieved 2007-03-29.
3. ^ Seidemann, Johannes (2005). World Spice Plants: Economic Usage, Botany, Taxonomy. Springer. p. 289. ISBN 3-540-22279-0.
4. ^ Remington, Joseph P. (Ed); Horatio C. Wood (1918). "The Dispensatory of the United States of America". Retrieved 2007-03-29.
5. ^ Siges, T.; A.E. Hartemink, P. Hebinck & B.J. Allen (2005). "The invasive shrub Piper aduncum and rural livelihoods in the Finschhafen area of Papua New Guinea". Human Ecology 33 (6): 875–893. doi:10.1007/s10745-005-8214-7. Retrieved 2007-04-16. (source - retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_aduncum on 3/25/2013)

In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)[for more details, go to www.jw.org].

Pictures of this plant and its fruit can be viewed at, http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Piper+aduncum+Matico&qpvt=Piper+aduncum+Matico&FORM=IGRE

Now to know the truth, go to:

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2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/

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5) http://religious-truths.forums.com/

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/

7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth."Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to www.jw.org!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT WWW.JW.ORG

**Admin** Sun Jan 29, 2017 11:56 am

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] DISCOURSE AGAINST DEVIANT SEX ACTS AND NEED FOR REPENTANCE:

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 404A]

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yes, life eternal is knowing the only true God, Almighty God (YHWH), and His son, Jesus (Yeshua), and not from greedy gain per Proverbs 15:27, [AV] “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” Aman should speak with joy per Proverbs 15:23, [AV] “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” As 1 Samuel 8:23, [AV] “And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.” And onto God and His son.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/

7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] DISCOURSE AGAINST DEVIANT SEX ACTS AND NEED FOR REPENTANCE:

INTRODUCTION AND DATA ON REPENTANCE:

An individual once stated, "There is a difference between a burdened sinner who is seeking deliverance, and a willful, unburdened sinner, who does not want forgiveness. One who tries to justify his actions. Just like Pilgrims progress, Christian did not receive a burden till he started reading the scriptures. His neighbors in the city of destruction did not have burdens...I don't know if any of you are familiar with that story". This point is truly brought home when we consider what repentance means, a change of thinking. In other words, one can change his life and be forgiven, but one can not continue to willfully lead a sinful life and expect to be forgiven. Let's look in more detail at repent--"to Change the Mind":

The word metanoeo, expresses the true New Testament idea of the spiritual change implied in a sinner's return to God. The term signifies "to have another mind," to change the opinion or purpose with regard to sin. It is equivalent to the Old Testament word "turn." Thus, it is employed by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles (Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38). The idea expressed by the word is intimately associated with different aspects of spiritual transformation and of Christian life, with the process in which the agency of man is prominent, as faith (Acts 20:21), and as conversion (Acts 3:19); also with those experiences and blessings of which God alone is the author, as remission and forgiveness of sin (Luke 24:47; Acts 5:31). It is sometimes conjoined with baptism, which as an overt public act proclaims a changed relation to sin and God (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24; 19:4). As a vital experience, repentance is to manifest its reality by producing good fruits appropriate to the new spiritual life (Matthew 3:8). [source = International Encyclopedia of the Bible]Now let's examine what the scriptures say on the subject of deviant sex in brief:

DEVIANT SEX CONDEMNED BY THE WORD OF GOD:

God will punish those who practice illicit sexual relationships is made very clear by his actions in the past as shown by his destruction of the inhabitants of ancient Sodom for the practice of male with male and female with female which now is also known as Sodomy due to the well known sinful practice of sodomy among the inhabitants of ancient Sodom. Their sinful practice of sodomy was so salient that Moses wrote at Genesis 14:13 under God's inspiration, "...the inhabitants of Sodom were very wicked in the sins they committed against the Lord." (New American Bible, , St. Joseph Edition (Catholic Book Publishing Company); NAB). Their evil practice of sodomy was so flagrant they even tried to have sodomy relationships with materialized angles of God as recorded at Genesis 19:1-7, "The two Angles reached Sodom in the evening...Before they went to bed, all the townsmen of Sodom, closed in on the house. They called to Lot and said to him, 'Where are the men who came to your house tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have intimacies with them.'" (NAB). Because of their wicked action God destroyed the Sodomites as recorded at Genesis 19:24, "Then the Lord rained upon Sodom...brimstone and fire...out of heaven;" (Authorized King James Bible; AV).

In fact, God so detested the practice of sodomy he not only destroyed Sodom, but caused several Bible writers to specifically warn his followers against this practice. Moses wrote under inspiration at Leviticus 18:22. "You shall not lie with a male as with a women; such A thing is an abomination." (NAB), and the Apostle Paul wrote at I Timothy 1:9-10, "...for persons lawless and unruly,...fornicators, men who lie with males...and whatever other thing is in opposition to the healthful teaching." (New World Translation; NWT). Also, Hebrews 13:4 plainly shows that all illicit sex practices are condemned by God as follows, "...but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge," (AV).

Therefore let no one deceive you--illicit sexual practices brings God's disfavor as shown by many passages in God's written work, the Holy Scriptures. This point is made clear at Romans 1:24-27, " Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up to vile affections. For even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one towards another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet." (NWB). Rightly, as stated in the Bible at Ecclesiastes 7:29, "Behold, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many devices." (The Revised Standard Version: RSV). These works or plans of the fallen flesh are clearly identified, and Corinthians 6:13 states, "...God will do away with them in the end--but the body is not for immorality; it is for the lord...." (NAB). In addition, I Corinthians 6:18 warns all wishing to win God's favor to, "Shun lewd conduct." (NAB), since this sin is within the body; whereas, "Every other sin a man commits is outside his body." (NAB). Also, I Corinthians 7:2 warns us to avoid illicit sexual relations in the following words, "But to avoid immorality...." (NAB). The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians warned at Colossians 3:5, "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence..." (AV).

LIVES MUST BE BROUGHT IN HARMONY WITH GOD'S (YHWH'S) WORD:

Let's see what the Bible has to say with regard turning our life around.

First consider:

"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:17-24 AV) which clearly shows we must strip off the old personality with its works of uncleanness and greed. This would include depraved sexual lust, God dishonoring false dogma, greed, hate of fellow man, hedonism, lasciviousness, etc.

Now consider:

" For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:" (1 Peter 4:3 AV) which just reinforces what was said in Ephesians, clearly showing we must turn our lives around and STOP walking in "lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries [these would include belief in false dogma, practices and traditions including hero worship]:"

Likewise:

" Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:" (Colossiams 3:5-10 Av). This scripture once more clearly shows we must STOP practicing "fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" Therefore we can see for true repentance, we must cease and decease from practices that are NOT approved by God (YHWH).

TRUE REPENTANCE REQUIRED WHEN ONE TURNS TO GOD:

Clearly the Bible shows true repentance required when one turns to God; let's review a pertinent scripture on this subject:

" But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." (Acts 26:20 AV). Ah, here we see, we must do works that "meet for repentance." What could some of these works be? Well some of these words would be ceasing to do the things one previously did that go against his laws and principles and that bring dishonor to him. What are some of these? Well as previously shown, these would be such things as lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries [these would include belief in false dogma, practices and traditions including hero worship], of course it would not be limited to simply not doing these wrongs, but would require effort to counteract the effects of your previous wrongs such as exposing false dogma, starting to love your fellow man, and ceasing to live a hedonistic life style and warning others against such things as deviant sex, illegal drug use, and other debasing things.

Remember:

" The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 AV). This should clearly behoove us to turn our life around. It should be clear that Almighty God (YHWH) takes no delight in those who refuse to do so. This is made clear, "11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. 14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. 16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live." (Ezekial 33:11-16 AV).

In fact:

" I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." (Luke 15:7 AV), clearly shows that God (YHWH) and his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) are made joyful by sinners who truly repent.

CHRISTIAN TEACHING EMPHASIS REPENTANCE:

At " And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14 AV) Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) gave the command to his true followers to witness to the nations and this is clearly emphasized as follows:

"Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15 AV). Therefore, for true repentance acceptable to God (YHWH) and his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) to take place action on our part to make the word of God (YHWH) know to others is required.

In fact, this is so important that repentance can only take place:

" And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47 AV)

This truth is further highlighted as:

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." (Acts 17:30 AV). From this we can see ignorance will no longer be tolerated clearly showing ignorance of God (YHWH) dishonoring dogma and of his laws and principles will no longer be tolerated by God (YHWH) or by his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves). Therefore, it is truly important, as shown by this scripture to turn our life around.

Also, true repentance requires faith:

"And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 20:21 AV) clearly that our leader, Christ Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) the only " For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (1 Timothy 2:5 AV) " taught publickly and from house to house"; therefore it is clear we to should "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."

Last, but not Least:

" And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47 AV); which is in complete harmony with the commission Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) put on ALL his genuine followers as follows, " And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14 AV)

WHAT HAPPENS IF IN A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS WE COMMIT A SIN?:

First we must remember our savior Jesus Christ (Yeshua or YHWH saves) is compassionate in carrying out his assignment given to him by his Father (YHWH), "19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:19-28 AV).

" My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:" (1 John 2:1 AV); clearly shows we have an "advocate with the Father" who will assist those genuinely trying to live their lives in harmony with God's (YHWH's) will so we should fear not in these cases.

This compassionate nature of our savior Jesus Christ (Yeshua or YHWH saves) is made even clearer by:

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galations 6:1-2 AV). As can be seen from this scripture that if one inadvertently takes a false step we are under obligation to "ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." This would be of no purpose if the errant one's mistake could not be corrected.

Therefore, because we are all sinners, in order to merit the mercy and compassion of our leader Jesus Christ (Yeshua or YHWH saves) we must:

" Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." (Revelation 2:5 AV), thus true repentance is the key to our savior extending his love and mercy to us.

NOW, WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR MERCY?:

First, we must confess our sins and wrong beliefs to God (YHWH) through his Son and only mediator between God and man, and not to some false mediator or go between such as a priest, statue of a saint or the Virgin Mary, etc.

" He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13 AV)

And:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:9 AV).

And:

" I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah." (Psalms 32:5 AV)

So we can see from the above scriptures, it is necessary to confess our sins to God (YHWH) through his Son and only mediator between God and man, and not to some false mediator or go between such as a priest, statue of a saint or the Virgin Mary, etc.

HOWEVER, NO REPENTENCE IS POSSIBLE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ACCEPT GOD'S MERCY AND THEN RETURN TO A WILLFUL PRACTICE OF DISBELIEF AND SIN:

It is clearly shown that it is impossible for those who once enlightened willfully return like " But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." (2 Peter 2:22 AV) to gain the benefits of repentance, or in other words, once saved is not always saved:

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:" (Hebrews 6:4-11 AV)

And:

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:26-31 AV)

And:

"For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:" (2 Peter 2:20-22 AV).

As can clearly be seen, as stated at the beginning of this section "it is impossible for those who once enlightened willfully return like " But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." (2 Peter 2:22 AV) to gain the benefits of repentance, or in other words, once saved is not always saved:"

MERCY AND COMPASION LIKE THE MERCY AND COMPASSION OF OUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST IS REQUIRED OF US:

Just as Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) extends mercy and compassion to us, we must also extend it to others:

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
3 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4 AV)

And:

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15 AV)

Which clearly shows that if we are genuine followers of our leader and savior Jesus Christ (Yeshua or YHWH saves) we must be like him and extends mercy and compassion to others.

LAST, WHAT IS THE INDICATION OF TRUE REPENTANCE?:

Clearly we must first:

" If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 AV)

We must turn back from our former wrong course of action and false belief:

"When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.
14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right;
15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.
16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live." (Ezekial 33:13-16 AV)

And:

"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" (Ezekial 18:30-31 AV)

This need to turn your life around and repent is once more emphasized in the New Testament:

" Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" (Acts 3:19 AV)

Last, but not least, remember we must confess our transgressions to God (YHWH) in prayer through his Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) who is the only " For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (1 Timothy 2:5 AV), and as his assignment from his Father (YHWH) mediates towards us " But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Hebrews 8:6 AV):

" He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13 AV)

SAME SEX SEXUAL ACTS ALWAYS DEVIANT SEX:

I think it's important to distinguish between "homosexuality" and same-sex ACTS. The Bible does not really address the former (which is a term invented by a 19th century German pyschologist), but it definitely deals with the latter. To use an analogy, the Bible doesn't mention "kleptomania" (a psychological condition) but it does prohibit the act of theft. Likewise it prohibits same-sex in both the new and the old testament with the first prohibition being recorded in approximately 1513 B.C.E. over 3,500 years ago, for details go to Leviticus and read the 18th. Chapter. In the new testament go to Romans the 1st, Chapter.

Given the above, the question of whether or not certain individuals are born with a genetic tendency to homosexuality or homosexual behavior is irrelevant from a Biblical standpoint. According to the Scriptures, all of us are born with an inclination to practice immorality of one kind or another. (cf. Gen. 6:5) This does not excuse the behavior, of course, anymore than a person giving into the temptation to rob a bank. People are responsible for their behavior.

Pro-gay advocates often use the argument that the Bible doesn't address homosexuality. While that is true, strictly speaking, it's a red herring in relation to the Bible's stance on same-sex intercourse.

NO JUSTIFICATION FOR DEVIANT SEX ACTS:

No matter how one tries to justify or excuse ANY form of deviant sex, i.e., adultery, fornication, sodomy, bestiality, pedophilism, etc., The Bible shows it as just plain wrong. There is no excuse for any of it any more than there is for murder or genocide. Let's look at a few scriptures, all from the American Standard Version, on the subject:

Matthew 5:28:
but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Romans 1:27:
and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due.

1 Corinthians 10:6:
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Galatians 5:6:
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Phesians 2:3:
among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:--

1 Timothy 4:5:
not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who know not God;

James 1:14:
but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15:
Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death.

1 Peter 2:11:
Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul;

2 Peter 1:4:
whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in that world by lust.

2 Peter 2:20:
but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:

1 John 2:6:
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:17:
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Now those who disagree with these scriptures are usurping God's (YHWH's) rightful place with respect what is right and what is wrong.

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**Admin** Mon Jan 30, 2017 11:42 am

COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] THE UNSEEN SPIRIT FORCE BEHIND EVIL:

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 405A]

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:15 – 17, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Young Timothy was well reported on by one and all and the Apostle Paul assisted him on becoming more mature is the truth as reported on at acts 16:1 – 3, [AV] “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.” And as noted by the Apostle John,at John 20:31, [AV] “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” And the Apostle John went on to record Jesus (Yeshua) thoughts at, John 14:26, [AV] “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO,

1) http://iris89.conforums.com/

2) http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/

3) http://religioustruths.lefora.com/

4) http://religioustruths.boardhost.com/

5) http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/

6) http://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb3.com/

7) https://religioustruths.forumotion.com/

To enjoy an online Bible study called “Follow the Christ” go to,http://www.network54.com/Forum/403209/thread/1417398076/last-1417398076/Digital+Book+On+18+Part+Follow+Christ+Bible+Study

Your Friend in Christ Iris89

Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] THE UNSEEN SPIRIT FORCE BEHIND EVIL:

The next 3 items are extracts from media Internet sites.

Item 1, WASHINGTON, D.C. The national media should devote equal resources to covering the pedophilic murder of Jesse Dirkhising a 13-year-old Arkansas boy sadistically tortured to death by two homosexual men as they did to the murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard, Americans for Truth President Peter LaBarbera said today.

Item 2, All across America, gay newspapers and bars and organizations not only tolerate sadistic sex but promote it, LaBarbera said. In fact, on the very day of Dirkhising's death, two leading homosexual groups, the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, were manning booths at a sadistic sex fair in San Francisco that celebrated bondage, human floggings and the same S&M techniques that led to the death of young Jesse. We call on all homosexual organizations, bookstores and newspapers to stop promoting sexual violence consensual or otherwise.

Item 3, The manager of a major homosexual bookstore, Glad Day Bookshop in Boston, said he will not stop selling publications that promote adult-child sex, saying that Our policy is to sell everything that is available to the [gay] community.

What does the murder of Matthew Shepard, the murder of Jesse Dirkhising, and the manager of Glad Day Bookshop's action all have in common? One might say homosexuality and another might say Gays, but neither answer would really be correct; however, they are all related to one root cause, it is the unseen ruler of this world, Satan the Devil, " Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me." (John 14:30 AV); God will eliminate him in due time, " Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." (John 12:31 AV). Therefore, what type of person should we be? Should we work hard to actively resist temptations to wrong/deviant behavior this invisible spirit is using to deceive men? Remember, " For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12 AV), and we should always instruct others in mildness, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (2 Timothy 2:25-26 AV).

In reality the root cause of all of these actions is deception by the arch enemy of God using his four chief weapons against mankind: hate of fellow man, deviant sex, hedonism, and GREED.
These are the things we must all resist. We can all expect to be tempted by the Devil since he even tempted the son of God, Jesus when he was on earth as a man, "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." Which clearly shows we will all be tempted and that is no sin; however, it becomes sin if and only if we give into temptation.

We should be loving our fellow man and looking out for his interest and not just our own, which is the opposite of being greedy, hateful of fellow man, etc. The Holy Bible plainly shows we should not judge our neighbors, but love them. This does not mean loving their sin. Matthew 7:1-2, states, "Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with what judgment you are judging, you will be judged," and Romans 14:4, 10-13, "Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God can make him stand. But why do you judge your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God... Therefore let us not be judging one another any longer," this plainly shows no true Christian should be executing judgment on anyone with respect sin. In fact this would be a usurping of God's exclusive right, i.e., blaspheme, Matthew 25:31-32 states, "When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."

Second, we should be loving our neighbors and attempting to get them to turn away from sin, not judging, hurting, or killing them in violation of God's law. Luke 10:27 states, "....You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 5:21-22 clearly states this devine principle, "....'You must not murder; but whoever commits a murder will be accountable to the court of justice.' However, I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother (neighbor) will be accountable to the court of justice; but whoever addresses his brother with an unspeakable word of contempt will be accountable to the Supreme Court (God's court, not the Supreme Court of the US); whereas whoever says, 'You despicable fool! will be liable to the fiery Gehenna. (often mistranslated as hell)."

Third, We should be helping our neighbor not harming him/her in one way or another. Now a question, why do many individuals seek to run others down or harm them when they are not endangering them? Please do a little Biblical research and see if you can uncover the root cause.

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COMBINATION OF [1] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] DISCOURSE ON WHAT THE EARLIEST OF CHRISTIANS BELIEVED

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 407A]

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34 – 35, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Clearly love is the defining attribute for all of Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) followers, and this reality is clearly shown at John 15:9 – 10, [AV] “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” In fact, Jesus (Yeshua) gave this as a specific commandment at John 15:12, [AV] “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” In addition, he said at Romans 13:8, [AV] “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”

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[2] DISCOURSE ON WHAT THE EARLIEST OF CHRISTIANS BELIEVED

To understand what the earliest Christians believed we need to have an accurate understanding of who they were and where they had for the most part came from. The first Christians came out of Judaism and were strict monotheists. When they became Christian they maintained their monotheistic ways. Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) himself was born a Jew, he was trained by his Jewish parents in the Old Testament scriptures. His teachings were Jewish to the foundation; yes, he preached a new gospel, but he did not preach a new theology. As proof of this he accepted and quoted continually from the great test of Jewish monotheism, the divinely inspired Hebrew Text that we commonly call the Old Testament, and proclaimed “ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” (Deuteronomy 6:4 AV). In the grammar of this verse, the word ‘one’ has no plural modifiers to even suggest it applied to anything other than one individual. Tom Harpur states, "As early as the 8th century, the Theologian St. John of Damascus frankly admitted what every modern critical scholar of the NT now realizes: that neither the Doctrine of the Trinity nor that of the 2 natures of Jesus Christ is explicitly set out in scripture. In fact, if you take the record as it is and avoid reading back into it the dogmatic definitions of a later age, you cannot find what is traditionally regarded as orthodox Christianity in the Bible at all." -- For Christ's Sake. And, The Encyclopedia Americana: "Christianity derived from Judaism and Judaism was strictly Unitarian [believing that God is one person]. The road which led from Jerusalem to Nicea was scarcely a straight one. Fourth century Trinitarianism did not reflect accurately early Christian teaching regarding the nature of God; it was, on the contrary, a deviation from this teaching." -- (1956), Vol. XXVII, p. 294L. And "The belief as so defined was reached only in the 4th and 5th centuries AD and hence is not explicitly and formally a biblical belief. The trinity of persons within the unity of nature is defined in terms of "person" and "nature: which are Gk philosophical terms; actually the terms do not appear in the Bible. The trinitarian definitions arose as the result of long controversies in which these terms and others such as "essense" and "substance" were erroneously applied to God by some theologians." Dictionary of the Bible by John L. McKenzie, S.J. p. 899

PART 2:
During his life, while he was gathering followers, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) never claimed to be God. Always in everything he said and did he never considered himself as being equal to God in any way, not in power, not in knowledge, and not in age. In all periods of his existence, both on earth and in Heaven, he always spoke and acted as a subordinate to his Father, Almighty God (YHWH). He was always the lessor or subordinate one to Almighty God (YHWH). After his resurrection by his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), he told Mary Magdalene to tell his disciples, ““ Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” (John 20:17 AV). This clearly showed that the resurrected Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) although now a mighty spirit being was still not Almighty God (YHWH). As reported by the Apostle John in the last book of the Bible, Revelation, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:5-6 AV), “ Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Revelation 3:12 AV). Also, Paul confirms his relationship to Almighty God (YHWH) “ Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” (2 Corinthians 1:3 AV).

The Apostle Paul clearly spoke of Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) and Almighty God (YHWH) as distinctly separate individuals “ But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6 AV), and also shows this clear diferentiation when he mentions “ I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.” (1 Timothy 5:21 AV).

Very significantly Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) tole the Jews, “ For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” (John 6:38 AV), then further draws the distinction between himself and Almighty God (YHWH) by saying “ And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.” (Mark 10:18 AV). Also, most significant are his words “It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. 19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. 20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.” (John 8:17-20 AV). Thus Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) shows that he and his Father, God Almighty (YHWH) must be two distinct individuals as how else could there really be two witnesses?

When Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) started his ministry as he came out of the baptismal water, his Father, God Almighty (YHWH) spoke, “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 AV). God Almighty (YHWH) definitely was not saying that he was his own son, and that he approved of himself or sent himself. Absolutely not, he was saying as the supreme one (superior one) that he was approving a lessor one, his son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves). Again Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) acknowledged his Father’s superiority when he said, “ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” (Luke 4:18 AV). This was when he, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) was given authority or commission by his superior Almighty God (YHWH) and only a superior can give authority to a lessor one or subordinate.

Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) continued to make his Father’s superiority very clear as shown when the mother of two of his disciples asked that her two sons sit one on the right and one on the life of Jesus when he came into his Kingdom, and Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) told her, “ And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.” (Matthew 20:23 AV). If Jesus had also been Almighty God (JHWH) those positions would have been his to give, but since he was not, they were not his to give. In fact Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) own prayers are a clear proof of his subordinate position to Almighty God (YHWH), “And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:41-42 AV). Obviously he was praying to someone other than himself and that someone would have to be superior to him as it would require a superior to be able to answer his prayers.

When his death as a human neared, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) cried out, “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. 36 And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. 37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. 38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. 39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.” Obviously he was not deserted by himself and surely that cry was not from someone who thought himself to be God, but from one who recognized a superior. This is clearly shown by “ And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” (Luke 23:46 AV). This clearly showed beyond doubt that Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) trusted in a superior one, Almighty God (YHWH) to resurrect him. After he died, he was dead and in a tomb for parts of three days. If he were God (YHWH) the Bible would be at odds with itself as “ Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.” (Habakkuk 1:12 AV) would be wrong. Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves), however, was resurrected by God (YHWH) and this is made clear at “ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.” (Acts 2:24 AV), i.e., the superior, Almighty God (YHWH) did indeed resurrect the lessor one, his son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves).

Now Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) prophecy about the end-times stated, “ But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” (Mark 13:32 AV). If Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) had been the Almighty God (YHWH) he would have known the exact time for the end-times; however, since he was not, he did not know it. Likewise, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” (Hebrews 5:8 AV). Now can we imagine that Almighty God had to learn anything; this is patently ridicules. Also, God (YHWH) does not have to obey anyone as he is the supreme one whether those deluded in believing in a trinity recognize it or not.

Many misinformed individuals point to “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. 19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:” (John 5:18-22 AV) as support for a Trinity; however, it clearly says that the Jews wanted to kill Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) because he said “God was his Father, “ but who said that he was making himself equal to God (YHWH). Definitely not Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) as he defended himself against this false accusation “The answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do” in the very next verse, see above. Thus Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) showed the Jews that he was not equal to God and thus could not act on his own initiative. Also, “I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;” (John 10:30-35 AV). Here Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) was showing the Jews they were one in purpose, but not the same entity as he made clear in what sense he was using the title God, “Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;” thus anyone trying to use this scripture to prove a trinity or even a duality is definitely coming to a wrong conclusion.

To gain a better understanding of what Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) meant by being “one” with the Father (YHWH) “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 ¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:21-26 AV), clearly shows as previously stated they were one in purpose just as Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) is one in purpose with his genuine follower. As an example let’s consider “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-9 AV) clearly drives home about how they are ‘one’ just as Apollos and Paul are ‘one.’ They were definitely two different individuals. It is interesting to note that Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) says “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one,” he uses the word ‘one’ (Jewish, hen) in these cases, which proves he was speaking of unity of thought and purpose, but not two individuals existing as one entity.

PART 3
Now let’s consider the thoughts of his Apostles and Disciples as the earliest Christians.
The Apostle Paul clearly believed that Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) and Almighty God (YHWH) were two distinct individuals for he wrote, “ For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:” (Hebrews 9:24 AV), and it would clearly be absurd to believe an individual would appear before himself.

Likewise the Apostle Peter believed they were two separate entities and made this clearly known when speaking of the resurrection of Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves), “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” (Acts 5:31-32 AV), and Paul also says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11 AV). If he was also God (YHWH), how could Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) be exalted to a superior position?

Just before being stoned to death, the martyr Stephen (a disciple of Jesus) “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.” (Acts 7:55-58 AV). Obviously Stephen saw two separate individuals in the vision.

The Apostle John clearly believed that they were too separate individuals with Al Mighty God (YHWH) being the superior as shown by “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. 1 ¶ And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6 ¶ And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.” (Revelation 4:8-5:7 AV), it is clear here that the individual on the throne is Almighty God (YHWH) and the “Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David…stood a Lamb” clearly refer to Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves). This proves that the Apostle John did not believe in a trinity or even a “duality.” An interesting commentary on this, states, “In his post-resurrection heavenly life, Jesus is portrayed as retaining a personal individuality every bit as distinct and separate from the person of God as was his in his life on earth as the terrestrial Jesus.” (the “Bulletin of the John Rylands Library,” Manchester, UK).

Likewise Thomas, who had to have everything proven to him, considered Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) a subordinate to Almighty God (YHWH) “The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 ¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” Of course some will say Thomas was calling Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves), Almighty God (YHWH), but he was not, but was simply recognizing as one superior to himself. The actual Koine Greek God (ho The•os'): however, some scholars have clearly viewed this expression as an exclamation of astonishment spoken to Jesus, but directed to God. Others claim the original Koine Greek requires these words to be considered as directed to Jesus. Either way, this expression “My Lord and my God” would still have to harmonize with the rest of the Bible. The record shows that Jesus had previously sent his disciples the message, “ Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” (John 20:17 AV), thus there is absolutely no reason for believing that Thomas thought that Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) was Almighty God (YHWH).

Clearly all of Jesus’s (Jeshua or YHWH saves) Apostles and Disciples knew that he was not Almighty God (YHWH) and this is shown many times by what is written in the New Testament as previously gone over. In addition, there are many more scriptures that clearly show this and Jesus’s (Jeshua or YHWH saves) subordinate position such as:
“ Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28 AV), “ 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 AV), “ And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:28 AV), “ Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” (John 5:19 AV), etc. Likewise, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) clearly taught his followers not to worship him, but to worship Almighty God (YHWH) as shown, “ Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matthew 4:10 AV), “ But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” (John 4:23 AV), “ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24 AV), “ Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” (John 20:17 AV), “ And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Luke 4:8 AV), etc. It is to be noted that Almighty God (YHWH) used Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) to create all things on earth, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;” (Colossians 1:16-19 AV), “2 The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:2-4 AV), “ He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” (John 1:10 AV).

PART 4
Let’s now consider what some of the early ‘church’ fathers thought. But first let’s look at what “The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology,” “Primitive Christianity did not have an explicit doctrine of the Trinity such as subsequently elaborated in the creeds,” and what the book, “The Paganism in Our Christianity,” says, “The early Christians, however, did not at first think of applying the idea [trinity] to their own faith. They paid their devotions to God [YHWH] the Father and to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and they recognised…the Holy Spirit; but there was no thought of these three being an actual Trinity, co-equal and united in One.” In fact it was not so in the apostolic and sub-apostolic ages and this is clearly shown in “The Two Babylons,” by Rev. Alexander Hilsop (http://philologos.org/__eb-ttb/default.htm (The Two Babylons on the Internet)), and in the “Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics.” The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: "The formulation 'one God in three Persons' was not solidly established, certainly not fully assimilated into Christian life and its profession of faith, prior to the end of the 4th century. But it is precisely this formulation that has first claim to the title the Trinitarian dogma. Among the Apostolic Fathers, there had been nothing even remotely approaching such a mentality or perspective." - (1967), Vol. XIV, p. 299. Last but not least, "The Church of the First Three Centuries," by Alvan Lamson stated, "The modern popular doctrine of the Trinity..derives no support from the language of Justin [Martyr]: and this observation may be extended to all the ante-Nicene Fathers; that is, to all Christian writers for three centuries after the birth of Christ. It is true, they speak of the Father, Son, and...holy Spirit, but not as co-equal, not as one numerical essence, not as Three in One, in any sense now admitted by Trinitarians. The very reverse is the fact."

The Ante-Nicene Fathers were acknowledged leading religious teachers in the early centuries after the death of Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves); therefore, what they taught and believed:

Justin Martyr, died approximately 165 A.D., stated that Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) had been a created angel who is “other than the God who made all things,” before coming onto the earthly scene. He said that Jesus was inferior to God and “never did anything except what the Creator…willed him to do and say.”

Clement of Alexandria, died approximately 215 A.D., called God “the uncreated and imperishable and only true God.” He stated that the Son “is next to the only omnipotent Father” but not equal to him.

Irenaeus, died approximately 200 A.D., stated that the prehuman Jesus had a separate existence from God and was inferior to him. He showed that Jesus is not equal to the “one true and only God,” who is “supreme over all, and besides whom there is no other.

Tertullian, died approximately 230 A.D., taught the supremacy of God. He observed: “The Father is different from the Son, as he is greater; as he who begets is different from him who is begotten; he who sends, different from him who is sent.” Also, he stated: “There was a time when the Son was not…Before all things God was alone.” Note: “The Doctrine of The Trinity defies the universally accepted and historically always held meaning of the words for father and son. Not only does it defy the meaning of these words, it destroys their meaning! This fact is important to realize for God gave us language. It was not invented by man as the evolutionist tries to say. Thus, we are not destroying man made terms, but God-given terms! These terms, as given to us by God, require that the father exists before the son, and for the son to be brought into existence by the father. This universally accepted and recognized definition is what these terms have meant from the beginning of this creation. Therefore, who has given anyone the authority to change these God-given terms now? In fact, The Lord Jesus Christ verifies the meaning of these terms when he says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him." John 13:16 "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I." John 14:28. Here, he establishes that God is his lord, that he was sent by his lord, that God is his Father, and that his Father is greater than he himself. How could any of these declarations be true if the Doctrine of The Trinity is true? It is clearly impossible for these declarations of The Lord Jesus Christ to be true and the Doctrine of The Trinity to be True! It is easy to see that these words of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Doctrine of the Trinity are mutually exclusive and opposing views!” [from a letter of of Bro. Scaramastro one of the greatest exposers of false doctrine of all times of the Antipas Organization].
Further with respect Tertullian, The Catholic Encyclopedia also says: "In Scripture there is as yet no single term by which the Three Divine Persons are denoted together. The word [tri'as] (of which the Latin trinitas is a translation) is first found in Theophilus of Antioch about A. D. 180 . . . Shortly afterwards it appears in its Latin form of trinitas in Tertullian." However, this is no proof in itself that Tertullian taught the Trinity. The Catholic work Trinitas - A Theological Encyclopedia of the Holy Trinity, for example, notes that some of Tertullian's words were later used by others to describe the Trinity. But then it states: "But hasty conclusions cannot be drawn from usage, for he does not apply the words to Trinitarian theology."
Hippolytus, died approximately 235 A.D., stated that God is “the one God, the first and the only One, the Maker and Lord of all,” who “had nothing co-eval [of the same age] with him…But he was One, alone by himself; who, willing it called into being what had no being before,” one of these created individuals being the created prehuman Jesus.
Origen, died approximately 250 A.D., stated “the Father and Son are two substances…two things as to their essence,” and “compared with the Father, [Jesus, the son] is a very small light.”
As Alvan Lamson stated in “The Church of the First Three Centuries,” see the first part of PART 4 above, the early church fathers, ante-Nicene Fathers, had no belief in a Trinity of a co-equal, not one in a numerical essence, nor not one as Three in One. They were basically monotheists in belief the same as Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) and his Apostles and Disciples. However, the further in the stream of time from Jesus and his Apostles and Disciples the more divergence from the original beliefs became the beliefs of many so called Christians. Or in other words the greater became the variance from the proclaimed “ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:” (Deuteronomy 6:4 AV). This degeneration from genuine beliefs taught by Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) and his contemporary followers became greater over time and culminated in an apostate church taking orders from a pagan Roman Emperor, Constantine, whose only interest was to bring religious unity in his empire so as to keep it strong. He, Emperor Constantine, called the Council of Nicea [325 A.D.] and sent out letters to all Bishops to attend, and he dictated what doctrine would become the central doctrine of this apostate church. However, one historian of the 3 century rote of this gradual drift to the God dishonoring concept gradually coming to full fruitation as follows:

“One early witness who testifies to these early developments regarding the Trinity is Gregory of Nazianzus. In the work _Epistles 58_ Gregory Nazianzus explained the absence of the Holy Spirit from the discussions about the Godhead, by stating that "the Old Testament proclaimed the Father manifestly, and the Son more hiddenly. The New [Testament] manifested the Son and suggested the deity of the Spirit. Now the Spirit himself is resident among us, and
provides a clearer explanation of himself." As late as 380, Gregory Nazianzus wrote, "to be slightly in error [about the Holy Spirit] was to be orthodox." This statement too proves that the orthodox understanding of the Holy Spirit was not "clear" until 381. As a matter
of fact, this statement further demonstrates that the church neither subscribed to nor affirmed the teaching of the Trinity until 381 C.E. Even at that point, the "details" of the Trinity still had to be worked out.” (The Christian Tradition, Jaroslav Pelikan, Vol. I, p.
213. Cf. also Gregory Nazianzus--Orations 31.5).

“From a brief look at these developments, it seems warranted to conclude that the NT does not present a clear expression of the Triune Godhead. Therefore, we could reasonably conclude that neither the primitive church, nor the ante-Nicene fathers taught the Trinity.
Gregory Nazianzus even exclaimed that Scripture did not, "very clearly or very often call him [the Holy Spirit] God in so many words, as it does the Father and later on the Son" (Gregory Nazianzus, Orations 31.12). Gregory's testimony is so important because he lived at the time when the Trinity assimilated its way into Christian didache. Concerning this prominent Christian "father," Jaroslav Pleikan says: "In remarkable summary of
the controversy within the orthodox camp, composed in the same year, he [Gregory Nazianzus] declared: "Of the wise men among ourselves, some have conceived of him
[the Holy spirit] as an activity, some as a creature, some as God; and some have been uncertain which to call him . . . And therefore they neither worship him nor treat him with dishonor, but take up a neutral position." He did add, however, that "of those who onsider him to be God, some are orthodox in mind only, while others venture to be so with the lips also." It was apparently not only "careful distinctions, derived from unpractical philosophy and vain delusion" that could be blamed for this confusion, but also the undeveloped state of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit in relation to the Son in the Trinity." ( The Christian Tradition, Jaroslav Pelikan, p. 213. Cf. Gregory Nazianzus, Orations,
21.33, 31:5. Also Basil, On The Holy Spirit 3.5).

But this is another part of history that will not be further dealt with in this writing.

Resources on the ante-Nicene Fathers, i.e., Links:

http://www.ccel.org/fathers2/ANF-01/anf01-15.htm#P1054_191234
http://bible.crosswalk.com/History/AD/EarlyChurchFathers/Ante-Nicene
http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/josephus/josephus.htm
http://www.math.byu.edu/~smithw/Lds/LDS/Ancient-history-items/Early-Christian/Ante-Nicene-Fathers/Early-Fathers-1
http://www.wikipedia.com/wiki/Ante-Nicene_Fathers
http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/People/Saints/J/Saint_Justin_Martyr/Works
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**Admin** Thu Feb 02, 2017 10:15 am

COMBINATION OF THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES. With the Scripture of the Day first.

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 408A]

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:29 – 31, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

As Deuteronomy 6:4 says, [AV] Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:“ And Deuteronomy 6:5 amplifies this, [AV] “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” And Jesus (Yeshua) made it clear at Matthew 22:37 – 40, [AV] “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Yes, we must show love to others as stated at Romans 13:9, [AV] “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

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Francis David said it long ago, "Neither the sword of popes...nor the image of death will halt the march of truth. "Francis David, 1579, written on the wall of his prison cell." Read the book, "What Does The Bible Really Teach" and the Bible today, and go to WWW.JW.ORG!

[2] IN PLACE OF THE REGULAR ARTICLE DUE TODAY ON THE RARE FRUIT OF THE DAY, HERE ARE TWO VERY IMPORTANT ITEMS – ONE ON THE BAN ON IMMIGRANTS FROM SEVEN COUNTRIES, AND ONE ON THE RARE DANGER PRESENTED ON SOME DELICIOUS RARE FRUITS, THE LYCHEE.

ONE -- AN AMERICAN MUSLIM HAS BASICALLY THE SAME TAKE ON THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT’S BAN ON MUSLIM IMMIGRANTS FROM THE BANNED COUNTRIES, BUT ELABORATED ON IT AND ALL SHOULD READ IT.
MY TAKE -- WHAT MEAN SPIRITED IS NOT.-- NOT TAKING IN SYRIAN REFUGEES UNTIL THEY
CAN BE ADEQUATELY VETTED IS NOT AND CLOSING THE BOARDERS OF THE USA IS
NEITHER MEAN OR HEARTLESS BY THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT. I LOCK THE
DOORS TO MY HOUSE EVERY NIGHT. I DO NOT LOCK THEM BECAUSE I HATE
PEOPLE THE PEOPLE OUTSIDE, BUT BECAUSE I LOVE THE PEOPLE INSIDE. “
HIS TAKE ON IT -- INTERESTING ITEM FROM A MUSLIM IN AMERICA WHO FEELS TRUMP WAS CORRECT WITH RESPECT TO HIS BAN ON MEMBERS OF ISLAM FROM CERTAIN COUNTRIES.
*I still DO NOT understand why there's so much noise about Trump's decision to ban refugees from Muslim countries?? There are '100,000 empty fully air conditioned tents' in Mina- Saudi Arabia capable of housing 3 million people yet Saudi Arabia refuses to take the refugees, who speaks same language, same culture, same tradition, same religion, yet Saudi Arabia feels it's 'a security risks to accept the refugees' but wants the Christian world to do so? I'm trying to understand this thing called 'common sense', how it's been used. Is Saudi Arabia not too wicked for turning it's back against its own? Why blaming the US? Remember it is part of Trump's election promises, yet the Americans voted for him, meaning that's what they want.*

*Germany took over 1 million refugees and Saudi Arabia came up with a proposal of spending billions to build mosques in Germany to cater for the spiritual needs of the migrants, but won't accept them in Saudi Arabia!!!, what kind of ideology is this, and some Christians are debating these issues. Today, Germans are paying the price and defense budget had doubled because of these migrants. "Why cant these Muslims migrate to Muslim countries" and live in peace with their kind and practice sharia to the fullest without issues.*
*Why is Islam always in conflict with Christianity when their are too many other religions.*

*Christians are barred from entering Mecca, yet no issues!!!. Jews don't travel to Saudi Arabia, and some Arab countries yet no issues!!!.*

*In all fairness it's cheaper not to allow these guys in, than spending money monitoring them, because it's difficult to separate a genuine refugee and a terrorist!!!.*

*Muslims need to do internal in house cleansing and reorientation, on all subjects that makes good Muslims suffer because of the activities of those "extremists", by making sure that their Imams do not radicalize young people thru hateful preaching and intolerance.*

*All Muslims around the world should come to Western Nigeria and learn the tolerance and civilized Islam, where a Yoruba man is peacefully, and happily living with his Christian wife. There are 1000 and 1million examples where some of the children goes to mosque with their father, while some goes to church with their mother, and to Crown it all, on ILEYA AND CHRISTMAS DAYS, the entire family celebrates together, it looks simple, but not easy because it requires high sense of understanding to co-habit in this form without issues.*

*"I want a world where religion unites the world instead of what's going on right now, irrespective of whichever religion anybody is practicing, instead these hates and prejudices are everywhere".*

TWO -- GREAT FRUIT CAN BE FATAL UNDER RARE CONDITIONS AND THIS IS A CAUTION AGAINST EATING ANY ON AN EMPTY STOMACH, AND THIS ESPECIALLY SO IF THEY ARE A MEMBER OF the soapberry family SUCH AS LYCHEES AND ACKEES.. READ THE FACTS.

By ELLEN BARRYJAN. 31, 2017

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A man comforted his sick daughter at a hospital in Muzaffarpur, India, in 2013. Credit Kuni Takahashi for The New York Times

NEW DELHI — Three years ago, Dr. Rajesh Yadav, an investigator with the India Epidemic Intelligence Service, moved to the city of Muzaffarpur, the site of one of the country’s most mysterious outbreaks. And he waited.
Every year in mid-May, as temperatures reached scorching heights, parents took children who had been healthy the night before to the hospital. The children awakened with a high-pitch cry in the early morning, many parents said.
Then the youths began having seizures and slipping into comas. In about 40 percent of cases, they died.
Every year in July, with the arrival of monsoon rains, the outbreak ended as suddenly as it began.
Beginning in 1995, investigations variously ascribed the phenomenon to heat stroke; to infections carried by rats, bats or sand flies; or to pesticides used in the region’s ubiquitous lychee orchards. But there were few signposts for investigators.
Instead of occurring in clusters, the illness typically struck only one child in a village, often leaving even siblings unaffected.
A joint investigation by India’s National Center for Disease Control and the India office of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, published in the British medical journal The Lancet Global Health on Tuesday, has identified a surprising culprit: the lychee fruit itself, when eaten on an empty stomach by malnourished children.
In 2015, as a result of the investigation, health officials began urging parents in the area to be sure to feed young children an evening meal and to limit their consumption of lychees (sometimes spelled litchi). In two seasons, the number of reported cases per year dropped to less than 50 from hundreds.
“It was an unexplained illness for so many years,” said Padmini Srikantiah, a senior epidemiologist with the C.D.C. and the senior author of the paper. “This is kind of emblematic of why we collaborate, to build this kind of systematic approach.”
The Lancet article walks through a two-year medical detective story, as epidemiologists like Dr. Yadav closely examined the lives of hundreds of afflicted children, trying to understand everything they had eaten, drunk and breathed.
“It was a very intense situation, because we witnessed children dying in front of our eyes every day, as soon as they arrived at the hospital,” said Dr. Yadav, who now works with the C.D.C. in Atlanta. Especially difficult were the detailed interviews of parents, many of whom had carried a convulsing or comatose child for hours to get to the hospital.
“They were in a kind of panic,” he said. “Their children were dying, and it was an unknown thing.”

The first clue: There was no evidence the children had infections.

For 20 years, clinicians were unable to determine if the disease, which led to acute brain swelling known as encephalopathy, was caused by an infection — the immediate assumption in many outbreaks here.

Photo

Sorting through lychees in India. The fruit has been blamed for causing sickness in children. CreditJaipal Singh/European Pressphoto Agency

Investigators pored over records from the previous year’s outbreak and were struck by the fact that many of the sick children did not have a fever. Analysis of spinal fluid samples overwhelmingly showed that the affected children did not have elevated counts of white blood cells, a sign the body is fighting infection.

The second clue: Most of the victims had very low blood sugar levels.

Having collected biological samples from more than 300 children, the researchers were able to scan a large number of markers — including some they hadn’t suspected.
Glucose had never been a particular concern for investigators. But some of the affected children had strikingly low levels, and those with low blood glucose were twice as likely to die, Dr. Srikantiah said.
“It seemed to be a little signal,” she continued. “One of the things we heard multiple times from the children’s mothers was that they didn’t really eat dinner properly.”

The third clue: Outbreaks had been associated with the ackee fruit, which is in the same family as the lychee.

It was in the fall of 2013, during a conference call with colleagues in Atlanta, that someone mentioned “Jamaican vomiting sickness,” an outbreak in the West Indies that for many decades caused brain swelling, convulsions and altered mental states in children.
The outbreak turned out to be tied to hypoglycin, a toxin found in the ackee fruit that inhibits the body’s ability to synthesize glucose, leading to acute hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose levels. “It had been going on for a decade, if not a century, before people really figured out what it was,” Dr. Srikantiah said. “Now, the grandmothers and the mothers teach their kids, ‘Don’t eat the unripe ackee fruit.’ ”
By late 2014, laboratory tests confirmed that lychees also contain high levels of hypoglycin, as well as a similar toxin known as methylenecyclopropyl glycine, or MCPG.
This was an answer hiding in plain sight. The Muzaffarpur area produces about 70 percent of India’s lychee harvest, and around the affected villages, “you really couldn’t go 100 meters without bumping into a lychee orchard,” Dr. Srikantiah said, referring to a distance of 330 feet.
Though orchards were typically guarded by caretakers, children often ate lychees that were unripe or that had fallen to the ground. But because everyone in the region eats them, it was difficult for many to believe that, in isolated cases, it could set off a catastrophic illness.

The fourth clue: Affected children had huge metabolic imbalances.

By early 2015, C.D.C. laboratories had developed a test to measure hypoglycin in urine. They found extraordinary abnormalities in the affected children. “The folks in the genetic labs said ‘We haven’t seen anything like this,’ ” Dr. Srikantiah said. “This was clearly abnormal.”
With that established, the investigators asked participants if they would be comfortable issuing recommendations based on their findings: that young children in the affected areas be encouraged to always eat an evening meal, and that consumption of lychees should be limited.
Everyone agreed. And it was done.

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