MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 840B, (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND How War and Violent Conflict Will End, [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS, AND A BIBLE STUDY, [3] DISCOURSE ON COLOSSIANS 2:8-12 IN THREE PARTS: [4] HOW THE CHALLENGE WILL BE FULLY OVERCOME, UNDER GOD’S KINGDOM “PEACE WILL ABOUND” [5] WHAT WILL GOD’S KINGDOM ACCOMPLISH? [6] PEACE ON EARTH—HOW WILL IT COME? [7] A REAL HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON COLOSSIANS 2:8-12 IN THREE PARTS:
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [840B]
“And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, 11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; 12 Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” Deuteronomy 6:10 – 12, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
Yes, Almighty God (YHWH) when he promises, He will surely carry it out, and this is testified to at Hebrews 6:16 -19, [AV] “For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 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: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”
[3] DISCOURSE ON COLOSSIANS 2:8-12 IN THREE PARTS:
Colossians 2:8-12 “Beware lest any man cheat you by philosophy and vain deceit: according to the tradition of men according to the elements of the world and not according to Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead corporeally. 10 And you are filled in him, who is the head of all principality and power. 11 In whom also you are circumcised with circumcision not made by hand in despoiling of the body of the flesh: but in the circumcision of Christ. 12 Buried with him in baptism: in whom also you are risen again by the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him up from the dead.” (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB)
PART I, Colossians 2:8:
To fully understand this scripture, you need to deal with it in three parts. The first being Colossians 2:8 which a modern translation throws a very good understanding on, "Be careful that nobody spoils your faith through intellectualism or high-sounding nonsense. Such stuff is at best founded on men's ideas of nature of the world, and disregards Christ!" (The New Testament in Modern English by J.B. Phillips). This part is a warning against false doctrine of men as affirmed at Hebrews 13:9, "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein." (American Standard Version; ASV); And at Isaiah 32:6, "For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the Lord, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail." (ASV). Now true Christians should be the opposite of this and speak truth and righteousness and not doctrines and fables of men one to another as stated at 1 Corinthians 2:12-13, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (ASV); And not artfully contrived false stories and fables of man per 2 Peter 1:16, "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." (ASV); And at Ephesians 5:6, "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." (ASV). In other words we should not become enslaved to the false doctrines and fables of the world such as the Duality, the Trinity, the Mother of God [he had no mother as he always existed], etc. per Galations 4:3, "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." (ASV); Lastly Colossians 2:22 tells what will happen to those accepting the doctrines and fables of men, "Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men?" (ASV). So it is plain that Colossians 2:8 is a warning to all of us to cast off the doctrines and fables of men in keeping with Matthew 15:2-3, "Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandments of God by your traditions?" (Asv). Obviously worldly wisdom is foolishness with God (YHWH) as testified to at 1 Corinthians 3:9, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." (ASV).
PART II, Colossians 2:9-10:
Now let's deal with Colossians 2:9-10 which in a modern English translation reads as, "Yet it is in him God gives a full and complete expression of himself (within the physical limits that he set himself in Christ). 10 Moreover, your own completeness is only realized in him, who is the authority over all authorities, and the supreme power over all powers." (The New Testament in Modern English by J.B. Phillips) or at the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible renders it, "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead corporeally. 10 And you are filled in him, who is the head of all principality and power." (DRCB). Now just what is this fullness? The J.B. Phillips hints at what it is when it says, "God gives a full and complete expression of himself (within the physical limits that he set himself in Christ).", but Colossians 1:15-19 cast more light on it, "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by himwere 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. 17 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 fullness dwell." (Authorized King James Bible; AV); Clearly this scripture shows that Jesus' (Yeshua's) Father, Almighty God (YHWH) created Jesus (Yeshua) in his image and gave him preeminence over all other creations and actually used him as his master worker in the creation of all else in keeping with the Jewish Law of Agencies.
That he would be his Father's (YHWH's) master worker was revealed at Proverbs 8:22-30 about Jesus (Yeshua) being brought forth and being his Father's (YHWH's) master workman, "Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth; 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world. 27 When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep, 28 When he made firm the skies above, When the fountains of the deep became strong, 29 When he gave to the sea its bounds, That the waters should not transgress his commandments, When he marked out the foundations of the earth; 30 Then I was by him, as a master workman; And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him." (ASV); And Jesus' (Yeshua's)existence before the earth was is affirmed at John 8:58, "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was born, I am." (ASV); Thus as Colossians 1:17 says, ""and he is before all things, and in him all things consist." (ASV); And at Revelation 3:14, "And to the angel of the church is Laodicea write: 'These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:" (ASV), Jesus (Yeshua) is once more shown as the first of creation. Clearly, then, he, Jesus (Yeshua) is neither the same individual and/or manifestation of the same individual; Nor co-eternal, nor co-equal with his Father (YHWH).
And he would become his Father's (YHWH's) master worker in keeping with The Jewish Law of Agencies which is basically as follows, "Jesus (Yeshua) was God's (YHWH's) appointed agent in accordance with the 'Biblical law of agency' described as, "Scripture mentions something being done by Person A, whilst another mentions it being done by Person B. This is best understood when we grasp the Schaliach Principle, or the Jewish Law of Agency, which is expressed in the dictum, "A person's agent is regarded as the person himself." Therefore any act committed by a duly appointed agent is regarded as having been committed by the principle." (The Encyclopedia of the Jewish Religion, R.J.Z. Werblowski and Geoffrey Wigoder). And 1 Timothy 2:5 says, "For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, [himself] man, Christ Jesus," (ASV). This is why Jesus (Yeshua) could say, John 16:23, "And in that day ye shall ask me no question. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name."(ASV).
This fact is further affirmed at Ephesians 1:20-23 which shows that his Father (YHWH) raised him from the dead and put him at his right hand to administer all for him, "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 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; 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." (ASV); This fact, that his Father (YHWH) placed him over all things except himself, a superior one, is highlighted at 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, "But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. 21 For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. 24 Then [cometh] the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all." (ASV). This will bring the fulfillment foretold at Isaiah 45:23, "By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." (ASV). This scripture shows that God (YHWH) will bring the earth back to perfection, i.e., a place where everyone will love their creator, Almighty God (YHWH), and his chief agent or mediator of life, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, and their neighbor, and he, God (YHWH) will once more be using his Son, the Son of God, Jesus (Yeshua) as his master worker to accomplish this as shown by 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, previously quoted.
With respect to Jesus' (Yeshua's) fullness, John 1:15-17, shows it to be with respect to bring grace and truth to all who would accept it, "John bare witness of him and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for frace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (AV); This is in keeping with Ephesians 4:13, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (AV). Which leads to the subject of what is fullness in the spiritual sense which is revealed at Ephesians 3:19, "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." (AV); And at Colossians 1:18-19, "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 fullness dwell:" (AV); His preeminence is emphasized by 1 Peter 3:22 where it shows Almighty God (YHWH) has put his Son, the Son of God, Jesus (Yeshua) at his right hand, "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (AV).
Interestingly, if Jesus was truly God then his divinity could not be said to be derived from another as it is at Colossians 1:19 as quoted above. It is because of God's will that fullness dwells in Christ, this could not be said of someone who was almighty - Almighty God's (YHWH's) divinity does not depend on another person giving it to him. And as, Col 1:15 clearly says, ""Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" (AV) plainly showing that Jesus (Yeshua) is the image of the invisible God, and like all images Jesus is a relection of the reality, he is not himself God. If Jesus were himself God (YHWH) he would not be said to be the image of God (YHWH). This clearly shows the error of those saying that if Christ as having "the fullness of the Deity" means that Jesus is God, does the fact that the readers " and you have been given fullness in Christ " (from Colossians 2:10 in the AV) then mean that they are Jesus (Yeshua)! Of course not, neither is the case. This type of reasoning is but the foolishness of men per 1 Corinthians 3:19, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." (ASV).
Therefore as Colossians 2:10 says in The New English Bible, "
and you have been given full life in union with him. He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority." (The New English Bible; NEB); Or as the Amplified Bible puts it, "And you are in Him, made full and have come to fullness of life-in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and reach full spiritual stature. And He is the head of all rule and authority-of every angelic principality and power." (The Amplified Bible; AMP). Since true Christians are one in purpose with Jesus (Yeshua) and his Father (YHWH) what should we be boasting in? Surely not ourselves, but as Philippians 3:3 show, "for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:" (ASV); thereby, showing we should NOT be boasting in ourselves, but in Christ. This leads us into the next Part.
PART III, Colossians 2:11-12:
Philippians 3:3 quoted above shows us that we should not be boasting in ourselves, but also refers to the circumcision as does Colossians 2:11-12, "In union with him you were circumcised, not with the circumcision that is made by men, but with Christ's own circumcision, which consists of being freed from the power of this sinful body, 12 For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ through your faith in the active power of God, who raised him from death." (Good News for Modern Man, the New Testament in Today's English Version, by American Bible Society; GNMM). This scripture harkens back to Deuteronomy 10:16, "Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and stiffen your neck no more." (DRCB). And returning to Philippians 3:3-9, 3 already quoted above, we see, "though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 as touching zeal, persecuting the church: as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. 8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith." (ASV); here the Apostle Paul is showing fleshly circumcision counts for nothing, but a circumcision of the heart is required as affirmed at Romans 12:2, "And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (ASV).
To do this, we must bury are former course of life of chasing after wickedness and false doctrines and myths and other workings of the worldly per Romans 6:4-8, "We were buried therefore with him through bnaptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection; 6 knowing this that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin; 7 for he that hath died is justified from sin. 8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him;" (ASV). To do so, as previously mentioned, we must per Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (ASV); And at Isaiah 55:7, "let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (ASV).
In other words, what is needed is 'spiritual surgery' or casting aside the evil ways of mankind and their false doctrines and fables and the acceptance only of the Truth of God's (YHWH's) and NOT THAT OF ANY MAN OR DENOMINATION, in keeping with Romans 8:3, "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." (ASV); clearly showing we should reject the doctrines of mankind and only accept those from our Creator (YHWH), and this in keeping with Colossians 3:5, "Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 6 for which things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: 7 wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; 8 but now do you also put them all away: anger, wrath,m malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth:" (ASV).
Remember that per 1 Corinthians 12:13-14, "For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many." (ASV); therefore, what is needed is a spiritual resurrection for all true Christians per Romans 8:11, "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Hjesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you." (ASV); so what is this Spirit? And what does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? The Spirit or Holy Spirit here being spoken of is Almighty God's (YHWH's) active force or power. Therefore, being filled with God's active force or power gives individuals extra strength, power, and abilities they would otherwise not have as shown by Acts 2:4, ""And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (AV); And at, Luke 1:15, "For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb."(AV); And at Luke 1:41, "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:" (AV); And at Acts 4:8, "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel," (AV); And at Acts 4:31, ""And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." (AV); And at Acts 9:17, "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." (AV); And in fact, God (YHWH) filled his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) with Holy Ghost or Spirit when he anointed him, Acts 10:38, ""How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." (AV).
Now as we have seen, the Holy Ghost or Spirit is God's (YHWH's) active force or power that he can 'fill' someone with to accomplish his objectives. It gives the filled one extra strength, power, and abilities they would otherwise not have as previously shown. But from what the Hebrew word here rendered Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, or Spirit which is translated from 'ru'ach' meaning "breath; wind; spirit," and in the Greek Scriptures, the word is 'pneu'ma,' having a similar meaning. All implicitly showing a force or power. Therefore, since we have seen, the Holy Ghost or Spirit is God's (YHWH's) active force or power we should show the proper respect for it. We should NOT as stated at Luke 12:10, "And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven." (AV) by denying the accomplishments of God (YHWH) through use of his force or power. Also we should respect his chief servant, his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua) as directed at Matthew 12:17-21, "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust." (AV).
So salvation boils down to a simple denominator as testified to at John 5:14, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life." (ASV), plainly showing, first, that those who hear the message that Jesus (Yeshua) delivered on behalf of his Father (YHWH) as his agent or as the scripture puts it, "and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life.", and second, it shows that Jesus (Yeshua) was sent by a superior one, his Father (YHWH), to carry out Almighty God's (YHWH's) commission to his Son, the Son of God (YHWH), to make his Father's (YHWH's) message known to all. The Apostle Paul clearly showed at Colossians 3:1, "If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God." (ASV). However, to enjoy this prize, we must avoid falling under the power of the prince of this system per Ephesians 2:2, "wherein ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience." (ASV)
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 841B, [part 1 of 2 with 2 being 841b-2] (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT TODAY’S FOOD SHORTAGES?, [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS, AND A BIBLE STUDY, [3] DISCOURSE ON COLOSSIANS 2:8-12 IN THREE PARTS: [4] THE FOUR HORSEMEN?—HOW THEIR RIDE AFFECTS YOU, THE FOUR HORSEMEN?—WHO ARE THEY? [5] THE WAY OF HAPPINESS, HOPE
[6] WHAT IS GOD’S KINGDOM? [7] WHAT WILL GOD’S KINGDOM ACCOMPLISH?
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON JEREMIAH 23:5-6 AND THE CONFUSION ON YHWH TSIDQENU AND ITS EQUIVALENTS:
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [841B]
So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows. Psalms 61:8, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
King David was a person who kept his word as clearly shown by 2 Samuel 9:5 – 7, [AV] “Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar. 6 Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! 7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.”
[3] DISCOURSE ON JEREMIAH 23:5-6 AND THE CONFUSION ON YHWH TSIDQENU AND ITS EQUIVALENTS:
INTRODUCTION:
Jeremiah 23:5-6 is a most interesting scripture that has confused many with respect its meaning due to their preconceived beliefs. Even the well known preacher John Wesley was stumbled by it due to his preconceived beliefs with respect how the Father (YHWH); the Son, Jesus (Yeshua); and the Holy Spirit, God's (YHWH's) active force interrelate. However, other renown Bible scholars such as the Reverend R.A. Torrey writer of the,"The New Topical Text Book," A. R Fausset, A.M. in his "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible," Theodore Beza in his "The 1599 Geneva Study Bible," and many others had a correct understanding of it. Much of the confusion was caused by the many different ways translators translated the scripture into English as we will later see that YHWH Tsidqenu and its equivalents expressions have confused many. Now let's look at the scripture in the Noah Webster Bible translation:
Jeremiah 23:5-6:
"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice upon the earth. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell in safety: and this is his name by which he shall be called, JEHOVAH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Noah Webster Bible; NWB)
Now note, the last part of verse 6 which is in capital letters as this is the phrase that is the principle part of this discussion with YHWH Tsidqenu being one of the constructs used for this title that contains as one of its parts the name of Almighty God (YHWH). We will now delve into who this title applies to; remember, "that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice upon the earth," this part of the fifth verse as it is the key to a proper understanding of this scripture.
UNDERSTANDING OF JESUS (YESHUA) AS THE ONLY MEDIATOR AND THE JEWISH LAW OF AGENCIES:
The Only Mediator, the Son of God (YHWH):
To be able to fully grasp the meaning of this scripture, one must comprehend that there is only one mediator between God (YHWH) and mankind and not many; And also understand that there is only one ultimate savior, YHWH, which is made clear at Exodus 20:3, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (American Standard Version; ASV). This scripture affirms the fact that God (YHWH) required exclusive worship and required Abraham's descendents his chosen people at the time to be strict monotheist. Idolatry was one of ancient Israel's most heinous sins, according to the inspired men who wrote the Bible. However, the prophets railed against Israel's tendency to backslide into worship of other deities as testified to at Jeremiah 2:28-29, "But where are thy gods that thou hast made for thyself? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. 29 Why will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD." (NWB); And at Jeremiah 11:13, "For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense to Baal." (NWB).
The fact that there is only one mediator between God (YHWH) and man is clearly shown in the New or Greek Testament by 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, [himself] man, Christ Jesus, " (ASV); And at Galations 3:19, "What purpose then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." (NWB); And at Hebrews 8:6, "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." (NWB).
The Jewish Law of Agencies and Why Jesus Could be Called a Savior:
However, since his Father (YHWH) has appointed his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) as his only mediator, for us he could rightly be called a savior, Why? This is pointed out in Hebrews 9:11-15, " 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. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh: 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." (ASV) . To gain a full understand this scripture fully we must have a working understanding of the Jewish Law of Agencies which is basically as follows, "Jesus (Yeshua) was God's (YHWH's) appointed agent in accordance with the 'Biblical law of agency' described as, 'Scripture mentions something being done by Person A, whilst another mentions it being done by Person B. This is best understood when we grasp the Schaliach Principle, or the Jewish Law of Agency, which is expressed in the dictum,' "A person's agent is regarded as the person himself." Therefore any act committed by a duly appointed agent is regarded as having been committed by the principle." (The Encyclopedia of the Jewish Religion, R.J.Z. Werblowski and Geoffrey Wigoder).
We, therefore, must understand this law of agencies concept, whether we know it by its theological name or not, since this will enhance our understanding of many key texts, such as why the Judges and angels were called "god" (Ex. 21:6; 22:8; Ps. 8:5; 82:1). Many more instances could be provided, but brevity is in order here. John 8:54 drives this law of agency home, "Jesus answered, 'If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is your God." (Confraternity Edition of The New Testament; CENTN), showing that Jesus (Yeshua) was his Father's (YHWH's) agent, and he sought not his own glory, but glory from his Father (YHWH). Therefore, Jesus (Yeshua) could say as he did at John 11:40, "Jesus said to her, 'Have I not told thee that if thou believe thou shalt behold the glory of God?'" (CETNT). Even Satan the Devil recognized this, Jesus (Yeshua), as God's (YHWH's) agent, 2 Corinthians 4:4, "In their case, the god of this world has blinded their unbelieving minds, that they should not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (CETNT); thus he is trying to blind the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from recognizing this truth. [source = "Commentary on Genesis 1:1," by Iris the Preacher 2001]
This fact, that he, Jesus (Yeshua) was clearly serving as his Father's (YHWH's) agent, is clearly affirmed by Proverbs 8:22-31, "Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth; 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the world. 27 When he established the heavens, I was there: When he set a circle upon the face of the deep, 28 When he made firm the skies above, When the fountains of the deep became strong, 29 When he gave to the sea its bound, That the waters should not transgress his commandment, When he marked out the foundations of the earth; 30 Then I was by him, [as] a master workman; And I was daily [his] delight, Rejoicing always before him, 31 Rejoicing in his habitable earth; And my delight was with the sons of men." (ASV) which shows several important Bible truths, (1) Jesus (Yeshua) was the first being YHWH created, long before YHWH's creation of "his works of old." (2) That Jesus (Yeshua) existed eons before the universe and the earth was and of course before Abraham, (3) That Jesus (Yeshua) was his Father's (YHWH's) "master workman," whom his Father (YHWH) delighted in. (4) Jesus (Yeshua) cared a lot for mankind, and (5) that they were two separate beings not co-eternal or co-equal.
YHWH TSIDQENU AND ITS EQUIVALENTS EXPRESSIONS AND THE TRUE MEANING OF JEREMIAH 23:5-6:
YHWH Tsidqenu And Its Equivalents in Select Translations:
We shall first consider the meaning of YHWH Tsidqenu and its equivalents, but let's first look at several different Bible translation of these scriptures with notes:
World English Bible,
" Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: Yahweh our righteousness. [or equivalent of the term you mentioned, 'YHWH Tsidqenu']."" [note, it says Yahweh will raise to David a righteous branch, clearly showing God (YHWH) or Yahweh would raise up a branch which was Jesus (Yeshua) and not that Jesus (Yeshua) was (YHWH)]
Youngs Literal Translation,
"Lo, days are coming -- an affirmation of Jehovah, And I have raised to David a righteous shoot, And a king hath reigned and acted wisely, And done judgment and righteousness in the earth. 6 In his days is Judah saved, and Israel dwelleth confidently, And this his name that Jehovah proclaimeth him, `Our Righteousness[or equivalent of the term you mentioned, 'YHWH Tsidqenu'].".'" ." [note, it says Jehovah will raise to David a righteous branch, clearly showing God (YHWH) or Jehovah would raise up a branch which was Jesus (Yeshua) and not that Jesus (Yeshua) was (YHWH)]
JPS Jewish Bible, (in English)
"Behold, the days come, saith HaShem, that I will raise unto David a righteous shoot, and he shall reign as king and prosper, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called, HaShem is our righteousness [or equivalent of the term you mentioned, 'YHWH Tsidqenu']." ." [note, it says HaShem will raise to David a righteous branch, clearly showing God (YHWH) or HaShem would raise up a branch which was Jesus (Yeshua) and not that Jesus (Yeshua) was (YHWH) or HaShem]
Translational Constructs of Jeremiah 23:5-6:
First, let's consider who the word Branch or righteous shoot refers to, and to get an understanding of that we will go to "Torrey's Topical Textbook," under "Titles and names of chris," it states, '* Branch,' Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12 [Torrey's Topical Textbook," by Reverand R.A. Torrey,1897] here clearly referring to Jeremiah 23:5 showing this reference referrs to Jesus (Yeshua) Christ. Now for purposes of clarity while examining these two scriptures, let's refer to Almighty God (YHWH) as the party of the first part, and his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ as the party of the second part who acts as a master worker and agent of the party of the first part.
We shall now proceed to break down Jeremiah 23:5-6 into its constituting translation constructs using the Authorized King James Bible:
"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD[[end of construct 1]], that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth[[end of construct 2]]. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS[[end of construct 3]]" (Authorized King James Bible; ASV).
Construct 1:
The first construct above, construct 1, clearly refers to Almighty God (YHWH), the party of the first part, and shows him for-telling in advance an event that would transpire in the future.
Construct 2:
The second construct above, construct 2, clearly refers to Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, the party of the second part who is the agent and master worker of the party of the first part. In this construct, the party of the first part states that he, "will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth." This was fulfilled when Jesus's (Yeshua's) life force was transferred to the womb of a virgin on earth per Matthew 1:18-22, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was in this manner: When his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, purposed to put her away privately. 20 But while he thought on these things, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (NWB). This was further testified to at Luke 3:21-23, "Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. 23 And Jesus himself, when he began `to teach', was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the `son' of Heli," (ASV); And at Luke 1:32, "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David." (NWB); And at Romans 3:23-25, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he may be just, and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus." (NWB); this scripture showing also that he would be the mediator and savior of mankind.
Construct 3:
The third construct above, construct 3, clearly shows that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is being referred to by the party of the first part. This is made plain by, "In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely" which is exactly what Jesus (Yeshua) is tasked with as shown by 1 Corinthians 15:21-28, "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." (AV); This scripture testifies that God (YHWH) had given his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) over all except himself when the scripture says "it is manifest that he is excepted." We note that at Jesus (Yeshua) here is foretold as carrying out God's (Yeshua's) assignment to him in relation to judgment and the end of the world or system, and has given Him power over all as his agent, except over Himself as recorded at 1 Corinthians 15:27 recorded above. Therefore, it is also obvious that the last part of this construct, construct 3, "and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" refers to Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, and that "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS," is but one of his many titles.
YHWH Tsidqenu:
Therefore, YHWH Tsidqenu is just another way of translating the original Hebrew. But let's re-look at Jeremiah 23:5-6 in the JPS Jewish Bible, (in English) once more:
"Behold, the days come, saith HaShem, that I will raise unto David a righteous shoot, and he shall reign as king and prosper, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called, HaShem is our righteousness [or equivalent of the term you mentioned, 'YHWH Tsidqenu']." ." [note, it says HaShem will raise to David a righteous branch, clearly showing God (YHWH) or HaShem would raise up a branch which was Jesus (Yeshua) and not that Jesus (Yeshua) was (YHWH) or HaShem].
COMMENTS AND COMMENTARIES ON JEREMIAH 23:5-6 BY RENOWN EXPERTS:
Theodore Beza:
Theodore Beza in his, "The 1599 Geneva Study Bible," said, the following:
"23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise to David a righteous e Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice upon the earth.
(e) This prophecy is of the restitution of the Church in the time of Jesus Christ, who is the true branch, read (Isaiah 11:1,45:8; Jeremiah 35:15; Daniel 9:24)."
[Beza, Theodore. "Commentary on Jeremiah 23". "The 1599 Geneva Study Bible," 1600-1645]
Commentaries by Jamieson, Fausset, Brown, Jeremiah Chapter 23:
"Jeremiah 23:1-40. THE WICKED RULERS TO BE SUPERSEDED BY THE KING, WHO SHOULD REIGN OVER THE AGAIN UNITED PEOPLES, ISRAEL AND JUDAH.
...5. As Messianic prophecy extended over many years in which many political changes took place in harmony with these, it displayed its riches by a variety more effective than if it had been manifested all at once. As the moral condition of the Jews required in each instance, so Messiah was exhibited in a corresponding phase, thus becoming more and more the soul of the nation's life: so that He is represented as the antitypical Israel (Isaiah 49:3).
unto David--HENGSTENBERG observes that Isaiah dwells more on His prophetical and priestly office, which had already been partly set forth (Deuteronomy 18:18, Psalms 110:4). Other prophets dwell more on His kingly office. Therefore here He is associated with "David" the king: but in Isaiah 11:1 with the then poor and unknown "Jesse."
righteous Branch--"the Branch of righteousness" (Jeremiah 33:15); "The Branch" simply (Zechariah 3:8, 6:12); "The Branch of the Lord" (Isaiah 4:2).
prosper--the very term applied to Messiah's undertaking (Isaiah 52:13, Margin; Isaiah 53:10). Righteousness or justice is the characteristic of Messiah elsewhere, too, in connection with our salvation or justification (Isaiah 53:11, Daniel 9:24, Zechariah 9:9). So in the New Testament He is not merely "righteous" Himself, but "righteousness to us" (1 Corinthians 1:30), so that we become "the righteousness of God in Him" (Romans 10:3,4'2 Corinthians 5:19-21'Philippians 3:9').
execute judgment and justice in the earth--(Psalms 72:2, Isaiah 9:7, 32:1,18). Not merely a spiritual reign in the sense in which He is "our righteousness," but a righteous reign "in the earth" (Jeremiah 3:17,18). In some passages He is said to come to judge, in others to reign. In Matthew 25:34, He is called "the King." Psalms 9:7 unites them. Compare Daniel 7:22,26,27.
6. Judah . . . Israel . . . dwell safely--Compare Jeremiah 33:16, where "Jerusalem" is substituted for "Israel" here. Only Judah, and that only in part, has as yet returned. So far are the Jews from having enjoyed, as yet, the temporal blessings here foretold as the result of Messiah's reign, that their lot has been, for eighteen centuries, worse than ever before. The accomplishment must, therefore, be still future, when both Judah and Israel in their own land shall dwell safely under a Christocracy, far more privileged than even the old theocracy (Jeremiah 32:37, Deuteronomy 33:28, Isaiah 54:1-17, 60:1-22, 65:17-25, Zechariah 14:11).
shall be called, the Lord--that is, shall be (Isaiah 9:6) "Jehovah," God's incommunicable name. Though when applied to created things, it expresses only some peculiar connection they have with Jehovah (Genesis 22:14, Exodus 17:15), yet when applied to Messiah it must express His Godhead manifested in justifying power towards us (1 Timothy 3:16).
our--marks His manhood, which is also implied in His being a Branch raised unto David, whence His human title, "Son of David" (compare Matthew 22:42-45).
Righteousness--marks His Godhead, for God alone can justify the ungodly (compare Romans 4:5, Isaiah 45:17,24,25)."
[Fausset, A. R., A.M. "Commentary on Jeremiah 23". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory
on the Whole Bible," 1871.]
Matthew Henry:
", v. 5, 6. The house of David seemed to be quite sunk and ruined by that threatening against Jeconiah (ch. 22:30), that none of his seed should ever sit upon the throne of David. But here is a promise which effectually secures the honour of the covenant made with David notwithstanding; for by it the house will be raised out of its ruins to a greater lustre than ever, and shine brighter far than it did in Solomon himself. We have not so many prophecies of Christ in this book as we had in that of the prophet Isaiah; but here we have one, and a very illustrious one; of him doubtless the prophet here speaks, of him, and of no other man. The first words intimate that it would be long ere this promise should have its accomplishment: The days come, but they are not yet. I shall see him, but not now. But all the rest intimate that the accomplishment of it will be glorious. (1.) Christ is here spoken of as a branch from David, the man the branch (Zec. 3:8), his appearance mean, his beginnings small, like those of a bud or sprout, and his rise seemingly out of the earth, but growing to be green, to be great, to be loaded with fruits. A branch from David's family, when it seemed to be a root in a dry ground, buried, and not likely to revive. Christ is the root and offspring of David, Rev. 22:16. In him doth the horn of David bud, Ps. 132:17, 18. He is a branch of God's raising up; he sanctified him, and sent him into the world, gave him his commission and qualifications. He is a righteous branch, for he is righteous himself, and through him many, even all that are his, are made righteous. As an advocate, he is Jesus Christ the righteous. (2.) He is here spoken of as his church's King. This branch shall be raised as high as the throne of his father David, and there he shall reign and prosper, not as the kings that now were of the house of David, who went backward in all their affairs. No; he shall set up a kingdom in the world that shall be victorious over all opposition. In the chariot of the everlasting gospel he shall go forth, he shall go on conquering and to conquer. If God raise him up, he will prosper him, for he will own the work of his own hands; what is the good pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in the hands of those to whom it is committed. He shall prosper; for he shall execute judgment and justice in the earth, all the world over, Ps. 96:13. The present kings of the house of David were unjust and oppressive, and therefore it is no wonder that they did not prosper. But Christ shall, by his gospel, break the usurped power of Satan, institute a perfect rule of holy living, and, as far as it prevails, make all the world righteous. The effect of this shall be a holy security and serenity of mind in all his faithful loyal subjects. In his days, under his dominion, Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely; that is, all the spiritual seed of believing Abraham and praying Jacob shall be protected from the curse of heaven and the malice of hell, shall be privileged from the arrests of God's law and delivered from the attempts of Satan's power, shall be saved from sin, the guilt and dominion of it, and then shall dwell safely, and be quiet from the fear of all evil. See Lu. 1:74, 75. Those that shall be saved hereafter from the wrath to come may dwell safely now; for, if God be for us, who can be against us? In the days of Christ's government in the soul, when he is uppermost there, the soul dwells at ease. (3.) He is here spoken of as The Lord our righteousness. Observe, [1.] Who and what he is. As God, he is Jehovah, the incommunicable name of God, denoting his eternity and self-existence. As Mediator, he is our righteousness. By making satisfaction to the justice of God for the sin of man, he has brought in an everlasting righteousness, and so made it over to us in the covenant of grace that, upon our believing consent to that covenant, it becomes ours. His being Jehovah our righteousness implies that he is so our righteousness as no creature could be. He is a sovereign, all-sufficient, eternal righteousness. All our righteousness has its being from him, and by him it subsists, and we are made the righteousness of God in him. [2.] The profession and declaration of this: This is the name whereby he shall be called, not only he shall be so, but he shall be known to be so. God shall call him by this name, for he shall appoint him to be our righteousness. By this name Israel shall call him, every true believer shall call him, and call upon him. That is our righteousness by which, as an allowed plea, we are justified before God, acquitted from guilt, and accepted into favour; and nothing else have we to plead but this, "Christ has died, yea, rather has risen again;'' and we have taken him for our Lord. 3. This great salvation, which will come to the Jews in the latter days of their state, after their return out of Babylon, shall be so illustrious as far to outshine the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt"
[Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Jeremiah 23". "Matthew Henry Complete Commentary
on the Whole Bible," byMatthew Henry, 1706.]
Easton's Bible Dictionary Kingly office of Christ:
"One of the three special relations in which Christ stands to his people. Christ's office as mediator comprehends three different functions, viz., those of a prophet, priest, and king. These are not three distinct offices, but three functions of the one office of mediator.
Christ is King and sovereign Head over his Church and over all things to his Church (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; Colossians 1:18; 2:19). He executes this mediatorial kingship in his Church, and over his Church, and over all things in behalf of his Church. This royalty differs from that which essentially belongs to him as God, for it is given to him by the Father as the reward of his obedience and sufferings (Phil 2:6-11), and has as its especial object the upbuilding and the glory of his redeemed Church. It attaches, moreover, not to his divine nature as such, but to his person as God-man.
Christ's mediatorial kingdom may be regarded as comprehending, (1) his kingdom of power, or his providential government of the universe; (2) his kingdom of grace, which is wholly spiritual in its subjects and administration; and (3) his kingdom of glory, which is the consummation of all his providential and gracious administration.
Christ sustained and exercised the function of mediatorial King as well as of Prophet and Priest, from the time of the fall of man, when he entered on his mediatorial work; yet it may be said that he was publicly and formally enthroned when he ascended up on high and sat down at the Father's right hand (Psalms 2:6; Jeremiah 23:5; Isaiah 9:6), after his work of humiliation and suffering on earth was "finished." ["Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition," by M.G. Easton M.A., D.D.,published by Thomas Nelson, 1897].
YHWH THE THE SUPREME GOD OF EXODUS 20:3:
No God's Before Me:
As Exodus 20:3 states, "Thou hast no other Gods before Me." (Youngs Literal Translation) says, true Christians shall have no gods before Almighty God (YHWH). This scripture shows that we must worship him as the supreme deity and have no other divine beings we consider as equal to or greater than he is. As Isaiah 44:6 testifies, "Thus saith Jehovah, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Jehovah of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God." (ASV), and reaffirms the Biblical command of given at Exodus 20:3.
However some in error and/or because they have been blinded to the truth 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), may believe that he is just a different manifestation of Almighty God (YHWH); but this would be impossible as shown by Philippians 2:1-8, "If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, 2 make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3 `doing' nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; 4 not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 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); Thus, clearly showing him as an obedient Son; And clearly showing whose son he was at John 5:17-19, "But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work. 18 For this cause therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only brake the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and greater works than these will he show him, that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will. (ASV). And at John 14:28, ""Ye heard how I said to you, I go away, and I come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go unto the Father; for the Father is greater than I." (ASV). In fact, in heaven He will be at His Father's (YHWH's) right hand as testified to at Hebrews 10:12, "but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sat down on the right hand of God:" (ASV). The foregoing clearly showing him as second in the hierarchy in heaven, with his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) being the supreme one at whose right hand he sits; therefore, his Father (YHWH) is clearly greater than he is thus no violation of Exodus 20:3 has occurred since he is at a lower 'station' and not as great as his Father (YHWH). Yet he has divinity the same as his Father (YHWH) because his Father (YHWH) made him of the same 'stuff' that he is as previously shown in Philippians 2:6 above. This fact is reaffirmed at Philippians 2:9-11, ", "Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven and [things] on 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" (ASV)
[see part two of 841B
[4] THE FOUR HORSEMEN?—HOW THEIR RIDE AFFECTS YOU, THE FOUR HORSEMEN?—WHO ARE THEY?
THIS VOL 841B – part 2 - (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND , WHY DID JESUS DIE? [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO EZEKIEL, AND A BIBLE STUDY, [3] DISCOURSE ON JEREMIAH 23:5-6 AND THE CONFUSION ON YHWH TSIDQENU AND ITS EQUIVALENTS: (PART 2) : [4] WAS IT DESIGNED? WE ARE DESIGNED TO LIVE, [5] A TALKING VIDEO OF IS TRUTH IMPORTANT ANY MORE? [6] THE DESIGN OF LIFE, IS THERE AN OVERALL DESIGN TO LIFE? EVERY LIVING THING IS HARMONIOUSLY INTERCONNECTED WITH OTHER LIVING THINGS AROUND IT, [7] CHICKENS AT PLAY.
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3} DISCOURSE ON JEREMIAH 23:5-6 AND THE CONFUSION ON YHWH TSIDQENU AND ITS EQUIVALENTS: (PART 2)
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [841B – part 2]
Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and strong. Do not suffer shock or be terrified, for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go Joshua 1:9, [New World Translation Revised; NWTR]
We must trust in Almighty God (YHWH), and seek to win his good favor by obediently doing his well. Since we are no longer under the old Law Covenant, but now under the New Covenant we must seek to live our lives in accordance to the principles set forth in the Bible. As Joshua wrote, “Only be courageous and very strong to take care to do according to all the law [New Covenant] that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left, in order that you may act wisely everywhere you go. This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, in order that you may take care to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.” (Joshua 1:7-8), [NWTR]
Remember, “…we have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. On this account take up the complete suit of armor from God, that YOU may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after YOU have done all things thoroughly, to stand firm. Stand firm, therefore, with YOUR loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and with YOUR feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace. Above all things, take up the large shield of faith, with which YOU will be able to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles.” (Ephesians 6:12-16), [NWTR] . Our struggle against these wicked forces of God’s arch enemy, Satan the Devil, will NOT BE EASY, and it will get worse as the culmination of the end times approaches on this wicked system of things.
[3] DISCOURSE ON JEREMIAH 23:5-6 AND THE CONFUSION ON YHWH TSIDQENU AND ITS EQUIVALENTS:
[CONTINUED FROM PART] 1In fact, the teaching that Jesus is just a different manifestation of God (YHWH) is part of three false doctrines with the first being Modulism which many religious dictionaries state is, "The belief that God is a single entity who has appeared in different modes at different times. This is the same as "SABELLIANISM THEOLOGY-- God is three only in relation to the world, in so many "manifestations" or "modes." The unity and identity of God are such that the Son of God, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) did not exist before the incarnation; because the Father (YHWH) and the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) are thus one, the Father (YHWH) suffered with the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) in his passion and death.
Uniqueness - They believe that God is one in earthly manifestations, but not heavenly. [Branham's Bible Believers, Inc.][ to Branham's 1189 page book "Conduct, Order, Doctrine of the Church," the "First thing is to straighten out you on your 'trinity' Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. "God is like a three-foot rule... The first twelve inches was God, the Father; the second twelve inches, God, the Son, the same God; the third twelve inches was God, the Holy Ghost, the same God," (pp.182 & 184). Branham clarifies his position in a speech given October 2, 1957 when he exclaims, "See, there cannot be an Eternal son, because a son had to have a beginning. And so Jesus had a beginning, God had no beginning," (Ibid, p.273).]" [sourse, Discourse by a Theologian who wishes to remain anonymous].
He appeared as the Father in the Old Testament, as Jesus during the first century CE, and has since taken the form of the Holy Spirit." This same concept is also found in the false doctrines of the Duality and the Trinity in a slightly different form. But all these false doctrines in one way or another attempt to claim that the Father (YHWH) and the Son, Jesus (Yeshua), are one and the same individual.
Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is Free of Sin, Why?:
Now some may say how can Jesus (Yeshua) Christ that since the Apostle Paul stated at Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God:" (AV), how can Jesus (Yeshua) be free from sin; however, they fail to recognize that he is without sin as his Father (YHWH) is God Almighty (YHWH) and not an earthly man, thus he did not inherit sin as did all others of mankind. This is made clear at Romans 5:12-15, "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 13 for until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is a figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the trespass, so also `is' the free gift. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound unto the many." (ASV); And at John 17:3-5 it is made clear where he came from, "And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, `even' Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (ASV).
Simply put Jesus (Yeshua) is the Son of God (YHWH) as stated over 40 times in the Bible. How so is he the only begotten Son of God (YHWH), simply put he was the first created being, created erons before the universe was.
In fact, Jesus (Yeshua) called God (YHWH) "the only true God..." at John 17:3. Never did he refer to God (YHWH) as a diety of plural persons. So nowhere in the Bible is anyone but God (YHWH) called the Almighty. Otherwise, it voids the meaning of the word 'almighty.' No not Jesus (Yeshua) nor the Holy Spirit is ever called that, for God (YHWH) alone is supreme and above all else. At Genesis 17:1, he declares, "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect." (American Standard Version; ASV), and this is affirmed at Exodus 18:11, "Now I know that Jehovah is greater than all gods; yea, in the thing wherein they dealt proudly against them." (ASV).
Meaning of The Name Jesus (Yeshua):
The basic root name of Jesus comes from the Hebrew name HO-SH-U-A (Joshua) meaning "Salvation." But "salvation" was only half the essence of his name. The full essence of the name Jesus comes from the story of Twelve Scouts when Moses gave Hoshea his new name "Yeho-shua," meaning "Yahweh-is-Salvation"
The word Jesus is the Latin form of the Greek Iesous, which in turn is the transliteration of the Hebrew Jeshua, or Joshua, or again Jehoshua, meaning "Jehovah is salvation." Though the name in one form or another occurs frequently in the Old Testament, it was not borne by a person of prominence between the time of Josue, the son of Nun and Josue, the high priest in the days of Zorobabel. It was also the name of the author of Ecclesiaticus of one of Christ's ancestors mentioned in the genealogy, found in the Third Gospel (Luke 3:29), and one of the St. Paul's companions (Colossians 4:11). During the Hellenizing period, Jason, a purely Greek analogon of Jesus, appears to have been adopted by many (I Machabees 8:17; 12:16; 14:22; II Machabees 1:7; 2:24; 4:7-26; 5:5-10; Acts 17:5-9; Romans 16:21). The Greek name is connected with verb iasthai, to heal; it is therefore, not surprising that some of the Greek Fathers allied the word Jesus with same root (Eusebius, "Dem. Ev.", IV; cf. Acts 9:34; 10:38) . Though about the time of Christ the name Jesus appears to have been fairly common (Josephus, "Ant.", XV, ix, 2; XVII, xiii, 1; XX, ix, 1; "Bel. Jud.", III, ix, 7; IV, iii, 9; VI, v, 5; "Vit.", 22) it was imposed on our Lord by God's express order (Luke 1:31; Matthew 1:21), to foreshow that the Child was destined to "save his people from their sins." Philo ("De Mutt. Nom.", 21) is therefore, right when he explains Iesous as meaning soteria kyrion; Eusebius (Dem., Ev., IV, ad fin.; P.G., XXII, 333) gives the meaning Theou soterion; while St. Cyril of Jerusalem interprets the word as equivalent to soter (Cat., x, 13; P.G., XXXIII, 677). This last writer, however, appears to agree with Clement of Alexandria in considering the word Iesous as of Greek origin (Paedag., III, xii; P.G., VIII, 677); St. Chrysostom emphasizes again the Hebrew derivation of the word and its meaning soter (Hom., ii, 2), thus agreeing with the exegesis of the angel speaking to St. Joseph (Matthew 1:21). [The New Catholic Encyclopedia].
YHWH is The Supreme One and Jesus (Yeshua) is His Son, There is No Trinity:
In the Hebrew scriptures (NT) 'eloh'ah' [god] has two plural forms, namely, 'elo-him' [gods] and 'elo-heh' [god of]. These to forms usually refer to God (YHWH), in which case they are translated in the singular as 'God'. However these forms do in no way indicate a Trinity as shown in "A dictionary of the Bible", "The fanciful idea that ['elo-him'] referred to the trinity of persons in the Godhead hardly finds now a supporter among scholars. It is either what grammarians call the plural of majesty, or it denotes the fullness of divine strength, the sum of the powers displayed by God." ['A Dictionary of the Bible by William Smith].
Also, The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literature says of 'elo-him', "It is almost invariably construed with a singular verbal predicate, and takes a singular adjectival attribnute.' [The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literature]. This, title, 'elo-him' occurs over 34 times alone in the account of creation, and every time the verb describing what God (YHWH) said is singular. Thus the previously mentioned publication concludes with, 'elo-him' must rather be elplained as an intensive plural, denoting greatness and majesty." [The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literature].
Therefore since the word 'elo-him' means, not 'persons,' but 'gods,' those who argue that this word implies a trinity make themselves polytheists, worshippers of more than one god. This is so since it would mean that there were three gods in the trinity. In fact, the word trinity means three.
Also, the Bible uses the words 'elo-him' and 'elo-heh' when referring to a number of false gods, good examples are found at Exodus 12:12, "For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am Jehovah." (ASV), And at Exodu8s 20:23, "Ye shall not make [other gods] with me; gods of silver, or gods of gold, ye shall not make unto you." (ASV). But it is also used to refer sometimes to a single false god such as at Judges 16:23-24, "And the lords of the Philistines gathered them together to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. 24 And when the people saw him, they praised their god; for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hand our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, who hath slain many of us." (ASV). The term was also applied to a human, Moses at Exodus 4:16, "And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people; and it shall come to pass, that he shall be to thee a mouth, and thou shalt be to him as God." (ASV).
Therefore it should be evident that the Hebrew titles of 'elo-him' and 'elo-heh' for false gods, and some humans, did not imply a plurality of gods. Likewise applying these terms to God (YHWH) in no way implies more than one person; this being especially so when one considers the testimony of the rest of the Bible on this subject.
APPENDIX:
(1) Various Bible renderings of Jeremiah 23:5-6:
Youngs Literal Translation,
"Lo, days are coming -- an affirmation of Jehovah, And I have raised to David a righteous shoot, And a king hath reigned and acted wisely, And done judgment and righteousness in the earth. 6 In his days is Judah saved, and Israel dwelleth confidently, And this his name that Jehovah proclaimeth him, `Our Righteousness.'" ." [note, it says Jehovah will raise to David a righteous branch, clearly showing God (YHWH) or Jehovah would raise up a branch which was Jesus (Yeshua) and not that Jesus (Yeshua) was (YHWH)]
The Darby Translation,
"Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, when I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, who shall reign as king, and act wisely, and shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell in safety; and this is his name whereby he shall be called, Jehovah our Righteousness." [note, it says Jehovah will raise to David a righteous branch, clearly showing God (YHWH) or Jehovah would raise up a branch which was Jesus (Yeshua) and not that Jesus (Yeshua) was (YHWH)]
New American Standard Version,
"Behold, {the} days are coming," declares the LORD, "When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land. 6 "In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, 'The LORD our righteousness."
American Standard Version,
" Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness."
New King James Bible,
"Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. 6 In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
Authorized King James Bible,
"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS"
New Living Translation,
"For the time is coming," says the LORD, "when I will place a righteous Branch on King David's throne. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. 6 And this is his name: 'The LORD Is Our Righteousness.' In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety"
New Revised Standard Version,
"The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."
Revised Standard Version,
""Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.'
Good News Translation,
"The Lord says, "The time is coming when I will choose as king a righteous descendant of David. That king will rule wisely and do what is right and just throughout the land. 6 When he is king, the people of Judah will be safe, and the people of Israel will live in peace. He will be called "The Lord Our Salvation.'"
Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible (original),
"Behold the days come, saith the Lord, and I will raise up to David a just branch: and a king shall reign, and shall be wise: and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6 In those days shall Juda be saved, and Israel shall dwell confidently: and this is the name that they shall call him: The Lord our just one."
Hebrew Names Version of World English Bible,
"Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Yehudah shall be saved, and Yisra'el shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: the LORD our righteousness."
New Century Version,
""The days are coming," says the Lord, "when I will raise up a good branch in David's family. He will be a king who will rule in a wise way; he will do what is fair and right in the land. 6 In his time Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety. This will be his name: The Lord Does What Is Right."
The Latin Vulgate,
"ecce dies veniunt ait Dominus et suscitabo David germen iustum et regnabit rex et sapiens erit et faciet iudicium et iustitiam in terra 6 in diebus illius salvabitur Iuda et Israhel habitabit confidenter et hoc est nomen quod vocabunt eum Dominus iustus noster"
(2) Special comments by Mark Larson on God's (YHWH) Name:
"When I first came across this amazing assertion that 'adoni' is
never used in ref. to Almighty GOD, I was stunned.
I used 'Bibleworks' bible software, which allows you to search
actual Hebrew & Greek words, in order to see if these things be so.
I took the Hebrew adoni as shown in Psalms 110:1 and searched 'on
that actual Hebrew word' and sure enough ... 195 verses appeared.
I check each occurrence, and sure enough, adoni is never used in
ref. to Almighty GOD. (I attached the list below)
Just remember, 'LORD' - all caps = YAHWEH, GOD's name
[Strong's 3068, 3069]
'Lord' - cap. L - Adonai = GOD's title as SUPREME LORD - solely used
in regards to Almighty GOD [Strong's 136] Except for about 30 times
when 'Lord' is used for 'adon' in ref. to GOD
'lord' - lowercase = adon (or adoni) = lord, master or owner
[Strong's 113]
Although Strong assigns the number 113 to this Hebrew word, he does
NOT number its derivatives; i.e. Strong's does NOT show/number the
distinction between adon & adoni.
The word 'adon' IS USED in regards to GOD about 30 times, in the
sense that He is Lord/Owner of the earth e.g. Josh 3:13, Psa 97:5,
Micah 4:13, Zec 4:14, etc. - even as shown in your list below
Here is a list of the 195 occurrences of adoni ... a total of 163
verses ... where the word 'adon' occurs more than once, I repeat the
verse again e.g. Gen 24:12
Hope this is of help ...
1. Gen. 18:12
2. Gen. 23:6
3. Gen. 23:11
4. Gen. 23:15
5. Gen. 24:12
6. Gen. 24:12
7. Gen. 24:14
8. Gen. 24:18
9. Gen. 24:27
10. Gen. 24:27
11. Gen. 24:27
12. Gen. 24:35
13. Gen. 24:36
14. Gen. 24:36
15. Gen. 24:37
16. Gen. 24:39
17. Gen. 24:42
18. Gen. 24:44
19. Gen. 24:48
20. Gen. 24:48
21. Gen. 24:49
22. Gen. 24:54
23. Gen. 24:56
24. Gen. 24:65
25. Gen. 31:35
26. Gen. 32:4
27. Gen. 32:5
28. Gen. 32:18
29. Gen. 33:8
30. Gen. 33:13
31. Gen. 33:14
32. Gen. 33:14
33. Gen. 33:15
34. Gen. 39:8
35. Gen. 42:10
36. Gen. 43:20
37. Gen. 44:5
38. Gen. 44:7
39. Gen. 44:9
40. Gen. 44:16
41. Gen. 44:16
42. Gen. 44:18
43. Gen. 44:18
44. Gen. 44:19
45. Gen. 44:20
46. Gen. 44:22
47. Gen. 44:24
48. Gen. 44:33
49. Gen. 47:18
50. Gen. 47:18
51. Gen. 47:18
52. Gen. 47:25
53. Exod. 21:5
54. Exod. 32:22
55. Num. 11:28
56. Num. 12:11
57. Num. 32:25
58. Num. 32:27
59. Num. 36:2
60. Num. 36:2
61. Jos. 5:14
62. Jdg. 4:18
63. Jdg. 6:13
64. Ruth 2:13
65. 1 Sam. 1:15
66. 1 Sam. 1:26
67. 1 Sam. 1:26
68. 1 Sam. 22:12
69. 1 Sam. 24:6
70. 1 Sam. 24:8
71. 1 Sam. 24:10
72. 1 Sam. 25:24
73. 1 Sam. 25:25
74. 1 Sam. 25:25
75. 1 Sam. 25:26
76. 1 Sam. 25:26
77. 1 Sam. 25:27
78. 1 Sam. 25:27
79. 1 Sam. 25:28
80. 1 Sam. 25:28
81. 1 Sam. 25:29
82. 1 Sam. 25:30
83. 1 Sam. 25:31
84. 1 Sam. 25:31
85. 1 Sam. 25:31
86. 1 Sam. 25:41
87. 1 Sam. 26:17
88. 1 Sam. 26:18
89. 1 Sam. 26:19
90. 1 Sam. 29:8
91. 1 Sam. 30:13
92. 1 Sam. 30:15
93. 2 Sam. 1:10
94. 2 Sam. 3:21
95. 2 Sam. 4:8
96. 2 Sam. 9:11
97. 2 Sam. 11:11
98. 2 Sam. 11:11
99. 2 Sam. 13:32
100. 2 Sam. 13:33
101. 2 Sam. 14:9
102. 2 Sam. 14:12
103. 2 Sam. 14:15
104. 2 Sam. 14:17
105. 2 Sam. 14:17
106. 2 Sam. 14:18
107. 2 Sam. 14:19
108. 2 Sam. 14:19
109. 2 Sam. 14:20
110. 2 Sam. 14:22
111. 2 Sam. 15:15
112. 2 Sam. 15:21
113. 2 Sam. 15:21
114. 2 Sam. 16:4
115. 2 Sam. 16:9
116. 2 Sam. 18:28
117. 2 Sam. 18:31
118. 2 Sam. 18:32
119. 2 Sam. 19:19
120. 2 Sam. 19:19
121. 2 Sam. 19:20
122. 2 Sam. 19:26
123. 2 Sam. 19:27
124. 2 Sam. 19:27
125. 2 Sam. 19:28
126. 2 Sam. 19:30
127. 2 Sam. 19:35
128. 2 Sam. 19:37
129. 2 Sam. 24:3
130. 2 Sam. 24:3
131. 2 Sam. 24:21
132. 2 Sam. 24:22
133. 1 Ki. 1:2
134. 1 Ki. 1:2
135. 1 Ki. 1:13
136. 1 Ki. 1:17
137. 1 Ki. 1:18
138. 1 Ki. 1:20
139. 1 Ki. 1:20
140. 1 Ki. 1:21
141. 1 Ki. 1:24
142. 1 Ki. 1:27
143. 1 Ki. 1:27
144. 1 Ki. 1:31
145. 1 Ki. 1:36
146. 1 Ki. 1:37
147. 1 Ki. 1:37
148. 1 Ki. 2:38
149. 1 Ki. 3:17
150. 1 Ki. 3:26
151. 1 Ki. 18:7
152. 1 Ki. 18:10
153. 1 Ki. 18:13
154. 1 Ki. 20:4
155. 1 Ki. 20:9
156. 2 Ki. 2:19
157. 2 Ki. 4:16
158. 2 Ki. 4:28
159. 2 Ki. 5:3
160. 2 Ki. 5:18
161. 2 Ki. 5:20
162. 2 Ki. 5:22
163. 2 Ki. 6:5
164. 2 Ki. 6:12
165. 2 Ki. 6:15
166. 2 Ki. 6:26
167. 2 Ki. 8:5
168. 2 Ki. 8:12
169. 2 Ki. 10:9
170. 2 Ki. 18:23
171. 2 Ki. 18:24
172. 2 Ki. 18:27
173. 1 Chr. 21:3
174. 1 Chr. 21:3
175. 1 Chr. 21:3
176. 1 Chr. 21:23
177. 2 Chr. 2:14
178. 2 Chr. 2:15
179. Ps. 110:1
180. Isa. 36:8
181. Isa. 36:9
182. Isa. 36:12
183. Jer. 37:20
184. Jer. 38:9
185. Dan. 1:10
186. Dan. 10:16
187. Dan. 10:17
188. Dan. 10:17
189. Dan. 10:19
190. Dan. 12:8
191. Zech. 1:9
192. Zech. 4:4
193. Zech. 4:5
194. Zech. 4:13
195. Zech. 6:4
(3) The title, and that is what it is, of YHWH Sabbaoth does [b]NOT apply to the Son, Jesus (Yeshua) when correctly used/translated as shown, "Sabbaoth: "Translated as host(s) saba' means army(ies). ... Yahweh of Hosts is a special name for God. Yahweh and 'elohim occur with seba'ot some 285 times. ... Yahweh Sabbaoth appears for the first time in 1 Samuel 1:3.... Its origin appears to have been at the close of the period of the judges and in the vicinity of the sanctuary Shiloh, where the ark of the covenant was housed. The ark itself symbolized Yahweh's rulership; for he is declared to be enthroned between the cherubim (1Sam 4:4; cf, Psa 99:1). This name certainly contains the affirmation that Yahweh is the true head of Israel's armies" [source, "(TWOT) Harris, R. Laird, (editor). Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press. 1980.] The fact that this title applied only to the Father (YHWH) was clearly shown by 1 Samuel 17:45 as David clearly understood that that God was the real commander of the Israelites army and Goliath's taunts were therefore directed at Almighty God (YHWH). In reality it was not the Almighty God (YHWH) was on their side, but that they were on his side. At this battle he proved he was the sovereign and was mightier than the pagan foes of his chosen people.
(3) Bible quotes made by others but dealing with there being only one Almighty God (YHWH):
Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD(YHWH); and beside me there is no savior.
Isaiah 49:26b and all flesh shall know that I the LORD(YHWH) am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
Isaiah 60:16 Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD(YHWH) am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
Hosea 13:4 Yet I am the LORD(YHWH) thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no savior beside me
Isiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD(YHWH) the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD(YHWH) of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Jeremiah 50:34 Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD(YHWH) of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon
(4) How Jesus' (Yeshua's) name came to contain as its makeup his Father (YHWH), and how the use of YHWH as part of other names was common in ancient Israel:
ELIJAH m English, Jewish, Biblical
Pronounced: ee-LIE-zha
From the Hebrew name Eliyahu meaning "my God is YAHWEH". Elijah was a Hebrew prophet of the 9th century BC, during the reign of King Ahab and his queen, Jezebel. The two Books of Kings in the Old Testament tell of his exploits, which culminate with him being carried to heaven in a chariot of fire.
ISHMAEL m Biblical, English
Pronounced: ISH-may-el
From the Hebrew name Yishma'el meaning "God will hear". In the Old Testament this is the name of a son of Abraham. He is the traditional ancestor of the Arabs.
ISHMERAI m Biblical
Means "YAHWEH guards" in Hebrew. This name is mentioned briefly in the Old Testament
JEDIDIAH m Biblical
Pronounced: je-di-DIE-a
Means "beloved of YAHWEH" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is a name given to Solomon by Nathan.
JEHOSHAPHAT m Biblical
Pronounced: jee-HAWSH-a-fat
Means "YAHWEH has judged" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is a king of Judah.
JEHU m Biblical
Pronounced: JEE-hyoo
Means "YAHWEH is he" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this name belongs to both a prophet and a king of Israel.
JEPHTHAH m Biblical
Pronounced: JEF-tha
Means "YAHWEH sets free" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this name belongs to a judge who defends Israel from the Ammonites.
JEREMIAH m English, Jewish, Biblical
Pronounced: jer-e-MIE-a
From the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu which meant "YAHWEH has uplifted". This was the name of one of the major prophets of the Old Testament, author of the Book of Jeremiah and (supposedly) the Book of Lamentations. He lived to see the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in the 6th century BC.
JOAB m Biblical
Pronounced: JO-ab
Means "YAHWEH is the father" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he was the commander of King David's army, but when Solomon came to power he was executed.
JOACHIM m English, French, German, Polish, Biblical
Pronounced: JO-a-kim (English), zho-a-SHEN (French), YO-aw-khim (German), yo-AW-khim (German)
Means "established by YAHWEH" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament Joachim is a king of Judah. In the apocryphal Gospel of James, Saint Joachim was the husband of Saint Anne and the father of the Virgin Mary.
JOASH m Biblical
Pronounced: JO-ash
From the Hebrew name Yoash which possibly meant either "fire of YAHWEH" or "YAHWEH has given". In the Old Testament this name belongs to several characters including the father of Gideon, a king of Judah, and a son of King Ahab of Israel.
JOEL m English, Jewish, Biblical
Pronounced: JOL, JO-ul
From the Hebrew name Yoel meaning "YAHWEH is God". Joel was a minor prophet in the Old Testament, the author of the Book of Joel.
JONATHAN m English, Biblical
Pronounced: JAWN-a-than
From the Hebrew name Yehonatan (contracted to Yonatan) meaning "YAHWEH has given". In the Old Testament Jonathan was the eldest son of Saul and a friend of David. He was killed in battle with the Philistines. A famous bearer of this name was Jonathan Swift, the satirist who wrote 'Gulliver's Travels' and other works.
JOSHUA m English, Biblical
Pronounced: JAW-shu-wa, JAW-shwa
From the Hebrew name Yehoshua which meant "YAHWEH is salvation". Joshua was one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan by Moses in the Old Testament. After Moses died Joshua succeeded him as leader of the Israelites. The name Jesus was a variant of the name Joshua.
JOSIAH m Biblical, English
Pronounced: jo-SIE-a
Means "YAHWEH supports" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a king of Judah famous for his religious reforms. He was killed fighting the Egyptians at Megiddo.
JOTHAM m Biblical
Pronounced: JO-tham
Means "YAHWEH is upright" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this was the name of both a son of Gideon and a king of Judah.
[source, "t h e e t y m o l o g y a n d h i s t o r y o f f i r s t n a m e s "]
Joshua's name change
The name "Jesus" from the Greek New Testament is the same as the name "Joshua" from the Hebrew Old Testament. The man we call Jesus Christ was actually Joshua Christ.
Joshua was, of course, the name of the second leader of the nation of Israel. He was the man who saved Israel from its wilderness wandering and took it to the promised land.
Joshua's full name means "Jehovah saves." Joshua is actually a combined name. The first part is the name "Jehovah." The second part is the name "Hosea" (meaning "saviour").
However, most people do not know that "Joshua" was not this man's birth name. In Deuteronomy 32:44 he is called "Hosea." It appears that that was his birth name.
This is shown by the fact that the name "Jehovah" was not revealed to humanity until after Joshua's birth (Exodus 3:15). So it could not have been part of his name at birth. His name must have been changed later in life.
This name change was appropriate. If he was "Hosea" (saviour), people might think he was the one saving them from life in the wilderness. But as Joshua ("Jehovah-Hosea"), it shows that Jehovah was their true saviour.
A difficult task
About 1000 years after Joshua died, the Hebrew Old Testament was for the first time translated into another language, into Greek. The translators had a particularly difficult task translating Joshua's name.
The "Hosea" part of the name could be written in Greek fairly easily. (In Greek, it became "Osea," there being no "H" written in Greek.
However, the "Jehovah" part of Joshua's name had a serious problem.
In Hebrew, the word "Jehovah" is spelt YHWH. However, none of those letters occured in the Greek alphabet of the time. There was no Y or W in Greek. And while the letter H did exist, it was never written and was always the first letter of the word. So none of the letters from "Jehovah" could be written in Greek.
When the translators wanted to translate the word "Jehovah," they put a substitute word in its place. They used the Greek word for "Lord."
However, translating Joshua's name wasn't so easy. You couldn't put another word as part of the name. You had to make it the closest sound that the Greek alphabet could make for the name.
The translators did this by translating the Y in YHWH with the Greek letter "I." The other three letters (HWH) they just left out entirely. They also had to leave out the H at the start of "Hosea." So the name "Jehovah-Hosea" became "I-osea," or "Iesou." Since most Greek male names end in "s," "Iesou" became "Iesous," (Jesus).
[source, "Amazing Meaning Of The Name Jesus," by Phil Ward]
THIS VOL 843B – (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE: APOLOGIZE. [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO DANIEL AND A BIBLE STUDY, [3] SENT ONES ARE SUBORDINATE ONES: [4] CAN PEACEKEEPING EFFORTS CREATE WORLD PEACE? [5] WILL DIPLOMACY BRING WORLD PEACE? (A SHORT READ.) [6] BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED, Peace on Earth—How Will It Come? [7] A REAL HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW,
HERE IS [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] A RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE. ARISTOTELIA CHILENSIS, THE MAQUI OR CHILEAN WINEBERRY,
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] SENT ONES ARE SUBORDINATE ONES:
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [843B]
And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: 16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. Exodus 1:15 – 16, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
However, the midwives saw the king of Egypt’s request as being wrong, and that it would bring blood quilt upon them per 2 Samuel 23:16 - 17, [AV] “And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. 17 And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.” And Exodus 1:17 – 21, [AV] clearly showed, “But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. 18 And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive? 19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. 20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. 21 And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.”
Jesus (Yeshua) identifies himself as the one "sent" by a superior, he did not come of his own accord per Jesus' (Yeshua's) own testimony at John 8:14-16, "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. 15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. 16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me." And John 8:28-29, "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.", and John 8:42, "Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. " (Authorized King James Bible; AV). This superior is identified as "Father" and "God" per John 8:54, " Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: " (AV). Is not the sender The superior of the one sent? Let's look at John 13:16 where Jesus' (Yeshua) testifies to, " 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." (AV); and John 14:28, "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." (AV).
Jesus (Yeshua) does nothing of his "own initiative" and he can only speak what he was "taught" by the Father as he testified to at John 8:28, "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things" (AV).
Jesus (Yeshua) sought not his own glory, but God's and "keeps His word" as he testified to at John 8:49-54," Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. 50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. 52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? 54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:" (AV). Of course this could NOT be said of Almighty God (YHWH) , his Father clearly showing the following facts:
Jesus (Yeshua) Christ == The Son of God (YHWH).
Almighty God (YHWH) == The Father of Jesus (Yeshua).
So why do the Jews try to kill him? Probably for the same reason
that they stoned Stephen. Does this mean that Stephen was claiming
equality with God? Let us look at the context even more closely:
Jesus (Yeshua) says they will die at John 8:24, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." (AV).
Jesus (Yeshua) says they are killers at John 8:36-40, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham." (AV).
Jesus (Yeshua) says their Father is not God at John 8:41, "Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. " (AV).
Jesus (Yeshua) says their Father is Satan at John 8:44, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." (AV).
Jesus (Yeshua) says he is above Abraham At John 8:53-58, "Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? 54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." (AV).
Says A Rabbinic Anthology, "So great is the [merit] of Abraham that he can atone for all the vanities committed and lies uttered by Israel in this world." (London, 1938, C. Montefiore and H. Loewe, p. 676)
It was only after all this, and after FIVE "I AM's" at John 8:12 & 18 & 24 & 28 & 53, "12-Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.," And "18-I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.," & "24- I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.," and "28- Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.," and "58- Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. " (AV); that they tried to stone him as recorded at John 8:59, "Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.," (AV). The Jews definitely did not understand the 'I AM' to mean that he was saying he was Almighty God (YHWH), they were upset at him for elevating himself above Abraham, and this is only heightened by the fact that he was hurling the above rebukes at them, simply put.
THIS VOL 844B – (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND WHY EXAMINE THE BIBLE? [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA, AND A BIBLE STUDY, [3] DISCOURSE ON JESUS NOT JEHOVAH HIS FATHER: [4] WALK COURAGEOUSLY WITH GOD, [5] SEE THE EVENTS OF THIS ACCOUNT COME TO LIFE. IMITATE THEIR FAITH—ABRAHAM, PART 2 (11:10), [6] HOW DID ABRAHAM BECOME JEHOVAH’S CLOSE FRIEND, AND HOW CAN YOU STRENGTHEN YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH HIM? [7] SHE VENTURED INTO THE UNKNOWN,
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON JESUS NOT JEHOVAH HIS FATHER:
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [844B]
“And the king’s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. 16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house. 17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off. 18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king. 19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. 20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. 21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.” 2 Samuel 15:15 – 21, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
At this time King David was dealing with his rebellious son Absalom who sought to make himself king, and had to flee Jerusalem. His friend Hushai came to him and as recorded at 2 Samuel 15:32, [AV] “And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:” And David sent Hushai to Jerusalem to give bad council to Absalom as testified to at 2 Samuel 16:16 – 18, [AV] “And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king. 17 And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend? 18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.” And, Hushai’s council was taken instead of that of Ahithophel as recorded at 2 Samuel 17:5 – 8, [AV] “Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith. 6 And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou. 7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time. 8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.” The council of Hushai was accepted by Absalom per 2 Samuel 17:14, [AV] “And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.”
Here is some short simple logic that proves beyond doubt that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ in NOT Jehovah (YHWH) of the old testament as some claim, but his Son as stated over 40 times in the Word of God (YHWH), the Bible:
Matthew 24:36 proves he is not Jehovah (YHWH). Its quite simple, Jesus (Yeshua) is the Son of God (YHWH) and can NOT be God (YHWH) as shown by his own words at Matthew 24:36, clearly shows that no man, and even Jesus (Yeshua), the Son of God (YHWH), knows the hour for God's (YHWH's) judgment on this earth to come, "But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father". (American Standard Version; ASV). If he were God (YHWH) as some wrongly claim he would of course know the date for the culmination of the end times.
And this fact that Jesus (Yeshua) and Jehovah (YHWH), his Father (YHWH) are two distinct entities is further testified to at Matthew 26:52-56 as follows,"Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Or thinkest thou that I cannot beseech my Father, and he shall even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then should the scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be? 55 In that hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and staves to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and ye took me not. 56 But all this is come to pass, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples left him, and fled. " (ASV) where Jesus (Yeshua) in his own words clearly says, "Or thinkest thou that I cannot beseech my Father, and he shall even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?" clearly showing his Father (YHWH) to be separate and apart from his Father (YHWH).
FATHER IS GREATER THAN THE SON:
Or where he clearly shows his Father (YHWH) as being greater than himself at John 14:28, "Ye heard how I said to you, I go away, and I come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go unto the Father: for the Father is greater than I."(AVS), and this statement would definately NOT be so if they were one and the same.
Or where the Father (YHWH) gives authority over all except himself to Jesus (Yeshua) at 1 Corinthians 15:22-28, " For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. 24 Then [cometh] the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all.". Now pay particular attention to verse 27 where it says, "For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him." which would be ridiculas and impossible if they were one and the same; for this scripture to be so they would have to be two separate entities.
Or 1 Corinthians 11:3 where the chain-of-authority is shown as, "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."(ASV). Now if they were one and the same, the statement, "and the head of Christ is God." would be impossible.
Or consider Luke 3:21-23, " Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. 23 And Jesus himself, when he began [to teach], was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the [son] of Heli,"(ASV), which clearly shows Jesus' (Yeshua's) Father, God (YHWH) letting his Holy Spirit or active force come down on his beloved Son, Jesus (Yeshua) and anoint him, once more showing them as two distinct entities.
Or consider John 20:17,"Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God."(ASV) which clearly shows the Son, Jesus (Yeshua) and the Father (YHWH), Jehovah as two distince and separate individuals.
Or consider when Jesus (Yeshua) prayed to his Father (YHWH) at John 17:1-5, "These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee: 2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. 3 And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, [even] Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. "(ASV); which shows him praying to his Father (YHWH) which would have been impossible if they, the Son, Jesus (Yeshua) and the Father, Jehovah (YHWH), were the same individual.
Or John 5:19, "Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner."(ASV) where Jesus (Yeshua) clearly testifies that he, the Son, can "do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing" which leaves no doubt that Jesus (Yeshua) and Jehovah (YHWH), the Father (YHWH) are indeed two separate individuals.
MISDIRECTION BY SOME WRITERS FROM BIBLICAL FACT CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD:
One individual once said, "Some have a problem dealing with what is written concerning the Son and the fact that the NT writers call Him God, Paul calling Him the GREAT God and Savior." which is an incorrect statement meant to cover the fact of their own error; the fact is that the
(YHWH), but as the Son of God (YHWH) in over 40 different places. However, some translators mistranslated, for example John 1:1, to make it seem like he was God (YHWH), but a close examination of their mistranslation of John 1:1 clearly shows there is a definite problem as their mistranslation creates an impossible situation. Let's look at John 1:1 and see why this is the case, "In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God: and the Word was God." (Douay Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB). Now this first says [in the first part of the translational construct] that the "Word was with God," and then [in the second part of the translational construct] that the "Word was God." Obviously you CAN NOT BE BOTH WITH SOMEONE AND BE THAT SOMEONE. This is both impossible and absolutely ridiculas at the same time, and this all the more so when you consider John 1:2, "The same was in the beginning with God." (DRCB).
Thus you can easily see there is something very wrong with this translation and it could IN NO WAY be the thoughts of the original writer, and of course you would be correct. But now what were the thoughts of the original writer? The New English Bible (NEB) captures the thoughts of the original writer as follows for John 1:1-3, "When all things began, the Word already was. The Word dwelt with God, and what God was, the Word was. The Word, then, was with God at the beginning, and through him all things came to be; no single thing was created without him." (The New English Bible; NEB) or in the translation by the renown American translator, An American Translation," by Dr. Edgar J. Goodspeed - transltr, J. M. Powis Smith - transltr. Publisher: University of Chicago Press, "IN THE beginning the Word existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was divine. It was he that was with God in the beginning. Everything came into existence through him, and apart from him nothing came to be." (An American Translation; AAT). Both clearly showing that he was what his father was a diety or divine; but clearly not on the same level with his Father (YHWH) since as he himself said at John 14:28, " You have heard that I said to you: I go away, and I come unto you. If you loved me you would indeed be glad, because I go to the Father: for the Father is greater than I." (DRCB); thus no violation of Exodus 20:3 against polytheism, "Thou shalt not have strange gods before me." (DRCB). And as God's (YHWH's) he showed where worship should be directed in Matthew 4:10 when he was giving an answer to the Devil on worship and to whom it should be given, "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." (American Standard Version; ASV), and this is in keeping with Isaiah 42:8, "I am Jehovah, that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise unto graven images." (ASV). Jesus (Yeshua) even showed that his own glory was subordinate to his Father's (YHWH's) and dependent on his Father (YHWH) at John 17:1-5, "These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the son may glorify thee: 2 even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. 3 And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, [even] Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which thou hast given me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." (ASV). So we can clearly see that Jesus (Yeshua) and His Father (YHWH) must be two separate and distinct individuals as there is NO POSSIBLE WAY THEY COULD BE ONE INDIVIDUAL, since one is dependent on the other for his power, this being the Son, Jesus (Yeshua) who is dependent on his Father (YHWH) who is greater than he is.
THIS VOL 845B – (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND THE GOOD NEWS ACCORDING TO JESUS, EPISODE 1 [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO JOEL, AND A BIBLE STUDY, [3] DISCOURSE ON JESUS NOT JEHOVAH HIS FATHER: [4] BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED, John 1:1?—“In the Beginning Was the Word” [5] BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED, The Virgin Mary?—What Does the Bible Say About Her? [6] BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED, Who Were the “Three Wise Men”? Did They Follow the “Star” of Bethlehem? [7] BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED, THE GOOD NEWS ACCORDING TO JESUS?—VIDEO REFERENCE GUIDE :
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] CREATION OR EVOLUTION?
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [845B]
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalms 19:1”, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
Indeed the works of Almighty God (YHWH) are praised by all for what He created as stated at Psalms 8:3, [AV] “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;” And this fact is echoed at Psalms 115:15, [AV] “Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.” Yes, He made all as testified to by Genesis 1:6 - 7, [AV] “And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. 7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.”
And as Psalms 150:1 - 2, [AV] “Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.”
Why are there no exceptions to the laws of physics? Why does night follow day, the seasons follow one another, the stars and planets continue on course?
Most Christians believe that the regularity, the design evident in the universe, points to God, a supreme creative Intelligence.
Some scientists believe the universe is pointless, without rhyme or reason; that the human race is not the center piece, but a freak accident, the by-product of pointless material forces in a back water of the universe.
Others believe it is reasonable to believe in God the Creator, concluding from a study of the scientific evidence that a Supreme Intelligence is at work.
We do not believe God is like a super clockmaker, who then wound up the universe and left it to itself. We do not believe only in a god of the gaps, whom we use when we have no scientific explanation. We see God in the laws of nature. We do not believe in God because we need to do so, nor because we prefer to believe, as we prefer spaghetti rather than roast lamb and mint sauce. God often helps us feel good, but that is not a good reason to believe
Many of us believe the universe has been fine-tuned for the existence of humans, that a place for humans was built into the universe from the beginning. In fact, we believe the cosmos was made with us in mind. What evidence is there for this?
An enormous number of coincidences enable human life to exist. If the earth was smaller, gravity would be too weak to retain an atmosphere. If it were much bigger there would be too much hydrogen. If we were much closer to the sun it would be too hot for liquid water; if we were much further away it would be too cold for us.
Almost one hundred chemical elements occur in nature, the smallest being hydrogen, which appeared soon after the Big Bang. Nearly all the other elements were forged later when giant stars exploded. Most of the elements in our bodies were made in explosions before our sun was born.
If the force holding the hydrogen nuclei together had been much weaker, the process could not have gone past hydrogen. If this force had been only a bit stronger, the stars would have burned themselves out in millions of years, not the billions of years needed to produce life.
The production of life has depended on a fantastic and delicate balance of forces. If the nature of space had been slightly different the universe could have collapsed a fraction of a second after it began; or undergone such ferocious expansion that all matter, even atoms, would have been torn apart quickly.
We know now that neither the earth nor the sun is the centre of the universe. Our sun is like a pebble on an immense beach. Why is the universe so large?
If the universe was the size of Europe it would have lasted a few milliseconds. A universe the size of our solar system would have lasted a few hours.
To claim these coincidences and many others are the product of chance is like claiming a runaway truck in a rubbish dump produced the Mona Lisa.
To sum it all up (E-equals-MxC2) shows energy and matter can not be created or destroyed by any mechanism known to man and yet one or the other or both had to come in existence at sometime or nothing we now know including mankind itself would exist. Therefore, even if a Bible that tells who created all did not exist, the universe and all in it would clearly show the existence of a Creator.
THIS VOL 846B – (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND THE GOOD NEWS ACCORDING TO JESUS, EPISODE 2 AND 3,[2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO AMOS, AND A BIBLE STUDY. [3] DISCOURSE ON HYPOCRISY AND BIGOTRY: [4] LEARN FROM JESUS, There Will Be World Peace, [5] UNDER GOD’S KINGDOM “PEACE WILL ABOUND” [6] WHAT IS THE SIGN OF “THE LAST DAYS,” OR “END TIMES”? [7] WHAT IS THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON? THE BIBLES ANSWER,
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON HYPOCRISY AND BIGOTRY:
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [846B]
“And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. 27 And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.”
Ezekiel 34:26 – 27, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
Yes, Almighty God (YHWH) plans to bring the earth to a paradise again in accordance with His original plan for mankind per Isaiah 56:7, [AV] “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” And also echoed at Psalms 68:9, [AV] “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.”
And as noted at Malachi 3:10, [AV] “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
As one person so aptly put it "Most of these other people are so obsessed at removing the "scales" from other people's eyes that they miss the "snake" in their own." Which goes along with the scripture at Luke 6:41, "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" (American Standard Version; ASV). In fact, Jesus (Yeshua) went on to show individuals acting this way were nothing but hypocrites at Luke 6:42, "Or how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me cast out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote that is in thy brother's eye." (ASV). Now we all know a hypocrite is NOT approved of by Jesus (Yeshua) as aptly testified to at Matthew 23:13, "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." (ASV); And at Matthew 23:23, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." (ASV); And at Matthew 23:25, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess." (ASV); And at Matthew 23:27, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness." (ASV); And at Matthew 24:51, "And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (ASV); And Mark 7:6, "He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." Clearly showing what hypocrites are; they are those who put on a pretense of godliness but do not live by the word of God (YHWH). They seek continually to degrade others on either false charges or on in-consequentials.
An example of the false accusations or in-consequential charges by hypocrites is as follows, "Charles Taze Russell, founder of the JW`s was a high ranking Freemason. " In making such a ridicules charge they cared naught for the truth of the matter. It is possible that this man who these hypocrites are railing against once was a member of the Freemasons. These same inclined individuals also accused this same man as being a drunkard, but of course offered up no proof as is the practice of hypocrites. The fact is, he may have been both a Freemason and a drunkard at some time in his life before he accepted Jesus (Yeshua) as his savior, but who cares. Take the Apostle Paul, he had committed many very wicked acts in his life before being called to be an Apostle by the resurrected Jesus (Yeshua) as he plainly testified to at Acts 22:19-21, " And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. 21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles." (ASV), and Jesus (Yeshua) certainly did not hold his earlier actions against him even though they consisted of taking part in the murder of Stephen. Of course, this fact means nothing to hypocrites as they care NOT for truth, but are only interested in 'running others down' and are like the Pharisees mentioned at Matthew 22:23, previously quoted.
Now with respect to drinking and being drunk the Bible says of John the Baptist, at Luke 7:33, "For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil." (ASV), where these hypocrites tried to degrade John the Baptist because he did not eat bread or drink wine by saying in effect that he was not normal but 'hath a devil.' When the Son of God, Jesus (Yeshua) came, these same hypocritical individuals accused him of being a gluttonous man and a winebibber as recorded at Luke 7:34, "The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!" (ASV). Clearly they were NOT the least bit interested in the truth, but were just plain bigots as shown by their action and words. Of course, this is the way of hypocrites, they are always derogatory about others who they do not care for. So why should we be surprised when the modern hypocrites act in the same way as the hypocrites of old? They love to speak negatively about others regardless of what the truth is.
As one person aptly put it, "They should take the advice their own 'messiah' gave, rather than 'do as I say, not as I do" mentality." This same individual stated, " "Not all fruits are the same, just as all organizations are the same."; made in reply to another's statement, " Not all fruits are the same, just as all organizations are not the same." To which one of these hypocritical so called superfine Christians responded,"... the discussion wasn't about other organizations but JW's and the Watchtower Society." Clearly showing bigotry since if a thing is not wrong per the Bible it is NOT wrong period, and if it is wrong per the Bible, it is wrong no matter what organization or individual does it so it is clear that ones making this type of statement is both a bigot and a hypocrite, prima facia. These types of hypocritical individuals clearly forget what the scriptures say at 1 Peter 4:3, "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:" (ASV), which shows that if we turn our lives around and accept Jesus (Yeshua) as our savior and no longer walk in lasciviousness, lusts, excesses of wine, etc. we can become acceptable to Jesus (Yeshua). This point is made clear in the qualifications for bishop at 1 Timothy 3:2, "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;" (ASV) which states the qualifications without any mention of what the person may have been before accepting Jesus (Yeshua) as his personal savior.
No more are these hypocrites shown to be unreasonable ones than by the fact they make much ado about inconsequential trivials, but gloss over major wrongs without mention by so called religious leaders such as murder by genocide of over one million individuals, burning individuals at the stake who did not agree with them, etc. Therefore as one individual so apthy put it, as previously quoted, " Most of these other people are so obssesed at removing the "scales" from other people's eyes that they miss the "snake" in their own"
THIS VOL 847B – (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO RESPECT? [2] DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO , OBADIAH, AND A BIBLE STUDY. [3] DISCOURSE ON CULTS AND FALSE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST JESUS' FOLLOWERS: [4] HOW TO BE HUMBLE. [5] HELP FOR THE FAMILY | PARENTING, Teaching Children Humility, [6] RAISING CONSIDERATE CHILDREN IN A ME-FIRST WORLD, [7] WHATEVER HAPPENED TO DISCIPLINE?
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON CULTS AND FALSE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST JESUS' FOLLOWERS
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [847B]
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24 – 25, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
And Jesus (Yeshua) shows at Luke 15:6 – 10, [AV] by example the joy experienced by getting one sinner to return to righteousness, “And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 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. 8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” This is also emphasized at Luke 15:7, [AV] “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.”
[3] 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.
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 850B, (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND LEARN ENDURANCE FROM CREATION, [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO HABAKKUK, [3] DISCOURSE ON EPHESIANS 4:30: [4] WAS IT DESIGNED? THE SEAHORSE’S TAIL? [5] WAS LIFE CREATED? WHAT YOU BELIEVE ABOUT HOW LIFE BEGAN REALLY DOES MATTER. [6] WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? [7] THE LIVING PLANET,
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON EPHESIANS 4:30:
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [850B]
“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, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
This theme is amplified at Romans 2:3 – 6, [AV] “And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” Yes, Almighty God (YHWH) is NOT slack concerning his promise, but wanting all to turn their lives around and be counted righteous.
Let's look at Ephesians 4:30 in several different Bibles:
" And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30 AV - Authorized King James Bible)
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30 NIV - New International Version)
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30 NASB - New American Standard Version)
"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30 ASB - American Standard Version)
Now, let's look at some crossreference test to Ephesians 4:30.
"But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?
12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?" (Isaiah 63:10-12 AV)
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 5:18-19 AV)
" Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3 AV)
" In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," (Ephesians 1:13 AV)
BIBLE SCHOLARS AND ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND COMMENTARIES ON EPHESIANS 4:30:
Renown Bible Scholar, Theodore Beza, said:
4:30 18 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
(18) A general precept against all excess of affections which dwell in that part of the mind, which they call "angry", and he sets against them the contrary means. And he uses a most strong preface, how we ought to take heed that we grieve not the Holy Spirit of God through our immoderateness and excessiveness, who dwells in us to the end of moderating all our affections. [Beza, Theodore. "Commentary on Ephesians 4". "The 1599 Geneva Study Bible". 1600-1645.]
A Bible Encyclopedia said,
“Holy spirit. Jehovah's active force, or spirit, is subject to his control and always accomplishes his purpose. It is clean, pure, sacred, and set apart for God's good use. Therefore it is called "holy spirit" and "the spirit of holiness." (Ps 51:11; Lu 11:13; Ro 1:4; Eph 1:13) The holy spirit operating on a person is a force for holiness or cleanness. Any unclean or wrong practice constitutes a resisting or "grieving" of that spirit. (Eph 4:30) Though impersonal in itself, the holy spirit is expressive of God's holy personality and therefore can be 'grieved.' The practice of any wrongdoing tends to "put out the fire of the spirit." (1Th 5:19) If such practice is continued, God's holy spirit is, in effect, made to "feel hurt," and this may result in God's changing into an enemy of the rebellious one. (Isa 63:10) A person grieving the holy spirit may go so far as to blaspheme against it, which sin Jesus Christ said will not be forgiven in the present system of things nor in that to come.-Mt 12:31, 32; Mr 3:28-30;” [ Insights]
Bible scholar, A. R. Fausset, AM, said,
“30. grieve not--A condescension to human modes of thought most touching. Compare "vexed His Holy Spirit" (Isaiah 63:10, Psalms 78:40); "fretted me" (Ezekiel 16:43: implying His tender love to us); and of hardened unbelievers, "resist the Holy Ghost" (Acts 7:51). This verse refers to believers, who grieve the Spirit by inconsistencies such as in the context are spoken of, corrupt or worthless conversation, &c.
whereby ye are sealed--rather, "wherein (or 'in whom') ye were sealed." As in Ephesians 1:13, believers are said to be sealed "in" Christ, so here "in the Holy Spirit," who is one with Christ, and who reveals Christ in the soul: the Greek implies that the sealing was done already once for all. It is the Father "BY" whom believers, as well as the Son Himself, were sealed (John 6:27). The Spirit is represented as itself the seal (Ephesians 1:13, for the image employed, is the element IN which the believer is sealed, His gracious influences being the seal itself.
unto--kept safely against the day of redemption, namely, of the completion of redemption in the deliverance of the body as well as the soul from all sin and sorrow (Ephesians 1:14, Luke 21:28, Romans 8:23).” [Fausset, A. R., A.M. "Commentary on Ephesians 4". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible". 1871].
A Bible commentary said,
“All that the believer has must come from Christ, but it comes solely through the channel of the Spirit of grace. Moreover, as all blessings thus flow to you through the Holy Spirit, so also no good thing can come out of you in holy thought, devout worship, or gracious act, apart from the sanctifying operation of the same Spirit. Even if the good seed be sown in you, yet it lies dormant except He worketh in you to will and to do of His own good pleasure. Do you desire to speak for Jesus-how can you unless the Holy Ghost touch your tongue? Do you desire to pray? Alas! what dull work it is unless the Spirit maketh intercession for you! Do you desire to subdue sin? Would you be holy? Would you imitate your Master? Do you desire to rise to superlative heights of spirituality? Are you wanting to be made like the angels of God, full of zeal and ardour for the Master's cause? You cannot without the Spirit-"Without me ye can do nothing." O branch of the vine, thou canst have no fruit without the sap! O child of God, thou hast no life within thee apart from the life which God gives thee through His Spirit! Then let us not grieve Him or provoke Him to anger by our sin. Let us not quench Him in one of His faintest motions in our soul; let us foster every suggestion, and be ready to obey every prompting. If the Holy Spirit be indeed so mighty, let us attempt nothing without Him; let us begin no project, and carry on no enterprise, and conclude no transaction, without imploring His blessing. Let us do Him the due homage of feeling our entire weakness apart from Him, and then depending alone upon Him, having this for our prayer, "Open Thou my heart and my whole being to Thine incoming, and uphold me with Thy free Spirit when I shall have received that Spirit in my inward parts." [http://bible.christiansunite.com/Morning_and_Evening/chme1121.shtml]
CONCLUSION;
Let's see, as the Holy Spirit is God's active force we can speak of it as grieving when God is grieving, and we grieve God when our heart condition is not right " And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;" (Acts 15:8 AV). Therefore when our heart condition is not right God (YHWH) is grieved since we did not accept the holy spirit, his active force, that is a free gift which he gladly grants to those who sincerely seek and request it "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." (Acts 2:32-33 AV) and "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Luke 11:9-13 AV). Here in Luke 11:13 the Holy Spirit is spoken of as being given by the Father, Almighty God (YHWH) as a gift to all that ask of their heavenly Father (YHWH). Now, if he, the Holy Spirit, were a person there would be no way the Father (YHWH) could give him to all that were of good heart. To receive the Holy Spirit, God's (YHWH's) active force, we must bring our life in harmony, knowledge and conformity to God's (YHWH's) requirements as shown by " 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 5:32 AV) and "He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19:2-6 AV). Here we note that the Holy Ghost (Spirit or God's active force) the was given to those Paul baptized and this active force caused them to, "spake with tongues, and prophesied." Clearly showing they had received God's (YHWH's) active force.
Once received, the Christian should not 'grieve' God's spirit by disregarding it (Eph 4:30) ; compare Isa 63:10 - both previously sited), taking a course contrary to its leading, fixing the heart on goals other than that to which it points and impels, rejecting the inspired Word of God and its counsel and application to oneself "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. (Ac 7:51-53 AV), "" Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8 AV), "Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: 2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!" Isaiah 30:1-2 AV).
Of course, by hypocrisy one can "play false" to that Holy Spirit by which Christ directs the congregation of God (YHWH), and those who "make a test" of its power in this way follow a disastrous course "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things..” (Ac 5:1-11 AV), " I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost," (Romans 9:1 AV). Deliberate opposition to and rebellion against the evident manifestation of God's spirit can mean blasphemy against that spirit (God's active force), a sin that is unforgivable " Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men." (Matthew 12:31 AV) because it is denying that which is clearly evident.
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 852B (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND A VIDEO – STEALING IS BAD, [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO HAGGAI, [3] THE RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE OF THE DAY, AVERRHOA BILIMBI (COMMONLY KNOWN AS BILIMBI), [4] NO. 1 2025 | AN END TO WAR—HOW?, [5] THE HORROR OF WAR, [6] HOW WAR AND VIOLENT CONFLICT AFFECT US ALL, [7] CAN WE END WAR AND VIOLENT CONFLICT?
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, AND [3] THE RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE OF THE DAY,Averrhoa bilimbi (commonly known as bilimbi,
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [852B]
“He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. Jeremiah 10:12, “ [authorized King James Bible; AV]
Yes, as stated at Genesis 1:1, [AV] “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” He, as shown by Psalms 24:2, [AV] “For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” And reveals that the earth is a sphere and not a flat plane in space as many ancients believed up to the time Christopher Columbus proved otherwise and that the Bible was correct as shown at Isaiah 40:22, [AV] “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:”
[3] Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Averrhoa bilimbi (commonly known as bilimbi, cucumber tree, or tree sorrel[2]) is a fruit-bearing tree of the genus Averrhoa, family Oxalidaceae. It is a close relative of carambola tree.
Description
The bilimbi tree reaches 5–10 m in height. Its trunk is short and quickly divides up into ramifications. Bilimbi leaves, 3–6 cm long, are alternate, imparipinnate and cluster at branch extremities. There are around 11 to 37 alternate or subopposite oblong leaflets. The leaves are quite similar to those of the Otaheite gooseberry. The trunk and branches of tree has to be exposed to sunlight for fruits to form (traditional knowledge), which is achieved by removing leaves except from branch end.
Distribution and habitat
Possibly originated in Moluccas, Indonesia, the species is now cultivated and found throughout the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar (Burma) and Malaysia. It is also common in other Southeast Asian countries. In India, where it is usually found in gardens, the bilimbi has gone wild in the warmest regions of the country.[3]
Outside of Asia, the tree is cultivated in Zanzibar. In 1793, the bilimbi was introduced to Jamaica from Timor and after several years, was cultivated throughout Central and South America where it is known as mimbro. In Suriname this fruit is known as lange birambi. Introduced to Queensland at the end of the 19th century, it has been grown commercially in the region since that time.[3] In Guyana, it is called Sourie, One finger, Bilimbi and Kamranga.
This is essentially a tropical tree, less resistant to cold than the carambola, growing best in rich and well-drained soil (but also stands limestone and sand). It prefers evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year, but with a 2- to 3-month dry season. Therefore, the species is not found, for example, in the wettest part of Malaysia. In Florida, where it is an occasional curiosity, the tree needs protection from wind and cold.[3]
Nutritional value for 100 g of edible portion
• Moisture 94.2-97 g
• Protein 0.61 g
• Ash 0.31-0.40 g
• Fiber 0.6g
• Phosphorus 11.1 mg
• Calcium 3.4 mg
• Iron 1.01 mg
• Thiamine 0.010 mg
• Riboflavin 0.026 mg
• Carotene 0.035 mg
• Ascorbic Acid 15.5 mg
• Niacin 0.302 mg
Culinary interest
In the Philippines, where it is commonly found in backyards, the fruits are eaten either raw or dipped in rock salt. It can be either curried or added as a souring agent for common Filipino dishes such as sinigang and paksiw. The uncooked bilimbi is prepared as relish and served with rice and beans in Costa Rica. In the Far East, where the tree originated, it is sometimes added to curry. Bilimbi juice (with a pH of about 4.47) is made into a cooling beverage. In Indonesia, it is added to some dishes, substituting for tamarind or tomato.
Additionally, the fruit can be preserved by pickling,[4] which reduces its acidity. The flowers are also sometimes preserved in sugar.
In another part of Indonesia, Aceh, it is preserved by sun-drying. The sun-dried bilimbi is called asam sunti. Bilimbi and asam sunti are popular in Acehnese cuisine. It can replace mango in making chutney. In Malaysia, it also is made into a rather sweet jam.
In Kerala and Bhatkal, India, it is used for making pickles and to make fish curry, especially with Sardines, while around Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa the fruit is commonly eaten raw with salt and spice. In Guyana, it is made into achars/pickles too.
In Seychelles, it is often used as an ingredient to give a tangy flavor to many Seychellois creole dishes, especially fish dishes. It is often used in grilled fish and also (almost always) in a shark meat dish, called satini reken. It is also used to make a delicious sauce for grilled ,that consists of chopped onion, chopped tomato ,chopped chili and cooked on low heat. It is a must in our local white fish broth " bouyon blan" When in season we also curred them with salt to be used when it is not available.
Medical interest
In the Philippines, the leaves serve as a paste on itches, swelling, rheumatism, mumps or skin eruptions. Elsewhere, they are used for bites of venomous creatures. A leaf infusion is used as an after-birth tonic, while the flower infusion is used for thrush, cold, and cough. Malaysians use fermented or fresh bilimbi leaves to treat venereal diseases. In French Guiana, syrup made from the fruit is used to treat inflammatory conditions. To date there is no scientific evidence to confirm effectiveness for such uses.
In some villages in the Thiruvananthapuram district of India, the fruit of the bilimbi was used in folk medicine to control obesity. This led to further studies on its antihyperlipidemic properties.[5][6]
The fruit contains high levels of oxalate. Acute kidney failure due to tubular necrosis caused by oxalate has been recorded in several people who drank the concentrated juice on continuous days as treatment for high cholesterol.[7] These people were prompted into consuming this concoction by local media which played up studies done in experimental animals.
References
1. "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved May 16, 2014.
2. "Averrhoa bilimbi". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 9 June 2017.
3. Morton, J. 1987. Bilimbi. p. 128–129 In: Fruits of warm climates. Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL.
4. Achard bilimbi (Bilimbi pickle)
5. Pushparaj, Peter Natesan (2004). Evaluation Of The Anti-Diabetic Properties Of Averrhoa bilimbi in Animals with Experimental Diabetes Mellitus (PDF). National University of Singapore. Retrieved 1 Dec 2010.
6. Ambili, Savithri; Appian, Subramoniam; Nagarajan, Natesan Shanmugam (2009). Studies on the Antihyperlipidemic Properties of Averrhoa bilimbi Fruit in Rats. Planta Med. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1088361.
7. Jose P P, Bakul G; Unni V N; Seethaleksmy N V; Mathew A; Rajesh R; Kurien G; Rajesh J; Jayaraj P M; Kishore D S; et al. (2013). "Acute oxalate nephropathy due to Averrhoa bilimbi fruit juice ingestion". Indian J Nephrol. 23 (4): 297–300. doi:10.4103/0971-4065.114481. PMC 3741977?. PMID 23960349.
8. "Averrhoa bilimbi". United World College of South East Asia. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
9. "Growing Kamias and Its Many Uses". EntrePinoys Atbp. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
?[SOURCE - RETRIVED FROM https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Averrhoa_bilimbi ON 2 / 1 /2018]
For picture of tree and fruit and of seed source, go to, https://www.amazon.com/Averrhoa-Bilimbi-Cucumber-Pickle-Tropical/dp/B00TJK5JCQ?tag=askinfovinedelta-20
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].
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 853B (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND , WHAT IS THE GOLDEN RULE? [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH, [3] DISCOURSE ON JOHN CHAPTER 17, “THE LONGEST PRAYER BY JESUS”: [4] THE BIBLE’S VIEWPOINT ON GRATITUDE, [5] COVER SUBJECT: ARE WE BUYING TOO MUCH? WHY DO WE BUY? [6] WOMEN’S SAFETY—THE BIBLE’S PERSPECTIVE, [7] DOES GOD REALLY CARE ABOUT WOMEN?
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON JOHN CHAPTER 17, “THE LONGEST PRAYER BY JESUS”:
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [853B]
“King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” Acts 26:27 – 29, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
Here, the Apostle Paul is appearing before King Agrippa to make his defense for spreading the truth of Almighty God (YHWH) to many in ancient Jerusalem. In his defense as recorded at Acts 26:1 - 8, [AV] he says, “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: 2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. 4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?”
[3] DISCOURSE ON JOHN CHAPTER 17, “THE LONGEST PRAYER BY JESUS”:
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:<[ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes--"John very seldom depicts the gestures or looks of our Lord, as here. But this was an occasion of which the impression was indelible, and the upward look could not be passed over" [ALFORD]. Father, the hour is glorify thy Son--Put honor upon Thy Son, by countenancing, sustaining, and carrying Him through that "hour." (a) At John 17:5, Jesus asks for, “And now glorify thou me, O Father, with thyself, with the glory which I had, before the world was, with thee.” (The Douay-Rheims Bible), “Jesus said to them: Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham was made, I AM.” .” (John 8:58 The Douay-Rheims Bible), “If then you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?” (John 6:62 The Douay-Rheims Bible). As can clearly be seen, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) had been in heaven with his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) before he came down to earth to prove himself faithful under temptation, and here he was asking his Father (YHWH) for what he had had before in heaven. This clearly shows two individuals, one a superior being prayed to and a subordinate asking the superior for what he had had before in heaven. (b) ]>
2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. <[ given--gavest him power over all give eternal life to as many as, &c.--literally, "to all that which thou hast given him." (a) “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 15:28 AV) , Here we clearly see God has given his Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) jurisdiction over all things except himself, Almighty God (YHWH) and after he, the Son, has accomplished all the work his Father has given him, he will, “then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” This once more clearly shows they are two separate entities in heaven with one the superior, Almighty God (YHWH) and the other the subordinate, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) (b) ]>
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. <[this is--that. life eternal, that they might--may. know, &c.--This life eternal, then, is not mere conscious and unending existence,.but a life of acquaintance with God in Christ (Job 22:21). (a) Notice here that Almighty God (YHWH) sent his Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) to earth to do his, the Father’s will. Clearly the sender is the superior one. (b) ]>
4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. <[I have glorified thee on the earth--rather, "I glorified" (for the thing is conceived as now past). I have finished--I finished. the work which thou gavest me to do--It is very important to preserve in the translation the past tense, used in the original, otherwise it might be thought that the work already "finished" was only what He had done before uttering that prayer; whereas it will be observed that our Lord speaks throughout as already beyond this present scene (John 17:12, &c.), and so must be supposed to include in His "finished work" the "decease which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem." (a) Here the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves), clearly tells his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) that he has accomplished all the work that he had assigned to him to do while on earth in flesh and blood. He, the Son, states, “I have glorified thee on the earth:” {glory – from Strong’s Concordance and Hebrew-Chaldean Dictionary is ‘AV-glory 145, glorious 10, honour 6, praise 4, dignity 2, worship 1; 168’}. This clearly shows that the Son was doing the work assigned to him by his Father once more; therefore they would have to be two distinct entities, one the superior and the other the subordinate. (b) ]>
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. <[And now--in return. glorify thou me--The "I Thee" and "Thou Me" are so placed in the original, each beside its fellow, as to show that A PERFECT RECIPROCITY OF SERVICES of the Son to the Father first, and then of the Father to the Son in return, is what our Lord means here to express. with the glory which I had with thee before the world was--when "in the beginning the Word was with God" (John 1:1), "the only-begotten Son in the bosom of the Father" (John 1:18). With this pre-existent glory, which He veiled on earth, He asks to be reinvested, the design of the veiling being accomplished--not, however, simply as before, but now in our nature. (a) As can clearly be seen, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) had been in heaven with his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) before he came down to earth to prove himself faithful under temptation, and here he was asking his Father (YHWH) for what he had had before in heaven. This clearly shows two individuals, one a superior being prayed to and a subordinate asking the superior for what he had had before in heaven. (b) ]>
6 ¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. <[ From praying for Himself He now comes to pray for His disciples. I have manifested--I manifested. thy name--His whole character towards mankind. to the men thou gavest me out of the (a) Here the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) acknowledges that the men belonged to Almighty God (YHWH), but he gave them to his son, “thou gavest them me; “ clearly showing two individuals, a superior who can give things to a Son, and a Son who can receive things from his father; not two individuals in one Godhead as proclaimed by the Cathars. (b) ]>
7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. <[Here, the Son, is acknowledging the gifts from his Father, and stating that the gifts are of thee, the Father, “are of thee.” Obviously an interaction between two individuals, one the superior, the Father, the giver, and the subordinate, the Son, the receiver of the gifts. (b) ]>
8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. <[they . . . have known surely that I came out from (a) Here he, the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) , mentions that he has given to his followers, “the words which thou gavest me,” and his followers, “and they have received them.” Then he, the Son, continues, “and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me,” showing that his followers would surely know that they were one is purpose, “12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:12-16 AV) and “9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14 ¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Ephesians 3:9-14 AV). These clearly show that Almighty God (YHWH) and Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) although not one in body, are one in purpose, and since the Father has given mankind to the Son for the present time, we should all recognize the Son as the only mediator between God and mankind, “ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV). (b) ]>
9 “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. <[I pray for them--not as individuals merely, but as representatives of all such in every succeeding age not for the world--for they had been given Him "out of the world" (John 17:6), and had been already transformed into the very opposite of it. The things sought for them, indeed, are applicable only to such. (a) Jesus, here, prays on behalf of all of his followers to his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), clearly showing that the Son recognized his Father as supreme. (b) ]>
10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. <[all mine are thine, and thine are mine--literally, "All My things are Thine and Thy things are Mine." (On this use of the neuter gender, Absolute COMMUNITY OF PROPERTY between the Father and the Son is here expressed as nakedly as words can do it. (a) Here Jesus clearly recognizes that everything he has really belongs onto his Father in keeping with, “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 15:27-28 AV) (b) ]>
11 ¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. <[I am no more in the but these are in the world--that is, Though My struggles are at an end, theirs are not; though I have gotten beyond the scene of strife, I cannot sever Myself in spirit from them, left behind and only just entering on their great conflict. Holy Father--an expression He nowhere else uses. "Father" is His wonted appellation, but "Holy" is here prefixed, because His appeal was to that perfection of the Father's nature, to "keep" or preserve them from being tainted by the unholy atmosphere of "the world" they were still in. keep through thine own name--rather, "in thy name"; in the exercise of that gracious and holy character for which He was known.
that they may be (a) Here he, the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) , says after returning to his Father, “¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world,” and asks that they, his followers, “be one, as we are,” one. ” Then he, the Son, continues, “and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me,” (part of John 17:8 AV) showing that his followers would surely know that they were one is purpose, “12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:12-16 AV) and “9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 ¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Ephesians 3:9-14 AV). These clearly show that Almighty God (YHWH) and Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) although not one in body, are one in purpose, and since the Father has given mankind to the Son for the present time, we should all recognize the Son as the only mediator between God and mankind, “ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV). (b) ]>
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. <[I kept--guarded. them in thy name--acting as Thy Representative on earth.
none of them is lost, but the son of perdition--It is not implied here that the son of perdition was one of those whom the Father had given to the Son, but rather the contrary (John 13:18) [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. It is just as in Luke 4:26,27, where we are not to suppose that the woman of Sarepta (in Sidon) was one of the widows of Israel, nor Naaman the Syrian one of the lepers in Israel, though the language--the same as here--might seem to express it. son of perdition--doomed to it (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 14:21). (a) ]>
13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. <[I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves--that is, Such a strain befits rather the upper sanctuary than the scene of conflict; but I speak so "in the world," that My joy, the joy I experience in knowing that such intercessions are to be made for them by their absent Lord, may be tasted by those who now hear them, and by all who shall hereafter read the record of them, (a) Here Jesus speaks of his ascending back to heaven and that his followers should be happy as he has provided the ransom sacrifice for all his followers that they may have life. “ Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 AV), as he was, “ What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?” (John 6:62 AV) to be figuratively speaking to show that he was second in heaven “ Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;” (Hebrews 8:1 AV) (b) ]>
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.<[ Here Jesus tells his Father in heaven that he has given his followers his Fathers word, but the world hated them because they were no longer part of the world, “ Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4 AV) (b) ]>
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. <[ I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world--for that, though it would secure their own safety, would leave the world unblessed by their testimony. but . . . keep them from the evil--all evil in and of the world. (a) Here Jesus showed that his followers would not be popular and asked his Father to protect them against evil showing he recognized his Father as the superior. Clearly they would not be poplar and would be small in number as shown “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14 AV) (b) ]>
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. <[ They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world--(See John 5:18,19). This is reiterated here, to pave the way for the prayer which follows (a) ]>
17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. <[ Sanctify them--As the former prayer, "Keep them," was "negative," asking protection for them from the poisonous element which surrounded and pressed upon their renewed nature, so this prayer, "Sanctify them," is positive, asking the advancement and completion of their begun sanctification. through--in. thy truth--God's revealed truth, as the medium or element of sanctification; a statement this of immense importance. thy word is truth--(Compare John 15:3, Colossians 1:5, Ephesians 1:13). (a) Here he request that his Father (YHWH) sanctify his followers through his word as Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) clearly shows that he knows that his Father’s word is “thy word is truth.” (b) ]>
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. <[ As thou hast sent--sentest. me into the world, even so have I also sent them--sent I also them. into the world--As their mission was to carry into effect the purposes of their Master's mission, so our Lord speaks of the authority in both cases as co-ordinate. (a) Once more, Jesus emphases that he was sent by his Father (YHWH), the superior, for a purpose and also emphases that he, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) has sent them into the world to continue with his work in keeping with “ 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) (b) ]>
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. <[ And for their sakes I sanctify--consecrate. myself that they also might--may. be sanctified--consecrated. The only difference between the application of the same term to Christ and the disciples is, as applied to Christ, that it means only to "consecrate"; whereas, in application to the disciples, it means to consecrate with the additional idea of previous sanctification, since nothing but what is holy can be presented as an offering. The whole self-sacrificing work of the disciples appears here as a mere result of the offering of Christ [OLSHAUSEN]. through--in. the truth--Though the article is wanting in the original here, we are not to translate, as in the Margin, "truly sanctified"; for the reference seems plainly to be "the truth" mentioned in John 17:17. (a) ]>
20 ¶ Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; <[ Neither pray I for these alone--This very important explanation, uttered in condescension to the hearers and readers of this prayer in all time, is meant not merely of what follows, but of the whole prayer. them also which shall believe--The majority of the best manuscripts read "which believe," all future time being viewed as present, while the present is viewed as past and gone. (a) ]>
21 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. <[ that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they may be one in us--The indwelling Spirit of the Father and the Son is the one perfect bond of union, knitting up into a living unity, first all believers amongst themselves; next, this unity into one still higher, with the Father and the Son. (Observe, that Christ never mixes Himself up with His disciples as He associates Himself with the Father, but says I in THEM and THEY in US).
that the world may believe that thou hast sent me--sentest me. So the grand impression upon the world at large, that the mission of Christ is divine, is to be made by the unity of His disciples. Of course, then, it must be something that shall be visible or perceptible to the world. What is it, then? Not certainly a merely formal, mechanical unity of ecclesiastical machinery. For as that may, and to a large extent does, exist in both the Western and Eastern churches, with little of the Spirit of Christ, yea much, much with which the Spirit of Christ cannot dwell so instead of convincing the world beyond its own pale of the divinity of the Gospel, it generates infidelity to a large extent within its own bosom. But the Spirit of Christ, illuminating, transforming, and reigning in the hearts of the genuine disciples of Christ, drawing them to each other as members of one family, and prompting them to loving co-operation for the good of the world--this is what, when sufficiently glowing and extended, shall force conviction upon the world that Christianity is divine. Doubtless, the more that differences among Christians disappear--the more they can agree even in minor matters--the impression upon the world may be expected to be greater. But it is not dependent upon this; for living and loving oneness in Christ is sometimes more touchingly seen even amidst and in spite of minor differences, than where no such differences exist to try the strength of their deeper unity. Yet till this living brotherhood in Christ shall show itself strong enough to destroy the sectarianism, selfishness, carnality, and apathy that eat out the heart of Christianity in all the visible sections of it, in vain shall we expect the world to be overawed by it. It is when "the Spirit shall be poured upon us from on high," as a Spirit of truth and love, and upon all parts of the Christian territory alike, melting down differences and heart burnings, kindling astonishment and shame at past unfruitfulness, drawing forth longings of catholic affection, and yearnings over a world lying in wickedness, embodying themselves in palpable forms and active measures--it is then that we may expect the effect here announced to be produced, and then it will be irresistible. Should not Christians ponder these things? Should not the same mind be in them which was also in Christ Jesus about this matter? Should not His prayer be theirs? (a) Here he, the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves), then he, the Son, continues, “ For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.” (John 17:8 AV),
showing that his followers would surely know that they were one is purpose, “12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:12-16 AV) and “9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 ¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Ephesians 3:9-14 AV). These clearly show that Almighty God (YHWH) and Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) although not one in body, are one in purpose, and since the Father has given mankind to the Son for the present time, we should all recognize the Son as the only mediator between God and mankind, “ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV). (b) ]>
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: <[ And the glory which thou gavest--hast given. me I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one--The last clause shows the meaning of the first. It is not the future glory of the heavenly state, but the secret of that present unity just before spoken of; the glory, therefore, of the indwelling Spirit of Christ; the glory of an accepted state, of a holy character, of every grace. (a) See second comment on John 17:21 above (b) ]>
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. <[ I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in (a) Once more Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) emphasis that his followers should be one in purpose just as he is one in purpose with his Father (YHWH), for more details see second comment on John 17:21 above. (b)]>
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. <[ Father, I will--The majesty of this style of speaking is quite transparent. No petty criticism will be allowed to fritter it away in any but superficial or perverted readers. be with me where I that they may behold my glory which thou hast given Christ regards it as glory enough for us to be admitted to see and gaze for ever upon His glory! This is "the beatific vision"; but it shall be no mere vision, for "we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). (a) ]>
25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. <[ O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee--knew thee not. but I have known thee--knew thee. and these have known--knew. that thou hast sent--sentest me--As before He said "Holy Father," when desiring the display of that perfection on His disciples (John 17:11), so here He styles Him "Righteous Father," because He is appealing to His righteousness or justice, to make a distinction between those two diametrically opposite classes--"the world," on the one hand, which would not "know the Father, though brought so nigh to it in the Son of His love, and, on the other, Himself, who recognized and owned Him, and even His disciples, who owned His mission from the Father. (a) ]>
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. <[ And I have declared--I made known or communicated. thy name--in His past ministry. and will declare it--in yet larger measure, by the gift of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost and through all succeeding ages. that the love wherewith thou hast loved--lovedst. me may be in them, and I in them--This eternal love of the Father, resting first on Christ, is by His Spirit imparted to and takes up its permanent abode in all that believe in Him; and "He abiding in them and they in Him" (John 15:5), they are "one Spirit." "With this lofty thought the Redeemer closes His prayer for His disciples, and in them for His Church through all ages. He has compressed into the last moments given Him for conversation with His own the most sublime and glorious sentiments ever uttered by mortal lips. But hardly has the sound of the last word died away, when He passes with the disciples over the brook Kedron to Gethsemane--and the bitter conflict draws on. The seed of the new world must be sown in Death, that thence Life may spring up" [OLSHAUSEN]. (a)]>
(a) - Brown, David, D.D. "Commentary on John 17". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, 1871.
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 854B (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND, WORLD PEACE—WHY SO ELUSIVE? [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO MALACHI, [3] DISCOURSE ON LET FREEDOM RING [4] WHAT IS THE SIGN OF “THE LAST DAYS,” OR “END TIMES”? [5] ESSENTIAL BIBLE TEACHINGS, God’s Kingdom Began Ruling in 1914, [6] WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? [7] PEACE ON EARTH—HOW WILL IT COME?
COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON LET FREEDOM RING
[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [854B]
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” 1 Peter 3:1 – 2, [authorized King James Bible; AV]
We should all conduct ourselves in righteousness, and show subjection to the Christ as wives show subjection to their husbands as shown by Acts 2:21 – 24, [AV] “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: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
Let freedom ring loud and clear for all with individual dignity and right of belief be a basic human right, both William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson both said it. Both of these great leaders well knew the dangerous of fanatic cultic groups seeking to control the rights of others to believe or not believe in a deity as they wish and sought to preserve this basic human right for all. However, there are still cubic and cultic groups seeking to remove this basic human right so as to enforce their dogmatic beliefs either in the infallibility of their religious leaders or in some myth or idea at the expense of the freedom and dignity of others.
Let's face it when the definition of a cult is reduced to its bare essentials, it is a group that has either what they claim as an infallible leader based either on ex Cathedra or direct communications with a diety or what they claim to be an idea or myth not subject to question, i.e., the Shariah 'law', the Holy Black Rock in Mecca, the Trinity, the Duality, etc. Cultic groups attempt in all ways possible to deny others their rights to freedom, i.e., the right to practice their religious beliefs - right or wrong, the right to develop new scientific concepts - example, Copernican System, etc.
To carry out the denial of rights to others they come up with mischief at law and other 'dirty' tactics. A good example is heresy that when reduced to its bare essentials is you have NO right whatsoever to believe anything contrary to what we do or you will be severely punished. This is nothing but a naked denial of basic human rights, namely freedom. When cultist of any flavor get into power they institute heresy laws designed to deny freedom to others. This is the authoritarian, infallible cultist mindset.
The none-cultist mindset is, I may NOT agree with you, but I agree that you have an absolute right to be wrong, and my only obligation is to show you your error by reason and facts. That is the none-cultist is for freedom for all and human dignity.
I for example am a none-cultist and as all well know, I will strongly disagree on what I know to be wrong; but I will NEVER seek to deny you your rights in any way to freedom of belief and dignity. Therefore, as shown by all my commentaries, I seek by reason and proof only to show individuals the error of their ways, and never to infringe on their freedom.
This difference in mindset between the fanatic cultist and the none-cultist can be shown by an event I was involved in many years ago. I was with a none-cultist anti-abortion group in front of an abortion clinic handing out information packets against abortion to all entering the clinic, but in no way interfering with their right, freedom, to enter. Along comes a cultist anti-abortion group and immediately they try to stop individuals from entering, i.e., denying them their freedom and screaming un-civil language that no one should use. The clinic directors called the cops and they came. The clinic directors said not those with respect to my group, but those with respect the cultist group were the troublemakers. After the cultist group was hauled off by the police, the directors actually sent sandwiches out to us none-cultist anti-abortionist and commended us on our belief in human rights and freedom when we clearly strongly disagreed to how some were exercising their freedom, i.e., committing what we considered murder. Clearly this incident shows the vast difference between none-cultist and cultist mindsets.
In Summary:
Cultist mindset that identifies them as cultist = We want absolute freedom for us, but no one who disagrees with us has any right to freedom of thought, action, or expression; to with dogmatic ur-reasonableness on behalf of a leader or idea. Or down with everyone else's rights and dignity, i.e., burn them at the stake mentality or mindset.
None-cultist mindset that identifies them as none-cultist = I may strongly disagree with you and seek to show you your error believe you have the absolute freedom or right to be in error as long as you do NOT infringe on the rights of others to freedom and dignity in keeping with the beliefs expressed by the Quaker, William Penn.
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