HERE IS VOL 609B  –  COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND A VIDEO ON AN INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS,  [2]  BOOK REVIEW SHOWS QURAN A KNOCKOFF OF THE BIBLE

ALSO, VIDEO ON THE FRUITAGE OF THE SPIRIT”—MEMORIZE THE QUALITIES,  :CLICK OR POST IN ADDRESS:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/ChildrenFeatured/pub-pkon_29_VIDEO


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [609B]

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.   James 4:6, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yes,     Almighty God (YHWH) gives to the humble, but resist the proud as revealed  at James 4:6, [AV] “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”  He shall per Isaiah 4:11, [AV] “The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.”

VIEW A VIDEO ON AN INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS, :CLICK OR POST IN ADDRESS:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/books-of-bible-intros/book-of-2-kings/   


[2      BOOK REVIEW SHOWS QURAN A KNOCKOFF OF THE BIBLE

INTRODUCTION:

A book review of Christoph Luxenberg, a world renown linguistic scholar, clearly reveals that the Quran is nothing but a distorted knockoff of the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, the Bible.

This book review is contained in, "HUGOYE: JOURNAL OF SYRIAC STUDIES," book review of Christoph Luxenberg (ps.) Die syro-aramaeische Lesart des Koran; Ein Beitrag zur Entschlüsselung der Qur'ansprache. Berlin, Germany: Das Arabische Buch, First Edition, 2000. Pp. ix + 306, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2003.
[http://syrcom.cua.edu/Hugoye/Vol6No1/HV6N1PRPhenixHorn.html ]

THE EVIDENCE:

Let's look at the evidence contained in the book review of Christoph Luxenberg's latest book in German, "Die syro-aramaeische Lesart des Koran; Ein Beitrag zur Entschlüsselung der Qur'ansprache."   He clearly shows that the Quran draws on personal names of Biblical origins, that the name "Quran' even indicates its origin, that it was NEVER intended to replace the written source - the Bible, that it was distorted from the writings of Muhammad early on,  as follows:

<<<"The rest of the section draws on personal names of Biblical origin in the Qur'an to demonstrate that the so-called Arabic matres lectionis, 'alif, waw, and ya, must also be polyvalent. Luxenberg points out that Islamic tradition admits a reading of the mater for long /a/ in certain instances as /e/ because this pronunciation was a peculiarity of the Arabic of Mecca. Luxenberg shows that the term harf, "sign" must also carry a meaning synonymous to qira'at, "(way of) reading" and that this is not only supplying the vowels in an unvocalized text, but also supplying the diacritical points that distinguish consonants. It is only gradually that these diacritical points became fixed so that consonants came to have just one reading. This process of determining the value of each letter of the Qur'an unfolded over some three hundred years. This is known from the oldest manuscripts of the Qur'an which do not have the diacritical points distinguishing readings of a single consonant. By the time these became commonly used, Arabian commentators were no longer aware that many words were either straight Aramaic or were calques peculiar to Meccan Arabic. From this resulted the difficulties that the Qur'an posed to even the earliest Arabian commentators...

The section concludes by demonstrating that the technical meaning of "lectionary" is preserved in the word qur'an. Most striking is the conclusion that the term umm kitab, an aramaism, must be a written source and that the Qur'an was never intended to replace this written source. One might complain that the details of the argument for the reading of suras 12:1-2 and 3:7 are squeezed into footnotes, but nevertheless the argument is clear. Luxenberg proves that the term qur'an itself is the key to unlocking the passages that have given commentators in and outside of the tradition frustration. If quryan means "lectionary," and if the text itself claims to be a clarification of an earlier text, then that earlier text must be written in another language. The only candidate is the Old and New Testament in Syriac, the Peshitta. Hence the influence of Aramaic on the Arabic of Muhammad has an identifiable, textual origin. At the very end of the work, Luxenberg makes a compelling argument that sura 108 is a close allusion to the Peshitta of 1 Peter 5:8-9. Indeed this sura, which is only three lines long, is one of the most difficult passages for the Arabian as well as the Western commentators. Luxenberg shows why: it is composed of transcriptions into Arabic writing of the Syriac New Testament text, i.e., there is almost no "Arabic" in the sura. These are "revealed" texts, and insofar as the Qur'an contains quotations or paraphrases of them, the Qur'an is also "revealed." ...

Many dialects of Arabic existed at the time of Muhammad. In the ten places where the Qur'an claims to have been written in Arabic, Luxenberg shows first that these passages have grammatical forms which are difficult for the commentators and have varying interpretations among the translators. He notes that in sura 41:44, the Arabic fassala means "to divide," but the context here requires "make distinct" or better "interpret." Nowhere else does the Arabic word have this meaning, and the Syriac-Arabic lexica do not give the one as a translation for the other; tarjama (a direct borrowing from Syriac) is the usual Arabic word for "interpret." However, the Syriac praš / parreš can mean both "divide" as well as "interpret" (like Hebrew hibdil; also this is an example of a "semantic calque" mentioned above). Tabari too understands fassala to be a synonym for bayyana (sura 44:3), which also has the meaning "interpret." Sura 41:44 also clearly attests to a source for the Qur'an that is written in a foreign language. Luxenberg, following Tabari, notes a corruption in the text of this verse that clearly shows that part of the Qur'an has a non-Arabic source. His argument here is somewhat weak if not for the further evidence deduced from eleven other locations in the Qur'an where Luxenberg consistently applies these and similar arguments to difficulties all of which center on the terms related to the revelation and language of the Qur'an. These arguments leave little doubt, that Luxenberg has uncovered a key misunderstanding of these terms throughout the Qur'an....

In section twelve Luxenberg demonstrates that not only the origin and language of the Qur'an are different from what the commentators who wrote two hundred years after its inception claim it to be, but that several key passages contain words or idioms that were borrowed from Syriac into Arabic. From his analysis of sura 19:24 (in the so-called "Marian Sura"): "Then he called to her from beneath her: 'Grieve not; thy Lord hath placed beneath thee a streamlet,'" he concludes that it should be read "He called to her immediately after her laying-down (to give birth 'Grieve not; thy Lord has made your laying-down legitimate.'" Luxenberg's lengthy discussion of the complexities of this passage resolve grammatical difficulties in the Arabic in a way that fits the context: Jesus gives Mary the courage to face her relatives even with a child born out of wedlock. The section then presents lengthy arguments dealing with various lexical, morphological, syntactic and versification problems in sura 11:116-117...

In that same section, one also finds a study of how Syriac roots were misread and altered by later commentators. In one case, the word jaw (sura 16:79) misread "air, atmosphere" is from Syriac gaw, which means both "insides, inner part" and can also be used as a preposition meaning "inside." In sura 16:79 Luxenberg demonstrates that the prepositional use makes more sense than the solution posed by the commentators. Classical Arabic grammar, which was created three hundred years after the Qur'an, does not recall the prepositional meaning of the word. However, dialects of Arabic preserve the original Syriac prepositional use. So where sura 16:79 reads fi jaw as-sama' "in(side) heaven" referring to birds held aloft and kept from falling down by God, the dialects agree: fi jawwat al-bet "inside the house" is perfectly good Arabic. The misreading of Qur'anic Arabic jaw as "air" has become part of the technical vocabulary of modern standard Arabic: "air mail," "air force," "airline," and "weather report" all use jaw. The imaginary meaning of the grammarians lives on. ...

Section sixteen follows this investigation as it points to a similar misreading of paradise's grapes as youths, Arabic wildun. Sura 76:19 "Round amongst them go boys of perpetual youth, whom when one see, he thinks them pearls unstrung" (sura 16.1, citing Bell's translation). Wildun is a genuinely Arabic word, but it is used in a sense which is borrowed from Syriac yalda. Youths like pearls is somewhat suspicious, especially given that "pearls" are a metaphor for the grapes of paradise from the previous section. Luxenberg uncovered that Syriac has the expression yalda dagpetta, "child of the vine," appearing in the Peshitta: Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:25, and Luke 22:18, in which Christ foreshadows his death and resurrection: "I will not drink of this child of the vine (yalda dagpetta) until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of my Father." Here it is the juice of the grape that is the "child." Entries in the Arabic-Syriac lexica for each of yalda and gpetta give in addition to "child" and "vine" "fruit" and "wine," respectively. Luxenberg gives further evidence from suras 37:45, 43:71, and 76:15 that Ephraem the Syrian's depiction of the grapes of paradise is behind the original Qur'anic text.

A central question that this investigation raises is the motivation of cUthman in preparing his redaction of the Qur'an. Luxenberg presents the two hadith traditions recounting how cUthman came to possess the first manuscript. If Luxenberg's analysis is even in broad outline correct, the content of the Qur'an was substantially different at the time of Muhammad and cUthman's redaction played a part in the misreading of key passages. Were these misreadings intentional or not? The misreadings in general alter the Qur'an from a book that is more or less harmonious with the New Testament and Syriac Christian liturgy and literature to one that is distinct, of independent origin. " [source - book review is contained in, "HUGOYE: JOURNAL OF SYRIAC STUDIES," book review of Christoph Luxenberg (ps.) Die syro-aramaeische Lesart des Koran; Ein Beitrag zur Entschlüsselung der Qur'ansprache. Berlin, Germany: Das Arabische Buch, First Edition, 2000. Pp. ix + 306, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2003.]>>>.

CONCLUSION:

The inescapable conclusion is that Muhammad (pbuh) used the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, as his guide without giving credit to the source which is called plagiarism, and that at a later date, the Quran was corrupted by those who did not fully comprehend the specific dialect it was written in.

To learn even more with respect the Quran just being a distorted Bible knockoff, go to the following,

[1] Apparent Contradictions in the Bible Compared To Real Ones In The Quran and the Book of Mormon: at,

Series Apparent Bible Contradictions vs. Real Contradictions in the Quran: - SinandCompositeScriptures (tapatalk.com)

[2] The Bible's Correctness is Testified to In The Quran: at,

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-post-4928.html#4928

[3] Contradictions in the Quran  at,

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-post-4929.html#4929

[4] God's Word The Bible Proven Un-Changeable by the Quran: at,

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-post-4930.html#4930

[5] Series Apparent Bible Contradictions vs. Real Contradictions in the Quran: at,

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-post-4936.html#4936

[6] Now let's get down to reality On The Bible, The Quran - Without Word Games:

http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-post-4937.html#4937

[7] Digital Book on the Quran and Quranic Contradictions With Proof 

http://religioustruthsbyiris.freeforums.org/post155.html#p155 

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

HERE IS VOL 611B  –  COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND A VIDEO ON AN INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES,  [2]  RECREATIONAL DRUG USAGE AND IMMODERATION IN USE OF ALCOHOL SIGNS OF A SICK SOCIETY

ALSO, VIDEO ON WAS THE EARTH CREATED, :CLICK OR POST IN ADDRESS:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODBibleTeachings/pub-ebtv_1_VIDEO


[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [611B]

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.   Isaiah 60:17, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

King Solomon was very wealthy as shown at 1 Kings 10:21, [AV] “And all king Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.”  However, the Apostle Peter showed that Almighty God (YHWH) was not concerned with wealth, but having genuine gifts in men for the care of his flock as stated at 1 Peter 5:2, [AV] “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;”  This same thought was illuminated by the Prophet Isaiah centuries earlier at Isaiah 1:26, [AV] “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;” clearly show that God was interested in His flock and not the wealth of individuals.

VIEW THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND A VIDEO ON AN INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES, CLICK OR POST IN ADDRESS:   https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/books-of-bible-intros/book-of-2-chronicles/   


[2]       RECREATIONAL DRUG USAGE AND IMMODERATION IN USE OF ALCOHOL SIGNS OF A SICK SOCIETY

INTRODUCTION:

Use of narcotic type drugs for recreational use and alcohol used in an effort to escape from reality, i.e., the problems of life, to get a dreamy feeling, or a sense of well-being or of elation is a sign of a sick society.  This article will deal with the wrongs of this type of use, but will NOT deal with substances that are used for medically necessary conditions.

Drugs as herein discussed are nonfood, mood-altering substances that are not being used for medical purposes.  Alcohol usage will deal with the immoderate use of alcohol.

NARCOTIC DRUGS NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE:

The Bible does not specifically mention drugs per say; however, although it does not name such substances as heroin, cocaine, LSD, PCP [angel dust], marijuana, and tobacco.   But it does provide the guidelines so that we can know what to do and what to avoid in order to please the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is.   Similarly, the Bible does not say anything about the use of guns to kill someone, but it does forbid murder. 

Now let's reason a little with respect Luke 10:25-27, "And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  26  He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?  27  And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).   Now is a person really loving the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, with their whole heart and with their whole soul and with your whole strength and mind if he makes a practice of things that needlessly shorten his life and cause his mind to be blurred?   Is he showing love for his neighbor if he steals from others to support his drug habit?

Also, consider 2 Corinthians 7:1, "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (AV).   Now can we expect to have the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, approval if we deliberately do things that defile our bodies?

Also, consider Titus 2:11-12, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" (AV).   Now is the use of drugs that impair one's judgment or that cause a person to lose self=control in harmony with that counsel? 

Narcotic drugs include everything from the common usage of tobacco to hard-core drugs.  Now let's first look at the usage of tobacco and its detrimental effects on humans.

TOBACCO USAGE A SCOURGE ON MANKIND:

Now let's get back to narcotics that many Islamic governments and none Islamic governments permit, but are very harmful to the health.   Specifically, I am speaking about the use of tobacco for recreational purposes. Now the subject of this thread is wrongful use of drugs, so consider the following with respect the most commonly used drug of all, tobacco.

Acts 17:24-27 says, "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;  25  Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;  26  And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;  27  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:" (Authorized King James Bible; AV).   Now, per Science 80, <<<"The evidence that cigarettes shorten life is overwhelming; the causal connection is firmly established as any in medicine"[source - Science 80, September/October, page 42.]>>>.

Statistics show that in the United States, alone, the annual death toll from smoking is over 300,000 individuals; in Britain the annual death toll is over 50,000, and the same is true for Canada.   The Journal [Toronto] says, <<<"More than one million people die annually because of smoking-related disease and the Third World, which accounts for 52% of world tobacco consumption, is making up a rapidly increasing proportion of these deaths."[Source - The Journal (Toronto), September 1, 1983, page 16.]>>>.   

In fact, the former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Joseph Califano, said: <<<"Today there can be no doubt that smoking is truly slow-motion suicide."[source - Scholastic Science World, March 20, 1980, page 13]>>>.

Now it is evident that committing suicide by slow-motion is no more approved of by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, than is suicide by becoming human bombs as some do in Islam.   Romans 12:1 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).

The former surgeon general of the U.S., C. Everett Koop, said: <<<"Cigharette smoking is clearly identified as the chief preventable cause of death in our society."[source - The New York Times, February 23, 1982, Page A1].   The World Book Encyclopedia said, <<<"Medical studies show that...the average life expectancy of a smoker is three to four years less than that of a nonsmoker.   The life expectancy of a heavy smoker-a person who smokes two or more packages of cigarettes a day-may be as much as eight years shorter than that of a nonsmoker."[source - The World Book Encyclopedia, 1984, Vol. 17, page 430.]>>>.   Now is it proper for a person to present his life for service to the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, and then slowly to destroy that life?

One university said, <<<"Smoking is so devastating, especially to the heart and lungs, that the other aspects of preventive medicine become comparatively insignificant if the person smokes." [source - University of Southern California News Service, February 18, 1982.]>>>.    And Dr. H. Mahler, said, <<<"Smoking is probably the largest single preventable cause of ill health in the world."[source - Dr. H. Mahler, director general of the World Health Organization, in "World Health," February/March 1980, page 3.]>>>.   Now, is it consistent for a person to present himself to the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, for sacred service and then deliberately to ruin his health?

Let's face it, smoking is a violation of the divine requirement that we love our neighbor as pointed out by James 2:8, "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:" (Authorized King James Bible; AV).   How so? <<<"A recent study...revealed that the nonsmoking wives of men who smoke die on the average four years younger than women whose husbands are also nonsmokers."[source - The New York Times, November 22, 1978, page C5]>>>.   Also, Family Health said, <<<"Smoking during pregnancy can cause congenital malformations so severe that either the fetus dies, or the infant does shortly after birth."[source - Family Health, May 1979, page 8]>>>.   Thus, smoking constitutes unloving treatment of family members and others and is clear evidence that a person is not acting as a genuine (true) Christian, see 1 Timothy 5:8, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." (AV).

<<<"Studies have shown that since the average smoker actively smokes his/her cigarette for only a small portion of the time it is lit, a nonsmoker may actually be forced against his/her will to breathe almost as much carbon monoxide, tar, and nicotine as the active smoker sitting next to him." [source - Today's Health, April 1972, page 39]>>>.   Thus, a person who is thus unloving toward his fellowman does not give evidence of loving the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, either.

HARD-CORE DRUG USE:

let's look at the facts with respect right uses of hard-core narcotic type drugs, but first let's consider 2 Timothy 3:1-5, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).   Clearly the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, the Bible, warns against craving pleasure to such an extreme that we put it ahead of applying the righteous principles of the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, the Bible, and the gaining of his approval.

Some narcotics bring relief from pain and can produce a feeling of contentment, but they are also addictive and can have very severe results such as death from an overdose or long term health effects.   Also, sniffing of some solvents and other chemicals can produce a feeling of excitement, but it can also cause severe health problems so their use should NOT be indulged in for just feeling content or for so called recreational use. 

However, these powerful drugs, narcotics, have a proper use also.   This use is in the treatment of patients with severe pain under the strict control of a qualified medical professional.   Properly used for medically legitimate purposes they can be very beneficial to man and makes one think of what King Solomon said at Ecclesiastes 3:1, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" (Authorized King James Bible; AV).   

This dual use for narcotics, one very bad, and one very useful, begs the question with respect to why did the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, make plants from which drugs are derived.   It is because he intended mankind to use them for his benefit and not his detriment.   The true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, did not intend for man to abuse them, but to use them for proper and beneficial uses.   It is true of both wine and Marijuana for example.   Marijuana is made from the dried leaves and flowering tops of the hemp plant, but this plant also provides useful fibers for making rope and cloth.   Same is true of tobacco leaves, which many abuse by smoking them for their narcotic effect, a wrong purpose, but the leaves of this plant can also be used for making disinfectants and insecticides.   This is also with respect many of earth's resources such as sodium nitrate that can be used for making bombs to kill other humans or for mining and fertilizer.   Even weeds are beneficial in preventing erosion and providing mulch when soil is not under cultivation.

DECEPTION WITH RESPECT MARIJUANA:

Some falsely say marijuana is harmless, but let's investigate what doctors have to say on the subject.   David Powelson, M.D., formerly chief of psychiatry, Cowell Hospital, University of California at Berkeley, at one time advocated legalizing the use of marijuana, but later, after more evidence was available wrote,
<<<"I now believe that marijuana is the most dangerous drug we must contend with:1. Its early use is beguiling.   The user is given an illusion of feeling good; he cannot sense the deterioration of his mental and physiological processes.  2. Its continued use leads to delusional thinking.   After one to three years of continuous use, the pathological forms of thinking begin to take over the thought process." [source - Executive Health Report, October 1977, page 8]>>>.

Dr. Robert L. DuPont, former director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse in the United States, who in the past was quoted as minimizing danger from marijuana, more recently stated:
<<<"The real issue is the health danger posed by this epidemic [of marijuana use by the younger generation], danger of at least two kinds.   One is the effects of the intoxication, ranging from the hazardous impact on driving to caring less about everything [including one's creator].   The other area is purely physical.   Here the concerns range from the regular occurrence of chronic bronchitis among marijuana users to the very real possibilities of harmful hormonal effects, effects on the immune system and possibly even cancer." [source - Montreal Gazette, March 22, 1979, page 9]>>>.

Science Digest says,
<<<"Regular marijuana puffing may, in the long run, widen the gaps between nerve endings in the brain that are necessary for such vital functions as memory, emotion and behavior.   In order for nerves to perform their functions, they must communicalt between themselves."  [Then, commenting on the results of animal test, the article continues: "The most marked effects occurred in the septal region, associated with emotions: the hippocampus, concerned with memory formation; and the amygdala, responsible for certain behavioral functions." [source - Science Digest, March 1981, page 104.]>>>

IMMODERATE USE OF ALCOHOL:

Now let's deal with alcohol which is a different case from illegal drugs.   Alcohol is a food and is metabolized by the body to provide energy; the end products are disposed of by the body.   However, a psychopharmacologist said: <<<"Marijuana is a very potent drug, and the biggest mistake we make is comparing it to alcohol." "Molecule for molecule, THC [in marijuana] is 10,000 times stronger than alcohol in its ability to produce mild intoxication...THC is removed slowly from the body, and many months are required to recover from its effects." [source - Execitove Jea;tj Re[prt. Pctpber 1077, page 3]>>>.

The true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, knows how we are constructed, and his inspired word, the Bible, permits moderate use of alcoholic beverages per 1 Timothy 5:23, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." (AV); and Psalms 104:15, "And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart." (AV).    But he also strongly condemns immoderate consumption of alcohol, just as he condemns gluttony per Proverbs 23:20-21, "Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:  21  For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags." (AV); and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  10  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." (AV).

But some take an extreme ridicules view against alcohol that defies common sense.  One individual said the following, <<<"Actually there are problems in hospitals today!! Muslims are refusing to use the hand-cleaner at patient's bedsides.

It has alcohol in it, so they say it is against their religion to use it.

Hand-washing is so important in disease control.">>>.

This situation, absurd and beyond reason actually occurred in a medical facility in Dearborn, Michigan.  It clearly shows that some can not draw the distinction about the abuse of alcohol such as getting drunk from its immoderate use, and its correct use in moderation and for necessary medical reasons.  So absurd religious views serve only to confuse the issue and not to solve the real problem, the immoderate use of alcohol.

CONCLUSION:

Use of illegal drugs for so called recreational usage by genuine (true) Christians is prohibited as the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, the Bible, clearly show that works of the flesh including drug usage are not for genuine (true) Christians at Galatians 5:19-21, "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." (American Standard Version; ASV).   An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words by W.E. Vine, in commenting on the word "phar-ma-kia", is 'practice of spiritism' or 'druggery.'   And Vine says, <<<"In socery, the use of drug, whether simple or potent, was generally accompanied by incantations and appeals to occult powers, with provision of various charms, amulets, etc., professedly designed to keep the applicant or patient from the attention and power of deamons, but actually to impress the applicant with the mysterious resources and powers of the sorcerer"[source - An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words by W.E. Vine, Vol. IV, pages 51-52, London 1940] >>>.

Similarly today, many who use drugs are involved in spiritistic practices or associate with those who are, because of a blank mind or one that experiences hallucinations is easy prey to the demons,  this danger is highlighted at Luke 11:24-26, "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.  25  And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.  26  Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first." (AV).

Remember that a person's life and breath are in all things as brought out in Acts 17:24-25, "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;   25  Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;" (AV).   This fact was obviously forgotten by the Tobacco/Marijuana smoking Sunnis that attacked the Amani"s Restaurant in Dearborn, Michigan last week and the many youths in apostate (counterfeit) so called Christian groups that use drugs.

The inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, the Bible, does NOT prohibit drinking of alcohol if done in moderation, but it does definitely prohibit drunkenness which is over indulging.

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

HERE IS VOL 613B  –  COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND A VIDEO ON AN INTRODUCTION TO NEHEMIAH,  [2] THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES - Garcinia mangostana :

ALSO, VIDEO ON WAS THE EARTH CREATED, :CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER:
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[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [613B]

The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.   Proverbs 14:35, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

This Biblical truth is re-stated at Matthew 24:45 - 51, [AV] “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?  46  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  47  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.  48  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;  49  And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;  50  The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,  51  And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  An actual example of this truth is shown at 1 Kings 2:44 - 46, [AV] “The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;  45  And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD for ever.  46  So the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; which went out, and fell upon him, that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.”

VIEW THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND A VIDEO ON AN INTRODUCTION TO NEHEMIAH, CLICK OR POST IN THE BROWSER:
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[2]       Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the The purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), colloquially known simply as mangosteen, is a tropical evergreen tree believed to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas of Indonesia. It grows mainly in Southeast Asia, and also in tropical countries such as Colombia, Sri Lanka, in the state of Kerala in India and in Puerto Rico and Hawaii,[1][2] where the tree has been introduced. The tree grows from 6 to 25 m (19.7 to 82.0 ft) tall.[3] The fruit of the mangosteen is sweet and tangy, juicy, somewhat fibrous, with fluid-filled vesicles (like the flesh of citrus fruits), with an inedible, deep reddish-purple colored rind (exocarp) when ripe.[1] In each fruit, the fragrant edible flesh that surrounds each seed is botanically endocarp, i.e., the inner layer of the ovary.[4][5] Seeds are almond-shaped and sized.
The purple mangosteen belongs to the same genus as the other, less widely known,mangosteens, such as the button mangosteen (G. prainiana) or the charichuelo (G. madruno).
History
Mangosteen is a native plant to Sunda Islands and the Moluccas of Indonesia. Highly valued for its juicy, delicate texture and slightly sweet and sour flavour, the mangosteen has been cultivated in Java, Sumatra, Mainland Southeast Asia, and the southern Philippines since ancient times. The 15th-century Chinese record Yingyai Shenglan described mangosteen asmang-chi-shih (derived from Javanese manggis), a native plant of Java of white flesh with delectable sweet and sour taste.[6]
A description of mangosteen was included in the Species Plantarum by Linnaeus in 1753. The mangosteen was introduced into English greenhouses in 1855.[7] Subsequently its culture was introduced into the Western Hemisphere, where it became established in West Indies islands, especially Jamaica. It was later established on the Americas mainland in Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Ecuador. The mangosteen tree generally does not grow well outside the tropics.
Propagation, cultivation and harvest
Mangosteen is usually propagated by seedlings.[3][8] Vegetative propagation is difficult and seedlings are more robust and reach fruiting earlier than vegetative propagated plants.[3][8]
Mangosteen produces a recalcitrant seed which is not a true seed strictly defined, but rather described as a nucellarasexual embryo.[3][8][9] As seed formation involves no sexual fertilization, the seedling is genetically identical to the mother plant.[3][8] If allowed to dry, a seed dies quickly, but if soaked, seed germination takes between 14 and 21 days when the plant can be kept in a nursery for about 2 years growing in a small pot.[8]
When the trees are approximately 25–30 cm (10–12 in), they are transplanted to the field at a distance of 20–40 m (66–131 ft).[3][8] After planting, the field is mulched in order to control weeds.[3][10] Transplanting takes place in the rainy season because young trees are likely to be damaged by drought.[3][8] Because young trees need shade,[3][10] intercropping withbanana, plantain, rambutan, durian or coconut leaves is effective.[3][8] Coconut palms are mainly used in areas with a long dry season, as palms also provide shade for mature mangosteen trees.[3][8] Another advantage of intercropping in mangosteen cultivation is the suppression of weeds.[3][10]
The growth of the trees is retarded if the temperature is below 20 °C. The ideal temperature range for growing and producing fruits is between 25 °C and 35 °C[11] with a relative humidity over 80%.[10] The maximal temperature is between 38 °C and 40 °C, with both leaves and fruit being susceptible to scorching and sunburn,[10][11] while the minimum temperature is between 3 °C and 5 °C.[11] Young seedlings prefer a high level of shade and mature trees are shade-tolerant.[11]
Mangosteen trees have a weak root system and prefer deep, well drained soils with high moisture content, often growing on riverbanks.[10] The mangosteen is not adapted to limestone soils, sandy, alluvial soils or sandy soils with low organic matter content.[11][12] Mangosteen trees need a well distributed rainfall over the year (<40 mm/month) and a 3–5 week dry season.[11]
Mangosteen trees are sensitive to water availability and application of fertilizer input which is increased with the age of trees, regardless of region.[3][10] Maturation of mangosteen fruits takes 5–6 months, with harvest occurring when thepericarps are purple.[3][9]
Breeding
In breeding of perennial mangosteen, selection of rootstock and grafting are significant issues to overcome constraints to production, harvesting or seasonality.[3] Most of the genetic resources for breeding are in germplasm collections, whereas some wild species are cultivated in Malaysia and the Philippines.[3][8] Conservation methods are chosen because storage of seeds under dried and low temperature conditions has not been successful.[3]
Because of the long duration until the trees yield fruits and the long resulting breeding cycles, mangosteen breeding has not proven attractive for transplanting or research.[3][13] Breeding objectives that may enhance mangosteen production include:[13]
* Drought tolerance, especially sensitivity to drought in the first 5 years after germination
* Tree architecture to produce a tree with a crown that is regular and pyramid-shaped
* Fruit quality including i) overcoming bitter taste components caused by changes in pulp, pericarp or aril and ii) pericarp cracking resulting from excessive water uptake
* Rootstock for improved adaptation to drought and robust development in early years of growth
Yield
Mangosteen trees reach fruit-bearing in as little as 5–6 years, but more typically require 8–10 years.[3][9] The yield of the mangosteen is variable, depending on climate and age of the tree.[3] If the young tree is bearing for the first time, 200-300 fruits may be produced, whereas at maturity, 500 fruits per season are average.[3] At age 30 to 45 years in full maturity, each tree may yield as many as 3,000 fruits, with trees as old as 100 years still producing.[3]
Regional production
Major mangosteen production occurs in Southeast Asia, mainly in Thailand as the country with the most acreage planted, estimated at 4,000 ha in 1965[3] and 11,000 ha in 2000, giving a total yield of 46,000 tons.[8] Indonesia, Malaysia and thePhilippines are other major Asian producers.[8] Mangosteen production in Puerto Rico is succeeding,[1][9] but despite decades of attempts, no major production occurs elsewhere in the Caribbean Islands, South America, Florida, California,Hawaii or any continent except Asia.[3]
Diseases and pests
Common diseases and pests
The pathogens which attack purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) are common in other tropical trees. The diseases can be divided into foliar, fruit, stem and soil-borne diseases.[14]
Pestalotiopsis leaf blight (Pestalotiopsis flagisettula (only identified in Thailand)) is one of the diseases which infect especially young leaves.[14] Furthermore, the pathogen causes the fruits to rot before and after the harvest.[14] Additionalstem canker and dieback are caused by the pathogen.[14] Some of the symptoms of stem canker are branch splitting,gummosis and bark blistering.[14] The main areas where the disease was observed are Thailand, Malaysia and North Queensland.[14]
Another common disease is the thread blight or white thread blight disease (Marasmiellus scandens) whereas the name comes from the mycelia which resembles thread.[14] Leaves, twigs and branches may also be damaged by the disease.[14]The spores spread with the help of wind, raindrops and insects, and thrive in shady, humid and wet conditions.[14]
An important post-harvest disease affecting mangosteen especially in Thailand is called Diplodia fruit rot (Diplodia theobromae) which, as a secondary pathogen, enters the host plant through wounds.[14]
Phellinus noxius living on the roots and trunk bases causes brown root disease, a name derived from the appearance of themycelium-binding soil particles.[14] The distribution of the fungus happens through contact with infected wood or thickrhizomorphs on tree stumps.[14]
There are a few pests which feed on mangosteen leaves and fruits including leaf eater (Stictoptera sp.), leaf miner(Phyllocnictis citrella) and fruit borer (Curculio sp.).[8] Especially in nurseries, the larval stage of the leaf eater can cause visible damage on young leaves, but can be managed by biological control agents.[8] The larval stage of fruit borer (Curculio sp.) feeds on different parts of fruit before ripening.[8]
Control measures for diseases and pests
Different management options can be applied to control mangosteen diseases.[8][14]
* Measures to inhibit sun scalding to minimize leaf blight and stem canker.
* Reduction of wounds caused by insects and storm damage to minimize disease incidence.
* Change of the microclimate by tree spacing and pruning.
* Chemicals applied to root collars and tree stumps to control root diseases.
* Fungicides to control fungal pathogens.
* Biological pest control or insecticides to control insects.
Tree and fruit
A tropical tree, the mangosteen must be grown in consistently warm conditions, as exposure to temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) for prolonged periods will usually kill a mature plant. They are known to recover from brief cold spells rather well, often with damage only to young growth. Experienced horticulturists have grown this species outdoors, and brought them to fruit in extreme south Florida.[1]
The juvenile mangosteen fruit, which does not require fertilisation to form (seeagamospermy), first appears as pale green or almost white in the shade of thecanopy. As the fruit enlarges over the next two to three months, the exocarp colour deepens to darker green. During this period, the fruit increases in size until its exocarp is 6–8 centimetres (2.4–3.1 in) in outside diameter, remaining hard until a final, abrupt ripening stage.
The subsurface chemistry of the mangosteen exocarp comprises an array of polyphenols, including xanthones and tannins that assure astringency which discourages infestation by insects, fungi, plant viruses, bacteria and animal predation while the fruit is immature. Colour changes and softening of the exocarp are natural processes of ripening that indicates the fruit can be eaten and the seeds have finished developing.[15]
Once the developing mangosteen fruit has stopped expanding, chlorophyllsynthesis slows as the next colour phase begins. Initially streaked with red, the exocarp pigmentation transitions from green to red to dark purple, indicating a final ripening stage. This entire process takes place over a period of ten days as the edible quality of the fruit peaks.
Over the days following removal from the tree, the exocarp hardens to an extent depending upon post-harvest handling and ambient storage conditions, especially relative humidity levels. If the ambient humidity is high, exocarp hardening may take a week or longer when the flesh quality is peaking and excellent for consumption. However, after several additional days of storage, especially if unrefrigerated, the flesh inside the fruit might spoil without any obvious external indications. Using the hardness of the rind as an indicator of freshness for the first two weeks following harvest is therefore unreliable because the rind does not accurately reveal the interior condition of the flesh. If the exocarp is soft and yielding as it is when ripe and fresh from the tree, the fruit is usually good.[9]
The edible endocarp of the mangosteen has the same shape and size as a tangerine 4–6 centimetres (1.6–2.4 in) in diameter, but is white.[9] The number of fruit segments corresponds exactly with the number of stigma lobes on the exteriorapex;[3][9] accordingly, a higher number of fleshy segments also corresponds with the fewest seeds.[3] The circle of wedge-shaped segments contains 4–8, rarely 9 segments,[9] the larger ones harbouring the apomictic seeds that are unpalatable unless roasted.[3]
Often described as a subtle delicacy, the flesh bears an exceptionally mild aroma, quantitatively having about 1/400th of the chemical constituents of fragrant fruits, explaining its relative mildness.[16] The main volatile components having caramel,grass and butter notes as part of the mangosteen fragrance are hexyl acetate, hexenol and ?-copaene.
Nutritional content

The endocarp is the white part of the fruit containing a mild flavor that makes the fruit popular for eating.[1][9] When analyzed specifically for its content of essential nutrients, however, mangosteen nutrition is modest, as all nutrients analyzed are a low percentage of the Dietary Reference Intake (see right table for canned fruit in syrup, USDA Nutrient Database; note that nutrient values for fresh fruit are likely different, but have not been published by a reputable source).[9][17]
Uses[edit]
Culinary[edit]
Due to restrictions on imports, mangosteen is not readily available in certain countries. Although available in Australia, for example, they are still rare in the produce sections of grocery stores in North America andEurope. Following export from its natural growing regions in Southeast Asia, the fresh fruit may be available seasonally in some local markets like those of Chinatowns.[1]
Mangosteens are available canned and frozen in Western countries. Without fumigation or irradiation (in order to kill the Asian fruit fly) fresh mangosteens were illegal to import into the United States until 2007.[18]Freeze-dried and dehydrated mangosteen flesh can also be found.
Upon arrival in the US in 2007, fresh mangosteens sold at up to $60 per pound in speciality produce stores in New York City, but wider availability and somewhat lower prices have become common in the United States and Canada.[2] Despite efforts described above to grow mangosteen in the Western Hemisphere, nearly the entire supply is imported from Thailand.[19] Canned mangosteens are also available in the United States for a much lower price, but much of the fruit's unique flavor is lost in the canning process.[citation needed]

Young fruit
Before ripening, the mangosteen shell is fibrous and firm, but becomes soft and easy to pry open when the fruit ripens. To open a mangosteen, the shell is usually scored first with a knife; one holds the fruit in both hands, prying gently along the score with the thumbs until the rind cracks. It is then easy to pull the halves apart along the crack and remove the fruit. Occasionally, during peeling of ripe fruits, the purple exocarp juice may stain skin or fabric.
There is a legend about Queen Victoria offering a reward of 100 pounds sterling to anyone who could deliver to her the fresh fruit.[1][9] Although this legend can be traced to a 1930 publication by the fruit explorer, David Fairchild, it is not substantiated by any known historical document, yet is probably responsible for the uncommon designation of mangosteen as the "Queen of Fruit".[9]
In his publication, "Hortus Veitchii", James Herbert Veitch says he visited Java in 1892, "to eat the Mangosteen. It is necessary to eat the Mangosteen grown within three or four degrees of latitude of the equator to realize at all the attractive and curious properties of this fruit."[20]
The journalist and gourmet R. W. Apple, Jr. once said of the fruit, "No other fruit, for me, is so thrillingly, intoxicatingly luscious...I'd rather eat one than a hot fudge sundae, which for a big Ohio boy is saying a lot."[21] Since 2006, private small volume orders for fruits grown in Puerto Rico were sold to American gourmet restaurants who serve the flesh segments as a delicacy dessert.[1]
Traditional medicine and research
Various parts of the plant have a history of use in traditional medicine, mostly in Southeast Asia; it may have been used to treat skin infections, wounds, dysentery, and urinary tract infections.[3][22]
According to the American Cancer Society, "there is no reliable evidence that mangosteen juice, puree, or bark is effective as a treatment for cancer in humans".[23]
Other uses
Mangosteen twigs have been used as chew sticks in Ghana, and the wood has been used to make spears and cabinetry inThailand. The rind of the mangosteen fruit has also been used to tan leather in China.
Peel phytochemicals
Mangosteen peel contains xanthonoids, such as mangostin, and other phytochemicals.[22] Research on the phytochemistry of the plant without human clinical study, however, is inadequate to assure the safety or efficacy of its use as a supplement.[22][24]
Marketing
Fresh mangosteen is marketed for only a short period of six to ten weeks due to its seasonal nature.[2][8] It is mainly grown by smallholders and sold at fruit stalls by roadsides. Its irregular, short supply leads to wide price fluctuations throughout its season. The price of mangosteen has also been subject to great fluctuations over the years.[1][25] Additionally, there is no standard product quality assessment or grading system, making international trade of the fruits difficult.[8] The mangosteen still remains rare in Western markets, though its popularity is increasing, and it is often sold at a high price.[2][26]
References
1. ^             to:a b c d e f g h i Karp, David (9 August 2006). "Forbidden? Not the Mangosteen". The New York Times. Retrieved22 May 2010.
2. ^             to:a b c d Karp, David (8 August 2007). "Mangosteens Arrive, but Be Prepared to Pay". The New York Times. Retrieved22 May 2010.
3. ^             to:a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab Morton, Julia F. (1987). "Mangosteen". Fruits of warm climates. Purdue University. pp. 301–304. Retrieved 4 December2012.
4.            ^ Mabberley, D.J. 1997. The plant book: A portable dictionary of the vascular plants. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
5.            ^ "Garcinia mangostana (Clusiaceae)". Montoso Gardens. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
6.            ^ Huan Ma, Chengjun Feng, John Vivian Gottlieb Mills.Ying-yai Sheng-lan: 'The Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores' (1433). p. 92. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
7.            ^ "Mangosteen". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved2 May 2015.
8. ^             to:a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r bin Osman, Mohamad (2006). Mangosteen Garcinia mangostana L. Southampton, UK: University of Southampton. ISBN 0854328173.
9. ^             to:a b c d e f g h i j k l Crown I (2014). "Science: Mangosteen information". Mangosteen.com. The mangosteen website.
10. ^             to:a b c d e f g Yaacob, Othman; Tindall, H.D. (1995).Mangosteen cultivation. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. ISBN 92-5-103459-1.
11. ^             to:a b c d e f Diczbalis, Yan (2011). "Farm and Forestry Production and Marketing for Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)". Elevitch C.R.
12.            ^ Paull, R.E.; Duarte, O. (2012). Mangosteen. Crop Production Science in Horticulture.
13. ^             to:a b Te-chato, Sompong; Lim, Mongkol (2005). "7.1 Garcinia mangostana Mangosteen". In Litz, R. E.Biotechnology of Fruit and Nut Crops. Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing.
14. ^             to:a b c d e f g h i j k l m Lim, T.-K.; Sangchote, S. (2003). "16 Diseases on Mangosteen". In Ploetz, R. C. Diseases of Tropical Fruit Crops. Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing.
15.            ^ Simon PW (26 May 1996). "Plant Pigments for Color and Nutrition". US Department of Agriculture, republished from HortScience 32(1):12-13, 1997.
16.            ^ MacLeod AJ, Pieris NM. Volatile flavour components of mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana" Phytochemistry 21:117–9, 1982
17.            ^ NutritionData.com (2012). "Mangosteen, canned, syrup pack, per 100 g". Conde Nast. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
18.            ^ Karp, David (27 June 2007). "Welcome at the Border: Thai Fruits, Once Banned". The New York Times. Retrieved22 May 2010.
19.            ^ "Market Potential for Mangosteen and Salaaca" (PDF). Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved December 4, 2014.
20.            ^ Veitch, James Herbert (2006). Hortus Veitchii. Caradoc Doy. p. 89. ISBN 0-9553515-0-2.
21.            ^ Apple, R. W. (24 Sep 2003). "Forbidden Fruit: Something About A Mangosteen". New York Times. Retrieved13 June 2012.
22. ^             to:a b c Obolskiy, Dmitriy; Pischel, Ivo; Siriwatanametanon, Nisarat; Heinrich, Michael (2009). "Garcinia mangostanaL.: A phytochemical and pharmacological review". Phytotherapy Research 23 (8): 1047–65. doi:10.1002/ptr.2730.PMID 19172667.
23.            ^ "Mangosteen Juice". American Cancer Society. November 2008. Retrieved August 2013.
24.            ^ Gross P, Crown I (2009). "The Mangosteen Controversy". Engredea (May 21, 2009). Retrieved4 January 2010.
25.            ^ "Mangosteen price too low: farmers". The Nation. 31 July 2007. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
26.            ^ Temple-West, Patrick (5 March 2008). "Tropical sweetness: harnessing the elusive mangosteen". Medill Reports. Retrieved 4 December 2012.
[sourc - retrieved from  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_mangosteen   on  10/15/2015]

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

To view this plant, go to, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_mangosteen 

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

HERE IS VOL 615B  –  COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND A VIDEO ON AN INTRODUCTION TO JOB,  [2] IS ISLAM A PEACEFUL RELIGION PER THE QURAN?  [PART 2]


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[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [615B]

And Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:  35  but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him.  Acts 10:34-35 [American Standard Version; ASV]

Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is no respecter of race or nationality, but accepts all people earnestly following him as clearly shown by James 2:1-4, “My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2  For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing;  3  and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool;  4  do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”   Clearly showing that we should not draw a distinction between rich or poor or between nationalities and/or races, BUT ONLY JUDGE INDIVIDUALS BY THEIR ACTIONS.

VIEW  A VIDEO ON AN INTRODUCTION TO JOB, CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER:
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[2]       PART 2 OF IS ISLAM A PEACEFUL RELIGION PER THE QURAN?  (FIRST PART IN VOL 545)

072.021
YUSUFALI: Say: "It is not in my power to cause you harm, or to bring you to right conduct."
PICKTHAL: Say: Lo! I control not hurt nor benefit for you.
SHAKIR: Say: I do not control for you evil or good.

072.022
YUSUFALI: Say: "No one can deliver me from Allah (If I were to disobey Him), nor should I find refuge except in Him,
PICKTHAL: Say: Lo! none can protect me from Allah, nor can I find any refuge beside Him
SHAKIR: Say: Surely no one can protect me against Allah, nor can I find besides Him any place of refuge:

072.023
YUSUFALI: "Unless I proclaim what I receive from Allah and His Messages: for any that disobey Allah and His Messenger,- for them is Hell: they shall dwell therein for ever."
PICKTHAL: (Mine is) but conveyance (of the Truth) from Allah, and His messages; and whoso disobeyeth Allah and His messenger, lo! his is fire of hell, wherein such dwell for ever.
SHAKIR: (It is) only a delivering (of communications) from Allah and His messages; and whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger surely he shall have the fire of hell to abide therein for a long time.

072.024
YUSUFALI: At length, when they see (with their own eyes) that which they are promised,- then will they know who it is that is weakest in (his) helper and least important in point of numbers.
PICKTHAL: Till (the day) when they shall behold that which they are promised (they may doubt); but then they will know (for certain) who is weaker in allies and less in multitude.
SHAKIR: Until when they see what they are threatened with, then shall they know who is weaker in helpers and fewer in number.

072.025
YUSUFALI: Say: "I know not whether the (Punishment) which ye are promised is near, or whether my Lord will appoint for it a distant term.
PICKTHAL: Say (O Muhammad, unto the disbelievers): I know not whether that which ye are promised is nigh, or if my Lord hath set a distant term for it.
SHAKIR: Say: I do not know whether that with which you are threatened be nigh or whether my Lord will appoint for it a term:

072.026
YUSUFALI: "He (alone) knows the Unseen, nor does He make any one acquainted with His Mysteries,-
PICKTHAL: (He is) the Knower of the Unseen, and He revealeth unto none His secret,
SHAKIR: The Knower of the unseen! so He does not reveal His secrets to any,

072.027
YUSUFALI: "Except a messenger whom He has chosen: and then He makes a band of watchers march before him and behind him,
PICKTHAL: Save unto every messenger whom He hath chosen, and then He maketh a guard to go before him and a guard behind him
SHAKIR: Except to him whom He chooses as a messenger; for surely He makes a guard to march before him and after him,

072.028
YUSUFALI: "That He may know that they have (truly) brought and delivered the Messages of their Lord: and He surrounds (all the mysteries) that are with them, and takes account of every single thing."
PICKTHAL: That He may know that they have indeed conveyed the messages of their Lord. He surroundeth all their doings, and He keepeth count of all things.
SHAKIR: So that He may know that they have truly delivered the messages of their Lord, and He encompasses what is with them and He records the number of all things.

-3-

Islam uses Jihad ["Holy war"] to force their religion upon others. In Hadith vol.1, no. 25, [Translation of Sahih Bukhari Hadith by M. Muhsin Khan ],it states that Jihad, or holy war, is the second best thing to believing in Allah and his apostle [Muhammed]. When Allah's Apostle was asked, "What is the best deed?" He replied. "To believe in Allah and his Apostle." The questioner then asked, "What is the next?" He replied, "To participate in Jihad [holy war] in Allah's cause."

In Sura 9:5, the Quaran requires violence, when it states, "Fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every strategem of war."

009.005
YUSUFALI: But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

-4-

Sura 5:33 records what is done to infidels who resist Islam, "Their punishment is...execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from the opposite sides, or exile from the land." Muhammed also burned out eyes with hot irons in Hadith vol.1 no. 234, [Translation of Sahih Bukhari Hadith by M. Muhsin Khan ] and deprived people of water until they died, vol.8 no. 796, [Translation of Sahih Bukhari Hadith by M. Muhsin Khan ].

005.033
YUSUFALI: The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter;
PICKTHAL: The only reward of those who make war upon Allah and His messenger and strive after corruption in the land will be that they will be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet on alternate sides cut off, or will be expelled out of the land. Such will be their degradation in the world, and in the Hereafter theirs will be an awful doom;
SHAKIR: The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His messenger and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement,



In Sura 4:34, women are treated badly: "Men are the managers of the affairs of women...Those you fear may be rebellious...admonish; banish them to their couches and beat them."

004.034
YUSUFALI: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).
PICKTHAL: Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.
SHAKIR: Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great.

-5-

Torment to Non-believers:
Sura 4.56: (As for) those who disbelieve in Our communications, We shall make them, S enter fire; so oft as their skins are thoroughly burned, We will change them for other skins, that they may taste the chastisement; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.

004.056
YUSUFALI: Those who reject our Signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire: as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
PICKTHAL: Lo! Those who disbelieve Our revelations, We shall expose them to the Fire. As often as their skins are consumed We shall exchange them for fresh skins that they may taste the torment. Lo! Allah is ever Mighty, Wise.
SHAKIR: (As for) those who disbelieve in Our communications, We shall make them enter fire; so oft as their skins are thoroughly burned, We will change them for other skins, that they may taste the chastisement; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.

-6-

Islam Acceptable:
Sura 3.85: And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers.

003.085
YUSUFALI: If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).
PICKTHAL: And whoso seeketh as religion other than the Surrender (to Allah) it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter.
SHAKIR: And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers.

-7-

No friends from outsiders
Sura 3.118: O you who believe! do not take for intimate friends from among others than your own people; they do not fall short of inflicting loss upon you; they love what distresses you; vehement hatred has already appeared from out of their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater still; indeed, We have made the communications clear to you, if you will understand.

003.118
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks: They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: What their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Take not for intimates others than your own folk, who would spare no pains to ruin you; they love to hamper you. Hatred is revealed by (the utterance of) their mouths, but that which their breasts hide is greater. We have made plain for you the revelations if ye will understand.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! do not take for intimate friends from among others than your own people; they do not fall short of inflicting loss upon you; they love what distresses you; vehement hatred has already appeared from out of their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater still; indeed, We have made the communications clear to you, if you will understand.

-8-

Friends with Jews, Christians...
Sura 5.51: O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.

005.051
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends one to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is (one) of them. Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.

-9-

No friends with non believers
Sura 4.144: O you who believe! do not take the unbelievers for friends rather than the believers; do you desire that you should give to Allah a manifest proof against yourselves?

004.144
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! Take not for friends unbelievers rather than believers: Do ye wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Choose not disbelievers for (your) friends in place of believers. Would ye give Allah a clear warrant against you?
SHAKIR: O you who believe! do not take the unbelievers for friends rather than the believers; do you desire that you should give to Allah a manifest proof against yourselves?

-10-

No friends with non believers
Sura 3.28: Let not the believers take the unbelievers for friends rather than believers; and whoever does this, he shall have nothing of (the guardianship of) Allah, but you should guard yourselves against them, guarding carefully; and Allah makes you cautious of (retribution from) Himself; and to Allah is the eventual coming.

003.028
YUSUFALI: Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution, that ye may Guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah.
PICKTHAL: Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Allah unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. Allah biddeth you beware (only) of Himself. Unto Allah is the journeying.
SHAKIR: Let not the believers take the unbelievers for friends rather than believers; and whoever does this, he shall have nothing of (the guardianship of) Allah, but you should guard yourselves against them, guarding carefully; and Allah makes you cautious of (retribution from) Himself; and to Allah is the eventual coming.

-11-

No friends with parents/siblings if not believers
Sura 9.23: O you who believe! do not take your fathers and your brothers for guardians if they love unbelief more than belief; and whoever of you takes them for a guardian, these it is that are the unjust.

003.028
YUSUFALI: Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution, that ye may Guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah.
PICKTHAL: Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoso doeth that hath no connection with Allah unless (it be) that ye but guard yourselves against them, taking (as it were) security. Allah biddeth you beware (only) of Himself. Unto Allah is the journeying.
SHAKIR: Let not the believers take the unbelievers for friends rather than believers; and whoever does this, he shall have nothing of (the guardianship of) Allah, but you should guard yourselves against them, guarding carefully; and Allah makes you cautious of (retribution from) Himself; and to Allah is the eventual coming.

-12-

Fight non-believers
Sura 9.123: O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness; and know that Allah is with those who guard (against evil).

009.123
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him).
SHAKIR: O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness; and know that Allah is with those who guard (against evil).

-13-

Kill non-believers
Sura 4.89 : They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah's way; but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper.

004.089
YUSUFALI: They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): But take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (From what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks;-
PICKTHAL: They long that ye should disbelieve even as they disbelieve, that ye may be upon a level (with them). So choose not friends from them till they forsake their homes in the way of Allah; if they turn back (to enmity) then take them and kill them wherever ye find them, and choose no friend nor helper from among them,
SHAKIR: They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah's way; but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper.

-14-

Anti Jewish verses
Sura 5.82: Certainly you will find the most violent of people in enmity for those who believe (to be) the Jews and those who are polytheists, and you will certainly find the nearest in friendship to those who believe (to be) those who say: We are Christians; this is because there are priests and monks among them and because they do not behave proudly.

005.082
YUSUFALI: Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, "We are Christians": because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.
PICKTHAL: Thou wilt find the most vehement of mankind in hostility to those who believe (to be) the Jews and the idolaters. And thou wilt find the nearest of them in affection to those who believe (to be) those who say: Lo! We are Christians. That is because there are among them priests and monks, and because they are not proud.
SHAKIR: Certainly you will find the most violent of people in enmity for those who believe (to be) the Jews and those who are polytheists, and you will certainly find the nearest in friendship to those who believe (to be) those who say: We are Christians; this is because there are priests and monks among them and because they do not behave proudly.

-15-

God a plotter
Sura 8.30: And when those who disbelieved devised plans against you that they might confine you or slay you or drive you away; and they devised plans and Allah too had arranged a plan; and Allah is the best of planners.

008.030
YUSUFALI: Remember how the Unbelievers plotted against thee, to keep thee in bonds, or slay thee, or get thee out (of thy home). They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah.
PICKTHAL: And when those who disbelieve plot against thee (O Muhammad) to wound thee fatally, or to kill thee or to drive thee forth; they plot, but Allah (also) plotteth; and Allah is the best of plotters.
SHAKIR: And when those who disbelieved devised plans against you that they might confine you or slay you or drive you away; and they devised plans and Allah too had arranged a plan; and Allah is the best of planners.

-16-

Killing Idolaters
Sura 9.5: So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

009.005
YUSUFALI: But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
PICKTHAL: Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
SHAKIR: So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

-17-

Idolaters are unclean just because they are idolater
Sura 9.28: O you who believe! the idolaters are nothing but unclean, so they shall not approach the Sacred Mosque after this year; and if you fear poverty then Allah will enrich you out of His grace if He please; surely Allah is Knowing Wise.

009.028
YUSUFALI: O ye who believe! Truly the Pagans are unclean; so let them not, after this year of theirs, approach the Sacred Mosque. And if ye fear poverty, soon will Allah enrich you, if He wills, out of His bounty, for Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.
PICKTHAL: O ye who believe! The idolaters only are unclean. So let them not come near the Inviolable Place of Worship after this their year. If ye fear poverty (from the loss of their merchandise) Allah shall preserve you of His bounty if He will. Lo! Allah is Knower, Wise.
SHAKIR: O you who believe! the idolaters are nothing but unclean, so they shall not approach the Sacred Mosque after this year; and if you fear poverty then Allah will enrich you out of His grace if He please; surely Allah is Knowing Wise.

-18-

Forcing non-believers to pay tax
Sura 9.29: Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Apostle have prohibited, nor follow the religion of truth, out of those who have been given the Book, until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state of subjection.

009.029
YUSUFALI: Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
PICKTHAL: Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the Religion of Truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low.
SHAKIR: Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day, nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Messenger have prohibited, nor follow the religion of truth, out of those who have been given the Book, until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state of subjection.

[note: force people to believe by putting them in a state of subjection, no religious freedom here, yet they want it for themselves.]

-19-

And that's only the tip of the iceberg!


The key to the differences between Christianity and that of Islam, is the teachings found in the Bible vs that of the Quran, such as what Jesus taught in the NT:

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son: that whosoever believeth in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting." (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB).

John 10:17-30," Therefore doth the Father love me: because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.
18  No man taketh it away from me: but I lay it down of myself. And I have power to lay it down: and I have power to take it up again. This commandment have I received of my Father.  19 ¶  A dissension rose again among the Jews for these words.  20  And many of them said: He hath a devil and is mad. Why hear you him?  21  Others said: These are not the words of one that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?  22 ¶  And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: and it was winter.  23  And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch.  24  The Jews therefore came round about him and said to him: How long dost thou hold our souls in suspense? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.  25  Jesus answered them: I speak to you, and you believe not: the works that I do in the name of my Father, they give testimony of me.  26  But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep.  27 [b] My sheep hear my voice. And I know them: and they follow me.  28  And I give them life everlasting: and they shall not perish for ever. And no man shall pluck them out of my hand.  29  That which my Father hath given me is greater than all: and no one can snatch them out of the hand of my Father.  30  I and the Father are one." (DRCB).

Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind.  38  This is the greatest and the first commandment.  39  And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  40  On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets." (DRCB).


John 17:1-5, "And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:  2  And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow.  3  And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him.  4  And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.  5  And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him" (DRCB),  Jesus' (Yeshua) prayer to his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is.

John 11:25-26, "Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live:  26  And every one that liveth and believeth in me shall not die for ever. Believest thou this?" (DRCB).

[Note, John 14:6, "Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me." (DRCB).]

Matthew 19:18-19," He said to him: Which? And Jesus said: Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness.  19  Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (DRCB).

John 15:5-8, "I am the vine: you the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.  6  If any one abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch and shall wither: and they shall gather him up and cast him into the fire: and he burneth.  7  If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you will: and it shall be done unto you.  8  In this is my Father glorified: that you bring forth very much fruit and become my disciples." (DRCB).

John 14:1-4, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  4 ¶  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

John 14:28, "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I." (DRCB).

Quite a contrast between the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, the Bible, and the distorted Bible knockoff whose emphasis is on hate and violence and the Bible's whose emphasis is on love.

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

HERE IS VOL 617B  –  COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND A VIDEO ON AN INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS,  [2]  AN UNDERSTANDING OF ISAIAH 44:6:


ALSO, VIDEO ON IS JESUS CHRIST REALLY GOD, CLICK ON OR POST ON BROWSER:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/FeaturedLibraryVideos/pub-ebtv_2_VIDEO


COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]    AN UNDERSTANDING OF ISAIAH 44:6:

[1]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [617B]

They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.   Proverbs 11:20, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

The Apostle Luke brings out that the end of the ways of the wicked are not good and shows this at Luke 12:20, [AV] “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”  And that the ways of the righteous will be good in the end as shown at Proverbs 10:28, [AV] “The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.” 

VIEW A VIDEO ON AN INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS, CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/books-of-bible-intros/book-of-proverbs/


[2]       AN UNDERSTANDING OF ISAIAH 44:6:

INTRODUCTION:

Let's look at Isaiah 44:6 in several Bible transladions:

Thus saith the Lord the king of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last, and besides me there is no God. (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB)

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. (Authorized King James Bible; AV)

Thus saith Jehovah, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Jehovah of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God. (American Standard Version; ASV)

Thus, saith Yahweh--King of Israel, Even his Redeemer, Yahweh of hosts,--I, am, First, and, I, Last, And, besides me, there is, no God. (Rotherham Bible of 1902; RB)

Thus said Jehovah, king of Israel, And his Redeemer, Jehovah of Hosts: 'I am the first, and I the last, And besides Me there is no God. (Young's Literal Translation; YLT)

As we can readily see they all basically say the same thing, but many have difficulty understanding what the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, meant by "I am the first, and I am the last."    Now let's look into this in detail to clear up any misunderstanding.

"THE FIRST AND THE LAST"

First let's look at Revelation 1:17-18, "And when I had seen him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying: Fear not. I am the First and the Last,  18  And alive, and was dead. And behold I am living for ever and ever and have the keys of death and of hell." (DRCB).   Jesus (Yeshua) Christ, and says, "Thus saith the Lord the king of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last, and besides me there is no God." (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB).   -Special note, In the original Hebrew, Isaiah 44:6, there is no definite article with the words 'first' and 'last.'   Whereas in Jesus (Yeshua) description of himself in the original Koine Greek at Revelation 1:17, the definite article is found.   So, grammatically, Revelation 1:17 indicates a title, whereas Isaiah 44:6 describes the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, Godship.-  Now, when Jesus (Yeshua) presents himself y the title "the First and the Last," he is not claiming equality with the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, his Father, but is using a title bestowed or given to him by his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is.   

Whereas, in Isaiah 44:6, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, was making a statement about His unique position as the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is.   He, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, is God eternal, and besides him there is indeed no God as highlighted by 1 Timothy 1:17, "Now to the king of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (DRCB).   

Whereas, in Revelation, Jesus (Yeshua) is speaking about his bestowed title, calling attention to his unique resurrection.

Therefore, Jesus (Yeshua) was indeed 'the first' human to be resurrected to immortal spirit life per Colossians 1:18, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may hold the primacy:" (DRCB).   Moreover, he is 'the last' to be resurrected by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is.   Therefore, he becomes 'the living one...living for ever and ever,' when his Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, bestows immortality on him per John 6:57,[6:58 in (DRCB)], "As the living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, the same also shall live by me." (DRCB).   Jesus (Yeshua) now enjoys immortality since his immortal Father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, who is called per Revelation 7:2, "And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the sign of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea," (DRCB), and Psalm 42:2, "[41:3 in (DRCB)], "My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (DRCB).   For all others of humanity, Jesus (Yeshua), himself, is per John 11:25, "Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live:" (DRCB).   Therefore in harmony with this, Jesus (Yeshua) says to the Apostle John, per Revelation 1:18, "And alive, and was dead. And behold I am living for ever and ever and have the keys of death and of hell." (DRCB), as the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, has given to him the authority to resurrect the dead at judgment day.   This is also shown at Matthew 16:17-18, "And Jesus answering said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
18  And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (DRCB).

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