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General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS

« Last post by iris89 on December 15, 2025, 08:26:53 am »

MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 856B (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND, WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS? [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO MARK, [3] DISCOURSE ON RESEARCH PRODUCT ON THE PLURAL OF MAJESTY: [4] YOUNG PEOPLE ASK, HOW IS SOCIAL MEDIA AFFECTING ME? [5] LEARN FROM JESUS. THERE WILL BE WORLD PEACE, [6] A REAL HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW, [7] UNDER GOD’S KINGDOM “PEACE WILL ABOUND”

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

(1B) WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/LatestVideos/pub-ebtv_12_VIDEO

COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON RESEARCH PRODUCT ON THE PLURAL OF MAJESTY:

[2[ SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [855B]

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” James 5:7, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Even his apostles wanted to know when these events would occur, but jesus (Yeshua) said onto them at Matthew 24:2 – 3, [AV] “And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” and showed how patience would be necessary as even he did NOT know when this would occur, but only his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) in heaven knew as recorded at Matthew 24:36, [AV] “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”

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 MARK ; CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark-introduction/

TO ENJOY 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\

[3] DISCOURSE ON RESEARCH PRODUCT ON THE PLURAL OF MAJESTY:

INTRODUCTION:

Many when they see God's (YHWH's) name or title in the plural believe that this refers to more than one as in ignorance they do NOT know that the plural form was used in many ancient middle eastern languages to also designate majesty. When so used as the plural of majesty, it always refers to a singular personage or being and never to what in modern languages would be a plural of personage or being. For example, the Hebrew word for "God" is 'elohim' (occurs 2700 times) - a plural noun always joined to singular verbs; to be noted here, it is always joined to singular verbs as the plural of majesty strictly refers to a single personage or being, and NOT to multiple personages or beings.

THE RESEARCH PROOFS:

Now let's look at what some books on language and encyclopedias say on the matter:

The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literatures, Vol. XXI, Chicago and New York, 1905: Titles and Descriptive Terms Applying to Jehovah: GOD. Heb., ´Elo·him', without the definite article. In The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literatures, Vol. XXI, Chicago and New York, 1905, p. 208, Aaron Ember wrote: "That the language of the O[ld] T[estament] has entirely given up the idea of plurality in ????? [´Elo·him'] (as applied to the God of Israel) is especially shown by the fact that it is almost invariably construed with a singular verbal predicate, and takes a singular adjectival attribute. . . . ????? [´Elo·him'] must rather be explained as an intensive plural, denoting greatness and majesty, being equal to The Great God. It ranks with the plurals ????? [´adho·nim', "master"] and ????? [be`a·lim', "owner; lord"], employed with reference to human beings." ´Elo·him' draws attention to Jehovah's strength as the Creator and occurs 35 times in the creation account.-Ge 1:1-2:4.

Insights, Volume I says under, it-1 968-9 God:
Anything that is worshiped can be termed a god, inasmuch as the worshiper attributes to it might greater than his own and venerates it. A person can even let his belly be a god. (Ro 16:18; Php 3:18, 19) The Bible makes mention of many gods (Ps 86:8; 1Co 8:5, 6), but it shows that the gods of the nations are valueless gods.-Ps 96:5; see GODS AND GODDESSES.

Hebrew Terms. Among the Hebrew words that are translated "God" is ´El, probably meaning "Mighty One; Strong One." (Ge 14:18) It is used with reference to Jehovah, to other gods, and to men. It is also used extensively in the makeup of proper names, such as Elisha (meaning "God Is Salvation") and Michael ("Who Is Like God?"). In some places ´El appears with the definite article (ha·´El', literally, "the God") with reference to Jehovah, thereby distinguishing him from other gods.-Ge 46:3; 2Sa 22:31; see NW appendix, p. 1567.
At Isaiah 9:6 Jesus Christ is prophetically called ´El Gib·bohr', "Mighty God" (not ´El Shad·dai' [God Almighty], which is applied to Jehovah at Genesis 17:1).

The plural form, ´e·lim', is used when referring to other gods, such as at Exodus 15:11 ("gods"). It is also used as the plural of majesty and excellence, as in Psalm 89:6: "Who can resemble Jehovah among the sons of God [bi·beneh' ´E·lim']?" That the plural form is used to denote a single individual here and in a number of other places is supported by the translation of ´E·lim' by the singular form The·os' in the Greek Septuagint; likewise by Deus in the Latin Vulgate.
The Hebrew word ´elo·him' (gods) appears to be from a root meaning "be strong." ´Elo·him' is the plural of ´eloh'ah (god). Sometimes this plural refers to a number of gods (Ge 31:30, 32; 35:2), but more often it is used as a plural of majesty, dignity, or excellence. ´Elo·him' is used in the Scriptures with reference to Jehovah himself, to angels, to idol gods (singular and plural), and to men.

The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literatures, Vol. XXI, 1905, p. 208.
When applying to Jehovah, ´Elo·him' is used as a plural of majesty, dignity, or excellence. (Ge 1:1) Regarding this, Aaron Ember wrote: "That the language of the O[ld] T[estament] has entirely given up the idea of plurality in . . . [´Elo·him'] (as applied to the God of Israel) is especially shown by the fact that it is almost invariably construed with a singular verbal predicate, and takes a singular adjectival attribute. . . . [´Elo·him'] must rather be explained as an intensive plural, denoting greatness and majesty, being equal to The Great God."-The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literatures, Vol. XXI, 1905, p. 208.

Insights, Volume I I The title ´Elo·him' draws attention to Jehovah's strength as the Creator. It appears 35 times by itself in the account of creation, and every time the verb describing what he said and did is in the singular number. (Ge 1:1-2:4) In him resides the sum and substance of infinite forces.

Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros, by Koehler and Baumgartner (1958), page 134A: t Psalm 8:5, the angels are also referred to as ´elo·him', as is confirmed by Paul's quotation of the passage at Hebrews 2:6-8. They are called beneh' ha·´Elo·him', "sons of God" (KJ); "sons of the true God" (NW), at Genesis 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1. Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros, by Koehler and Baumgartner (1958), page 134, says: "(individual) divine beings, gods." And page 51 says: "the (single) gods," and it cites Genesis 6:2; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7. Hence, at Psalm 8:5 ´elo·him' is rendered "angels" (LXX); "godlike ones" (NW).

Insights, Volume II: The word ´elo·him' is also used when referring to idol gods. Sometimes this plural form means simply "gods." (Ex 12:12; 20:23) At other times it is the plural of excellence and only one god (or goddess) is referred to. However, these gods were clearly not trinities.-1Sa 5:7b (Dagon); 1Ki 11:5 ("goddess" Ashtoreth); Da 1:2b (Marduk).

Lexicon Hebraicum Veteris Testamenti, Rome, 1984, p. 54; At Psalm 82:1, 6, ´elo·him' is used of men, human judges in Israel. Jesus quoted from this Psalm at John 10:34, 35. They were gods in their capacity as representatives of and spokesmen for Jehovah. Similarly Moses was told that he was to serve as "God" to Aaron and to Pharaoh.-Ex 4:16, ftn; ?Ex ?7:1.

In many places in the Scriptures ´Elo·him' is also found preceded by the definite article ha. (Ge 5:22) Concerning the use of ha·´Elo·him', F. Zorell says: "In the Holy Scriptures especially the one true God, Jahve, is designated by this word; . . . 'Jahve is the [one true] God' De 4:35; 4:39; Jos 22:34; 2Sa 7:28; 1Ki 8:60 etc."-Lexicon Hebraicum Veteris Testamenti, Rome, 1984, p. 54; brackets his.

Insights, Volume II: it-2 441 Most High
Topmost as to place, or position. The Hebrew word `el·yohn', used with reference to Jehovah as "Most High," is also applied to other persons or things: The Messianic King, the Greater David, as above the other earthly kings (Ps 89:20, 27), the place above the nations promised to Israel (De 26:18, 19), the topmost basket (Ge 40:17), the upper gate (2Ki 15:35), the upper pool (2Ki 18:17), the upper courtyard (Jer 36:10), the uppermost story (Eze 41:7), the uppermost dining rooms (Eze 42:5), Upper Beth-horon (Jos 16:5), and the upper source of the waters of Gihon (2Ch 32:30). These uses illustrate that `el·yohn' denotes position rather than power.

When applied to Jehovah, "Most High" emphasizes his supreme position above all others. (Ps 83:18) The title first appears at Genesis 14:18-20 with ´El (God), where Melchizedek is called "priest of the Most High God" and, in that capacity, blesses Abraham as well as the Most High God. "Most High" is used in combination with the divine name Jehovah (Ge 14:22; Ps 7:17) and with the plural of excellence ´Elo·him' (God) (Ps 78:56), and it also appears alone.-De 32:8; Ps 9:2; Isa 14:14.
The plural Aramaic form `el·yoh·nin' occurs at Daniel 7:18, 22, 25, 27, where it may be translated "Supreme One" (NW), the plural being the plural of excellence, majesty. The Aramaic form in the singular number, `il·lai' (Most High), is used at Daniel 7:25.

The Greek word hy'psi·stos (Most High), as applying to Jehovah, is employed mainly by Luke, in his Gospel (twice in Gabriel's announcement to Mary about the birth of Jesus) and in the Acts. (Lu 1:32, 35, 76; 6:35; 8:28; Ac 7:48; 16:17) The other occurrences are at Mark 5:7 and Hebrews 7:1.

CONCLUSION:

So it is quite clear that anyone making claims that the plural as here used as the plural of majesty and claiming its use supports a Duality or a Trinity really does not have a grasp of what he or she is talking about since in reality it is ALWAYS singular with respect personage or being. Therefore, NOT only does it not support a Duality or a Trinity, it clearly shows when one understands the plural of majesty in a Semitic Languages that such could NOT possible be the case. This can be readily discerned by a quick cursory observation that the plural of majesty always caries a singular verb or adjective and not a plural one.

[4] YOUNG PEOPLE ASK, HOW IS SOCIAL MEDIA AFFECTING ME?
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/teenagers/ask/how-social-media-affects-me/

[5] LEARN FROM JESUS. THERE WILL BE WORLD PEACE,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/there-will-be-world-peace/

[6] A REAL HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/real-hope-future-bible-promises/

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

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

General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS

« Last post by iris89 on December 08, 2025, 09:07:52 am »

MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 854B (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND, WORLD PEACE—WHY SO ELUSIVE? [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO MALACHI, [3] DISCOURSE ON LET FREEDOM RING [4] WHAT IS THE SIGN OF “THE LAST DAYS,” OR “END TIMES”? [5] ESSENTIAL BIBLE TEACHINGS, God’s Kingdom Began Ruling in 1914, [6] WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? [7] PEACE ON EARTH—HOW WILL IT COME?

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

(1B) WORLD PEACE—WHY SO ELUSIVE?
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/world-peace-elusive/

COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON LET FREEDOM RING

[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [854B]

“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” 1 Peter 3:1 – 2, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

We should all conduct ourselves in righteousness, and show subjection to the Christ as wives show subjection to their husbands as shown by Acts 2:21 – 24, [AV] “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

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 MALACHI; CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/malachi-introduction/

TO ENJOY 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\

[3] DISCOURSE ON LET FREEDOM RING

Let freedom ring loud and clear for all with individual dignity and right of belief be a basic human right, both William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson both said it. Both of these great leaders well knew the dangerous of fanatic cultic groups seeking to control the rights of others to believe or not believe in a deity as they wish and sought to preserve this basic human right for all. However, there are still cubic and cultic groups seeking to remove this basic human right so as to enforce their dogmatic beliefs either in the infallibility of their religious leaders or in some myth or idea at the expense of the freedom and dignity of others.

Let's face it when the definition of a cult is reduced to its bare essentials, it is a group that has either what they claim as an infallible leader based either on ex Cathedra or direct communications with a diety or what they claim to be an idea or myth not subject to question, i.e., the Shariah 'law', the Holy Black Rock in Mecca, the Trinity, the Duality, etc. Cultic groups attempt in all ways possible to deny others their rights to freedom, i.e., the right to practice their religious beliefs - right or wrong, the right to develop new scientific concepts - example, Copernican System, etc.

To carry out the denial of rights to others they come up with mischief at law and other 'dirty' tactics. A good example is heresy that when reduced to its bare essentials is you have NO right whatsoever to believe anything contrary to what we do or you will be severely punished. This is nothing but a naked denial of basic human rights, namely freedom. When cultist of any flavor get into power they institute heresy laws designed to deny freedom to others. This is the authoritarian, infallible cultist mindset.

The none-cultist mindset is, I may NOT agree with you, but I agree that you have an absolute right to be wrong, and my only obligation is to show you your error by reason and facts. That is the none-cultist is for freedom for all and human dignity.

I for example am a none-cultist and as all well know, I will strongly disagree on what I know to be wrong; but I will NEVER seek to deny you your rights in any way to freedom of belief and dignity. Therefore, as shown by all my commentaries, I seek by reason and proof only to show individuals the error of their ways, and never to infringe on their freedom.

This difference in mindset between the fanatic cultist and the none-cultist can be shown by an event I was involved in many years ago. I was with a none-cultist anti-abortion group in front of an abortion clinic handing out information packets against abortion to all entering the clinic, but in no way interfering with their right, freedom, to enter. Along comes a cultist anti-abortion group and immediately they try to stop individuals from entering, i.e., denying them their freedom and screaming un-civil language that no one should use. The clinic directors called the cops and they came. The clinic directors said not those with respect to my group, but those with respect the cultist group were the troublemakers. After the cultist group was hauled off by the police, the directors actually sent sandwiches out to us none-cultist anti-abortionist and commended us on our belief in human rights and freedom when we clearly strongly disagreed to how some were exercising their freedom, i.e., committing what we considered murder. Clearly this incident shows the vast difference between none-cultist and cultist mindsets.

In Summary:

Cultist mindset that identifies them as cultist = We want absolute freedom for us, but no one who disagrees with us has any right to freedom of thought, action, or expression; to with dogmatic ur-reasonableness on behalf of a leader or idea. Or down with everyone else's rights and dignity, i.e., burn them at the stake mentality or mindset.

None-cultist mindset that identifies them as none-cultist = I may strongly disagree with you and seek to show you your error believe you have the absolute freedom or right to be in error as long as you do NOT infringe on the rights of others to freedom and dignity in keeping with the beliefs expressed by the Quaker, William Penn.

[4] WHAT IS THE SIGN OF “THE LAST DAYS,” OR “END TIMES”?
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/last-days-sign-end-times-prophecies/

[5] ESSENTIAL BIBLE TEACHINGS, God’s Kingdom Began Ruling in 1914,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/ebtv/kingdom-began-ruling-1914/

[6] WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/Good-News-
From-God-Video-Series/video-why-suffering/

[7] PEACE ON EARTH—HOW WILL IT COME?
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/peace-on-earth-how/

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

General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS

« Last post by iris89 on December 01, 2025, 07:54:31 am »

PART 3 OF 853B

plainly to be "the truth" mentioned in John 17:17. (a) ]>
20 ¶ Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; <[ Neither pray I for these alone--This very important explanation, uttered in condescension to the hearers and readers of this prayer in all time, is meant not merely of what follows, but of the whole prayer. them also which shall believe--The majority of the best manuscripts read "which believe," all future time being viewed as present, while the present is viewed as past and gone. (a) ]>
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. <[ that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they may be one in us--The indwelling Spirit of the Father and the Son is the one perfect bond of union, knitting up into a living unity, first all believers amongst themselves; next, this unity into one still higher, with the Father and the Son. (Observe, that Christ never mixes Himself up with His disciples as He associates Himself with the Father, but says I in THEM and THEY in US).
that the world may believe that thou hast sent me--sentest me. So the grand impression upon the world at large, that the mission of Christ is divine, is to be made by the unity of His disciples. Of course, then, it must be something that shall be visible or perceptible to the world. What is it, then? Not certainly a merely formal, mechanical unity of ecclesiastical machinery. For as that may, and to a large extent does, exist in both the Western and Eastern churches, with little of the Spirit of Christ, yea much, much with which the Spirit of Christ cannot dwell so instead of convincing the world beyond its own pale of the divinity of the Gospel, it generates infidelity to a large extent within its own bosom. But the Spirit of Christ, illuminating, transforming, and reigning in the hearts of the genuine disciples of Christ, drawing them to each other as members of one family, and prompting them to loving co-operation for the good of the world--this is what, when sufficiently glowing and extended, shall force conviction upon the world that Christianity is divine. Doubtless, the more that differences among Christians disappear--the more they can agree even in minor matters--the impression upon the world may be expected to be greater. But it is not dependent upon this; for living and loving oneness in Christ is sometimes more touchingly seen even amidst and in spite of minor differences, than where no such differences exist to try the strength of their deeper unity. Yet till this living brotherhood in Christ shall show itself strong enough to destroy the sectarianism, selfishness, carnality, and apathy that eat out the heart of Christianity in all the visible sections of it, in vain shall we expect the world to be overawed by it. It is when "the Spirit shall be poured upon us from on high," as a Spirit of truth and love, and upon all parts of the Christian territory alike, melting down differences and heart burnings, kindling astonishment and shame at past unfruitfulness, drawing forth longings of catholic affection, and yearnings over a world lying in wickedness, embodying themselves in palpable forms and active measures--it is then that we may expect the effect here announced to be produced, and then it will be irresistible. Should not Christians ponder these things? Should not the same mind be in them which was also in Christ Jesus about this matter? Should not His prayer be theirs? (a) Here he, the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves), then he, the Son, continues, “ For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.” (John 17:8 AV),
showing that his followers would surely know that they were one is purpose, “12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:12-16 AV) and “9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 ¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Ephesians 3:9-14 AV). These clearly show that Almighty God (YHWH) and Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) although not one in body, are one in purpose, and since the Father has given mankind to the Son for the present time, we should all recognize the Son as the only mediator between God and mankind, “ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV). (b) ]>
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: <[ And the glory which thou gavest--hast given. me I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one--The last clause shows the meaning of the first. It is not the future glory of the heavenly state, but the secret of that present unity just before spoken of; the glory, therefore, of the indwelling Spirit of Christ; the glory of an accepted state, of a holy character, of every grace. (a) See second comment on John 17:21 above (b) ]>
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. <[ I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in (a) Once more Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) emphasis that his followers should be one in purpose just as he is one in purpose with his Father (YHWH), for more details see second comment on John 17:21 above. (b)]>
24 ¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. <[ Father, I will--The majesty of this style of speaking is quite transparent. No petty criticism will be allowed to fritter it away in any but superficial or perverted readers. be with me where I that they may behold my glory which thou hast given Christ regards it as glory enough for us to be admitted to see and gaze for ever upon His glory! This is "the beatific vision"; but it shall be no mere vision, for "we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). (a) ]>
25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. <[ O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee--knew thee not. but I have known thee--knew thee. and these have known--knew. that thou hast sent--sentest me--As before He said "Holy Father," when desiring the display of that perfection on His disciples (John 17:11), so here He styles Him "Righteous Father," because He is appealing to His righteousness or justice, to make a distinction between those two diametrically opposite classes--"the world," on the one hand, which would not "know the Father, though brought so nigh to it in the Son of His love, and, on the other, Himself, who recognized and owned Him, and even His disciples, who owned His mission from the Father. (a) ]>
26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. <[ And I have declared--I made known or communicated. thy name--in His past ministry. and will declare it--in yet larger measure, by the gift of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost and through all succeeding ages. that the love wherewith thou hast loved--lovedst. me may be in them, and I in them--This eternal love of the Father, resting first on Christ, is by His Spirit imparted to and takes up its permanent abode in all that believe in Him; and "He abiding in them and they in Him" (John 15:5), they are "one Spirit." "With this lofty thought the Redeemer closes His prayer for His disciples, and in them for His Church through all ages. He has compressed into the last moments given Him for conversation with His own the most sublime and glorious sentiments ever uttered by mortal lips. But hardly has the sound of the last word died away, when He passes with the disciples over the brook Kedron to Gethsemane--and the bitter conflict draws on. The seed of the new world must be sown in Death, that thence Life may spring up" [OLSHAUSEN]. (a)]>

(a) - Brown, David, D.D. "Commentary on John 17". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, 1871.

(b) – Iris the Preacher, 2002.

[4] THE BIBLE’S VIEWPOINT ON GRATITUDE,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no5-2016-october/bible-say-about-gratitude/

[5] COVER SUBJECT: ARE WE BUYING TOO MUCH? WHY DO WE BUY?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201306/why-do-we-buy/

[6] Women’s Safety—The Bible’s Perspective,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/womens-safety-bible-perspective/

[7] DOES GOD REALLY CARE ABOUT WOMEN?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/wp20120901/gods-view-of-women/

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

General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS

« Last post by iris89 on December 01, 2025, 07:52:21 am »

SEE PART 2 OF 853B

8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. <[they . . . have known surely that I came out from (a) Here he, the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) , mentions that he has given to his followers, “the words which thou gavest me,” and his followers, “and they have received them.” Then he, the Son, continues, “and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me,” showing that his followers would surely know that they were one is purpose, “12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:12-16 AV) and “9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14 ¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Ephesians 3:9-14 AV). These clearly show that Almighty God (YHWH) and Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) although not one in body, are one in purpose, and since the Father has given mankind to the Son for the present time, we should all recognize the Son as the only mediator between God and mankind, “ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV). (b) ]>

9 “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. <[I pray for them--not as individuals merely, but as representatives of all such in every succeeding age not for the world--for they had been given Him "out of the world" (John 17:6), and had been already transformed into the very opposite of it. The things sought for them, indeed, are applicable only to such. (a) Jesus, here, prays on behalf of all of his followers to his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), clearly showing that the Son recognized his Father as supreme. (b) ]>
10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. <[all mine are thine, and thine are mine--literally, "All My things are Thine and Thy things are Mine." (On this use of the neuter gender, Absolute COMMUNITY OF PROPERTY between the Father and the Son is here expressed as nakedly as words can do it. (a) Here Jesus clearly recognizes that everything he has really belongs onto his Father in keeping with, “27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:27-28 AV) (b) ]>

11 ¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. <[I am no more in the but these are in the world--that is, Though My struggles are at an end, theirs are not; though I have gotten beyond the scene of strife, I cannot sever Myself in spirit from them, left behind and only just entering on their great conflict. Holy Father--an expression He nowhere else uses. "Father" is His wonted appellation, but "Holy" is here prefixed, because His appeal was to that perfection of the Father's nature, to "keep" or preserve them from being tainted by the unholy atmosphere of "the world" they were still in. keep through thine own name--rather, "in thy name"; in the exercise of that gracious and holy character for which He was known.
that they may be (a) Here he, the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) , says after returning to his Father, “¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world,” and asks that they, his followers, “be one, as we are,” one. ” Then he, the Son, continues, “and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me,” (part of John 17:8 AV) showing that his followers would surely know that they were one is purpose, “12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:12-16 AV) and “9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 ¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Ephesians 3:9-14 AV). These clearly show that Almighty God (YHWH) and Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) although not one in body, are one in purpose, and since the Father has given mankind to the Son for the present time, we should all recognize the Son as the only mediator between God and mankind, “ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV). (b) ]>
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. <[I kept--guarded. them in thy name--acting as Thy Representative on earth.
none of them is lost, but the son of perdition--It is not implied here that the son of perdition was one of those whom the Father had given to the Son, but rather the contrary (John 13:18) [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. It is just as in Luke 4:26,27, where we are not to suppose that the woman of Sarepta (in Sidon) was one of the widows of Israel, nor Naaman the Syrian one of the lepers in Israel, though the language--the same as here--might seem to express it. son of perdition--doomed to it (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 14:21). (a) ]>
13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. <[I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves--that is, Such a strain befits rather the upper sanctuary than the scene of conflict; but I speak so "in the world," that My joy, the joy I experience in knowing that such intercessions are to be made for them by their absent Lord, may be tasted by those who now hear them, and by all who shall hereafter read the record of them, (a) Here Jesus speaks of his ascending back to heaven and that his followers should be happy as he has provided the ransom sacrifice for all his followers that they may have life. “ Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 AV), as he was, “ What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?” (John 6:62 AV) to be figuratively speaking to show that he was second in heaven “ Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;” (Hebrews 8:1 AV) (b) ]>
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.<[ Here Jesus tells his Father in heaven that he has given his followers his Fathers word, but the world hated them because they were no longer part of the world, “ Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4 AV) (b) ]>
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. <[ I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world--for that, though it would secure their own safety, would leave the world unblessed by their testimony. but . . . keep them from the evil--all evil in and of the world. (a) Here Jesus showed that his followers would not be popular and asked his Father to protect them against evil showing he recognized his Father as the superior. Clearly they would not be poplar and would be small in number as shown “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14 AV) (b) ]>
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. <[ They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world--(See John 5:18,19). This is reiterated here, to pave the way for the prayer which follows (a) ]>
17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. <[ Sanctify them--As the former prayer, "Keep them," was "negative," asking protection for them from the poisonous element which surrounded and pressed upon their renewed nature, so this prayer, "Sanctify them," is positive, asking the advancement and completion of their begun sanctification. through--in. thy truth--God's revealed truth, as the medium or element of sanctification; a statement this of immense importance. thy word is truth--(Compare John 15:3, Colossians 1:5, Ephesians 1:13). (a) Here he request that his Father (YHWH) sanctify his followers through his word as Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) clearly shows that he knows that his Father’s word is “thy word is truth.” (b) ]>
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. <[ As thou hast sent--sentest. me into the world, even so have I also sent them--sent I also them. into the world--As their mission was to carry into effect the purposes of their Master's mission, so our Lord speaks of the authority in both cases as co-ordinate. (a) Once more, Jesus emphases that he was sent by his Father (YHWH), the superior, for a purpose and also emphases that he, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) has sent them into the world to continue with his work in keeping with “ And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14 AV) (b) ]>
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. <[ And for their sakes I sanctify--consecrate. myself that they also might--may. be sanctified--consecrated. The only difference between the application of the same term to Christ and the disciples is, as applied to Christ, that it means only to "consecrate"; whereas, in application to the disciples, it means to consecrate with the additional idea of previous sanctification, since nothing but what is holy can be presented as an offering. The whole self-sacrificing work of the disciples appears here as a mere result of the offering of Christ [OLSHAUSEN]. through--in. the truth--Though the article is wanting in the original here, we are not to translate, as in the Margin, "truly sanctified"; for the reference seems

SEE PART 3 OF 853B

General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS

« Last post by iris89 on December 01, 2025, 07:47:00 am »

MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 853B (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND , WHAT IS THE GOLDEN RULE? [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH, [3] DISCOURSE ON JOHN CHAPTER 17, “THE LONGEST PRAYER BY JESUS”: [4] THE BIBLE’S VIEWPOINT ON GRATITUDE, [5] COVER SUBJECT: ARE WE BUYING TOO MUCH? WHY DO WE BUY? [6] WOMEN’S SAFETY—THE BIBLE’S PERSPECTIVE, [7] DOES GOD REALLY CARE ABOUT WOMEN?

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

(1B) WHAT IS THE GOLDEN RULE?
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/golden-rule/

COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON JOHN CHAPTER 17, “THE LONGEST PRAYER BY JESUS”:

[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [853B]

“King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” Acts 26:27 – 29, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Here, the Apostle Paul is appearing before King Agrippa to make his defense for spreading the truth of Almighty God (YHWH) to many in ancient Jerusalem. In his defense as recorded at Acts 26:1 - 8, [AV] he says, “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: 2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. 4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?”

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 ZECHARIAH; CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/zechariah-introduction/

TO ENJOY AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING.

https://religioustruths.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=645

OR

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[3] DISCOURSE ON JOHN CHAPTER 17, “THE LONGEST PRAYER BY JESUS”:

1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:<[ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes--"John very seldom depicts the gestures or looks of our Lord, as here. But this was an occasion of which the impression was indelible, and the upward look could not be passed over" [ALFORD]. Father, the hour is glorify thy Son--Put honor upon Thy Son, by countenancing, sustaining, and carrying Him through that "hour." (a) At John 17:5, Jesus asks for, “And now glorify thou me, O Father, with thyself, with the glory which I had, before the world was, with thee.” (The Douay-Rheims Bible), “Jesus said to them: Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham was made, I AM.” .” (John 8:58 The Douay-Rheims Bible), “If then you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?” (John 6:62 The Douay-Rheims Bible). As can clearly be seen, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) had been in heaven with his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) before he came down to earth to prove himself faithful under temptation, and here he was asking his Father (YHWH) for what he had had before in heaven. This clearly shows two individuals, one a superior being prayed to and a subordinate asking the superior for what he had had before in heaven. (b) ]>

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. <[ given--gavest him power over all give eternal life to as many as, &c.--literally, "to all that which thou hast given him." (a) “27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:28 AV) , Here we clearly see God has given his Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) jurisdiction over all things except himself, Almighty God (YHWH) and after he, the Son, has accomplished all the work his Father has given him, he will, “then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” This once more clearly shows they are two separate entities in heaven with one the superior, Almighty God (YHWH) and the other the subordinate, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) (b) ]>

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. <[this is--that. life eternal, that they might--may. know, &c.--This life eternal, then, is not mere conscious and unending existence,.but a life of acquaintance with God in Christ (Job 22:21). (a) Notice here that Almighty God (YHWH) sent his Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) to earth to do his, the Father’s will. Clearly the sender is the superior one. (b) ]>

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. <[I have glorified thee on the earth--rather, "I glorified" (for the thing is conceived as now past). I have finished--I finished. the work which thou gavest me to do--It is very important to preserve in the translation the past tense, used in the original, otherwise it might be thought that the work already "finished" was only what He had done before uttering that prayer; whereas it will be observed that our Lord speaks throughout as already beyond this present scene (John 17:12, &c.), and so must be supposed to include in His "finished work" the "decease which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem." (a) Here the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves), clearly tells his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) that he has accomplished all the work that he had assigned to him to do while on earth in flesh and blood. He, the Son, states, “I have glorified thee on the earth:” {glory – from Strong’s Concordance and Hebrew-Chaldean Dictionary is ‘AV-glory 145, glorious 10, honour 6, praise 4, dignity 2, worship 1; 168’}. This clearly shows that the Son was doing the work assigned to him by his Father once more; therefore they would have to be two distinct entities, one the superior and the other the subordinate. (b) ]>

5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. <[And now--in return. glorify thou me--The "I Thee" and "Thou Me" are so placed in the original, each beside its fellow, as to show that A PERFECT RECIPROCITY OF SERVICES of the Son to the Father first, and then of the Father to the Son in return, is what our Lord means here to express. with the glory which I had with thee before the world was--when "in the beginning the Word was with God" (John 1:1), "the only-begotten Son in the bosom of the Father" (John 1:18). With this pre-existent glory, which He veiled on earth, He asks to be reinvested, the design of the veiling being accomplished--not, however, simply as before, but now in our nature. (a) As can clearly be seen, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) had been in heaven with his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) before he came down to earth to prove himself faithful under temptation, and here he was asking his Father (YHWH) for what he had had before in heaven. This clearly shows two individuals, one a superior being prayed to and a subordinate asking the superior for what he had had before in heaven. (b) ]>

6 ¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. <[ From praying for Himself He now comes to pray for His disciples. I have manifested--I manifested. thy name--His whole character towards mankind. to the men thou gavest me out of the (a) Here the Son, Jesus (Jeshua or YHWH saves) acknowledges that the men belonged to Almighty God (YHWH), but he gave them to his son, “thou gavest them me; “ clearly showing two individuals, a superior who can give things to a Son, and a Son who can receive things from his father; not two individuals in one Godhead as proclaimed by the Cathars. (b) ]>
7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. <[Here, the Son, is acknowledging the gifts from his Father, and stating that the gifts are of thee, the Father, “are of thee.” Obviously an interaction between two individuals, one the superior, the Father, the giver, and the subordinate, the Son, the receiver of the gifts. (b) ]>

General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS

« Last post by iris89 on November 25, 2025, 07:24:16 pm »

MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 852B (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND A VIDEO – STEALING IS BAD, [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO HAGGAI, [3] THE RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE OF THE DAY, AVERRHOA BILIMBI (COMMONLY KNOWN AS BILIMBI), [4] NO. 1 2025 | AN END TO WAR—HOW?, [5] THE HORROR OF WAR, [6] HOW WAR AND VIOLENT CONFLICT AFFECT US ALL, [7] CAN WE END WAR AND VIOLENT CONFLICT?

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

(1B) VIDEO – STEALING IS BAD
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/stealing-is-bad/

COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, AND [3] THE RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE OF THE DAY,Averrhoa bilimbi (commonly known as bilimbi,

[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [852B]

“He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. Jeremiah 10:12, “ [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yes, as stated at Genesis 1:1, [AV] “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” He, as shown by Psalms 24:2, [AV] “For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” And reveals that the earth is a sphere and not a flat plane in space as many ancients believed up to the time Christopher Columbus proved otherwise and that the Bible was correct as shown at Isaiah 40:22, [AV] “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:”

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 HAGGAI ; CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/haggai-introduction/

TO ENJOY AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING.

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[3] Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Averrhoa bilimbi (commonly known as bilimbi, cucumber tree, or tree sorrel[2]) is a fruit-bearing tree of the genus Averrhoa, family Oxalidaceae. It is a close relative of carambola tree.

Description
The bilimbi tree reaches 5–10 m in height. Its trunk is short and quickly divides up into ramifications. Bilimbi leaves, 3–6 cm long, are alternate, imparipinnate and cluster at branch extremities. There are around 11 to 37 alternate or subopposite oblong leaflets. The leaves are quite similar to those of the Otaheite gooseberry. The trunk and branches of tree has to be exposed to sunlight for fruits to form (traditional knowledge), which is achieved by removing leaves except from branch end.

Distribution and habitat
Possibly originated in Moluccas, Indonesia, the species is now cultivated and found throughout the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar (Burma) and Malaysia. It is also common in other Southeast Asian countries. In India, where it is usually found in gardens, the bilimbi has gone wild in the warmest regions of the country.[3]

Outside of Asia, the tree is cultivated in Zanzibar. In 1793, the bilimbi was introduced to Jamaica from Timor and after several years, was cultivated throughout Central and South America where it is known as mimbro. In Suriname this fruit is known as lange birambi. Introduced to Queensland at the end of the 19th century, it has been grown commercially in the region since that time.[3] In Guyana, it is called Sourie, One finger, Bilimbi and Kamranga.

This is essentially a tropical tree, less resistant to cold than the carambola, growing best in rich and well-drained soil (but also stands limestone and sand). It prefers evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year, but with a 2- to 3-month dry season. Therefore, the species is not found, for example, in the wettest part of Malaysia. In Florida, where it is an occasional curiosity, the tree needs protection from wind and cold.[3]

Nutritional value for 100 g of edible portion
• Moisture 94.2-97 g
• Protein 0.61 g
• Ash 0.31-0.40 g
• Fiber 0.6g
• Phosphorus 11.1 mg
• Calcium 3.4 mg
• Iron 1.01 mg
• Thiamine 0.010 mg
• Riboflavin 0.026 mg
• Carotene 0.035 mg
• Ascorbic Acid 15.5 mg
• Niacin 0.302 mg

Culinary interest
In the Philippines, where it is commonly found in backyards, the fruits are eaten either raw or dipped in rock salt. It can be either curried or added as a souring agent for common Filipino dishes such as sinigang and paksiw. The uncooked bilimbi is prepared as relish and served with rice and beans in Costa Rica. In the Far East, where the tree originated, it is sometimes added to curry. Bilimbi juice (with a pH of about 4.47) is made into a cooling beverage. In Indonesia, it is added to some dishes, substituting for tamarind or tomato.

Additionally, the fruit can be preserved by pickling,[4] which reduces its acidity. The flowers are also sometimes preserved in sugar.

In another part of Indonesia, Aceh, it is preserved by sun-drying. The sun-dried bilimbi is called asam sunti. Bilimbi and asam sunti are popular in Acehnese cuisine. It can replace mango in making chutney. In Malaysia, it also is made into a rather sweet jam.

In Kerala and Bhatkal, India, it is used for making pickles and to make fish curry, especially with Sardines, while around Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa the fruit is commonly eaten raw with salt and spice. In Guyana, it is made into achars/pickles too.

In Seychelles, it is often used as an ingredient to give a tangy flavor to many Seychellois creole dishes, especially fish dishes. It is often used in grilled fish and also (almost always) in a shark meat dish, called satini reken. It is also used to make a delicious sauce for grilled ,that consists of chopped onion, chopped tomato ,chopped chili and cooked on low heat. It is a must in our local white fish broth " bouyon blan" When in season we also curred them with salt to be used when it is not available.

Medical interest
In the Philippines, the leaves serve as a paste on itches, swelling, rheumatism, mumps or skin eruptions. Elsewhere, they are used for bites of venomous creatures. A leaf infusion is used as an after-birth tonic, while the flower infusion is used for thrush, cold, and cough. Malaysians use fermented or fresh bilimbi leaves to treat venereal diseases. In French Guiana, syrup made from the fruit is used to treat inflammatory conditions. To date there is no scientific evidence to confirm effectiveness for such uses.

In some villages in the Thiruvananthapuram district of India, the fruit of the bilimbi was used in folk medicine to control obesity. This led to further studies on its antihyperlipidemic properties.[5][6]

The fruit contains high levels of oxalate. Acute kidney failure due to tubular necrosis caused by oxalate has been recorded in several people who drank the concentrated juice on continuous days as treatment for high cholesterol.[7] These people were prompted into consuming this concoction by local media which played up studies done in experimental animals.

References
1. "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved May 16, 2014.
2. "Averrhoa bilimbi". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 9 June 2017.
3. Morton, J. 1987. Bilimbi. p. 128–129 In: Fruits of warm climates. Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL.
4. Achard bilimbi (Bilimbi pickle)
5. Pushparaj, Peter Natesan (2004). Evaluation Of The Anti-Diabetic Properties Of Averrhoa bilimbi in Animals with Experimental Diabetes Mellitus (PDF). National University of Singapore. Retrieved 1 Dec 2010.
6. Ambili, Savithri; Appian, Subramoniam; Nagarajan, Natesan Shanmugam (2009). Studies on the Antihyperlipidemic Properties of Averrhoa bilimbi Fruit in Rats. Planta Med. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1088361.
7. Jose P P, Bakul G; Unni V N; Seethaleksmy N V; Mathew A; Rajesh R; Kurien G; Rajesh J; Jayaraj P M; Kishore D S; et al. (2013). "Acute oxalate nephropathy due to Averrhoa bilimbi fruit juice ingestion". Indian J Nephrol. 23 (4): 297–300. doi:10.4103/0971-4065.114481. PMC 3741977?. PMID 23960349.
8. "Averrhoa bilimbi". United World College of South East Asia. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
9. "Growing Kamias and Its Many Uses". EntrePinoys Atbp. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
?[SOURCE - RETRIVED FROM https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Averrhoa_bilimbi ON 2 / 1 /2018]
For picture of tree and fruit and of seed source, go to, https://www.amazon.com/Averrhoa-Bilimbi-Cucumber-Pickle-Tropical/dp/B00TJK5JCQ?tag=askinfovinedelta-20

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

[4] No. 1 2025 | An End to War—How?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no1-2025/

[5] THE HORROR OF WAR,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no1-2025/horror-of-war/

[6] HOW WAR AND VIOLENT CONFLICT AFFECT US ALL
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no1-2025/how-war-violent-conflict-affect-us/

[7] CAN WE END WAR AND VIOLENT CONFLICT?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no1-2025/can-we-end-war-and-violent-conflict/

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

General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS

« Last post by iris89 on November 12, 2025, 07:06:27 am »

MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 850B, (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND LEARN ENDURANCE FROM CREATION, [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO HABAKKUK, [3] DISCOURSE ON EPHESIANS 4:30: [4] WAS IT DESIGNED? THE SEAHORSE’S TAIL? [5] WAS LIFE CREATED? WHAT YOU BELIEVE ABOUT HOW LIFE BEGAN REALLY DOES MATTER. [6] WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? [7] THE LIVING PLANET,

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

(1B) LEARN ENDURANCE FROM CREATION,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/FeaturedLibraryVideos/pub-jwbcov_201705_9_VIDEO

COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON EPHESIANS 4:30:

[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [850B]

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us–ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

This theme is amplified at Romans 2:3 – 6, [AV] “And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” Yes, Almighty God (YHWH) is NOT slack concerning his promise, but wanting all to turn their lives around and be counted righteous.

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 HABAKKUK; CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/habakkuk-introduction/

TO ENJOY AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING.

https://religioustruths.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=645

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

[3] DISCOURSE ON EPHESIANS 4:30:

SCRIPTURE AND REFERENCES;

Let's look at Ephesians 4:30 in several different Bibles:

" And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30 AV - Authorized King James Bible)

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30 NIV - New International Version)

"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30 NASB - New American Standard Version)

"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30 ASB - American Standard Version)

Now, let's look at some crossreference test to Ephesians 4:30.

"But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?
12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?" (Isaiah 63:10-12 AV)

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 5:18-19 AV)

" Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3 AV)

" In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," (Ephesians 1:13 AV)

BIBLE SCHOLARS AND ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND COMMENTARIES ON EPHESIANS 4:30:

Renown Bible Scholar, Theodore Beza, said:

4:30 18 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

(18) A general precept against all excess of affections which dwell in that part of the mind, which they call "angry", and he sets against them the contrary means. And he uses a most strong preface, how we ought to take heed that we grieve not the Holy Spirit of God through our immoderateness and excessiveness, who dwells in us to the end of moderating all our affections. [Beza, Theodore. "Commentary on Ephesians 4". "The 1599 Geneva Study Bible". 1600-1645.]

A Bible Encyclopedia said,
“Holy spirit. Jehovah's active force, or spirit, is subject to his control and always accomplishes his purpose. It is clean, pure, sacred, and set apart for God's good use. Therefore it is called "holy spirit" and "the spirit of holiness." (Ps 51:11; Lu 11:13; Ro 1:4; Eph 1:13) The holy spirit operating on a person is a force for holiness or cleanness. Any unclean or wrong practice constitutes a resisting or "grieving" of that spirit. (Eph 4:30) Though impersonal in itself, the holy spirit is expressive of God's holy personality and therefore can be 'grieved.' The practice of any wrongdoing tends to "put out the fire of the spirit." (1Th 5:19) If such practice is continued, God's holy spirit is, in effect, made to "feel hurt," and this may result in God's changing into an enemy of the rebellious one. (Isa 63:10) A person grieving the holy spirit may go so far as to blaspheme against it, which sin Jesus Christ said will not be forgiven in the present system of things nor in that to come.-Mt 12:31, 32; Mr 3:28-30;” [ Insights]

Bible scholar, A. R. Fausset, AM, said,

“30. grieve not--A condescension to human modes of thought most touching. Compare "vexed His Holy Spirit" (Isaiah 63:10, Psalms 78:40); "fretted me" (Ezekiel 16:43: implying His tender love to us); and of hardened unbelievers, "resist the Holy Ghost" (Acts 7:51). This verse refers to believers, who grieve the Spirit by inconsistencies such as in the context are spoken of, corrupt or worthless conversation, &c.
whereby ye are sealed--rather, "wherein (or 'in whom') ye were sealed." As in Ephesians 1:13, believers are said to be sealed "in" Christ, so here "in the Holy Spirit," who is one with Christ, and who reveals Christ in the soul: the Greek implies that the sealing was done already once for all. It is the Father "BY" whom believers, as well as the Son Himself, were sealed (John 6:27). The Spirit is represented as itself the seal (Ephesians 1:13, for the image employed, is the element IN which the believer is sealed, His gracious influences being the seal itself.
unto--kept safely against the day of redemption, namely, of the completion of redemption in the deliverance of the body as well as the soul from all sin and sorrow (Ephesians 1:14, Luke 21:28, Romans 8:23).” [Fausset, A. R., A.M. "Commentary on Ephesians 4". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible". 1871].

A Bible commentary said,

“All that the believer has must come from Christ, but it comes solely through the channel of the Spirit of grace. Moreover, as all blessings thus flow to you through the Holy Spirit, so also no good thing can come out of you in holy thought, devout worship, or gracious act, apart from the sanctifying operation of the same Spirit. Even if the good seed be sown in you, yet it lies dormant except He worketh in you to will and to do of His own good pleasure. Do you desire to speak for Jesus-how can you unless the Holy Ghost touch your tongue? Do you desire to pray? Alas! what dull work it is unless the Spirit maketh intercession for you! Do you desire to subdue sin? Would you be holy? Would you imitate your Master? Do you desire to rise to superlative heights of spirituality? Are you wanting to be made like the angels of God, full of zeal and ardour for the Master's cause? You cannot without the Spirit-"Without me ye can do nothing." O branch of the vine, thou canst have no fruit without the sap! O child of God, thou hast no life within thee apart from the life which God gives thee through His Spirit! Then let us not grieve Him or provoke Him to anger by our sin. Let us not quench Him in one of His faintest motions in our soul; let us foster every suggestion, and be ready to obey every prompting. If the Holy Spirit be indeed so mighty, let us attempt nothing without Him; let us begin no project, and carry on no enterprise, and conclude no transaction, without imploring His blessing. Let us do Him the due homage of feeling our entire weakness apart from Him, and then depending alone upon Him, having this for our prayer, "Open Thou my heart and my whole being to Thine incoming, and uphold me with Thy free Spirit when I shall have received that Spirit in my inward parts." [http://bible.christiansunite.com/Morning_and_Evening/chme1121.shtml]

CONCLUSION;

Let's see, as the Holy Spirit is God's active force we can speak of it as grieving when God is grieving, and we grieve God when our heart condition is not right " And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;" (Acts 15:8 AV). Therefore when our heart condition is not right God (YHWH) is grieved since we did not accept the holy spirit, his active force, that is a free gift which he gladly grants to those who sincerely seek and request it "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." (Acts 2:32-33 AV) and "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Luke 11:9-13 AV). Here in Luke 11:13 the Holy Spirit is spoken of as being given by the Father, Almighty God (YHWH) as a gift to all that ask of their heavenly Father (YHWH). Now, if he, the Holy Spirit, were a person there would be no way the Father (YHWH) could give him to all that were of good heart. To receive the Holy Spirit, God's (YHWH's) active force, we must bring our life in harmony, knowledge and conformity to God's (YHWH's) requirements as shown by " And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." (Acts 5:32 AV) and "He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19:2-6 AV). Here we note that the Holy Ghost (Spirit or God's active force) the was given to those Paul baptized and this active force caused them to, "spake with tongues, and prophesied." Clearly showing they had received God's (YHWH's) active force.

Once received, the Christian should not 'grieve' God's spirit by disregarding it (Eph 4:30) ; compare Isa 63:10 - both previously sited), taking a course contrary to its leading, fixing the heart on goals other than that to which it points and impels, rejecting the inspired Word of God and its counsel and application to oneself "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. (Ac 7:51-53 AV), "" Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:8 AV), "Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: 2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!" Isaiah 30:1-2 AV).

Of course, by hypocrisy one can "play false" to that Holy Spirit by which Christ directs the congregation of God (YHWH), and those who "make a test" of its power in this way follow a disastrous course "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things..” (Ac 5:1-11 AV), " I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost," (Romans 9:1 AV). Deliberate opposition to and rebellion against the evident manifestation of God's spirit can mean blasphemy against that spirit (God's active force), a sin that is unforgivable " Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men." (Matthew 12:31 AV) because it is denying that which is clearly evident.

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

[5] WAS LIFE CREATED? WHAT YOU BELIEVE ABOUT HOW LIFE BEGAN REALLY DOES MATTER.
https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/was-life-created/

[6] WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/was-life-created/what-do-you-believe/

[7] THE LIVING PLANET,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/was-life-created/the-living-planet/

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

General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS

« Last post by iris89 on November 06, 2025, 07:57:26 pm »

PART 2 OF 849B

--ARMAGEDDON WILL COME UNEXPECTEDLY AND CATCH THE WICKED BY SURPRISE-

WHEN WILL ARMAGEDDON COME?

The Bible clearly shows that it will come at the culmination of the end times as shown at Matthew 24:34-36 & 43-44, " Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be accomplished. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only." & "But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through. 44 Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh." (ASV); Interestingly, even the angels and the Son of God (YHWH), Jesus (Yeshua) are shown at Matthew 24:36, previously quoted, which interestingly also shows that Almighty God (YHWH) and his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) are two distinct beings.

Its coming will be very sudden and the wicked will be caught unexpectedly by this culmination of the end times known as Armageddon as shown at 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, " For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise escape. " (ASV); And affirmed at 2 Peter 3:10, " But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (ASV); And at Luke 21:34-35, " But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: 35 for [so] shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. " (ASV); And at Revelation 16:15, " (Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walked naked, and they see his shame.) " (ASV); And at Proverbs 6:12-15, " A worthless person, a man of iniquity, Is he that walketh with a perverse mouth; 13 That winketh with his eyes, that speaketh with his feet, That maketh signs with his fingers; 14 In whose heart is perverseness, Who deviseth evil continually, Who soweth discord. 15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; On a sudden shall he be broken, and that without remedy." (ASV).

However true Christians, the real foot-step followers of Jesus (Yeshua) will be busy in this end times immediately before its culmination in Armageddon preaching the word of God (YHWH) per the directions of his Son found at Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).

NOW HOW IS SURVIVAL POSSIBLE:

The Bible clearly shows we must be meek and obedient to the word of God (YHWH) at Zephaniah 2:2-3, " before the decree bring forth, [before] the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Jehovah come upon you, before the day of Jehovah's anger come upon you. 3 Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah's anger. " (ASV); And this is affilmed at Joel 2:32, " And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those that escape, as Jehovah hath said, and among the remnant those whom Jehovah doth call." (ASV). In fact to be saved, we must be loving God (YHWH) and his commandments as testified to at Psalms 145:20, " Jehovah preserveth all them that love him; But all the wicked will he destroy" (ASV); And at Psalms 2:11-12, " Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him." (ASV); And at John 3:16, " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." (ASV); And at Romans 5:9-10, " Much more then, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath [of God] through him. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life;" (ASV); And 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 at Romans 10:10, " for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (ASV); And at Matthew 10:22, " And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." (ASV).

[4] WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT NUCLEAR WAR?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/bible-say-about-nuclear-war/

[5] WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?—⁠WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/what-it-means-to-be-a-christian/

[6] ESSENTIAL BIBLE TEACHINGS , DOES GOD ACCEPT ALL FORMS OF WORSHIP?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/Good-News-From-God-Video-Series/video-true-worship-bible/

[7] BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED, MATTHEW 11:28-30 EXPLAINED—“COME TO ME, . . . AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST”
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/bible-verses/matthew-11-28/

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

General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS

« Last post by iris89 on November 06, 2025, 07:55:23 pm »

MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 849B, (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND LEARN ENDURANCE FROM CREATION, [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO MICAH, [3] DISCOURSE ON ARMAGEDDON, WHY NECESSARY, HOW TO SURVIVE: [4] WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT NUCLEAR WAR? [5] WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?—⁠WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?, [6] ESSENTIAL BIBLE TEACHINGS , DOES GOD ACCEPT ALL FORMS OF WORSHIP? [7] BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED, MATTHEW 11:28-30 EXPLAINED—“COME TO ME, . . . AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST”

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

(1B) LEARN ENDURANCE FROM CREATION,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/FeaturedLibraryVideos/pub-jwbcov_201705_9_VIDEO

COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] DISCOURSE ON ARMAGEDDON, WHY NECESSARY, HOW TO SURVIVE:

[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [849B]

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And 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 MICAH; CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/micah-introduction/

TO ENJOY AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING.

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[2] DISCOURSE ON ARMAGEDDON, WHY NECESSARY, HOW TO SURVIVE:

--INTRODUCTION-

Armageddon is defined in the dictionary as a prophesized as the scene of a great battle between the forces of good and evil, to occur at the end of the world (Funk & Wagnalls Standard College Dictionary). However, there is no place actually named Armageddon as testified to in William Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, which states, "The scene of the struggle of good and evil is suggested by that battle-field, the plain of Esdraelon, which was famous for two great victories, of Barak over the Canaaanites and of Gideon over the Midianites; and for two great disasters, the deaths of Saul and Josiah. Hence it signifies in Revelation a place of great slaughter, the scene of a terrible retribution upon the wicked. The Revised Version gives the name as Har-Magedon, i.e., the hill of Megiddo. (Teacher's Edition of the Bible Dictionary by William Smith, LLD., revised & edited by F.N. & M.A. Peloubet, page 54).

This discussion of Armageddon will have 3 principle parts, an introduction, why necessary, and its sudden arrival. We shall now consider the first part:

DEMONS HAVE ALIGNED POLITICAL RULERS AGAINST JESUS (YESHUA) AND HIS FATHER (YHWH):

Revelations 16:14-16 brings out how the rulers of the world will be gathered together for this great war against God (YHWH) and his forces, "For they are the spirits of devils, working signs: and they go forth unto the kings of the whole earth, to gather them to battle against the great day of the Almighty God.
(Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB); And at Revelation 19:19, " And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies, gathered together to make war with him that sat upon the horse and with his army." (DRCB). However, true Christians on earth shall have no part in this warfare as shown by 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, " For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty to God, unto the pulling down of fortifications, destroying counsels." (DRCB); And affirmed at Romans 12:19, " Revenge not yourselves, my dearly beloved; but give place unto wrath, for it is written: Revenge is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." (DRCB). The fight of true Christians will be with respect resisting the Devil and his deamons wicked influence at shown at Ephesians 6:12, " For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places." (DRCB).

THIS IS A WAR OF DIVINE EXECUTION:

The fact that this will be a war of divine execution was revealed in the Old Testament by the prophet Jeremiah at Jeremiah 25:31, " The noise is come even to the ends of the earth: for the Lord entereth into judgment with the nations: he entereth into judgment with all flesh; the wicked I have delivered up to the sword, saith the Lord." (DRCB); And affirmed in the New Testament at 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9, " Seeing it is a just thing with God to repay tribulation to them that trouble you: 7 And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with the angels of his power: 8 In a flame of fire, giving vengeance to them who know not God and who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 Who shall suffer eternal punishment in destruction, from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his power:" (DRCB). In fact the prophet Zephaniah at Zephaniah 3:8 gave warning to true Christians to keep in expectation, " Wherefore expect me, saith the Lord, in the day of my resurrection that is to come, for my judgment is to assemble the Gentiles, and to gather the kingdoms: and to pour upon them my indignation, all my fierce anger: for with the fire of my jealousy shall all the earth be devoured." (DRCB); And Jude, a servant of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, stated at Jude 14-15, " And to these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have ungodly wrought, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him." (American Standard Version; ASV); And Revelation 6:15-17 gives a picture of how events will be when that day arrives, " And the kings of the earth, and the princes, and the chief captains, and the rich, and the strong, and every bondman and freeman, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 and they say to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:" (ASV).

A FORWARD LOOK AT THE DESTRUCTION OF THAT DAY:

The Apostle John and the prophets Jeremiah, Zechariah, Ezekiel, and Zephaniah show clearly how great the destruction of that day will be; At Revelation 14:19-20, " And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, If any man worshippeth the beast and his image, and receiveth a mark on his forehead, or upon his hand, 10 he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: " (ASV); And this is affirmed by Jeremiah 25:30-33, " Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, Jehovah will roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he will mightily roar against his fold; he will give a shout, as they that tread [the grapes], against all the inhabitants of the earth. 31 A noise shall come even to the end of the earth; for Jehovah hath a controversy with the nations; he will enter into judgment with all flesh: as for the wicked, he will give them to the sword, saith Jehovah. 32 Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest shall be raised up from the uttermost parts of the earth. 33 And the slain of Jehovah shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the face of the ground." (ASV); And by Zechariah 14:3 & 12, " Then shall Jehovah go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle." (ASV); And at Ezekial 38:18-22, " And it shall come to pass in that day, when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord Jehovah, that my wrath shall come up into my nostrils. 19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; 20 so that the fishes of the sea, and the birds of the heavens, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. 21 And I will call for a sword against him unto all my mountains, saith the Lord Jehovah: every man's sword shall be against his brother. 22 And with pestilence and with blood will I enter into judgment with him; and I will rain upon him, and upon his hordes, and upon the many peoples that are with him, an overflowing shower, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. "(ASV); And at Zephaniah 1:14-18, " The great day of Jehovah is near, it is near and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of Jehovah; the mighty man crieth there bitterly. 15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 16 a day of the trumpet and alarm, against the fortified cities, and against the high battlements. 17 And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against Jehovah; and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he will make an end, yea, a terrible end, of all them that dwell in the land." (ASV).

--WHY NECESSARY?-

FIRST, IT IS NECESSARY TO SHOW GOD (YHWH) IS THE RIGHTEOUS SOVEREIGN:

It is necessary to show that God (YHWH) is the righteous sovereign with an unquestionable right to rule as shown by Psalms 83:17-18, " Until I went into the sanctuary of God, And considered their latter end. 18 Surely thou settest them in slippery places: Thou castest them down to destruction. " (ASV); And this is affirmed at Daniel 2:44, " And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. " (ASV); And at Revelation 11:17-18, " For God did put in their hearts to do his mind, and to come to one mind, and to give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished. 18 And the woman whom thou sawest is the great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." (ASV); And at Isaiah 46:8-11, " Remember this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; [I am] God, and there is none like me; 10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not [yet] done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; 11 calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yea, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it." (ASV).

It will destroy all the entrenched political opposition to God (YHWH) and his kingdom as shown by Psalms 2:2 & 5-6 & 9, " The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against Jehovah, and against his anointed, [saying]," & " Then will he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure: 6 Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion."Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." (ASV); And detailed in Revelations at Revelation 17:12-14, " And the ten horns that thou sawest are ten kings, who have received no kingdom as yet; but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour. 13 These have one mind, and they give their power and authority unto the beast. 14 These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they [also shall overcome] that are with him, called and chosen and faithful." (ASV); And at Revelation 19:11 & 16 & 19, " And after the three days and a half the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them that beheld them. " & "And the four and twenty elders, who sit before God on their thrones, fell upon their faces and worshipped God," & " And there was opened the temple of God that is in heaven; and there was seen in his temple the ark of his covenant; and there followed lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and an earthquake, and great hail."
(ASV).

SECOND, IT IS NECESSARY TO MAGNIFY GOD'S (YHWH'S) NAME AND CLEAR IT OF REPROACH:

God (YHWH) inspired Ezekiel to make this known that he would magnify himself and clear his name at Ezekiel 38:23, " And I will magnify myself, and sanctify myself, and I will make myself known in the eyes of many nations; and they shall know that I am Jehovah" (ASV); And this fact is affirmed at Psalms 74:10 & 18, " How long, O God, shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?" & "Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O Jehovah, And that a foolish people hath blasphemed thy name." (ASV).

THIRD, IT WILL CLEAR WICKEDNESS FROM THE EARTH:

Armageddon will pave the way for a righteous new system of things as foretold at 2 Peter 3:12-13, " looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. "(ASV); And at Psalms 37:10-11, " For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: Yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and he shall not be. 11 But the meek shall inherit the land, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." (ASV); And after it, per Proverbs 2:21-22, " For the upright shall dwell in the land, And the perfect shall remain in it. 22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, And the treacherous shall be rooted out of it. " (ASV). Also, it is shown at Psalms 145:20, " Jehovah preserveth all them that love him; But all the wicked will he destroy." (ASV); And at Isaiah 11:1 & 4, " And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit." & "but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked." (ASV).

FOURTH, GOD (YHWH) DOES NOT VIOLATE THE PRINCIPLE OF LOVE BY DESTROYING THE WICKED:

Some may say, how can a loving God (YHWH) destroy the wicked and not violate the principle of love, but their destruction actually is an act of love as it eliminates the evil influence that now permeates the entire earth and makes it possible for the righteous to rejoice. This is shown by Ezekiel 18:23, " Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? saith the Lord Jehovah; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live?" (ASV); And at Romans 9:22, " What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction:" (ASV); And at 2 Peter 3:9, " The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (ASV); And at Luke 18:7-8, " And shall not God avenge his elect, that cry to him day and night, and [yet] he is longsuffering over them? 8 I say unto you, that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (ASV).

SEE PART 2 OF 840B

General Discussion / Re: SCRIPTURES AND BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS RESEARCH ITEMS

« Last post by iris89 on November 04, 2025, 06:18:43 am »

MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE TODAY, THIS VOL 848B, (1) INTERESTING SOURCE FOR READING THE BIBLE ON LINE AND WHAT IS THE GOLDEN RULE? [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, A LINK TO A DATA SERIES ON MANY SUBJECTS, AN INTRODUCTION TO JONAH [3] THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES, THE GUNNERA TINCTORIA, NALCA/GIANT RHUBARB, [4] COPING WITH RISING PRICES, [5] ACCEPT THE REALITY, [6] COPING WITH RISING PRICES, MANAGE YOUR FUNDS WISELY, [7] COPING WITH RISING PRICES, BE CONTENT,

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

(1B) WHAT IS THE GOLDEN RULE?
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/golden-rule/

COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY, [3] THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES, THE GUNNERA TINCTORIA, NALCA/GIANT RHUBARB; With the Scripture of the Day first.

[2] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [848B]
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12 (Authorized King James Bible; AV)

God has made possible the removal of the sin and death we inherited from Adam. Indeed, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8, [AV]) Undoubtedly, our heart overflows with love for Jehovah because he has made it possible for us to receive forgiveness of our sins if we are repentant and exercise faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. Per John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [AV].

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 JONAH; CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jonah-introduction/

TO ENJOY AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”: CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING.

https://religioustruths.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=645

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[3] THE GUNNERA TINCTORIA, NALCA/GIANT RHUBARB

Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the Gunnera tinctoria, Nalca/Giant Rhubarb /
Gunnera tinctoria from central Chile, has leaves which are edible – just [PLEASE NOTE IT IS JUST EDIBLE, AND YOU MUST BE SURE OF THE SPECIES.}. This too is a remarkable plant. In 1834, Darwin described Gunnera tinctoria (then known as Gunnera scabra) as a plant with “... a very noble appearance”. Both species achieved Awards of Garden Merit: Gunnera manicata in 1993, and Gunnera tinctoria in 2006. [sourc - retrieved from http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/.../poms/2013/jun13pom.htm on 8/11/2015]

What is Gunnera Tinctoria?
If you’ve been to Chile you might have seen the gunnera tinctoria plant being sold by some people in town, selling them as a long stem plant. They call it hereNalca.
This is a Chilean rhubarb is native to the southern parts of Chile and its limits with Argentina. It’s known in most of the world as an ornamental plant that is also edible. It is a plant with large leaves that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The leaves can grow to be 2.5 meters wide. Its flowers grow in clusters on a cone shaped stem that points upward and can grow to be 1 meter tall. It flowers during spring through summer and the fruit is orange. The eatable part of the gunnera tinctoria is the stem of the plant. This is what you see selling in the streets, without the leaves. When you buy a nalca you will see the seller peel the first layer of the plant and pass it to you with a bit of salt. You’ll see that the middle part is white and the outer layers are pink. He will tell you to put some salt one it and bite away. The taste is a sour taste, kind of like when you eat lemon with salt, only that it’s crunchy. So if you’re the kind of person that like’s sour things then you would probably like this. If it tastes bitter then the plant hasn’t ripened enough to eat yet. It’s a very different taste for those who like sour things so don’t put it off if it’s a bit bitter, you just got a piece that isn’t ripe, but if you try a ripe piece you’ll see that taste is worth it. [sourc - retrieved from http://www.chile-attractions.com/gunnera-tinctoria.html on 8/11/2015]

Everything about this amazing Chilean native is BIG! A super-sized perennial of prehistoric-looking, gargantuan magnitude, Gunnera tinctoria projects a bold, dignified persona. Palmately lobed leaves with toothed and frilled margins unfurl to 5 ft. across atop thick edible stalks that emerge from underground rhizomes, rich in tannins. Launching a large cob-shaped inflorescence inhabited by tiny rusty red flowers, the enormous domed mound adds sheer mass and a coarse stiff texture to the landscape. Although the Chilean Rhubarb sulks in high summer humidity, it is undemanding and quick to establish in moist areas, given A LOT of room and winter protection for the crowns.
Blooms September–October.
Size: 8' high x 8' wide; hardy to zone 7. [note – this nursery will have them available in November 2015 - Gunnera tinctoria, at Digging Dog} [sourc - retrieved from http://www.diggingdog.com/pages2/plantpages.php/P-1317 on 8/11/2015]

Gunnera is a truly ancient plant, having evolved some 150 million years ago, around the time of the dinosaurs. Named after Norwegian botanist Johan Ernst Gunnerus (who, by the way, described the basking shark and gave it its scientific name, Squalus maximus), Gunnera possesses glands that contain a cyanobacterium, Nostoc, which fixes nitrogen for the plant, meaning that Gunnera can live in what most plants would consider poor conditions. In fact, Gunnera is the only flowering plant in the world that has a symbiotic relationship with a cyanobacterium (all other nitrogen-fixing plant relationships are with the eukaryotic so-called “true” bacteria rather than prokaryotic cyanobacteria), making the plant of intense interest to molecular botanists. Gunnera is also of interest to indigenous peoples of the Chilean and Peruvian Andes; they eat the tender young stalks and leaves of the plant, called ‘nalcas’ in Spanish.

Native to southern Chile, Gunnera tinctoria was first brought to Ireland in 1939 as an ornamental plant. Its popularity as a garden plant grew quickly, and the plant did well since it was growing in a climate similar to its southern hemisphere home. However, despite the similarities of climatic conditions, it was growing in a community of completely different plants without its natural competitors and predators. It began to spread, and now Gunnera tinctoria is found on western Ireland’s coastal cliffs, waterways, roadsides, wet meadows and derelict gardens and fields. Propagating both by seed and by vegetative means, in early spring its leaves begin to grow and in just weeks can reach over 2 meters in height, shading all plants growing below its 2 meter wide leaves. Gunnera tinctoria is now a major threat to plant biodiversity in some areas of Ireland, because smaller plants cannot grow in the shadow created by the giant leaves. To fight the spread of this plant, Ireland is now applying herbicides to get rid of it. Bad news indeed.
Law (2003) states that, “G. tinctoria is a large, clump-forming, herbaceous plant that grows up to 2m in height. It has stout horizontal rhizomes, and massive umbrella-sized leaves on sturdy petioles. The leaves and their stems are covered in rubbery prickles. Tiny green flowers occur in early summer on conical spikes.” The Taranaki Regional Council (2003) state that, “G. tinctoria is a perennial with an exotic tropical appearance with spiny stems some 1.5 to 2m tall. The flower stems resemble elongated broccoli and number up to five per plant, standing up to 1m tall and rising from the base of the leaves (each seed head may contain in excess of 80,000 seeds). In severe winter conditions the plant dies down for the winter and grows new leaves in spring.”

Plants for a Future (2000) reports that young leaf stalks can be peeled and cooked as a vegetable or eaten raw. They are “Acidic and refreshing”. G. tinctoria also has medicinal uses as an astringent. This species can also be used as to make a black dye is obtained from the root, and has been used as a roof covering Plants for a Future, 2000). Williams et al. (2005) reports that, “In Southern Chile (at latitudes of 36º-42ºS) G. tinctoria is a delicacy associated with Mapuche Indian customs. The young petioles are commonly sold by street vendors and eaten raw, along with salt and chilli to enhance the flavour (E. Villouta pers. comm. 2004).”
In nature, all Gunnera plants form a symbiosis with a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, thought to be exclusively Nostoc punctiforme. The bacteria enter the plant via glands found at the base of each leaf stalk and initiate an intracellular symbiosis which is thought to provide the plant with fixed nitrogen in return for fixed carbon for the bacterium. This intracellular interaction is unique in flowering plants and may provide insights to allow the creation of novel symbioses between crop plants and cyanobacteria, allowing growth in areas lacking fixed nitrogen in the soil.
Source: tofinotime by Josie Osborne, Tofino – Wiki [sourc - retrieved from https://zoom50.wordpress.com/.../nalcagiant-rhubarb.../ on 8/11/2015]

Uses[
The stalks of G. tinctoria (nalcas), from Southern Chile and Argentina, are edible. Their principal use is fresh consumption, but also they are prepared in salads, liquor or marmalade. Leaves of this species are used in covering curanto (a traditional Chilean food). [sourc - retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnera on 8/11/2015]

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

To view this plant, go to, http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56632/#b or http://www.diggingdog.com/pages2/plantpages.php/P-1317

[4] COPING WITH RISING PRICES,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no1-2025/

[5] ACCEPT THE REALITY,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no1-2025/coping-with-rising-prices-accept-reality/

[6] COPING WITH RISING PRICES, MANAGE YOUR FUNDS WISELY,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no1-2025/coping-with-rising-prices-manage-funds-wisely/

[7] COPING WITH RISING PRICES, BE CONTENT,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no1-2025/coping-with-rising-prices-be-content/

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

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