Recent Posts

Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 10
1
General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS
« Last post by iris89 on February 26, 2026, 07:24:03 pm »
   MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 872B  (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND, RIGHT AND WRONG: A CHOICE YOU MUST MAKE  [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO TITUS,
AND A BIBLE STUDY  [3]  THE RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE - Artocarpus odoratissimus   
[4]  WAS IT DESIGNED?  THE BUTTERFLY’S WING.  [5]  WAS IT DESIGNED?   THE LIGHT-ABSORBING BUTTERFLY WING,  [6]  THE BRILLIANT BLUE OF THE POLLIA BERRY,  [7]  WAS IT DESIGNED?  BIRD COLORS THAT NEVER FADE,

(1A)  READ THE BIBLE ON LINE:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/

(1B)  SHOW LOVE TO OTHERS, NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE, GO TO:
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/love-your-neighbor/


COMBINATION OF [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY,  AND [3]  THE RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE - Artocarpus odoratissimus   


[2]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 872B]

O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.   Jeremiah 10:23,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Almighty God (YHWH) asks Job a series of questions to clearly show him that man is not capable of many things including directing his own steps outside of God’s arrangement at Job 38:24 - 29, [AV] “By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?  25  Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;  26  To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man;  27  To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?  28  Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?  29  Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?”  And at Psalms 135:6 – 7, [AV] “Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.  7  He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.”   

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 
http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO TITUS;  CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/titus-introduction/

AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING. https://religioustruths.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=645

OR

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-about928.html\

VIDEO -  Pray Anytime, GO TO: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/pray-anytime/

VIDEO – OBEY YOUR PARENTS, GO TO:
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/obey-your-parents/

[3]  Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Artocarpus odoratissimus, also called terap,marang, johey oak, green pedalai, madang, tarap, or timadang, is a tree in the mulberry and fig family Moraceae. It is native to Borneo, Palawan, and Mindanao Island, and is closely related to the jackfruit, cempedak, and breadfruit trees which all belong to the same genus, Artocarpus.
Description
Artocarpus odoratissimus is an evergreen tree growing to 25 metres (82 ft) tall. The leaves are 16–50 cm long and 11–28 cm broad, similar to the Breadfruit's, but are a little less lobed. Many trees lose the leaf lobing once mature.
Fruit
As indicated by the scientific name, the fruit has a strong scent, and is considered superior in flavour to both jackfruit and cempedak. The scent reminds some of the durian but is not so intense, and is in the thick skin and not the fruit pulp. The taste has hints of a mild creamy, almost juicy banana, and is best when not allowed to ripen thoroughly on the tree. Those ripened on the tree turn a more brownish color and will eventually fall to the ground and easily split open.
The appearance of the fruit can be regarded as an intermediate shape between the jackfruit and the breadfruit. It is round to oblong, 15–20 cm long and 13 cm broad, and weighing about 1 kg. The thick rind is covered with soft, broad spines. They become hard and brittle as the fruit matures. When fully mature the expanding arils stretch the outer rind which often appears lumpy, especially if not all seeds were pollinated. The fruit does not fall to the ground until over-ripe. It may be harvested when full size but still firm, and left to ripen until soft. Fruits change colour to greenish yellow when ripe. The ripe fruit is opened by cutting the rind around, twisting and gently pulling. If overripe they are simply pulled apart. The interior of the fruit is somewhat similar to the jackfruit's, but the color is white and the flesh is usually softer. The core is relatively large, but there are far fewer "rags" and less non-edible parts. Arils are white and the size of a grape, each containing a 15 × 8 mm seed. Once opened, the fruit should be consumed quickly (in a few hours), as it loses flavour rapidly and fruit oxidizes. The seeds are also edible after boiling or roasting.
Cultivation
Artocarpus odoratissimus is cultivated for its fruit in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, southern Thailand and India Tripura. The species is largely grown for local consumption; the short shelf-life of the fruit limits its wider use.
The tree is not cold tolerant (as is the breadfruit). It can grow between latitude 15° north and south, and in coastal regions where temperatures never stay under 7 °C.
Similar fruits
The fruits of Artocarpus sericicarpus (known as the pedalai, or buah tarap) and Artocarpus sarawakensis (pingan or mountain tarap) are very similar to, and often confused with A. odoratissimus. Both these species are native to the same areas. However, they are still distinguishable based on their appearances when ripe. Artocarpus sericicarpus has hairs, like a large rambutan, and ripens red. Artocarpus sarawakensis is even trickier, because it is the shape of A. odoratissimus, and it is orange. It has smaller kernel sections.
Uses of tarap wastes
There are many uses of the leftover tarap peels, stem axis and seeds. The tarap peels were reported as useful material for the removal of colouring agents (such as crystal violet,[2] methyl violet 2B and methylene blue [3]) from dye wastewater. The tarap stem axis were reported to be used in the removal of Cd (II) and Cu(II).[4]
References
    1.
    • The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species, retrieved 1 October 2015
    • Lim, Linda B. L.; Priyantha, Namal; Zehra, Tasneem; Then, Cheow Wei; Chan, Chin Mei (2016-05-08). "Adsorption of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution onto chemically treated Artocarpus odoratissimus skin: equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics studies". Desalination and Water Treatment. 57 (22): 10246–10260. doi:10.1080/19443994.2015.1033474. ISSN 1944-3994.
    • Lim, Linda B. L.; Priyantha, Namal; Ing, Chieng Hei; Dahri, Muhd Khairud; Tennakoon, D. T. B.; Zehra, Tasneem; Suklueng, Montri (2015-01-23). "Artocarpus odoratissimus skin as a potential low-cost biosorbent for the removal of methylene blue and methyl violet 2B". Desalination and Water Treatment. 53 (4): 964–975. doi:10.1080/19443994.2013.852136. ISSN 1944-3994.
    4. Lim, Linda B. L.; Priyantha, Namal; Tennakoon, D. T. B.; Dahri, Muhd Khairud (2012-03-06). "Biosorption of cadmium(II) and copper(II) ions from aqueous solution by core of Artocarpus odoratissimus". Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 19 (8): 3250–3256. doi:10.1007/s11356-012-0831-2. ISSN 0944-1344.
    • FAO.org: Under-utilized tropical fruits
    • Artocarpus odoratissimus Marang/Tarap — with pictures of the fruit    ?[SOURCE - RETRIVED FROM  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artocarpus_odoratissimus  ON   3/17/2018]

Seed can be obtained from Tradewind, and here is their catalog description, 3090 - Artocarpus odoratissimus - Marang
A 1-2 pound fruit related to the jackfruit, looking somewhat like a smaller jackfruit. Fruits and roasted seeds are edible and the fruit is popular in parts of southeast Asia where it is native. Prefers a tropical climate for growth. Not as hardy as the jackfruit, protect from temperatures under 45F. Medium sized tree to 20-50 feet.   ?[SOURCE - RETRIVED FROM  https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/1/messages/42156  ON   3/17/2018]   

[4]  WAS IT DESIGNED?  THE BUTTERFLY’S WING.
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201404/butterfly-wing/

[5]  WAS IT DESIGNED?   THE LIGHT-ABSORBING BUTTERFLY WING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201408/light-absorbing-butterfly-wing/

[6]  THE BRILLIANT BLUE OF THE POLLIA BERRY,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no4-2017-august/pollia-berry-brilliant-blue/

[7]  WAS IT DESIGNED?  BIRD COLORS THAT NEVER FADE,
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/science/was-it-designed/bird-colors-never-fade/

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













https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.OP02Un2cALAP8Rn4EmcU7gHaHa?w=203&h=203&c=7&r=0&o=7&pid=1.7&rm=3 
2
General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS
« Last post by iris89 on February 19, 2026, 07:14:48 pm »
  MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 871B  (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND, RIGHT AND WRONG: A CHOICE YOU MUST MAKE  [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO TITUS,
AND A BIBLE STUDY  [3]   DISCOURSE ON HYPOCRISY AND BIGOTRY:   [4]  PRAYER HELPS WITH ANXIETY,  [5]  THE LIGHT-ABSORBING BUTTERFLY WING,   [6]  LEARN FROM JESUS,  VIOLENCE IS NOT THE ANSWER,    [7]  HOW GOD’S CARE CAN BENEFIT YOU.

(1A)  READ THE BIBLE ON LINE:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/

(1B)  RIGHT AND WRONG: A CHOICE YOU MUST MAKE
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no1-2024/right-and-wrong-choice-you-must-make/

COMBINATION OF [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3]    DISCOURSE ON HYPOCRISY AND BIGOTRY:

[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [871B]

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:  2 Peter 2:9,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

All who seek to live a life obedient to Almighty God (YHWH) will suffer many afflictions as prophesied at Psalms 34:18 – 19, [AV] “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.  19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”  But they should bear in mind 1 Corinthians 10:13, [AV] “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”  And should not be ignorant of the fact brought out at 2 Peter 3:5 – 7, [AV] “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:  6  Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:  7  But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” 

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 
http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO TITUS;  CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/titus-introduction/

AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING. https://religioustruths.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=645

OR

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-about928.html\

VIDEO -  Pray Anytime, GO TO: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/pray-anytime/

VIDEO – OBEY YOUR PARENTS, GO TO:
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/obey-your-parents/

[2]    DISCOURSE ON HYPOCRISY AND BIGOTRY:

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 ir-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 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"

[4]  Prayer Helps With Anxiety
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no1-2023/prayer-mental-health-help/

[5]  The Light-Absorbing Butterfly Wing
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201408/light-absorbing-butterfly-wing/

[6]  LEARN FROM JESUS,  Violence Is Not the Answer
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/violence-is-not-the-answer/

[7]  How God’s Care Can Benefit You
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no3-2018-sep-oct/gods-care-can-benefit-you/

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


 
3
General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS
« Last post by iris89 on February 16, 2026, 12:05:03 pm »
PART 2 OF 870B

IT IS NOT A COMMERCIAL SYSTEM:

Many feel it is the corrupt commercial systems, but this can not be as the scriptures show them weeping at her destruction.  See Revelations 18:11-16, "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her: for no man shall buy their merchandise any more. 12 Merchandise of gold and silver and precious stones: and of pearls and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet: and all thyine wood: and all manner of vessels of ivory: and all manner of vessels of precious stone and of brass and of iron and of marble: 13 And cinnamon and odours and ointment and frankincense and wine and oil and fine flour and wheat and beasts and sheep and horses and chariots: and slaves and souls of men. 14 And the fruits of the desire of thy soul are departed from thee: and all fat and goodly things are perished from thee. And they shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich, shall stand afar off from her, for fear of her torments, weeping and mourning, 16 And saying: Alas! alas! that great city, which was clothed with fine linen and purple and scarlet and was gilt with gold and precious stones and pearls." (DRCB).

IT IS A RELIGIOUS SYSTEM:

It is a religious system.  How so?  Let's look at the history of Babylon in its prime.  It was noted for its religion that was in opposition the worship of Almighty God (YHWH), the true God (YHWH).  This fact is shown by Genesis 10:8-10, "Now Chus begot Nemrod: he began to be mighty on the earth. 9 And he was a stout hunter before the Lord. Hence came a proverb: Even as Nemrod the stout hunter before the Lord. 10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babylon, and Arach, and Achad, and Chalanne in the land of Sennaar." (DRCB); And at Genesis 11:4-9, "And they said: Come, let us make a city and a tower, the top whereof may reach to heaven; and let us make our name famous before we be scattered abroad into all lands.  5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of Adam were building. 6 And he said: Behold, it is one people, and all have one tongue: and they have begun to do this, neither will they leave off from their designs, till they accomplish them in deed. 7 Come ye, therefore, let us go down, and there confound their tongue, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 And so the Lord scattered them from that place into all lands, and they ceased to build the city. 9 And therefore the name thereof was called Babel, because there the language of the whole earth was confounded: and from thence the Lord scattered them abroad upon the face of all countries." (DRCB); And at Daniel 5:1-23, "Baltasar, the king, made a great feast for a thousand of his nobles: and every one drank according to his age. 2 And being now drunk, he commanded that they should bring the vessels of gold and silver, which Nabuchodonosor, his father, had brought away out of the temple, that was in Jerusalem, that the king and his nobles, and his wives, and his concubines, might drink in them. 3 Then were the golden and silver vessels brought, which he had brought away out of the temple that was in Jerusalem: and the king and his nobles, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. 4 They drank wine, and praised their gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, and of wood, and of stone." & "To which Daniel made answer, and said before the king: thy rewards be to thyself, and the gifts of thy house give to another: but the writing I will read to thee, O king, and shew thee the interpretation thereof." & "Thou also, his son, O Baltasar, hast not humbled thy heart, whereas thou knewest all these things: 23 But hast lifted thyself up against the Lord of heaven: and the vessels of his house have been brought before thee: and thou, and thy nobles, and thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them: and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and of gold, and of brass, of iron, and of wood, and of stone, that neither see, nor hear, nor feel: but the God who hath thy breath in his hand, and all thy ways, thou hast not glorified." (DRCB); And at Jeremiah 51:6-47, "Flee ye from the midst of Babylon, and let every one save his own life: be not silent upon her iniquity: for it is the time of revenge from the Lord, he will render unto her what she hath deserved." & "Go out of the midst of her, my people: that every man may save his life from the fierce wrath of the Lord. 46 And lest your hearts faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land: and a rumour shall come in one year, and after this year another rumour: and iniquity in the land, and ruler upon ruler. 47 Therefore behold the days come, and I will visit the idols of Babylon: and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in the midst of her." (DRCB); And at Isaiah 21:9, "Behold this man cometh, the rider upon the chariot with two horsemen, and he answered, and said: Babylon is fallen, she is fallen, and all the graven gods thereof are broken unto the ground." (DRCB); And at Isaiah 52:11  Depart, depart, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing: go out of the midst of her, be ye clean, you that carry the vessels of the Lord." (DRCB). 

This is confirmed by secular history, The Encyclopedia Britannica says, "Advantageous as is Babylon's geographic position, other factors helped make her a dominant city for a long period.  Throughout the whole history of Mesopotamia, ancient as well as modern, religion has played an important part in giving prestige and power to a city.  In Mesopotamia from the time of Hammurabi onwards the worship of Marduk was especially associated with Babylon.  The priesthood acquired considerable power, and even the kings of Assyria found it politic to receive what was practically a coronation rite in Babylon." (*4)  And the Encyclopedia Americana, said, "Sumerian civilization [which embraced Babylon] was largely denominated by priests; at the head of the state was the 'laugal' (literally 'great man'), the representative of the gods.  Sumerian religion was polytheistic." (*5)  This same fact was stated by many other renown publications such as "Religions of Babylonia and Assyria," 1898, by Morris Jastrow, Jr. (*6); "The worship of the Dead," 1904, by Colonel J Garnier (*7); "The Races of the Old Testament," 1891, by A.H. Sayce (*8).

In fact in the book, "Nebuchadnezzar," (*9) it states, "By the side of their depravity, the Babylonians were the most religious people of antiguity."  In fact, there were 53 temples to the chief gods, 55 chapels of Marduk, 300 chapels for the earthly deities, 600 for the heavenly deities, 180 altars for the goddess Ishtar, 180 for the gods Nergal and Adad, and 12 other altars for different gods. (*10)

This point of Bablyon the Great representing religions in opposition to the worship of Almighty God (YHWH) is driven home at Revelation 17:6, "And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And I wondered, when I had seen her, with great admiration." (DRCB); And at Revelation 18:24, "And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints and of all that were slain upon the earth." (DRCB).

JESUS (YESHUA) SHOWED FALSE RELIGIOUS LEADERS BORE THE RESPONSIBILITY:

Jesus (Yeshua) clearly stated that false religious leaders bore the responsibility at Matthew 23:29-35, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, that build the sepulchres of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the just, 30 And say: If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31 Wherefore you are witnesses against yourselves, that you are the sons of them that killed the prophets. 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, generation of vipers, how will you flee from the judgment of hell?  34 Therefore behold I send to you prophets and wise men and scribes: and some of them you will put to death and crucify: and some you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city. 35 That upon you may come all the just blood that hath been shed upon the earth, from the blood of Abel the just, even unto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom you killed between the temple and the altar." (DRCB).

INVOLVEMENT IN WORLDLY AFFAIRS BY ONES PROFESSING TO SERVE GOD (YHWH) IS RELIGIOUS FORNICATION:

Many who claim to be true Christians get involved in worldly affairs yet claim to be serving Almighty God (YHWH); this is religious fornication as shown by Jesus (Yeshua) at James 4:4, "Adulterers, know you not that the friendship of this world is the enemy of God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of this world becometh an enemy of God." (DRCB); And at Ezekiel 16:2-29, "And the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 2 Son of man, make known to Jerusalem her abominations. 3 And thou shalt say: Thus saith the Lord God to Jerusalem: Thy root, and thy nativity is of the land of Chanaan, thy father was an Amorrhite, and thy mother a Cethite. 4 And when thou wast born, in the day of thy nativity thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed with water for thy health, nor salted with salt, nor swaddled with clouts. 5 No eye had pity on thee to do any of these things for thee, out of compassion to thee: but thou wast cast out upon the face of the earth in the abjection of thy soul, in the day that thou wast born.  6 And passing by thee, I saw that thou wast trodden under foot in thy own blood: and I said to thee when thou wast in thy blood: Live: I have said to thee: Live in thy blood. 7 I caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field: and thou didst increase and grow great, and advancedst, and camest to woman's ornament: thy breasts were fashioned, and thy hair grew: and thou was naked, and full of confusion. 8 And I passed by thee, and saw thee: and behold thy time was the time of lovers: and I spread my garment over thee, and covered thy ignominy. and I swore to thee, and I entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God: and thou becamest mine. 9 And I washed thee with water, and cleansed away thy blood from thee: and I anointed thee with oil. 10 And I clothed thee with embroidery, and shod thee with violet coloured shoes: and I girded thee about with fine linen, and clothed thee with fine garments. 11 I decked thee also with ornaments, and put bracelets on thy hands, and a chain about thy neck. 12 And I put a jewel upon thy forehead and earrings in thy ears, and a beautiful crown upon thy head. 13 And thou wast adorned with gold, and silver, and wast clothed with fine linen, and embroidered work, and many colours: thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil, and wast made exceeding beautiful: and wast advanced to be a queen. 14 And thy renown went forth among the nations for thy beauty: for thou wast perfect through my beauty, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God.  15 But trusting in thy beauty, thou playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and thou hast prostituted thyself to every passenger, to be his. 16 And taking of thy garments thou hast made thee high places sewed together on each side: and hast played the harlot upon them, as hath not been done before, nor shall be hereafter. 17 And thou tookest thy beautiful vessels, of my gold, and my silver, which I gave thee, and thou madest thee images of men, and hast committed fornication with them. 18 And thou tookest thy garments of divers colours, and coveredst them: and settest my oil and my sweet incense before them. 19 And my bread which I gave thee, the fine flour, and oil, and honey, wherewith I fed thee, thou hast set before them for a sweet odour; and it was done, saith the Lord God. 20 And thou hast taken thy sons, and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne to me: and hast sacrificed the same to them to be devoured. Is thy fornication small? 21 Thou hast sacrificed and given my children to them, consecrating them by fire. 22 And after all thy abominations, and fornications, thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, when thou wast naked, and full of confusion, trodden under foot in thy own blood. 23 And it came to pass after all thy wickedness (woe, woe to thee, saith the Lord God) 24 That thou didst also build thee a common stew, and madest thee a brothel house in every street. 25 At every head of the way thou hast set up a sign of thy ****: and hast made thy beauty to be abominable: and hast prostituted thyself to every one that passed by, and hast multiplied thy fornications. 26 And thou hast committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, men of large bodies, and hast multiplied thy fornications to provoke me. 27 Behold, I will stretch out my hand upon thee, and will take away thy justification: and I will deliver thee up to the will of the daughters of the Philistines that hate thee, that are ashamed of thy wicked way. 28 Thou hast also committed fornication with the Assyrians, because thou wast not yet satisfied: and after thou hadst played the harlot with them, even so thou wast not contented. 29 Thou hast also multiplied thy fornications in the land of Chanaan with the Chaldeans: and neither so wast thou satisfied." (DRCB).  In addition, Babylon the Great is described as the harlot that commits fornication with the political rulers by the Apostle John at Revelations 17:1-3, "And there came one of the seven angels who had the seven vials and spoke with me, saying: Come, I will shew thee the condemnation of the great harlot, who sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication. And they who inhabit the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her whoredom. 3 And he took me away in spirit into the desert. And I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns." (DRCB).

She, Babylon the Great is described as living in shameless luxury while the people suffer under her domination, and this is characteristic of most false religions.  This fact is detailed for us at Revelations 18:7 & 16, "As much as she hath glorified herself and lived in delicacies, so much torment and sorrow give ye to her. Because she saith in her heart: I sit a queen and am no widow: and sorrow I shall not see." &  "And saying: Alas! alas! that great city, which was clothed with fine linen and purple and scarlet and was gilt with gold and precious stones and pearls." (DRCB); And at Revelations 17:2-4, "With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication. And they who inhabit the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her whoredom. 3 And he took me away in spirit into the desert. And I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was clothed round about with purple and scarlet, and gilt with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, full of the abomination and filthiness of her fornication."

SEE PART 3 OF 670B
 
4
General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS
« Last post by iris89 on February 16, 2026, 11:52:16 am »
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 870B  (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND, RIGHT AND WRONG: A CHOICE YOU MUST MAKE  [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO 2 TIMOTHY,
AND A BIBLE STUDY  [3]  DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS BABYLON THE GREAT: 
[4] COMFORT FOR THOSE WHO MOURN,  [5] WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HOLY?  [6]  DOES GOD APPROVE THE USE OF IMAGES IN WORSHIP?
[7]  SHOULD CHRISTIANS WORSHIP AT SHRINES?

(1A)  READ THE BIBLE ON LINE:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/

(1B)  RIGHT AND WRONG: A CHOICE YOU MUST MAKE
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no1-2024/right-and-wrong-choice-you-must-make/

COMBINATION OF [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3]   DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS BABYLON THE GREAT: 

[2]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [870B]

“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;… The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.”   Joel 2:1 and 31, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

The great tribulation that will occur at the culmination of the end times will be like nothing that has ever occurred on earth before as testified to at Malachi 4:1, [AV] “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.”  And immediately after the great tribulation the conditions that will exist are foretold at Matthew 24:29 – 31, [AV] “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  31  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” 

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 
http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO 2 TIMOTHY;  CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/2-timothy-introduction

AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING. https://religioustruths.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=645

OR

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-about928.html\

VIDEO -  Pray Anytime, GO TO: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/pray-anytime/

VIDEO – OBEY YOUR PARENTS, GO TO:
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/obey-your-parents/


[3]    DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS BABYLON THE GREAT:

In Revelations 18:1-4 true Christians are warned to get out of Babylon the great before it is too late, "And after these things, I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power: and the earth was enlightened with his glory. 2 And he cried out with a strong voice, saying: Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen: and is become the habitation of devils and the hold of every unclean spirit and the hold of every unclean and hateful bird: 3 Because all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication: and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her; And the merchants of the earth have been made rich by the power of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying: Go out from her, my people; that you be not partakers of her sins and that you receive not of her plagues." (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB); BUT WHAT IS THIS Babylon the Great?   [Note: some scriptures will br repeated during this discourse so as to maintain focus.]

THE IDENTITY OF BABYLON THE GREAT:

This Babylon the Great is symbolically described as both a harlot and a city at Revelations 17:1-5 & 18, "And there came one of the seven angels who had the seven vials and spoke with me, saying: Come, I will shew thee the condemnation of the great harlot, who sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication. And they who inhabit the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her whoredom. 3 And he took me away in spirit into the desert. And I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was clothed round about with purple and scarlet, and gilt with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, full of the abomination and filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written: A mystery: Babylon the great, the mother of the fornications and the abominations of the earth." &  "And the woman which thou sawest is the great city which hath kingdom over the kings of the earth." (DRCB); And at Revelation 18:10, "Standing afar off for fear of her torments, saying: Alas! alas! that great city, Babylon, that mighty city: for in one hour is thy judgment come." (DRCB).

Of course the literal Babylon, the ancient city, no longer existed when Revelations was written at the end of the 1 st. century.  It was taken first by the Persians under Cyrus the Great, and later by Alexander the great who planned to make Babylon the capital of his eastern empire; however, after hisdeath Babylon gradually fell from prominence. (*1).

In fact, Alexander did attempt to restore the city as he had promised the inhabitants, but failed to do so. (*2)  In fact, the population of the old city was actually moved to a new city, Babylonia, and the ruins of the old city became a quarry for the builders of the new city, the seat of government. (*3).

Of course this was foretold that the city would gradually cease to exist at Daniel 5:17-30, "To which Daniel made answer, and said before the king: thy rewards be to thyself, and the gifts of thy house give to another: but the writing I will read to thee, O king, and shew thee the interpretation thereof. 18 O king, the most high God gave to Nabuchodonosor, thy father, a kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and honour. 19 And for the greatness that he gave to him, all people, tribes, and languages trembled, and were afraid of him: whom he would, he slew: and whom he would, he destroyed: and whom he would, he set up: and whom he would, he brought down. 20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit hardened unto pride, he was put down from the throne of his kingdom, and his glory was taken away. 21 And he was driven out from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses, and he did eat grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven: till he knew that the most High ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he will set over it whomsoever it shall please him. 22 Thou also, his son, O Baltasar, hast not humbled thy heart, whereas thou knewest all these things: 23 But hast lifted thyself up against the Lord of heaven: and the vessels of his house have been brought before thee: and thou, and thy nobles, and thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them: and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and of gold, and of brass, of iron, and of wood, and of stone, that neither see, nor hear, nor feel: but the God who hath thy breath in his hand, and all thy ways, thou hast not glorified. 24 Wherefore, he hath sent the part of the hand which hath written this that is set down. 25 And this is the writing that is written: MANE, THECEL, PHARES. 26 And this is the interpretation of the word. MANE: God hath numbered thy kingdom, and hath finished it. 27 THECEL: thou art weighed in the balance, and art found wanting. 28 PHARES: thy kingdom is divided, and is given to the Medes and Persians. 29 Then by the king's command, Daniel was clothed with purple, and a chain of gold was put about his neck: and it was proclaimed of him that he had power as the third man in the kingdom.   30 The same night Baltasar, the Chaldean king, was slain." (DRCB).

In the Biblical sense, the city of Babylon is referenced to something more extensive or all important than the original literal city of Babylon, but has similarities to it as shown by Revelation 11:8, "And their bodies shall lie in the streets of the great city which is called spiritually, Sodom and Egypt: where their Lord also was crucified." (DRCB).

IT IS NOT A POLITICAL SYSTEM:

Some feel that Babylon the Great refers to a political system, but this can not be the case as the Bible says she commits fornication with the political rulers.  This is clearly shown at Revelation 17:1-5, "And there came one of the seven angels who had the seven vials and spoke with me, saying: Come, I will shew thee the condemnation of the great harlot, who sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication. And they who inhabit the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her whoredom. 3 And he took me away in spirit into the desert. And I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was clothed round about with purple and scarlet, and gilt with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, full of the abomination and filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written: A mystery: Babylon the great, the mother of the fornications and the abominations of the earth." (DRCB); And at Revelation 8:9, "And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived in delicacies with her, shall weep and bewail themselves over her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning:" (DRCB).

IT IS NOT A COMMERCIAL SYSTEM:

Many feel it is the corrupt commercial systems, but this can not be as the scriptures show them weeping at her destruction.  See Revelations 18:11-16, "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her: for no man shall buy their merchandise any more. 12 Merchandise of gold and silver and precious stones: and of pearls and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet: and all thyine wood: and all manner of vessels of ivory: and all manner of vessels of precious stone and of brass and of iron and of marble: 13 And cinnamon and odours and ointment and frankincense and wine and oil and fine flour and wheat and beasts and sheep and horses and chariots: and slaves and souls of men. 14 And the fruits of the desire of thy soul are departed from thee: and all fat and goodly things are perished from thee. And they shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich, shall stand afar off from her, for fear of her torments, weeping and mourning, 16 And saying: Alas! alas! that great city, which was clothed with fine linen and purple and scarlet and was gilt with gold and precious stones and pearls." (DRCB).

SEE PART 2 OF 870B 
5
General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS
« Last post by iris89 on February 10, 2026, 07:28:44 am »
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 869B  (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND, RIGHT AND WRONG: A CHOICE YOU MUST MAKE  [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO 1 TIMOTHY,
[3]  DISCOURSE ON ACTS OF UN-GODLY INFIDELS:   [4]  FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE: SHOW RESPECT,   [5]   KEEP ON THE WATCH!  DOOMSDAY CLOCK MOVES CLOSER TO MIDNIGHT,   [6]  ESSENTIAL BIBLE TEACHINGS,  WHY DID GOD CREATE THE EARTH?    [7] BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED,  WHERE CAN I FIND HOPE?  [a read]

(1A)  READ THE BIBLE ON LINE:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/

(1B)  RIGHT AND WRONG: A CHOICE YOU MUST MAKE
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no1-2024/right-and-wrong-choice-you-must-make/

COMBINATION OF [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3]  DISCOURSE ON ACTS OF UN-GODLY INFIDELS:

[2]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [869B]

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war”.   Revelation 19:11, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

During the culmination of the end times, the prophet Daniel prophesied at
Daniel 7:9 - 10, [AV] “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.  10  A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”  And showing all after this great tribulation will as shown at Psalms 150:6, [AV] “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”  Yes, before this final culmination, at the end of the gentile times it is revealed what will transpire in heaven at Revelation 12:9 – 10, [AV] “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.  10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” 

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 
http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO 1 timothy;  CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-timothy-introduction/

AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING. https://religioustruths.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=645

OR

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-about928.html\

VIDEO -  Pray Anytime, GO TO: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/pray-anytime/

VIDEO – OBEY YOUR PARENTS, GO TO:
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/obey-your-parents/


[3]   DISCOURSE ON ACTS OF UN-GODLY INFIDELS:

The acts of the un-Godly infidels, al-Qaeda is a sign of the times foretold in the Bible at 2 Timothy 3:1-5, "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, 4 traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away." (American Standard Verstion; ASV).   Why are the wicked infidels waxing with ever greater wicked acts?   The Bible shows us at 1 John 5:19, "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in the evil one." (ASV).

But we as true Christians know that the real fight is per 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).   Because of this mankind in generallove darkness and evil acts such as those of the wicked al-Qaeda as foretold at John 3:19, "And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil." (ASV); and Romans 1:28-32, "And even as they refused to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful: 32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practise such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practise them." (ASV). 
 
So what must we do?   The Bible answers at Ephesians 5:15-17, "Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (ASV).  And we must be 'singing' the praise of God (YHWH) and of his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) per Revelations 15:3-4, "And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the ages. 4 Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all the nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy righteous acts have been made manifest." (ASV); and keeping in mind the hope of the resurrection for our loved ones per Acts 24:15, "having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust." (ASV).

As his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) will soon cleanse the earth of wickedness, no longer will Satan the Devil be the god of this system of things per Revelations 20:1-2, "And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years," (ASV).   No longer will infidels such as al Qaeda misrepresent God (YHWH) and commit evil atrocities and individuals be exploited at the hands of human authorities.    What marvelous freedom all of obedient mankind will enjoy since Jesus (Yeshua) will apply the value of his sacrafice as testified to at John 1:29, "On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!" (ASV).


[4]  FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE: SHOW RESPECT,
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/family/marriage-show-respect/

[5] KEEP ON THE WATCH!  DOOMSDAY CLOCK MOVES CLOSER TO MIDNIGHT,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/doomsday-clock-moves-closer-to-midnight/

[6]  ESSENTIAL BIBLE TEACHINGS,  WHY DID GOD CREATE THE EARTH?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/Good-News-From-God-Video-Series/video-gods-creation/

[7] BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED,  WHERE CAN I FIND HOPE?  [a read]
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/hope-bible-verses/ 


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






 
6
General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS
« Last post by iris89 on February 06, 2026, 01:42:00 pm »
  PART 3 OF 868B

This brings up the fact that all footstep followers of Christ, true Christians, are to be preachers of the good news about Christ and his Father (YHWH) who sent him to the earth to be the savior of mankind as shown at Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (ASV); And show Christians must do this at Romans 10:9-11, "because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus `as' Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame." (ASV); And at Revelation 22:17, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely." (ASV).

In fact, this was foretold in advance at Isaiah 61:1-2, "The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening `of the prison' to them that are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of Jehovah's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;" (ASV); And at Luke 10:9 we see the fulfillment of this prophecy, "and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." (ASV); And at 1 Corinthians 11;1, Christians are told, "Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ." (ASV); And at 1 Corinthians 9:16, "Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ." (ASV).

ALL TRUE FOOTSTEP FOLLOWERS OF JESUS (YESHUA) CHRIST WILL SUFFER PERSECUTION:

Clearly the fact that all true Christians is shown at Luke 6:22-23, "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you `from their company', and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap `for joy': for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in the same manner did their fathers unto the prophets." (ASV); And at John 16:33, "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (ASV); And at 1 Peter 5:9-10, "whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you." (ASV).

But remember that which is written at 1 Peter 3:14-18, "But even if ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed `are ye:' and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; 15 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. 18 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;" (ASV); And at Revelation 2:10, we are warned not to be afraid, "Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." (ASV); And at John 15:19-20, "If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also." (ASV); And at 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (ASV); And at Mark 13:9, "But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them." (ASV); And at 1 Peter 4:16, "but if `a man suffer' as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name." (ASV).

CHRIST'S TRUE FOLLOWERS WOULD BE A UNITED, ORGANIZED GROUP, AND NOT SCATTERED THROUGHOUT MANY SECTS OF CHRISTENDOM:

His followers are shown to be a united and organized group at John 10:16, "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice: and they shall become one flock, one shepherd." (ASV); And at John 17:10-22, "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me; for they are thine: 10 and all things that are mine are thine, and thine are mine: and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we `are'. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil `one'. 16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, `art' in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me. 22 And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we `are' one;" (ASV), as can be seen from this scripture that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ was praying for his followers to be one in purpose just as He and his Father (YHWH) are one in purpse, but not being.

Last, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ exhorted his followers to be as 1 Corinthians 1:10, "Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and `that' there be no divisions among you; but `that' ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (ASV), clearly showing that true Christians should not be speaking different things, but all testifying in union for Jesus (Yeshua) Christ and his Father, Almighty God (YHWH).

NOT ALL WHO BEAR THE NAME 'CHRISTIAN' ARE TRULY DISCIPLES OF JESUS (YESHUA):

The fact that many that claim to be Christian are actually counterfeit

Christians is made at Matthew 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (ASV); And at 2 Peter 1-21-2:1, this reality is stressed as follows, "For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit. 1 But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction." (ASV).

True Christians are warned at Romans 16:17-18, "occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent." (ASV); And 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 show what such men are, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light. 15 It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works." (ASV).

[4]  DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN: 
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no1-2023/planet-survive-fresh-water/

[5]  DOES GOD NOTICE YOU?  WHAT CREATION TEACHES US,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no3-2018-sep-oct/does-god-notice-you/

[6]  UNDER GOD’S KINGDOM “PEACE WILL ABOUND,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no1-2019-mar-apr/under-gods-kingdom/

[7]  WHO’S IN CONTROL​—YOU OR YOUR DEVICES?
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/teenagers/whiteboard-animations/device-addiction-are-you-in-control/

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


   
7
General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS
« Last post by iris89 on February 06, 2026, 01:39:36 pm »


PART 2 OF 868B

Feature five, True Christians should not become involved with the affairs of the world of unbelieving mankind as affirmed at John 15:19, "If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (ASV); And at 1 John 2:15-16, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." (ASV); And at James 4:4, "Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God." (ASV).

Feature six, True Christians obey the law of God (YHWH) when there is a conflict between God's (YHWH's) law and man's law as shown by Acts 4:19-20, "And not a few of them that practised magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of the Lord and prevailed." (ASV); And at Matthew 22:21, "They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." (ASV). However, when the laws of men do not conflict with those of God (YHWH) we must be as Romans 13:1, "Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the `powers' that be are ordained of God." (ASV); And at 1 Peter 2:13-15, "Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14 or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:" (ASV); And at Titus 3:1, "Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work," (ASV).

Feature seven, Is for all true Christians to serve as 'soldiers' of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ in spiritual warfare per 2 Timothy 2:3-4, "Suffer hardship with `me', as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of `this' life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier." (ASV); And at 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the fleshy 4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), 5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;" (ASV); Ephesians 6:12-15, "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'. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" (ASV): And at 1 Timothy 1:18, "This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to thee, that by them thou mayest war the good warfare;" (ASV).

A RELIGIOUS WAY OF LIFE, NOT FOLLOWING THE PERFORMANCE OF RITUALS, IS THE CHRISTIAN WAY:

This fact, that true Christians should follow a pious none ritualistic way of life was shown at Titus 2:6-8, "the younger men likewise exhort to be sober-minded: 7 in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine `showing' uncorruptness, gravity, 8 sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us." (ASV). In fact, because they kept to the true way, many spoke of true Christians abusively in the first century as shown at 2 Peter 2:2, "And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of." (ASV); And at Acts 19:9, "But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus." (ASV); And at Acts 19:23, "And about that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way." (ASV). The Bible also shows that before Paul became a follower of our Lord and Savior, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, when he was known as Saul, the was strongly against the 'way' at Acts 9:1-2, "But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." (ASV); And at Acts 22:4-5, "and I persecuted this Way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and journeyed to Damascus to bring them also that were there unto Jerusalem in bonds to be punished." (ASV); And at Acts 24:14, "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;" (ASV).

CHRISTIANS MUST NOT WORK THE WORKS OF THE FLESH, BUT MANIFEST THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT:

The Bible clearly shows that to be a true Christian one must make his/her life over per Ephesians 4:17-24, "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; 19 who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye did not so learn Christ; 21 if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: 22 that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; 23 and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth." (ASV); And at 1 Peter 2:1-3, Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation; 3 if ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious:" (ASV); And at 1 Peter 4:3-4, "For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries: 4 wherein they think strange that ye run not with `them' into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of `of':" (ASV): And at Galacians 5:19-23, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are `these': fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, 21 envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law." (ASV); And at 2 Corinthians 7:1, "Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (ASV).

True footstep followers of Christ must continue telling others of the hope they have within and of the wonderful works of Jesus (Yeshua) and of God's (YHWH's) purpose for mankind, in fact it is a commission given to them by Jesus (Yeshua) at Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come." (ASV); And at Hebrews 13:15, "Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name." (ASV); And at 1 Timothy 6:13, "I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;" (ASV); And at John 17:6, when Jesus (Yeshua) said, "I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word." (ASV); And shows that Jesus (Yeshua) was a faithful witness for his Father (YHWH) at Revelation 3:14, "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:" (ASV) which also shows in addition to being a faithful witness for his Father (YHWH), he was also "the beginning of the creation of God." ; And at Revelation 1:5 where Jesus (Yeshua) is called the, "and from Jesus Christ, `who is' the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood;" (ASV).

That true Christians would be the witnesses for God (YHWH) was foretold at Isaiah 43:10-12, "Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. 11 I, even I, am Jehovah; and besides me there is no saviour. 12 I have declared, and I have saved, and I have showed; and there was no strange `god' among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and I am God." (ASV); And that God (YHWH) will support his witnesses is declared at Romans 15:5-8, "Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus: 6 that with one accord ye may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, even as Christ also received you, to the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ hath been made a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises `given' unto the fathers," (ASV).

True Christians are also to be witnesses with respect to Jesus (Yeshua) Christ as shown at Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (ASV); And at Acts 5:42, "And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus `as' the Christ." (ASV); And at Acts 18:5, "But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ." (ASV); And at Acts 10:40-43, "Him God raised up the third day, and gave him to be made manifest, 41 not to all the people, but unto witnesses that were chosen before of God, `even' to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he charged us to preach unto the people, and to testify that this is he who is ordained of God `to be' the Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins." (ASV); And at Acts 5:30-32, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree. 31 Him did God exalt with his right hand `to be' a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things; and `so is' the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him." (ASV); And at Acts 5:40-42, "And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. 42 And every day, in the temple and at home, they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus `as' the Christ." (ASV).

Also, Revelation 12:17 shows that Satan hates those bearing a witness to Jesus (Yeshua), "And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, that keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus:" (ASV); And at 1 John 4:14, "And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son `to be' the Saviour of the world." (ASV).

SEE PART 3 OF 868B   
8
General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS
« Last post by iris89 on February 06, 2026, 01:33:15 pm »
 

MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 868B  (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND, POLITICAL TURMOIL THAT FULFILLS BIBLE PROPHECY,  [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO 2 THESSALONIANS,  [3]  DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN:  [4]  DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN:  [5]  DOES GOD NOTICE YOU?  WHAT CREATION TEACHES US,  [6]  UNDER GOD’S KINGDOM “PEACE WILL ABOUND,    [7]  WHO’S IN CONTROL​—YOU OR YOUR DEVICES?

(1A)  READ THE BIBLE ON LINE:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/

(1B)   POLITICAL TURMOIL THAT FULFILLS BIBLE PROPHECY, [a read]
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/political-turmoil-fulfills-bible-prophecy/

COMBINATION OF [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3]  DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN: 

[2]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [868B]

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”   Galatians 6:7, (Authorized King James Bible; AV)

As the Apostle James testified to at James 1:16, [AV] “Do not err, my beloved brethren.”  But as Job 13:9,  [AV] “Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?” we should never mock Almighty God (YHWH).  But as Romans 2:5 - 6, [AV] “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:” 

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 
http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO 2 THESSALONIANS;  CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/2-thessalonians-introduction/

AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING. https://religioustruths.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=645

OR

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-about928.html\

VIDEO -  Pray Anytime, GO TO: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/pray-anytime/

VIDEO – OBEY YOUR PARENTS, GO TO:
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/obey-your-parents/

[3]   DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN:

INTRODUCTION TO WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN:

There have been many debates about exactly what is and who is a Christian. The Funk & Wagnalls Standard College Dictionary defines a Christian as (1) Professing or following the religion of Christ; especially, affirming the divinity of Christ. (2) Relating to or derived from Christ or his doctrine. (3) Manifesting the spirit of Christ or his teachings. (4) Characteristic of Christianity Or Christendom. (6) One who believes in or professes belief in Jesus as the Christ; ... (7) One who lives according to the example and teaching of Jesus. Etc. But the best description given by the dictionary of what a Christian in the true sense of the word is "One who lives according to the example and teaching of Jesus." To assist all in better understanding what a Christian is we need to look at history with respect where the term came from, i.e., its roots. The term originated in the first century per the Teacher's Edition of the Bible Dictionary by Wm. Smith, LLd. Revised & Edited by F.N. & M.A. Peloubet which says, "The disciples, we are told, Acts 11:26, were first called Christians at Antioch on the Orontes, somewhere about A.D. 43. They were known to each other as, and were among themselves called 'breathren,' Acts 9:26; 11:29; 'believers,' Acts 5:14; 'saints,' Romans 8:27;; 'Christian' of itself was intended as a term of scurrility or abuse, though it would naturally be used with contempt."

Let's look at the scriptures given in Wm. Smith's Bible Dictionary and see how they apply to Christianity using the Webster Bible. Acts 11:26 declares, "And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (the Webster Bible), clearly affirming when the term first came to use. And were shown as being called 'brethern' and 'disciples' at Acts 11:29, "Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea." (the Webster Bible); and at Acts 9:26, "And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he essayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple." (the Webster Bible). And 'believers' at Acts 5:14, "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)" (the Webster Bible). And 'saints' at Romans 8:27, "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints, according to the will of God." (the Webster Bible).

So the basic meaning of the word Christian is a follower of or disciple of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ. However, many claiming to follow him really are not as they are not following his example as shown by the common term, "Sunday Christians, " who go to church on Sunday and give an outward show of being pious, but the remainder of the week look-out for their unchristian acts. So what then is really the identifying mark of the true follower of Christ, i.e., the true Christen, and not one in name only.

TRUE MARK OF THE REAL FOLLOWERS OF JESUS (YESHUA) CHRIST:

First, they would be called by as shown at 1 Peter 2:21, "For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:" (American Standard Version: ASV). Then the Bible shows that Jesus (Yeshua) set the pattern for Christians at John 13:15, "For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you." (ASV). And true Christians must remain in union with him as shown at 1 John 2:6, "he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked." (ASV); And this fact is further amplified at 1 John 2:7-11, "Beloved, no new commandment write I unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning: the old commandment is the word which ye heard. 8 Again, a new commandment write I unto you, which thing is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shineth. 9 He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother, is in the darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in the darkness, and walketh in the darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes." (ASV). We must also keep in mind that we should not become puffed up with pride and think too much of ourselves as shown by Christ example at Philippians 2:5-8, "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).

IDENTIFYING FEATURES OF TRUE CHRISTIANS:

Feature one, is they have true 'agape' love among themselves as testified to at John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (ASV); And by John 15:17, "These things I command you, that ye may love one another." In fact, when Jesus (Yeshua) was asked what the two greatest commandments were, he stated 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), so clearly we can see that 'agape' love for fellow believers and for neighbors is an identifying feature of true Christianity.

Feature two, true Christians, followers of Christ, must look to Jesus (Yeshua) Christ as the good teacher and exemplar as shown at John 13:13, "Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." (ASV); And at Matthew 23:8-10, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, `even' he who is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, `even' the Christ." (ASV); And at Hebrews 12:2, "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).

Feature three, We must recognize that salvation is God's (YHWH's) provision and he provides for it to come through his only begotten Son, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ as shown at Revelation 7:10, "and they cry with a great voice, saying, Salvation unto our God who sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb." (ASV), here his Son is referred to as the Lamb; And at 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, "For God appointed us not into wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him." (ASV); And at Acts 5:30-31, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree. 31 Him did God exalt with his right hand `to be' a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins." (AVS); And at Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (ASV).

Feature four, We must accept Christ and submit ourselves to him to be counted true Christians as revealed at Ephesians 5:24-25, "But as the church is subject to Christ, so `let' the wives also `be' to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it;" (ASV); And at Ephesians 1:19-22, "and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might 20 which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly `places', 21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church," (ASV); And at Colossians 1:13, "who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;" (ASV); And at Philippians 2:9-10, "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," (ASV).

SEE PART 2 OF 868B 
9
General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS
« Last post by iris89 on January 31, 2026, 06:20:45 pm »
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 867B  (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND, POLITICAL TURMOIL THAT FULFILLS BIBLE PROPHECY,  [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO 1 THESSALONIANS ,  [3]  THE RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE OS THE DAY,  SOLANUM SISYMBRIIFOLIUM: [4] WAS IT DESIGNED?  ANIMAL ARTISTRY, [5] WAS IT DESIGNED?  THE SEAHORSE’S TAIL, [6] WAS IT DESIGNED? THE ELEPHANT’S TRUNK,   [7]  WAS IT DESIGNED?   THE BAT’S ECHOLOCATION​—WAS IT DESIGNED?

(1A)  READ THE BIBLE ON LINE:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/

(1B)   POLITICAL TURMOIL THAT FULFILLS BIBLE PROPHECY, [a read]
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/political-turmoil-fulfills-bible-prophecy/

COMBINATION OF [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, AND  [3]  THE RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE OS THE DAY,  SOLANUM SISYMBRIIFOLIUM 

[2]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 813A]

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”   Galatians 6:10,   [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Jesus (Yeshua) demonstrated this ; to wit, the capacity to do good with respect a blind beggar as recorded at John 9:2 – 7, [AV] “And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?  3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.  4  I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.  5  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.  6  When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,  7  And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 
http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO 1 THESSALONIANS;  CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-thessalonians-introduction/

AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING. https://religioustruths.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=645

OR

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-about928.html\

VIDEO -  Pray Anytime, GO TO: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/pray-anytime/

VIDEO – OBEY YOUR PARENTS, GO TO:
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/obey-your-parents/

[3]   THE RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE OS THE DAY,  SOLANUM SISYMBRIIFOLIUM 

Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Solanum sisymbriifolium is commonly known as vila-vila,1 sticky nightshade,2 red buffalo-bur,3 the fire-and-ice plant, litchi tomato, or Morelle de Balbis.4
The small edible fruits are red on the outside and yellow inside. It grows inside a spiny, green husk. The fruit is ripe when it is easily removed from the stem. The flavor resembles sour cherries and a little bit like a tomato.4
This plant has been used as a trap crop to protect potatoes from potato cyst nematode.5 The stems and leaves contain solasodine which makes the plant very resistant to many pests and diseases, with the exception of potato beetles and tomato hornworms. It can also be used as a hedge plant to keep animals out of a garden, because it is covered with prickles (erroneously called thorns).4
Synonyms
The sticky nightshade has been described under a number of illegitimate scientific names, many of them quite ambiguous homonyms:6
    • Solanum balbisii Dunal
    • Solanum bipinnatifidum Larrańaga
    • Solanum brancaefolium Jacq.
    • Solanum decurrens Balb.
    • Solanum edule Vell.
    • Solanum formosum Weinm.
    • Solanum inflatum Hornem.
    • Solanum mauritianum Willd. ex Roth (preoccupied)
    • Solanum opuliflorum Port. ex Walp. (nomen nudum)
    • Solanum opuliflorum Port. ex Dunal (nomen nudum)
    • Solanum rogersii S.Moore
    • Solanum sabeanum Buckley
    • Solanum subviscidum Schrank
    • Solanum thouinii C.C.Gmel.
    • Solanum viscidum Schweigg.
    • Solanum viscosum Lag.
    • Solanum xanthacanthum Willd. ex Walp. (nomen nudum)
Several forms and varieties have been named,6 but these are generally not considered distinct today:
    • Solanum sisymbriifolium var. purpureiflorum Dunal
    • Solanum sisymbriifolium forma albiflorum Kuntze
    • Solanum sisymbriifolium var. bipinnatipartitum Dunal
    • Solanum sisymbriifolium var. brevilobum Dunal
    • Solanum sisymbriifolium var. gracile Mattos
    • Solanum sisymbriifolium var. heracleifolium Sendtn.
    • Solanum sisymbriifolium forma lilacinum Kuntze
    • Solanum sisymbriifolium var. macrocarpum Kuntze
    • Solanum sisymbriifolium var. oligospermum (Sendtn.) Dunal

References
    1. Friends of Vila-vila url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/673016442744077/
    2. "Solanum sisymbriifolium". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
    3. "BSBI List 2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-02-25. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
    4. Litchi Tomato article in Mother Earth News, December 2009
    5. Introducing Solanum sisymbriifolium as a trap crop for potato cyst nematodes in the UK. Version of 2015-JUL-03. Retrieved 2007-AUG-02
    6. Solanum sisymbriifolium. Retrieved 2008-SEP-25    ?[SOURCE - RETRIVED FROM https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_sisymbriifolium   ON  2 /1 /2018]

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) 

[4] WAS IT DESIGNED?  ANIMAL ARTISTRY,
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/science/was-it-designed/animal-artistry/

[5] WAS IT DESIGNED?  THE SEAHORSE’S TAIL,
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/science/was-it-designed/seahorse-tail/

[6] WAS IT DESIGNED? THE ELEPHANT’S TRUNK,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/SeriesWasItDesigned/pub-jwb_201708_7_VIDEO

[7]  WAS IT DESIGNED?   THE BAT’S ECHOLOCATION​—WAS IT DESIGNED?
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/science/was-it-designed/bat-echolocation/

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


   
10
General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS
« Last post by iris89 on January 28, 2026, 12:35:42 pm »
MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 866B  (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND, LEARN FROM JESUS, “YOU ARE GOING TO HEAR OF WARS”  [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANS,   [3] DISCOURSE ON TRUE WISDOM FROM GOD (YHWH):  [4] FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE: READ GOD’S WORD,   [5] WHAT THE UNIVERSE TELLS ABOUT THE CREATOR,   [6]   THE UNTOLD STORY OF CREATION,  [7] YOUNG PEOPLE ASK,  CREATION OR EVOLUTION?​—PART 2: WHY QUESTION EVOLUTION?   

(1A)  READ THE BIBLE ON LINE:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/

(1B)  LEARN FROM JESUS, “YOU ARE GOING TO HEAR OF WARS”   
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/you-are-going-to-hear-of-wars/


COMBINATION OF [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3]  DISCOURSE ON TRUE WISDOM FROM GOD (YHWH): 

[2]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [866b]

“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.” 

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 
http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698

TO VIEW THE INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANS;  CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/colossians-introduction/

AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING. https://religioustruths.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=645

OR

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-about928.html\

VIDEO -  Pray Anytime, GO TO: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/pray-anytime/


[3]   DISCOURSE ON TRUE WISDOM FROM GOD (YHWH):

INTRODUCTION TO TRUE WISDOM FROM GOD (YHWH):

Let's examine the subject of Wisdom from God (YHWH) using the Bible alone and learn what God's (YHWH) word has to say on the subject.  The two principle Bibles that will be used are the American Standard Verstion (ASV) and the Webster Bible by Noah Webster  (WB)- a 'knock-off' from the Authorized King James but updated with respect English words into a more modern from of English.

True wisdom starts with a reverent fear of God per Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (WB); And at Proverbs 15:33, "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom: and before honor is humility." (WB).

TRUE WISDOM ACQUIRED FROM GOD'S (YHWH's) WORD:

The Apostle Paul wrote two letters, 1 & 2 Timothy to Timothy the son of a Jewess, Eunice, and a Greek father.  From when he was very young, he was taught the scriptures as shown at 2 Timothy 3:15-16, "And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture inspired of God `is' also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness." (ASV); And this is affirmed at Proverbs 1:1-4, "The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2   To know wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding;  3 To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity;  4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion:" (ASV); And reaffirmed at Jeremiah 8:9, "The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?" (WB).

TRUE WISDOM SHOWS THE PROPER WAY TO PRAY TO GOD (YHWH) FOR WISDOM:

That we should pray to God for wisdom and not lean on our own understanding is shown at James 1:5, "But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (ASV); And testified to by King Solomon, "And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast showed great lovingkindness unto David my father, and hast made me king in his stead.  9 Now, O Jehovah God, let thy promise unto David my father be established; for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 10  Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?" (ASV); And affirmed at Colossians 1:9, "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;" (WB).

ALL WISDOM FROM GOD NOW COMES THROUGH HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON:

The fact that God (YHWH) has appointed his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) as his agent and spokesman is made clear at 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (WB); And wisdom is also shown as coming from Him at 1 Corinthians 1:24-30, "But to them who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  26   For ye see your calling, brethren, that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called:  27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are:  29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.  30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who from God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:" (WB); And at Colossians 2:3, "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (WB).

SIGNS & CHARACTERISTICS OF GODLY WISDOM:

The scriptures show that those having godly wisdom will have fine conduct and will be peaceable as shown at James 3:13-17, "Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.  14   But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not `a wisdom' that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  16 For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.  17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy." (ASV); And at Proverbs 1:5, "Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding:" (ASV); And at Psalms 107:43, "Whoso is wise will give heed to these things; And they will consider the lovingkindnesses of Jehovah." (ASV); And at Deuteronomy 4:5-6, "Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as Jehovah my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the midst of the land whither ye go in to possess it.  6   Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, that shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." (ASV); And at Ecclesiastes 8:1, "Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the hardness of his face is changed." (ASV).

WISDOM FROM GOD (YHWH) IS A PROTECTION AND A GUIDE IN THE WAY OF LIFE:

The Bible brings out the importance of godly wisdom at Ecclesiastes 7:12, "For wisdom is a defence, even as money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom preserveth the life of him that hath it." (ASV); And is shown as something we should let enter our 'heart' at Proverbs 2:10-13, "For wisdom shall enter into thy heart, And knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul;  11 Discretion shall watch over thee; Understanding shall keep thee:  12 To deliver thee from the way of evil, From the men that speak perverse things; 13   Who forsake the paths of uprightness, To walk in the ways of darkness;" (ASV); And as a safeguard of our thinking ability at Proverbs 3:21-23, "My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion:  22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck.  23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble." (ASV); And we must not turn aside from God's (YHWH's) sayings as shown at Proverbs 4:5-7, "Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth;  6 Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee.  7 Wisdom `is' the principal thing; `therefore' get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding." (ASV); And we must keep his commandments to maintain godly wisdom per Proverbs 7:2-5, "Keep my commandments and live; And my law as the apple of thine eye.  3 Bind them upon thy fingers; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart.  4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; And call understanding `thy' kinswoman:  5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, From the foreigner that flattereth with her words." (ASV).

OBTAINING WISDOM IS VERY VALUABLE:

The true value of wisdom is shown at Proverbs 3:13-14, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, And the profit thereof than fine gold." (ASV); And shown to be very good at Proberbs 8:11, "For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it." (ASV); And at Job 28:12-19, "But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?  13 Man knoweth not the price of it; neither is it found in the land of the living.  14 The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.  15 It cannot be obtained for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price of it.  16 It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.  17 The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold.  18   No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.  19   The topaz of Cush shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold." (WB).

SUBSTITUTING WORLDLY WISDOM FOR GOD'S (YHWH's) WISDOM IN HARMFUL:

Today, unfortunately, many individuals substitute worldly wisdom for godly wisdom by leaving God (YHWH) out of the picture, and accepting the wisdom of men instead as shown at 1 Corinthians 1:19-20, "for it hath been written, `I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the intelligence of the intelligent I will bring to nought;'  20 where `is' the wise? where the scribe? where a disputer of this age? did not God make foolish the wisdom of this world?" (Youngs Literal Translation); And they assert they are wise, but adopt the myths and words of man per Romans 1:22-23, "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools:   23 And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping animals." (WB); And they get carried of by the philosophies of men per Colossians 2:8, "Beware lest any man make a prey of you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (WB); And man's wisdom is shown as bad at James 3:15, "This wisdom is not `a wisdom' that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." (ASV); And we must guard against worldly wisdom and bad language as shown at 1 Timothy 6:20, "O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto `thee', turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;"  (ASV)

[4] FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE: READ GOD’S WORD,  [A READ]
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/FeaturedLibraryVideos/pub-jwb-128_7_VIDEO

[5] WHAT THE UNIVERSE TELLS ABOUT THE CREATOR,  [A READ]
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no3-2021-nov-dec/universe-tells-us-about-creation/

[6] WHAT THE UNIVERSE TELLS US ABOUT A CREATOR     [A READ]
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201403/untold-story-of-creation/ 

[7] YOUNG PEOPLE ASK,  CREATION OR EVOLUTION?​—PART 2: WHY QUESTION EVOLUTION?   [A READ]

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

Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 10