COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]  DISCOURSE ON TRUE WISDOM FROM GOD (YHWH): 


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 812A]

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.” 

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

Your Friend in Christ Iris89 

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

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

INTRODUCTION TO TRUE WISDOM FROM GOD (YHWH):

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SIGNS & CHARACTERISTICS OF GODLY WISDOM:

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

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

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

OBTAINING WISDOM IS VERY VALUABLE:

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

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

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

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COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]  DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN: 


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 814A]

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

As the Apostle James testified to at James 1:16, [AV] “Do not err, my beloved brethren.”  But as Job 13:9,  [AV] “Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?” we should never mock Almighty God (YHWH).  But as Romans 2:5 - 6, [AV] “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;  6  Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Friend in Christ Iris89 

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

[2]   DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN:

INTRODUCTION TO WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN:

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

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

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

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

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

IDENTIFYING FEATURES OF TRUE CHRISTIANS:

Feature one, is they have true 'agape' love among themselves as testified to at John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (ASV); And by John 15:17, "These things I command you, that ye may love one another." In fact, when Jesus (Yeshua) was asked what the two greatest commandments were, he stated at Matthew 22:37-40, "And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second like `unto it' is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets." (ASV), so clearly we can see that 'agape' love for fellow believers and for neighbors is an identifying feature of true Christianity.

Feature two, true Christians, followers of Christ, must look to Jesus (Yeshua) Christ as the good teacher and exemplar as shown at John 13:13, "Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." (ASV); And at Matthew 23:8-10, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, `even' he who is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, `even' the Christ." (ASV); And at Jebrews 12:2, "looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of `our' faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (ASV).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But remember that which is written at 1 Peter 3:14-18, "But even if ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed `are ye:' and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; 15 but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: `being' ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear: 16 having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing. 18 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;" (ASV); And at Revelation 2:10, we are warned not to be afraid, "Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." (ASV); And at John 15:19-20, "If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also." (ASV); And at 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (ASV); And at Mark 13:9, "But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in synagogues shall ye be beaten; and before governors and kings shall ye stand for my sake, for a testimony unto them." (ASV); And at 1 Peter 4:16, "but if `a man suffer' as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name." (ASV).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]   DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS BABYLON THE GREAT: 


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 816A]

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

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

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[2]    DISCOURSE ON WHAT IS BABYLON THE GREAT:

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

THE IDENTITY OF BABYLON THE GREAT:

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

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

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

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

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

IT IS NOT A POLITICAL SYSTEM:

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

IT IS NOT A COMMERCIAL SYSTEM:

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

IT IS A RELIGIOUS SYSTEM:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BABYLONIAN RELIGIOUS PRACTICES AND CONSTRUCTS ARE FOUND IN MODERN RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS THAT ARE PART OF BABYLON THE GREAT:

This is clearly shown by W. Lansdell Wardle in his book, "Israel and Babylon," (*11) which states, "The triad of divinities Sin, Shamash, and Ishtar, is reckoned in the Pan-Babylonian theory as a family, the children of Anu, the Father of the gods, or of Ellil, the Ruler of the Zodiac.'" This same fact is notes
d by the Encyclopedia Britannica, "The distinction between priest and layman as charasteristic of this [Babylonian] religion." (*12). 

And, C. Leonard Wooley in his book, "The Sumerians," (*13) stated, "Church and State [inancient Babylon] were so inextricably mingled that while the State has to be regarded as a theocracy the Church must in part at least be judged as a political institution and the state religion as a political instrument."

The "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia," (*14) stated, "After death the souls of men were supposed to continue in existence.  It can hardly be called life.  The place to which they have gone is called the 'land of no return.'  There they lived in dark rooms and the dust and dthe bats covered with a garment of feathers, and under the dominion of Nergal and Ereshpigal.  When the soul arrived among the dead he had to pass judgment before the judges of the dead."

Clearly we can see in these practices many of the precepts and concepts found in false religion of today such as the Trinity which the triad of divinities Sin, Shanash, and Ishtar were the fore runners of this false doctrine found in many so called Christian denominations.  Of course other false Bablonian concepts are also found in them today. 

This fact of false religion as represented by Babylon the Great is testified to as Jeremiah 50:35-38, "A sword is upon the Chaldeans, saith the Lord, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise men. 36 A sword upon her diviners, and they shall be foolish: a sword upon her valiant ones, and they shall be dismayed. 37 A sword upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the people that are in the midst of her: and they shall become as women: a sword upon her treasures, and they shall be made a spoil. 38 A drought upon her waters, and they shall be dried up: because it is a land of idols, and they glory in monstrous things." (DRCB); And at Isaiah 47:1-14, "Come down, sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne for the daughter of the Chaldeans, for thou shalt no more be called delicate and tender. 2 Take a millstone and grind meal: uncover thy shame, strip thy shoulder, make bare thy legs, pass over the rivers. 3 Thy nakedness shall be discovered, and thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and no man shall resist me. 4 Our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel. 5 Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called the lady of kingdoms. 6 I was angry with my people, I have polluted my inheritance, and have given them into thy hand: thou hast shewn no mercy to them: upon the ancient thou hast laid thy yoke exceeding heavy.  7 And thou hast said: I shall be a lady for ever: thou hast not laid these things to thy heart, neither hast thou remembered thy latter end. 8 And now hear these things, thou that art delicate, and dwellest confidently, that sayest in thy heart: I am, and there is none else besides me: I shall not sit as a widow, and I shall not know barrenness. 9 These two things shall come upon thee suddenly in one day, barrenness and widowhood. All things are come upon thee, because of the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great hardness of thy enchanters. 10 And thou hast trusted in thy wickedness, and hast said: There is none that seeth me. Thy wisdom, and, thy knowledge, this hath deceived thee. And thou hast said in thy heart: I am, and besides me there is no other. 11 Evil shall come upon thee, and thou shalt not know the rising thereof: and calamity shall fall violently upon thee, which thou canst not keep off: misery shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know. 12 Stand now with thy enchanters, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, in which thou hast laboured from thy youth, if so be it may profit thee any thing, or if thou mayst become stronger. 13 Thou hast failed in the multitude of thy counsels: let now the astrologers stand and save thee, they that gazed at the stars, and counted the months, that from them they might tell the things that shall come to thee. 14 Behold they are as stubble, fire hath burnt them, they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flames: there are no coals wherewith they may be warmed, nor fire, that they may sit thereat. 15 Such are all the things become to thee, in which thou hast laboured: thy merchants from thy youth, every one hath erred in his own way, there is none that can save thee." (DRCB); And at Ezekiel 21:21, "For the king of Babylon stood in the highway, at the head of two ways, seeking divination, shuffling arrows: he inquired of the idols, and consulted entrails." (DRCB).

This fact was recognized by Robert M. Engberg and Fay Cooper Cole in their book, "The Dawn of Civilization and Life in the Ancient East," (*15) which stated, "The Chaldeans made great progress in the study of astronomy through an effort to discover the future in the stars.  This are we call 'astrology'....The groups of stars which now bear the name 'Twelve Signs of the Zodiac' were mapped out for the first time, and the planets...  Since these planets were thought to have special powers over the lives of men, they were named for the five leading gods and goddesses.  We refer to these planets by their Roman names, but the Babylonian tersm and simply translated them into their equivalents in Rome.  Thus the planet Ishtar, the goddess of love, became Venus, and that of the god Marduk was changed to Jupiter."  See also the Encyclopedia Britannica, 1946 at Chicago, vol. 8, p. 786 (*16).

Babylon the Great encircles the globe like a world wide kingdom or empire as shown by Revelation 17:18, "And the woman which thou sawest is the great city which hath kingdom over the kings of the earth." (DRCB).  It dominates the masses of people in many lands as shown by Revelation 17:1-15, "And there came one of the seven angels who had the seven vials and spoke with me, saying: Come, I will shew thee the condemnation of the great harlot, who sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication. And they who inhabit the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her whoredom. 3 And he took me away in spirit into the desert. And I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was clothed round about with purple and scarlet, and gilt with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, full of the abomination and filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written: A mystery: Babylon the great, the mother of the fornications and the abominations of the earth. 6 And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And I wondered, when I had seen her, with great admiration.  7 And the angel said to me: Why dost thou wonder? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman and of the beast which carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast which thou sawest, was, and is not, and shall come up out of the bottomless pit and go into destruction. And the inhabitants on the earth (whose names are not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world) shall wonder, seeing the beast that was and is not. 9 And here is the understanding that hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, upon which the woman sitteth: and they are seven kings. 10 Five are fallen, one is, and the other is not yet come: and when he is come, he must remain a short time. 11 And the beast which was and is not: the same also is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into destruction. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, who have not yet received a kingdom: but shall receive power as kings, one hour after the beast. 13 These have one design: and their strength and power they shall deliver to the beast.
14 These shall fight with the Lamb. And the Lamb shall overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings: and they that are with him are called and elect and faithful. 15 And he said to me: The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples and nations and tongues." (DRCB).

THE FALL AND DESTRUCTION OF BABYLON THE GREAT:

In ancient times when the Persian, Cyrus, overthrew ancient Babylon, he gave God's (YHWH's) people permission to return home as testified to at Isaiah 48:20,    "Come forth out of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, declare it with the voice of joy: make this to be heard, and speak it out even to the ends of the earth. Say: The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob."  (DRCB); And at Ezra 1:1-4, "In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremias might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of the Persians: and he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and in writing also, saying: 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord the God of heaven hath given to me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judea. 3 Who is there among you of all his people? His God be with him. Let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judea, and build the house of the Lord the God of Israel: he is the God that is in Jerusalem. 4 And let all the rest in all places wheresoever they dwell, help him every man from his place, with silver and gold, and goods, and cattle, besides that which they offer freely to the temple of God, which is in Jerusalem." (DRCB).  This is even testified to in secular sources such as "The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910 at NY, Vol. 3, p. 115 (*17).   And in the book, "Nabonidus and Belshazzar," Yale Oriental Series, Researchers, Vol. 15, 1929 at New haven, by Raymond P. Dougherty, p. 167. (*18)

This fall of Babylon the Great is accompanied by a command to God's (YHWH's) people to get out of her as recorded at Revelation 18:1-21,  "And after these things, I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power: and the earth was enlightened with his glory. 2 And he cried out with a strong voice, saying: Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen: and is become the habitation of devils and the hold of every unclean spirit and the hold of every unclean and hateful bird: 3 Because all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication: and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her; And the merchants of the earth have been made rich by the power of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying: Go out from her, my people; that you be not partakers of her sins and that you receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven: and the Lord hath remembered her iniquities. 6 Render to her as she also hath rendered to you: and double unto her double, according to her works. In the cup wherein she hath mingled, mingle ye double unto her. 7 As much as she hath glorified herself and lived in delicacies, so much torment and sorrow give ye to her. Because she saith in her heart: I sit a queen and am no widow: and sorrow I shall not see. 8 Therefore, shall her plagues come in one day, death and mourning and famine. And she shall be burnt with the fire: because God is strong, who shall judge her.  9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived in delicacies with her, shall weep and bewail themselves over her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning: 10 Standing afar off for fear of her torments, saying: Alas! alas! that great city, Babylon, that mighty city: for in one hour is thy judgment come. 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her: for no man shall buy their merchandise any more. 12 Merchandise of gold and silver and precious stones: and of pearls and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet: and all thyine wood: and all manner of vessels of ivory: and all manner of vessels of precious stone and of brass and of iron and of marble: 13 And cinnamon and odours and ointment and frankincense and wine and oil and fine flour and wheat and beasts and sheep and horses and chariots: and slaves and souls of men. 14 And the fruits of the desire of thy soul are departed from thee: and all fat and goodly things are perished from thee. And they shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich, shall stand afar off from her, for fear of her torments, weeping and mourning, 16 And saying: Alas! alas! that great city, which was clothed with fine linen and purple and scarlet and was gilt with gold and precious stones and pearls. 17 For in one hour are so great riches come to nought. And every shipmaster and all that sail into the lake, and mariners, and as many as work in the sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried, seeing the place of her burning, saying: What city is like to this great city? 19 And they cast dust upon their heads and cried, weeping and mourning, saying: Alas! alas! that great city, wherein all were made rich, that had ships at sea, by reason of her prices. For, in one hour she is made desolate. 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven and ye holy apostles and prophets. For God hath judged your judgment on her. 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone, as it were a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying: With such violence as this, shall Babylon, that great city, be thrown down and shall be found no more at all." (DRCB).

Last her destruction is described in Revelation 18:8, "Therefore, shall her plagues come in one day, death and mourning and famine. And she shall be burnt with the fire: because God is strong, who shall judge her." (DRCB); And at Revelation 17:16-18,  "For God hath given into their hearts to do that which pleaseth him: that they give their kingdom to the beast, till the words of God be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is the great city which hath kingdom over the kings of the earth." (DRCB); And at Revelation 18:21, "And a mighty angel took up a stone, as it were a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying: With such violence as this, shall Babylon, that great city, be thrown down and shall be found no more at all." (DRCB).

REFERENCES:

*1  The Encyclopedia Americana, 1956, Vol. 3, p. 7
*2  The New Funk and Wagnalls Encyclopedia, 1950, Vol. 3, p. 872
*3  Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910, Vol. 3, p106.
*4  The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1946, Vol. 2, p. 841.
*5  The Encyclopedia Americana, 1956, Vol. 3, p. 8.
*6  Religion of Babylonia and Assyria, 1898 in Boston, by Morris Jastrow Jr., see p. 699-700.
*7  The worship of the Dead, 1904 in London, by Colonel J. Garnier, p. 8.
*8  The Races of the Old Testament, 1891 in London, by A.H. Sayce, p. 60.
*9  Nebuchadnezzar, 1931 in London, by G.R. Tabouis, p. 364.
*10  The Bible as History, 1956 at NY, by Werner Keller, p. 299.
*11  Israel and Babylon, 1925 at London, by W. Lansdell Wardle, p. 324.
*12  The Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1946, Vol. 2, p. 861.
*13  The Sumerians, 1929 at Oxford, by C. Leonard Woodley, p. 129.
*14  The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1960 at Grand Rapids, Mich, Vol. 1, p. 373.
*15  The Dawn of Civilization and Life in the Ancient East, 1938 at Chicago, by Robert M. Engberg and Fay Cooper Cole, p. 230-232.
*16  The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1946 at Chicago, Vol. 8, p. 786.
*17  The Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1900 at NY, Vol. 3, p. 115.
*18  Nabonidus and Aslshazzer, Yale Oriental Series, Researchers, 1929 at New Haven, by Raymond P. Dougherty, p. 167.

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COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]  THE RARE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE - Artocarpus odoratissimus   


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 818A]

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

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

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Your Friend in Christ Iris89 

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

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

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

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COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]  Discourse on Baptism: 


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 820A]

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

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

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

Your Friend in Christ Iris89 

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

[2]   Discourse on Baptism:

PART 1 – Necessary Step of Obedience for All Followers of Jesus

It is necessary for all followers of Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) to be baptized as clearly shown by the scriptures:

This was shown by the example of Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) getting baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan river, “13  Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.  14  But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?  15  And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.  16  And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17 AV).  We are told, “ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” (1 Peter 2:21 AV).

He told his followers to, “19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20 AV).  And the Apostle Peter stated, “44  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  46  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?  48  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” (Acts 10:44-48 AV).   And ““ But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12 AV)

PART 2 – Complete Immersion Required

On baptism, the Bible clearly shows that it should be by complete immersion and not by sprinkling.  This is clearly shown as follows, “8  I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.  9 ¶ And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.  10  And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11  And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  12  And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.” (Mark 1:8-12 AV).  This was further highlighted “22 ¶ After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.  23  And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.” (John 3:23 AV).  As can be seen, baptizing was always carried out near a significant body of water “36  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  37  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  38  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.  39  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:36-39 AV).

Now with Jesus being baptized as a necessary step of obedience to this Father (YHWH) and to open the way for his followers to do the will of him who sent him “13 ¶ Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.  14  But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?  15  And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.  16  And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  Therefore we should clearly follow his example and be baptized by full immersion in water if we are to accept the calling of Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) “ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” (1 Peter 2:21 AV), “19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20 AV), “ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” (Acts 10:48 AV), “ But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12 AV).

Now, you will note, they were to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost; therefore, it is important to know their names.

PART 3 – For A Valid Baptism One’s Life Must Harmonize With Bible Standards

Before one gets baptized, he should first repent of his/her past wrong doings, “ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38 AV).   You must put away, “22  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 AV). 

Last, we must turn away from deviant sexual appetite and sexual lust and cease being children of disobedience, “5  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6  For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7  In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.  8  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  9  Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” (Colossians 3:5-10 AV).

PART 4 – The Purpose of Baptism

Many individuals have the wrong impression about the purpose of Baptism.  They feel its purpose is to wash away one’s sins, but that is incorrect.  To fully understand the need for baptism, we must remember that, “ And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22 AV); that Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves), “ Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:” (1 Peter 2:22 AV); “ And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.” (Mark 1:9 AV).  These three scriptures highlight that Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) deemed it proper to get baptized, and clearly he was without sin; therefore, baptism can not be for the remission of sins, it must have another purpose.

Then, what is it for?   Its purpose is to symbolize one’s dying to his/her former course of life and of his/her dedication to hence forth do the will of God.   “ 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.” (1 Peter 2:24 AV) clearly shows that after baptism we are to live unto righteousness.

Therefore, the common practice of infant baptism is just as unscriptural as is baptism by sprinkling since complete immersion is a requirement as previously shown.   It is necessary to embrace his words and an infant is not capable of doing so, “ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41 AV), this is further emphasized by, “ But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12 AV), and by “21 ¶ Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22  And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.   23  And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,” (Luke 21-23 AV).

PART 5 – Baptizing In The Name Of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit

This section dealing with the command, “ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19 AV).   Most individuals are familiar with this scripture, but few understand the reason for baptizing this way.

Subpart – In the Name of the Father

This is necessary as it is recognizing the office or authority of Almighty God (YHWH) who created everything and who has always existed per Psalms 90:2.   This is made clear, “ That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH [(YHWH)], art the most high over all the earth.” (Psalms 83:18 AV), which clearly shows that he is “the most high over all the earth.”   And he is the source of live as stated, “ For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.” (Psalms 36:9 AV)

He, Almighty God (YHWH), is the creator of all things, “ And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.” (2 Kings 19:15 AV), and “ For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.” (Isaiah 33:22 AV).

Subpart – In The Name of the Son

This is necessary as it is recognizing the office or authority of the Son, Jesus (Yeshua or YHWH saves) who is the only begotten son and the first of creation by his Father (YHWH).  His Father (YHWH) exalted him to a position only second only to himself, “9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11 AV).   And, he was given, “ And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:16 AV)

He proved faithful to his Father (YHWH), “ And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” (Revelation 1:5 AV); therefore, he became, “9  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 5:9-10 AV).

And, last but not least, he became, ““ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 AV), and “ And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:24 AV)

Subpart – In The Name of the Holy Spirit

This is necessary to recognize the function or activity of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost).   This is God’s (YHWH’s) active force that goes forth or emanates from Almighty God (YHWH).  One of its functions is to act as a Comforter to mankind, “ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26 AV), “16  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” (John 14:16-17 AV).

It is the Creator’s (YHWH’s) force for getting things accomplished, “ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:17 AV), “ But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10 AV).

God (YHWH) pours out his active force onto his followers, “28  And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29  And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” (Joel 2:28-29 AV), and also caused inspired individuals to “ For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21 AV). 

Subpart – Warning

Baptism in the name of an organization or church is not in accord with the Word of God. 

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