COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]   WHO OR WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT

[1]   SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [235B]

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.   Revelation 21:5 – 7,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yes, this is in keeping with what the prophet Isaiah wrote at Isaiah 42:9, [AV] “Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.”  And 2 Samuel 7:14 – 17, [AV] “I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15  But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16  And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. 17  According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.”  Therefore, we can see that Almighty God (YHWH) intends to establish a kingdom that will last forever in accordance to the Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) prayer found at Matthew 6:9 – 10, [AV] “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”   


[2]   WHO OR WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT

An explanation of who or what the Holy Spirit is using Acts 10:19-20; Acts 16:6; Acts 13:2-4; Acts 15:28; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26; Ephesians 4:30; and 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 as a framework to show that the Spirit or Holy Spirit is God's (YHWH's) active force or power and emanates from him and is a force completely controlled by him, and is capable of giving him feedback and gathering for him information. 

But first let's see why the Spirit is indeed God's (YHWH's) active force or power from an understanding of the ancient word 'pneu'ma' translated Spirit or Holy Spirit in English.  The neuter Koine Greek word for spirit (pneu'ma) is used with the neuter pronoun "it" since it is lacks gender.   This fact is conveniently over looked or hidden by most Trinitarian translators of the Bible as admitted in the  "New American Bible Catholic Bible,"  regarding John 14:17: "The Greek word for 'Spirit' is neuter, and while we use personal pronouns in English ('he,' 'his,' 'him'), most Greek MSS [manuscripts] employ 'it.'"   So when the Bible uses masculine personal pronouns in connection with pa·ra'kle·tos at John 16:7, 8, it is conforming to rules of grammar, not expressing a doctrine.   And in Ancient Hebrew the word here rendered Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, or Spirit which is translated from 'ru'ach' meaning "breath; wind; spirit."   In Latin, it is spiritus, and in Sanskrit, 'prana' which means both "breath" and "spirit."  And the pertinent definition in the Funk & Wagnalls Standard College Dictionary (ISBN 0-308-10309-2 and 0-308-10310-6) clearly states, (4) <Often Cap.> In the Bible, the creative, animating power or divine influence of God...[etymology-[<Old French, 'espirit' <Latin, 'spiritus' bredth, spirit <'spirare' to breathe].  So we can see it, the Holy Spirit or Spirit is truly God's (YHWH's) active force or power and not a spirit being as are Almighty God (YHWH) and his Son, Jesus (Yeshua).  This point is very well made in the New International Version at Luke 1:35, "The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[1] the Son of God." (The New International Version; NIV). Sure shows that the Holy Spirit is nothing but God's (YHWH's) active force.

Now from the study of science and technology we know that with respect a force there can be four possibilities or possibly five applicable questions, which are as follows:

(1) Is it an uncontrolled force?

(2) Is it a controlled force?

(3)  Is it controlled, but without feedback?

(4)  Is it controlled, but with feedback?

Is it direct or indirect feedback?

However 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 shows it to be a controlled force with feedback that appears to be direct feedback, "But unto us God revealed [them] through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him? even so the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God. 12 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God." (American Standard Version; ASV), clearly showing that the "spirit which is from God,"  and God "revealed [them] through the Spirit," and uses it to search all things, thus showing it is a controlled spirit capable of feedback.  God (YHWH) has complete control over his power or force and can choose its fields of operations as testified to at Romans 8:14, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (ASV) clearly showing he can use to lead individuals and that it belongs to him.   And John 16:13 clearly shows it as a force, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come." Since it is quite clear that it is a controlled force, "shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak,"

Clearly it is a controlled force used by God (YHWH) to do many things as testified to at Acts 10:19-20, "While Peter was meditationg on the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'There are two men looking for you.  20 Get up and go down, and without hesitation go on with them, for I have sent them.'" (The New Testament by Charles B. Williams); And the fact that it is a closely controlled force is further affirmed at Acts 16:6, "And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no distinction. And these six brethren also accompanied me; and we entered into the man's house:" (ASV); And at Acts 13:2-4, "And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.  4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus." (ASV); And at Acts 15:28, "For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:" (ASV) clearly indicating direct feedback to and response by God (YHWH); which is further shown by Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption" (ASV) which once more indicates that is gives direct feedback and it reacts to the feelings of God (YHWH) from which it emanates thus a tightly controlled force or power.

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COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]   APPARENT CONTRADICTIONS IN THE BIBLE COMPARED TO REAL ONES IN THE QURAN AND THE BOOK OF MORMAN

[1]   SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [238B]

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.   1 Peter 4:7 – 8, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Jesus (Yeshua) made this sure by what he said at Matthew 24:32 - 36, [AV] “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33  So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”  But even he, did NOT know the hour or the day, but clearly stated that only his Father, Almighty God (YHWH) knew that.   

[2]   APPARENT CONTRADICTIONS IN THE BIBLE COMPARED TO REAL ONES IN THE QURAN AND THE BOOK OF MORMAN:

It is high time that some start to realize that there are only apparent contradictions in the Bible, but when examined closely we find that these are all due to failure to comprehend what is being said, failure to understand the writing styles of the time the item was written, failure to understand the sentence construction of the ancient language, errors in translation, and biases on the part of the translator.

LET'S LOOK AT ONE EXAMPLE, MATTHEW 12:37-40 FROM WELL KNOWN:

"Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered Him, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You." But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and {yet} no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (New American Standard Bible; NASB)

"Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you." He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (New International Version; NIV)

"Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You." But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (New King James Bible; NKJB)

"Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (King James Version; KJV)

APPARENT CONTRADICTION AND ITS EXPLANATION WITH REGARD TO MATTHEW 12:37-40:

Some see an error or contradiction in these scriptures related to the amount of time Jesus (Yeshua) was in the grave, but there is NONE. The true facts are:
"Yes, it does seem that way. We must remember that the Bible was written in other languages by cultures far removed from ours. Most alleged contradictions stem from a misunderstanding of certain terms and phrases. For example, Jesus predicted that He would be in the grave for "three days and three nights"(Matt.12:40). When we read the passion narratives, we see that He was crucified late Friday afternoon and that He rose from the dead, early on Sunday morning. It is impossible to get three days and three nights out of this, and I have seen many atheists refer to Jesus' prophecy as a "blatant error which completely destroys the credibility of the Bible."[source - I'd Like To Believe In Jesus, But...By Bob Siegel , Published by Campus Ambassador Press, A ministry of Mission To the Americas Wheaton, Illinois]

COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 12:37-40 EXPLAINING THESE SCRIPTURES:

For those who want a more detailed explanation, here is an exert from a well known commentary, Coffman Commentaries on the Old and New Testament:

Verse 37
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Speech is one of the greatest endowments of humanity; and the greater the gift, the greater the sin of perverting it to unworthy purposes. It would be impossible to sum up all the sins of mankind in the area of sinful speech. It must appear even to casual thought of it that words, as used by millions, constitute the bulk of human shame and wickedness. James said, "If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also" (James 3:2). Beyond everything else, man should watch what he says. One's words can justify when they confess Christ, or teach the truth, or serve to make peace, bestow a blessing, or give encouragement; but on the other hand, when words condemn, cast a reflection, subvert the truth, utter profanity, vulgarity, hatred, or malice, or any one of a million other evil things - then such words bring the condemnation of those who speak them.


Verse 38
Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee.
This arrogant request came from a group who had already accused Jesus of being in league with the devil and who had already seen signs aplenty; but in this case, they were demanding a sign of their own choosing. Luke stated that they sought a "sign from heaven" (Luke 11:16). By that, they no doubt meant some spectacular wonder without moral value but which would appeal sensationally to a man's curiosity. Christ always rejected that type of sign, as, for example, when he refused to jump from the pinnacle of the temple (Matthew 4:6). In fact, there is more than a suggestion that the Pharisees' request for a sign was but a renewal of Satan's temptation of the Lord in the wilderness. Christ always refused to perform wonders for his enemies like Herod or the Pharisees. He did work miracles for the benefit of John's disciples (Luke 7:18-22), and raised Lazarus that the people might believe (John 11:42). For more on "a sign from heaven," see under Matthew 16:1.


Verse 39
But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet.
The "adulterous generation" refers not merely to the morals of the people but to the rejection of Israel's covenant with their God. Barnes wrote:
The relation of the Jews to God was represented as a marriage contract with God as the husband and the Jewish people as his wife (Isa. 57:3; Hosea 3:1; Ezek. 16:15). Hence, their apostasy and idolatry are often represented as adultery.
The "sign of the prophet Jonah" refers to the resurrection of Christ, the greatest and most wonderful miracle of all time. Jesus' announcement of this "sign" at that time was actually a prophecy of his death, burial and resurrection. The Old Testament had plainly indicated the Messiah would rise from the dead (Psalms 16:10); but, in keeping with his usual methods, Christ again laid claim to Messiahship, but in such terminology, and in such analogies, that his enemies would not see it, or if they did, would be unable to prove what he meant!


Verse 40
For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
The use of "whale" in this verse is in error; the Greek word is "sea-monster," as a glance at the English Revised Version (1885) margin will show; not that there is any essential difference, for the Bible states that "God prepared" a great fish (Jonah 1:17). In the book of Jonah is related also how God "prepared" a gourd (Jonah 4:6), a worm (Jonah 4:7), and a sultry east wind (Jonah 4:8)! Why it should be considered for God a more difficult matter to prepare a great fish than any of those other "preparations" is surely a mystery!
Regarding the truth of the Jonah narrative, it appears absolutely incredible that Christ, one of the Godhead, would have made a mere folk tale the principal prophecy and sign of his resurrection from the dead. We here register a protest against those expositors who are so wise above their Saviour in casting a reflection of doubt upon this astounding incident from the Old Testament. From Jesus' reference to it here, it appears that the experience of Jonah was an authentic event which God "prepared" to be a prophecy of a still greater one, the resurrection of Christ.
The question of "three days and three nights," as signifying the time of our Lord's remaining in the tomb, is one of the most widely discussed issues in the New Testament. An overwhelming number of scholars hold the conviction that the expression is a Hebrew idiom referring to any part of three days and nights which included an entire day, the two nights on either side of it, and portions of the other two days. The present custom of accepting a month to be 28, 30, or 31 days is held to be similar to the Hebrew custom of so loosely determining "three days and three nights." The traditional view that Christ was crucified on Friday and raised on Sunday draws its principal support from Matthew's word that Christ should be raised "the third day" (Matthew 16:21). This view asserts that if he was crucified on Thursday, and raised on Sunday, then he would have been raised on the fourth day.
In spite of the fact that a good case can be made out for the above explanation, some very respected students of God's word take another view. Torrey said, "There is absolutely nothing in favor of Friday crucifixion, but everything in Scripture is perfectly harmonized by Wednesday crucifixion." F12 Torrey's argument is the following: (1) Christ was crucified the day before the sabbath (Mark 15:42). (2) This does not necessarily mean the day before the ordinary sabbath, because the Jews always honored the day before the Passover (15th of Nisan) as a special "high" sabbath, no matter what day of the week it fell upon (Exodus 12:6; Leviticus 23:7; Numbers 28:16-18). (3) The truly important question is, therefore, whether "day before the sabbath" refers to an ordinary Saturday, or the special "high" sabbath related to the Passover, and occurring on any day of the week, depending where the 15th of Nisan fell. (4) John's gospel plainly says it was "the preparation of the Passover" (John 19:14), and that it was "an high day" (John 19:31). These Scriptures plainly show that the ordinary sabbath was not meant. (5) Thus, Christ was crucified on the day before the "high day," or first day of Passover. Since the Passover (15th of Nisan) in the year 30 A.D. fell on Thursday, the "day before" would make it Wednesday on which Christ was crucified. (6) Scriptures supporting this view are: Christ said he would rise "after three days" (Mark 8:31). "After three days" he would rise again (Mark 9:31; 10:34). "This is now the third day since these things were done" (Luke 24:31). Whatever one thinks of Torrey's argument, it must be admitted that it is supported by more Scriptures than the traditional view.
Warning: devout souls will not be troubled by this question; for, if it had been necessary to know the day of the week, the Lord would have revealed it. Furthermore, to resolve this question finally and dogmatically, it would be positively necessary to know the exact year of our Lord's passion; and THAT is not certainly known. Not even the exact year of his birth can be determined. It can never be known what day of the week was the 15th of Nisan until the overriding question of WHAT YEAR is fixed. This, of course, is the weakness of Torrey's position. He takes the year 30 A.D. as the base of his calculations.
The heart of the earth is a figurative expression for the grave which is also called "the lower parts of the earth" (Psalms 63:9; Ephesians 4:9).[source - Coffman Commentaries on the Old and New Testament, by Coffman, James Burton, Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.]

OTHER, SO CALLED HOLLY BOOKS, HOWEVER HAVE REAL CONTRADICTIONS, NOT JUST APPARENT CONTRADICTIONS:

Let's look at other so called Holy Books and see some real contradictions.

The eastern "scriptures" have no interest in history, because this is the world of illusion from which we are to be delivered. Ancient polytheistic religions likewise had no interest in history. Their gods acted only in myths, removed as far as possible from real history.

The Koran is almost entirely assertions of Allah. It has very little historical interface, and what there is contains clear inaccuracies.

Sura 26:55-60 says that the Israelites under Pharaoh were but "a scanty band" (in contrast to the multitude mentioned in Ex. 1:9) and that in leaving Egypt they forsook "their gardens and fountains and splendid dwellings" (in contrast to their slavery and hardship mentioned Ex. 1:11-14). This renders the whole motive for Israel's deliverance obscure.

Sura 5:119 reflects Muhammad's gross misunderstanding of the Trinity-that it is composed of the Father, Jesus and Mary.

The Book of Mormon makes many historical references, but it too is full of historical anachronisms and geographical inaccuracies.

1 Nephi 2:5-8 states that the river Laman emptied into the Red Sea. But there has never been any river that emptied into the Red Sea, either in historic or prehistoric times.

Alma 46:15 states that believers were called "Christians" back in 73 BC-fully seven decades before Jesus was even born![source - Xenos Christian Fellowship Christian Principles Unit 3: Provisions for Spiritual Growth]

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COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]  THE VIRGIN MARY DID NOT REMAIN A VIRGIN - A BIBLE VIEW

[1]   SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [240B]

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.   Malachi 3:5,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yes, the scriptures make it clear that adultery and other sexual wrongs are an abomination to Almighty God (YHWH), and He intends for his son, Jesus (yeshua) to take quick action against them in the culmination of the last days.  This is specifically stated at Revelation 21:8, [AV] “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”   And the prophet Micah makes this clear at Micah 1:2, [AV] “Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.”

However, we should not judge others as this has been reserved for God’s son to do per Hebrews 10:30, [AV] “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.’  Yes he will per Revelation 22:12, [AV] “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”   



[2]   THE VIRGIN MARY DID NOT REMAIN A VIRGIN - A BIBLE VIEW

INTRODUCTION

There are some that maintain that the Virgin Mary remained a virgin after giving birth to Jesus (Yeshua) and that Biblical references to his brothers and sisters, actually half brothers and half sisters, as his Father was God (YHWH), were to cousins.    But is this so?    Really not as clearly shown by the context in which they were called brothers and sisters.

CONTEXT IN WHICH THEY WERE CALLED BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Matthew 13:53-56:

Interestingly the context in which they were called brothers and sisters is such as to make the arguments of some that the Koine Greek words meant something else look absurd.   True some Koine Greek words could mean more than one thing including the ones in question, but the context of their usage clearly shows the truth or reality in this case.    Let's look at the scriptures in question to see the facts.

The Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible at Matthew 13:53-56 says, "And it came to pass: when Jesus had finished these parables, he passed from thence. 54 And coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogues, so that they wondered and said: How came this man by this wisdom and miracles? 55 Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brethren James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Jude: 56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence therefore hath he all these things?" (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB). So there is no excuse to think the words mean anything but what they say given the context they were used in.   This would be the case in Koine Greek as well as in English, and brings up an interesting point which is usage sometimes governs the meaning of a word and in this case that meaning is made unmistakable by the context, i.e., literal sisters and brothers who are even named.

This fact is also shown in the Jerusalem Bible at Matthew at 13:53-56 where it talks about Jesus astonishing people in the synagogue with his teaching.   So the people wanted to know where he got his wisdom from since he is the carpenter's son, his mother is the woman called Mary, and his BROTHERS (GREEK, adelphoi) James and Joseph and Simon and Jude, and his SISTERS (GREEK, adelphai) were all there with them. (Mary had other sons and also had daughters).   The New Jerusalem Bible says, "When Jesus had finished these parables he left the district;  54 and coming to his home town, he taught the people in their synagogue in such a way that they were astonished and said, 'Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?  55 This is the carpenter's son, surely?  Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his James and Joseph and Simon and Jude?  56 His sisters, too, are they not all here with us?   So where did the man get it all?'" (The New Jerusalem Bible; TNJB).   

Now, if one is to maintain the un-maintainable that by brothers and sisters some other relative was meant, then this would also apply to 'mother' and that is utterly absurd.

Mark 3:31-35:

Let's look at Mark 3:31-35 Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible which shows the same fact, that these were literal brothers and sisters, half brothers and half sisters as Jesus' (Yeshua's) Father was God (YHWY), but this fact was NOT known to the populace.   Mark 3:31-35, " And his mother and his brethren came; and standing without, sent unto him, calling him. 32 And the multitude sat about him; and they say to him: Behold thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. 33 And answering them, he said: Who is my mother and my brethren? 34 And looking round about on them who sat about him, he saith: Behold my mother and my brethren. 35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, he is my brother, and my sister, and mother." (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB).   

And in The New Jerusalem Bible, Mark 3:31-35, "His mother and brothers now arrived and, standing outside, sent in a message asking for him.  32 A crowd was sitting around him at the time the message was passed to him, 'Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside asking for you.'  33 He replied, 'who are my mother and my brothers?'   34 And looking round at those sitting in a circle about him, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers.  35 Anyone who does the will of God, that person is my brother and sister and mother." (The New Jerusalem Bible; TNJB).

Jesus replied, "Who are my mother and my BROTHERS"? (Here he made the clear distinction of the difference between SPIRITUAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS and FLESHLY ones, or NATURAL ones. Really, no one claims the ref to Jesus' MOTHER means anything different from what it says. Is it consistent, then, to reason that his NATURAL BROTHERS were not that but were perhaps cousins? When what is meant is not brothers but relatives, a different Greek word (syggenon) is used, as at Luke 21:16.).

Why would anyone think that Joseph and Mary had no other children after Jesus was born?   Since God instituted the marriage arrangement with its many joys one would not expect Him to expect Joseph and Mary NOT to indulge in them.   What would be the point?

Last, Jesus' (Yeshua's) brother James is mentioned by Flavius Josephus the ancient 1 century Jewish historian as follows, "concerning Albinus, under whose procuratorship James was slain; as also what edifices were built by Agrippa. ...  Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the orad; so he assembled the sanhedrin of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned: bus as for who seemed the most equitable of the citizens and such as were the most uneasy at the breacch of the laws, they disliked what was done; they also sent to the king [Agrippa]," [source - The Life and works of Flavius Josephus translated by William Whiston, A.M., pub. By The John C. Winston Co., in Philadelphia, Chapter IX, page 598].    So this speaks to the fact that James was the literal brother, actually half brother of Jesus (Yeshua) as his Father was God (YHWH).

THE FACTS ON JESUS' (YESHUA'S) BIRTH:

Now when you look at the facts surrounding Jesus' (Yeshua's) birth and the facts about his parents, Mary and Joseph.    Strange that at Matthew 1:18-25 in this Bible it says, " Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. 19 Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: 23 Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. 25 And he knew her not till she brought forth her first born son: and he called his name Jesus." (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB).

As the Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible at Matthew 1:25, " And he knew her not till she brought forth her first born son: and he called his name Jesus." (Douay -Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB).   Clearly showing that he, Joseph, did NOT have relations with his wife, Mary, until after Jesus (Yeshua).   To try and maintain that he never had relations with his wife, Mary, clearly flies in the face of common sense.   Now why would anyone think that Joseph and Mary had no sexual relations after Jesus was born?   Since God instituted the marriage arrangement with its many joys it would anyone NOT expect Joseph and Mary NOT to indulge in them.   What would be the point?

Let's look at what the New American Bible [Catholic] says at Matthew 1:25, "He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus" (New American Bible; NAB).   Now note this Bible clearly states that, " He had no relations with her until she bore a son." Which by reason clearly indicates Joseph had sexual relations with his wife, Mary, after Jesus' (Yeshua's) birth.    Sounds like that the creed, that translated these Bibles does NOT know how to handle the obvious, that the scriptures do NOT back their creedal creed that the Virgin Mary remained ever virgin.

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COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]   MATTHEW 1:25, AN EXPLANATION

[1]   SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [241B]

O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.   Jeremiah 10:32,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Here it is made clear that man can not direct his own steps, and Proverbs 20:24, [AV] “Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?”  And it is shown that all should ask Almighty God (YHWH) for assistance with respect his goings at Psalm 17:5, [AV] “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.”  And that that the Lord order the steps of a good man at Psalm 37:23, [AV] “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”   

[2]   MATTHEW 1:25, AN EXPLANATION

INTRODUCTION:

Many do not comprehend Matthew 1:18-25 which is as follows:

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.(Authorized King James Bible; Av)

And argue with respect the meaning of "not till" found in the Authorized King James Bible or "until" found in the New American Bible (Catholic).  They try to argue in error for other meanings for "not till" or "until" so as to maintain their tradition that Mary remained forever a virgin; instead of accepting the Bible fact that she did not.  To resolve this issue we will look at Paraller scriptures in a number of Bibles, some of which are Catholic Bibles such as the NAB and the DRCB, some of which are Protestant and/or Bibles translated by independent scholars or committees, and one which is Jewish so as to eliminate any possible accusation of bias by these scholars. 

PARALLEL BIBLES ON MATTHEW 1:25:
And he knew her not till she brought forth her first born son: and he called his name Jesus.{Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB)

He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus. (New American Bible; NAB)

but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus. (Revised Standard Bible; RSV).

but she remained a virgin until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.(New Living Translation; NLT)
and knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.(Third Millennium Bible; TMB)

but he did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son. And he named Him Jesus.(Holman Standard Christian Bible; HSCB)

but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.(English Standard Bible; ESB)

but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. (New American Standard Bible; NASB)

but he did not have sexual relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Yeshua. (The Complete Jewish Bible, Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. ; CJB)

and didn't know her sexually until she had brought forth her firstborn son. He named him Yeshua. (Hebrew Names Version of the New English Bible)

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (American Standard Version; ASV)

Pero no la conoció hasta que ella dio a luz un hijo, y llamó su nombre Jesús.(1989 Reina-Valeria Acutualizada)

and did not know her till she brought forth her son-the first-born, and he called his name Jesus.(Young's Literal Translation; YLT)

As we can see, although they used different words, all the translators were in agreement, and the New American Bible (Catholic) made it quite clear with " He had no relations with her until she bore a son" as did the Complete Jewish Bible with " but he did not have sexual relations with her until she had given birth to a son," as did the Holmon Standard Christian Bible with "but he did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son."   So we can see those trying to perpetuate mythical traditions are just "blowing smoke" and "grasping at straws."

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS USING THE KJB AND STRONG NUMBERS:

One individual who was "grasping at straws said the following:
"The Greek word for "until" (heos) does not imply that Mary had marital relations after the birth of Christ. In 2 Samuel 6:23, we read that Michal, the daughter of Saul, had no child "until" the day of her death."

But let's look as a technical analysis using the Authorized King James Bible (AV) as the frame work of the original Koine Greek here.  " And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS."
Strong's Number: 3756 "not"
Original Word
Word Origin
ouj
a primary word, the absolute negative [cf (3361)] adverb
Transliterated Word
TDNT Entry
Ou
None
Phonetic Spelling
Parts of Speech
oo /cgi-bin/lexicon.pl?id=3756g/cgi-bin/lexicon.pl?id=3756g/cgi-bin/lexicon.pl?id=3756gb/cgi-bin/lexicon.pl?id=3756gb/cgi-bin/lexicon.pl?id=3756gc/cgi-bin/lexicon.pl?id=3756gc

Definition
1. no, not; in direct questions expecting an affirmative answer
</TD King James Word Usage - Total: 1453 not 1214, no 136, cannot + (1410)&version=kjv 55, miscellaneous 48
KJV Verse Count Matthew 159 Mark 105 Luke 141 John 238 Acts 101 Romans 98 1 Corinthians 108 2 Corinthians 77 Galatians 30 Ephesians 11 Philippians 13 Colossians 8 1 Thessalonians 16 2 Thessalonians 7 1 Timothy 9 2 Timothy 12 Titus 1 Hebrews 58 James 24 1 Peter 10 2 Peter 11 1 John 35 2 John 5 3 John 4 Jude 2 Revelation 45; Total 1328


The KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon

Strong's Number:   3757 'till'
Original Word Word Origin
ou| genitive case of (3739) as adverb
Transliterated Word TDNT Entry
Hou None
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech
hoo       

Definition:
King James Word Usage - Total: 41
where 22, till 14, whither 2, when 1, wherein 1, whithersoever + (1437)&version=kjv 1
KJV Verse Count Matthew 7 Luke 8 John 1 Acts 12 Romans 3 1 Corinthians 2 2 Corinthians 1 Galatians 2 Colossians 1 Hebrews 1 2 Peter 1 Revelation 2 ; Total 41

[source - Greek lexicon based on Thayer's and Smith's Bible Dictionary plus others; this is keyed to the large Kittel and the "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament."]

CONCLUSION:

The truth is self evident based on the foregoing in the words of the Complete Jewish Bible, " but he did not have sexual relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Yeshua."

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COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] FIGHTERS AGAINST GOD (YHWH)

[1]   SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [243B]

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.   Matthew 5:39,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

For some this scripture is difficult to understand, but one modern translation makes it a little easier to understand that it is referring to an insult and NOT a physical attack as follows, New World Translation, “However, I say to you: Do not resist the one who is wicked, but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other also to him.”   Also, Luke 6:28 – 29, [AV], “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29  And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.”  And, Isaiah 50:6, [AV] “6  I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.”  All clearly show it is dealing with insults such as spitting on one which was perceived as a vile insult in ancient times.

[2]   FIGHTERS AGAINST GOD (YHWH)

Let's face it, in our day, as in the first century there has been no shortage of 'fighters against God (YHWH) and this fact is testified to at Acts 5:26-39, " Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
27  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28  Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
33  When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
34  Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35  And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36  For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37  After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38  And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." (Authorized King James Bible:AV).

For example, when genuine (true) Christians in Nazi Germany refused to support Hitler (A Roman Catholic) and to heil Adolph Hitler (an apostate-counterfeit-Christian) as their 'Fuhrer,' Hitler vowed to exterminate them.   They remembered Matthew 23:10, " Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." (AV).   His efficient death machine seemed more than equal to the job.   The Nazis did succeed in rounding up thousands of genuine (true) Christians and putting them into concentration camps along with the Jews and Muslims and Gypsies. 

But the Nazis failed to break the resolve of genuine (true) Christians to worship the true God (YHWH) of Abraham only, and they failed to eliminate God's (YHWH's) servants as a group in Nazi Germany.   The work of these Christians was from God (YHWH), not man, and the work of God cannot be overthrown.

Sixty years later, faithful survivors of Hitler's concentration camps are still serving the God (YHWH) of Abraham per Matthew 22:37, " Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (AV)

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