Post by iris89 on Jun 14, 2009 21:27:25 GMT -5
Standards Define What Is In Conformance and What Is Deviant:
INTRODUCTION:
Some do NOT recognize the fact that standards are intended to define exactly what is in compliance, not deviant, and what is not in compliance, deviant.
What is deviant must be defined against a standard that it is NOT in compliance, and NOT independently of a standard. Standards are meant to bring orderliness out of chaos. Some standards deal with mechanically and/or electrical items and/or building construction, while others deal with conduct and/or how individuals interrelate with others.
Some standards are written by national and/or international standards groups, while other standards are written on behalf of the makers of something such as the Ford internal Quality Assurance Standard. BUT, no matter who writes the standard, they are all intended to define what is deviant with respect the standard and what is NOT.
Let’s look in brief at one such industrial standard set by a national standards group.
<<<”The Unified Thread Standard (UTS) defines a standard thread form and series-along with allowances, tolerances, and designations-for screw threads commonly used in the United States and Canada. It has the same 60° profile as the ISO metric screw thread used in the rest of the world, but the characteristic dimensions of each UTS thread (outer diameter and pitch) were chosen as an inch fraction rather than a round millimeter value. The UTS is currently controlled by ASME/ANSI in the United States.
The standard designation for a UTS thread is a number indicating the nominal (major) diameter of the thread, followed by the pitch measured in threads per inch. For diameters smaller than 1/4 inch, the diameter is indicated by an integer number defined in the standard, for all other diameters, the inch figure is given.
This number pair is optionally followed by the letters UNC, UNF or UNEF if the diameter-pitch combination is from the "coarse", "fine" or "extra fine" series, and may also be followed by a tolerance class.” [source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]>>>.
Now if the threads on a bolt or a nut do NOT met this standard, they are deviant, out of standard limits, and should be rejected. This standard is intended to prevent chaos in manufacturing by ensuring all bolts o***iven size will fit into all nuts o***iven size.
All standards are meant to show what is acceptable, conforming to the standard, and what is NOT acceptable, deviant – not conforming to the standard.
However, some individuals are clueless as to what a standard is and is NOT. They go so far as to want something to be shown as deviant apart from the standard since they do NOT understand what a standard is. However, some things, yes, can be shown to be deviant by reasoning on their intended function apart from a standard.
SOME FAIL TO UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORDS USED IN A STANDARD:
It is well known that an individual to run for the President of the political entity known as the United States of America that he/she must be 35 years of age and a natural born in the United States of America, but even this simple and one would reasonably assume self evident standard is NOT always understood by all as the following statement actually made in a classroom clearly shows,
“In a Seattle , Washington college classroom, they were discussing the qualifications to be President of the United States.
It was pretty simple the candidate must be a natural born citizen of at least 35 years of age.
However, one girl in the class immediately started in on how unfair was the requirement to be a natural born citizen.
In short, her opinion was that this requirement prevented many capable individuals from becoming president.
The class was taking it in and letting her rant, but everyone's jaw hit the floor when she wrapped up her argument by stating,
'What makes a natural born citizen any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section?'”
So let’s start out with some definitions on what deviant and its variants mean:
[1] Deviate
De"vi*ate, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Deviated; p. pr. & vb. n. Deviating.] [L. deviare to deviate; de + viare to go, travel, via way. See Viaduct.] To go out of the way; to turn aside from a course or a method; to stray or go astray; to err; to digress; to diverge; to vary.
Thus Pegasus, a nearer way to take, May boldly deviate from the common track. Pope.
Syn. -- To swerve; stray; wander; digress; depart; deflect; err.
Deviation
De`vi*a"tion), n. [LL. deviatio: cf. F. déviation.]
1. The act of deviating; a wandering from the way; variation from the common way, from an established rule, etc.; departure, as from the right course or the path of duty.
2. The state or result of having deviated; a transgression; an act of sin; an error; an offense.
[source - Webster Dictionary, 1913]
[2] noun: a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable especially in sexual behavior
adjective: markedly different from an accepted norm ("Deviant ideas")
[source - one look dictionary]
So as can readily be seen, it means noticeably varying and/or varying from an established norm or standard.
THE INSPIRED WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD (YHWH), THE BIBLE, AS THE MOST RECOGNIZED STANDARD:
The most well known standard of which more copies exist than probably copies of all other standards combined is of course the Bible. It is a standard written of behalf of the Creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH). It started to be written in 1,513 BC with the Book of Geneses, one of the five books of the Torah.
It is a guidebook meant to guide everyone with respect what is and is NOT acceptable behavior. In addition, it contains many historical accounts as historical lessons for all with respect acceptable behavior under many and varied different circumstances and as historical information the Creator wishes all to know. In addition, it contains prophecy, history foretold in advance, so all would know that this guidebook originated with the Creator of all there is. All this being presented for the benefit of all obedient mankind.
In fact, the inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, is acknowledged as the greatest book of all times because of its antiquity, its total circulation, the number of languages into which it has been translated, its surpassing greatness as a literary masterpiece, and its overwhelming importance to all mankind. Independent of all other books, it imitates no other. It stands on its own merits, giving credit to its unique Author. The Bible is also distinguished as having survived more violent controversy than any other book, hated as it is by many enemies.
In fact, its details and information has been used as the basis for other so called Holy Books by writers who did NOT give credit to their source of information such as the Qur’an and the Book of Mormon. In fact, this plagiarism has been proven by computer analysis and historical information. One such writer, The Renown German Researcher, Christoph Luxenberg, a world renown linguistic scholar, in his book clearly reveals that the Qur’an is nothing but a distorted takeoff of the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, the Bible. Here is just one example, but the interested individual can find many pages of similars in his book.
<<<"Let's first look at what the Qur’an (Koran) says at Sura 3:47:
Sura 3:47, "She said, "My Lord, how can I have a son, when no man has touched me?" He said, "GOD thus creates whatever He wills. To have anything done, He simply says to it, `Be,' and it is."
And, Sura 3:48 says, ""He will teach him the scripture, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel." Interestingly here the Quran (Koran) actually speaks of the first five (5) books of the Bible, the Torah; yet today many Muslims rail against the Bible from which their book the Qur’an (Koran) was plagiarized from.
Now the Bible says at Luke 1:35, "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God." (American Standard Version; ASV).">>>.
A short review of his book can be found 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 ]
But to really get specific facts in great detail with advanced literary analysis one must read his book of 306 pages.
Now let’s look at this most popular standard of all in a little detail.
THE MOST WELL KNOWN STANDARD OF ALL STANDARDS:
In contents this Book of Books, the inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), Creator of all there is, the Bible, gives guidance with regard acceptable human conduct, reveals the past, explains the present, and foretells the future. These are matters that only He who knows the end from the beginning could author as stated at Isaiah 46:10, “declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; (American Standard Version; ASV). Starting at the beginning by telling of the creation of heaven and earth, the Bible next gives a sweeping account of the events that prepared the earth for man's habitation. Then the truly scientific explanation of the origin of man is revealed-how life comes only from a Life-Giver-facts that only the Creator now in the role of Author could explain as testified to at Ge 1:26-28; 2:7, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” And, “And Almighty God (YHWH) God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (ASV). With the account of why men die, the overriding theme that permeates the whole Bible was introduced. This theme, the vindication of Almighty God (YHWH)'s sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of his purpose for the earth, by means of his Kingdom under Christ, the promised Seed, was wrapped up in the first prophecy concerning 'the seed of the woman,' Ge 3:15, “and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (ASV). More than 2,000 years passed before this promise of a "seed" was again mentioned, God telling Abraham at Genesis 22:18, “and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” (ASV). Over 800 years later, renewed assurance was given to Abraham's descendant King David, and with the passing of more time Almighty God (YHWH)'s prophets kept this flame of hope burning brightly as testified to at 2Sa 7:12, 16; “When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.” And, “And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” (ASV), and Isaiah 9:6, 7, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Almighty God (YHWH) of hosts will perform this.” (ASV). More than 1,000 years after David and 4,000 years after the original prophecy in Eden, the Promised Seed himself appeared, Jesus Christ, the legal heir per Luke 1:31-33, “And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” And, Galatians 3:16, “Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” (ASV). Bruised in death by the earthly seed of the "serpent," this "Son of the Most High" provided the ransom purchase price for the life rights lost to Adam's offspring, thus providing the only means whereby mankind can get everlasting life. He was then raised on high, there to await the appointed time to hurl "the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan," down to the earth, finally to be destroyed forever. Thus the magnificent theme announced in Genesis and developed and enlarged upon throughout the balance of the Bible is, in the closing chapters of Revelation, brought to a glorious climax as Almighty God (YHWH)'s grand purpose by means of his Kingdom is made apparent at Revelations 11:15; 12:1-12, 17; 19:11-16; 20:1-3, 7-10; 21:1-5; 22:3-5, “15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever.” And “And a great sign was seen in heaven: a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars; 2 and she was with child; and she crieth out, travailing in birth, and in pain to be delivered. 3 And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads seven diadems. 4 And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child. 5 And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days. 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels going forth to war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels; 8 And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. 10 And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe for the earth and for the sea: because the devil is gone down unto you, having great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time.” And, “17 And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, that keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus:” Amd. “11 And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself. 13 And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and pure. 15 And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” And, “1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed for a little time.” And, “7 And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” And, “1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God: 4 and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away. 5 And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he saith, Write: for these words are faithful and true.” And, “3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him; 4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads. 5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” (ASV).
This Kingdom under Christ the Promised Seed is the means by which the vindication of Almighty God (YHWH)'s name will be accomplished. Following through on this theme, the Bible magnifies God's personal name to a greater extent than any other book; the name occurs 6,973 times in the Hebrew Scripture portion of the New World Translation. That is in addition to the use of the shorter form "Jah" and the scores of instances where it combines to form other names like "Jehoshua," meaning "Almighty God (YHWH) Is Salvation." (See ALMIGHTY GOD (YHWH) [Importance of the Name].) We would not know the Creator's name, the great issue raised by the Edenic rebellion involving this name, or God's purpose to sanctify and vindicate that name before all creation if these things were not revealed in the Bible.
In this library of 66 little books the theme of the Kingdom and Almighty God (YHWH)'s name are closely interwoven with information on many subjects. Its reference to fields of knowledge such as agriculture, architecture, astronomy, chemistry, commerce, engineering, ethnology, government, hygiene, music, poetry, philology, and tactical warfare is only incidental to development of the theme; not as a treatise. Nevertheless, it contains a veritable treasure-house of information for the archaeologists and paleographers.
ACCURACY AND HONESTY AND CANDOR OF THE BIBLE:
As an accurate historical work and one that penetrates the past to great depths, the Bible far surpasses all other books. However, it is of much greater value in the field of prophecy, foretelling as it does the future that only the King of Eternity can reveal with accuracy. The march of world powers down through the centuries, even to the rise and ultimate demise of present-day institutions, was prophetically related in the Bible's long-range prophecies.
God's Word of truth in a very practical way sets men free from ignorance, superstitions, human philosophies, and senseless traditions of men per John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (ASV), and Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two–edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (ASV). Without the Bible we would not know Almighty God (YHWH), would not know the wonderful benefits resulting from Christ's ransom sacrifice, and would not understand the requirements that must be met in order to get everlasting life in or under God's righteous Kingdom.
The Bible is a most practical book in other ways too, for it gives sound counsel to genuine true followers of Jesus (Yeshua) on how to live now, how to carry on their ministry, and how to survive this anti-God, pleasure-seeking system of things. Christians are told to "quit being fashioned after this system of things" by making their minds over from worldly thinking, and this they can do by having the same mental attitude of humility "that was also in Christ Jesus" and by stripping off the old personality and putting on the new one. For details, go to the following Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:5-8; Ephesians 4:23, 24; Collosians 3:5-10. This means displaying the fruitage of God's spirit, "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control"-subjects on which so much is written throughout the Bible, for details, go to Galatians 5:22, 23; Collosians 3:12-14.
Authenticity. The veracity of the Bible has been assailed from many quarters, but none of these efforts has undermined or weakened its position in the least.
Bible history. Sir Isaac Newton once said: <<<"I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatsoever." [source - Two Apologies, by R. Watson, London, 1820, p. 57]>>>. Its integrity to truth proves sound on any point that might be tested. Its history is accurate and can be relied upon. For example, what it says about the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians cannot be successfully contradicted, for details, see Jeremiah 51:11, 12, 28; Da 5:28, and, neither can what it says about people like Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar, for details, see Jeremiah 27:20; Daniel 1:1; and on Egyptian King Shishak see 1Kings 14:25; 2Ch 12:2; and on Assyrians Tiglath-pileser III and Sennacherib, see 2Kings 15:29; 16:7; 18:13; and on the Roman emperors Augustus, Tiberius, and Claudius, see Luke 2:1; 3:1; Ac 18:2; and on Romans such as Pilate, Felix, and Festus, see Acts 4:27; 23:26; 24:27); nor what it says about the temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Areopagus at Athens, see Acts 19:35; 17:19-34. What the Bible says about these or any other places, people, or events is historically accurate in every detail.
Races and languages. What the Bible says about races and languages of mankind is also true. All peoples, regardless of stature, culture, color, or language, are members of one human family. The threefold division of the human family into the Japhetic, Hamitic, and Semitic races, all descending from Adam through Noah, cannot be successfully disputed, for details, see Genesis 9:18, 19; Acts 17:26.
Says Sir Henry Rawlinson said, <<<"If we were to be guided by the mere intersection of linguistic paths, and independently of all reference to the Scriptural record, we should still be led to fix on the plains of Shinar, as the focus from which the various lines had radiated." [source - The Historical Evidences of the Truth of the Scripture Records, by G. Rawlinson, 1862, p. 287]>>>.
Practicality. The Bible's teachings, examples, and doctrines are most practical for modern man. The righteous principles and high moral standards contained in this book set it apart as far above all other books. Not only does the Bible answer important questions but it also provides many practical suggestions, which, if followed, would do much to raise the physical and mental health of earth's population. The Bible lays down principles of right and wrong that serve as a straightedge for just business dealings, for details, see Matthew 7:12; Leviticus 19:35, 36; Proverbs 20:10; 22:22, 23; industriousness, see Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:23; 1 Timothy 4:11, 12; 2 Timothy 3:10-12; clean moral conduct, see Galatians 5:19-23; 1 Timothy 4:3-8; Exodus 20:14-17; Leviticus 20:10-16; upbuilding associations see 1 Colosians 15:33; Hebrews 10:24, 25; Proverbs 5:3-11; 13:20; good family relationships, see Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colosians 3:18-21; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Pr 13:24.
As the famous educator William Lyon Phelps once said, <<<"I believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college course is more valuable than a college course without a Bible." [source - The New Dictionary of Thoughts, p. 46]>>>. Also, Regarding the Bible, John Quincy Adams wrote, <<<"It is of all books in the world, that which contributes most to make men good, wise, and happy." [source - Letters of John Quincy Adams to His Son, 1849, p. 9.]>>>.
Scientific accuracy. When it comes to scientific accuracy the Bible is not lacking. Whether describing the progressive order of earth's preparation for human habitation, for details see, Genesis 1:1-31, speaking of the earth as being spherical and hung on "nothing," see Job 26:7; Isaiah 40:22, classifying the hare as a cud chewer, see Leviticus 11:6, or declaring, "the soul of the flesh is in the blood," see Leviticus 17:11-14), the Bible is scientifically sound.
Cultures and customs. On points relating to cultures and customs, in no regard is the Bible found to be wrong. In political matters, the Bible always speaks of a ruler by the proper title that he bore at the time of the writing. For example, Herod Antipas and Lysanias are referred to as district rulers (tetrarchs), Herod Agrippa (II) as king, and Gallio as proconsul, for details, see Luke 3:1; Acts 25:13; 18:12. Triumphal marches of victorious armies, together with their captives, were common during Roman times, for details, see 2Corinthians 2:14. The hospitality shown to strangers, the Oriental way of life, the manner of purchasing property, legal procedures in making contracts, and the practice of circumcision among the Hebrews and other peoples are referred to in the Bible, and in all these details the Bible is accurate, for details, see Genesis 18:1-8; 23:7-18; 17:10-14; Jeremiah 9:25, 26.
And with respect candor, Bible writers displayed a candor that is not found among other ancient writers. From the very outset, Moses frankly reported his own sins as well as the sins and errors of his people, a policy followed by the other Hebrew writers, for details, see Exodus 14:11, 12; 32:1-6; Numbers 14:1-9; 20:9-12; 27:12-14; Deuteronomy 4:21. The sins of great ones such as David and Solomon were not covered over but were reported, see 2 Samuel 11:2-27; 1 Kings 11:1-13. Jonah told of his own disobedience, see Jonah 1:1-3; 4:1. The other prophets likewise displayed this same straightforward, candid quality. Writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures showed the same regard for truthful reporting as that displayed in the Hebrew Scriptures. Paul tells of his former sinful course in life; Mark's failure to stick to the missionary work; and also the apostle Peter's errors are related, for details, see Acts 22:19, 20; 15:37-39; Galatians 2:11-14. Such frank, open reporting builds confidence in the Bible's claim to honesty and truthfulness.
Facts testify to the integrity of the Bible. The Bible narrative is inseparably interwoven with the history of the times. It gives straightforward, truthful instruction in the simplest manner. The guileless earnestness and fidelity of its writers, their burning zeal for truth, and their painstaking effort to attain accuracy in details are what we would expect in God's Word of truth, see John 17:17.
If there is a single point that alone proves the Bible to be the inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH) it is the matter of prophecy. There are scores of long-range prophecies in the Bible that have been fulfilled. For a partial listing, see the book "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial," pp. 343-346.
Preservation. Today none of the original writings of the Holy Scriptures are known to exist. Almighty God (YHWH), however, saw to it that copies were made to replace the aging originals. Also, from and after the Babylonian exile, with the growth of many Jewish communities outside Palestine, there was an increasing demand for more copies of the Scriptures. This demand was met by professional copyists who made extraordinary efforts to see that accuracy was attained in their handwritten manuscripts. Ezra was just such a man, see Ezra 7:6.
MISUNDERSTANDING OF WHAT STANDARDS ARE:
As mentioned in the introduction, There is a great misunderstanding with regard to exactly what standards are and how they are to be used. Some feel standards are to be proven; whereas, NIST [National Institute of Standards and Technology - a US governmental agency] and the ANSI [American National Standards Institute - a private technical organization in the US] both make clear that the purpose of standards is to unify or codify what is or is not in accordance to a standard. Standards are either made by a recognized standards setting body and/or other authoritative source. Their main intent is to bring unity in what ever is being judged and/or standardized. Standards are put into effect through promulgated to the users or affected parties and are made available through a variety of sources.
Some standards have an extensive history of application and additions/revisions. Some standards cover basic technical entities such as the SI that covers the metric standard of measurements and weights and these types of standards often intersect with other scientific systems of weights and measures. These types of standards are intended to codify a system so everyone has a standard or uniform way to compare measurements or ways of viewing specific items or situations. In other words, they give a way of proving what is right or correct against a base which is the standard.
The oldest known standard that has frequently been revised up until approximately 96 A.D. is the Holy Bible. It has been translated into more languages than any other standard. In effect it is the ultimate standard due to its promulgated by the Supreme authority of the entire universe, Almighty God (YHWH). However, it like all other standards is intended to codify a system of living or belief which is acceptable to this Supreme authority.
THE BIBLE IS UNIQUE AMONG STANDARDS:
First, the Bible was written over a period exceeding a millennium and one/half by over 40 different divinely inspired writers.
Second, it is far older than all other standards now in common usage.
Three, it is the only standard written at the direction of Almighty God (YHWH); therefore is the ultimate standard.
Is there a way to prove inspiration or, at least, intelligently present evidence for its inspiration? The answer is "Yes!" One of the best ways to prove inspiration is by examining prophecy. There are many religious books in the world that have many good things to say. But only the Bible has fulfilled prophecies--with more fulfillments to come. The Bible has never been wrong in the past, and it won't be wrong in the future. It claims inspiration from God, " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16 AV). Since God is the creator of all things " Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;" (Isaiah 44:24 AV), then He (YHWH) is also the creator of time. It is under His control. Only God, then, would always be right about what is in the future, our future.
Fulfilled prophecy is strong evidence that God is the author of the Bible because when you look at the mathematical odds of prophecy being fulfilled, you quickly see a design, a purpose, and a guiding hand behind the Bible. If just one prophecy failed, then we would know that God is not the true God, because the creator of all things, which includes time, would not be wrong about predicting the future. " When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:22 AV). And "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; 10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;" (Isaiah 46:9-10 American Standard Version of 1901).
One writer and mathmatician, Peter Stoner has figured out the possibilities of the fulfillment of just eight (8) prophecies happening, let alone 100 having been fulfilled, and had this to say:
The following probabilities are taken from Peter Stoner in Science Speaks (Moody Press, 1963) to show that coincidence is ruled out by the science of probability. Stoner says that by using the modern science of probability in reference to eight prophecies, 'we find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled all eight prophecies is 1 in 1017." That would be 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. In order to help us comprehend this staggering probability, Stoner illustrates it by supposing that "we take 1017 silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. "Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man." Stoner considers 48 prophecies and says, "we find the chance that any one man fulfilled all 48 prophecies to be 1 in 10157.
EXAMPLES OF A FEW OF THE PROPHECIES FULFILLED IN JESUS (YESHUA OR YHWH SAVES):
PROPHECY FULFILLED WHEN JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED
[ 1. Betrayed by a friend - Psalms 41:9 - John 13:18-27 - 460 BCE ]]
[ 2. Thirty (30) of silver thrown in Temple - Zechariah 11:13 - Matthew 27:3-5 - 518 BCE ]
[ 3. Betrayed for thirty (30) pieces of silver - Zechariah 11:12 - Matthew 26:14-15 - 518 BCE ]
[ 4. Potters field bought for thirty (30) pieces of silver&Zechariah 11:13 - Matthew 27:6-10 - 518 BCE ]
[ 5. Forsaken by His disciples - Zechariah 13:7 - Mark 14:27-50 - 518 BCE ]
[ 6. Falsely accused by false witnesses - Psalms 35:11-21 - Matthew 26:59-61 - 460 BCE ]
[ 7. Remained silent before accusers - Isaiah 53:7 - Matthew 27:12-14 - 732 BCE ]
[ 8. Was wounded and bruised - Isaiah 53:4-6 - 1 Peter 2:21-25 - 732 BCE ]
[ 9. Spit upon and beaten - Isaiah 50:6 - Matthew 26:67-68 - 732 BCE ]
[ 10. Was mocked - Psalms 22:6- 8 - Matthew 27:27- 31 - 460 BCE ]
REASONS SOME REJECT THE INSPIRED WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD (YHWH), THE BIBLE:
There are two main reasons that individuals reject the Bible, but neither is valid:
[1] They are clueless to reality – lack of knowledge.
[2] They desire to live a life style NOT meeting the requirements of the Bible.
The first if basically self explanatory, but let’s look at the second.
The Bible clearly marks certain activities as deviant. Some cases are as follows that give admonition on morals and conduct:
[1] Showing that fornication, adultery, and other gross sins is a serious deviation from the moral standards of the Bible:
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.” (ASV).
And,
1 Corinthians 6:9-11, “Or 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 men, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.” (ASV).
[2] Worshippers of Almighty God (YHWH) must be united regardless of nationality:
Romans 2:11, “for there is no respect of persons with God.” (ASV).[[No racism]]
And,
Ephesians 4:1-6, “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.” (ASV).
[3] Need to pray incessantly:
1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing;” (ASV).
And,
2 Thessalonians 3:1, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also it is with you;” (ASV).
And,
Philippians 4:6-7, “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” (ASV).
[4] Prayers to be heard by Almighty God (YHWH) must be offered in faith:
Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to be well–pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.” (ASV).
[5] Good family life depends on husbands loving their wives as they love themselves and for wives to have deep respect for their husbands. And children should obey their parents, for this is pleasing to Almighty God (YHWH). Parents need to guide and train their children in a loving way and in godly principles:
Ephesians 3:22, “Wives, be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” (ASV).
And,
Ephesians 6:4, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.” (ASV).
And,
Colossians 3:18-21, “Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well–pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.” (ASV).
[6] Deviant sex clearly win Almighty God (YHWH) disapproval:
Romans 1:19-28, “because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: 21 because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four–footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves: 25 for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. 28 And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;” (ASV).
Now the reality is the fact that many individuals are governed by hedonistic tendencies in which they get pleasure from deviant sex acts and materialism, and for this reason reject the inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, as a standard – this of course is NOT based on fact and reality.
One such individual tried to justify sodomy by saying,
"You have attempted to show its unnatural which is plainly wrong as it occurs in nature."
Now of course this is totally invalid as animals are governed by instinct and NOT by cognitive thinking, as are humans. To try and use the animalistic behavior of animals to justify human conduct is nothing short of insane.
This same individual said,
"As i have asked for NON biblical reasons, any biblical answer is simply not acceptable."
What utter nonsense, it is like asking a mathematician not to use math books or other recognized standards - pure and utter nonsense, or asking an athlete to run a race with a ball and chains - just utter stupid nonsense.
CONCLUSION:
First, the Bible was written over a period exceeding a millennium and one/half by over 40 different divinely inspired writers.
Second, it is far older than all other standards in use in the world today.
Three, it is the only standard written at the direction of Almighty God (YHWH); therefore is the ultimate standard.
Is there a way to prove inspiration or, at least, intelligently present evidence for its inspiration? The answer is "Yes!" One of the best ways to prove inspiration is by examining prophecy. There are many religious books in the world that have many good things to say. But only the Bible has fulfilled prophecies--with more fulfillments to come. The Bible has never been wrong in the past, and it won't be wrong in the future. It claims inspiration from God, " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16 AV). Since God is the creator of all things " Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;" (Isaiah 44:24 AV), then He (YHWH) is also the creator of time. It is under His control. Only God, then, would always be right about what is in the future, our future.
Fulfilled prophecy is strong evidence that God is the author of the Bible because when you look at the mathematical odds of prophecy being fulfilled, you quickly see a design, a purpose, and a guiding hand behind the Bible. If just one prophecy failed, then we would know that God is not the true God, because the creator of all things, which includes time, would not be wrong about predicting the future. " When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:22 AV). And "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; 10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;" (Isaiah 46:9-10) (ASV).
To learn more, check out the following:
[1] religioustruths.proboards59.com/ An Educational Referral Forum
[2] www.network54.com/Forum/403209 A Forum Devoted to Exposing The False Religion of Islam
[3] jude3.proboards92.com/ A Free-Speech Forum For All
[4] www.freewebs.com/iris_the_preacher My web site.
Your Friend in Christ Iris89
INTRODUCTION:
Some do NOT recognize the fact that standards are intended to define exactly what is in compliance, not deviant, and what is not in compliance, deviant.
What is deviant must be defined against a standard that it is NOT in compliance, and NOT independently of a standard. Standards are meant to bring orderliness out of chaos. Some standards deal with mechanically and/or electrical items and/or building construction, while others deal with conduct and/or how individuals interrelate with others.
Some standards are written by national and/or international standards groups, while other standards are written on behalf of the makers of something such as the Ford internal Quality Assurance Standard. BUT, no matter who writes the standard, they are all intended to define what is deviant with respect the standard and what is NOT.
Let’s look in brief at one such industrial standard set by a national standards group.
<<<”The Unified Thread Standard (UTS) defines a standard thread form and series-along with allowances, tolerances, and designations-for screw threads commonly used in the United States and Canada. It has the same 60° profile as the ISO metric screw thread used in the rest of the world, but the characteristic dimensions of each UTS thread (outer diameter and pitch) were chosen as an inch fraction rather than a round millimeter value. The UTS is currently controlled by ASME/ANSI in the United States.
The standard designation for a UTS thread is a number indicating the nominal (major) diameter of the thread, followed by the pitch measured in threads per inch. For diameters smaller than 1/4 inch, the diameter is indicated by an integer number defined in the standard, for all other diameters, the inch figure is given.
This number pair is optionally followed by the letters UNC, UNF or UNEF if the diameter-pitch combination is from the "coarse", "fine" or "extra fine" series, and may also be followed by a tolerance class.” [source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]>>>.
Now if the threads on a bolt or a nut do NOT met this standard, they are deviant, out of standard limits, and should be rejected. This standard is intended to prevent chaos in manufacturing by ensuring all bolts o***iven size will fit into all nuts o***iven size.
All standards are meant to show what is acceptable, conforming to the standard, and what is NOT acceptable, deviant – not conforming to the standard.
However, some individuals are clueless as to what a standard is and is NOT. They go so far as to want something to be shown as deviant apart from the standard since they do NOT understand what a standard is. However, some things, yes, can be shown to be deviant by reasoning on their intended function apart from a standard.
SOME FAIL TO UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORDS USED IN A STANDARD:
It is well known that an individual to run for the President of the political entity known as the United States of America that he/she must be 35 years of age and a natural born in the United States of America, but even this simple and one would reasonably assume self evident standard is NOT always understood by all as the following statement actually made in a classroom clearly shows,
“In a Seattle , Washington college classroom, they were discussing the qualifications to be President of the United States.
It was pretty simple the candidate must be a natural born citizen of at least 35 years of age.
However, one girl in the class immediately started in on how unfair was the requirement to be a natural born citizen.
In short, her opinion was that this requirement prevented many capable individuals from becoming president.
The class was taking it in and letting her rant, but everyone's jaw hit the floor when she wrapped up her argument by stating,
'What makes a natural born citizen any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section?'”
So let’s start out with some definitions on what deviant and its variants mean:
[1] Deviate
De"vi*ate, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Deviated; p. pr. & vb. n. Deviating.] [L. deviare to deviate; de + viare to go, travel, via way. See Viaduct.] To go out of the way; to turn aside from a course or a method; to stray or go astray; to err; to digress; to diverge; to vary.
Thus Pegasus, a nearer way to take, May boldly deviate from the common track. Pope.
Syn. -- To swerve; stray; wander; digress; depart; deflect; err.
Deviation
De`vi*a"tion), n. [LL. deviatio: cf. F. déviation.]
1. The act of deviating; a wandering from the way; variation from the common way, from an established rule, etc.; departure, as from the right course or the path of duty.
2. The state or result of having deviated; a transgression; an act of sin; an error; an offense.
[source - Webster Dictionary, 1913]
[2] noun: a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable especially in sexual behavior
adjective: markedly different from an accepted norm ("Deviant ideas")
[source - one look dictionary]
So as can readily be seen, it means noticeably varying and/or varying from an established norm or standard.
THE INSPIRED WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD (YHWH), THE BIBLE, AS THE MOST RECOGNIZED STANDARD:
The most well known standard of which more copies exist than probably copies of all other standards combined is of course the Bible. It is a standard written of behalf of the Creator of all there is, Almighty God (YHWH). It started to be written in 1,513 BC with the Book of Geneses, one of the five books of the Torah.
It is a guidebook meant to guide everyone with respect what is and is NOT acceptable behavior. In addition, it contains many historical accounts as historical lessons for all with respect acceptable behavior under many and varied different circumstances and as historical information the Creator wishes all to know. In addition, it contains prophecy, history foretold in advance, so all would know that this guidebook originated with the Creator of all there is. All this being presented for the benefit of all obedient mankind.
In fact, the inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, is acknowledged as the greatest book of all times because of its antiquity, its total circulation, the number of languages into which it has been translated, its surpassing greatness as a literary masterpiece, and its overwhelming importance to all mankind. Independent of all other books, it imitates no other. It stands on its own merits, giving credit to its unique Author. The Bible is also distinguished as having survived more violent controversy than any other book, hated as it is by many enemies.
In fact, its details and information has been used as the basis for other so called Holy Books by writers who did NOT give credit to their source of information such as the Qur’an and the Book of Mormon. In fact, this plagiarism has been proven by computer analysis and historical information. One such writer, The Renown German Researcher, Christoph Luxenberg, a world renown linguistic scholar, in his book clearly reveals that the Qur’an is nothing but a distorted takeoff of the inspired word of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, the Bible. Here is just one example, but the interested individual can find many pages of similars in his book.
<<<"Let's first look at what the Qur’an (Koran) says at Sura 3:47:
Sura 3:47, "She said, "My Lord, how can I have a son, when no man has touched me?" He said, "GOD thus creates whatever He wills. To have anything done, He simply says to it, `Be,' and it is."
And, Sura 3:48 says, ""He will teach him the scripture, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel." Interestingly here the Quran (Koran) actually speaks of the first five (5) books of the Bible, the Torah; yet today many Muslims rail against the Bible from which their book the Qur’an (Koran) was plagiarized from.
Now the Bible says at Luke 1:35, "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God." (American Standard Version; ASV).">>>.
A short review of his book can be found 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 ]
But to really get specific facts in great detail with advanced literary analysis one must read his book of 306 pages.
Now let’s look at this most popular standard of all in a little detail.
THE MOST WELL KNOWN STANDARD OF ALL STANDARDS:
In contents this Book of Books, the inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), Creator of all there is, the Bible, gives guidance with regard acceptable human conduct, reveals the past, explains the present, and foretells the future. These are matters that only He who knows the end from the beginning could author as stated at Isaiah 46:10, “declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; (American Standard Version; ASV). Starting at the beginning by telling of the creation of heaven and earth, the Bible next gives a sweeping account of the events that prepared the earth for man's habitation. Then the truly scientific explanation of the origin of man is revealed-how life comes only from a Life-Giver-facts that only the Creator now in the role of Author could explain as testified to at Ge 1:26-28; 2:7, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” And, “And Almighty God (YHWH) God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (ASV). With the account of why men die, the overriding theme that permeates the whole Bible was introduced. This theme, the vindication of Almighty God (YHWH)'s sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of his purpose for the earth, by means of his Kingdom under Christ, the promised Seed, was wrapped up in the first prophecy concerning 'the seed of the woman,' Ge 3:15, “and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (ASV). More than 2,000 years passed before this promise of a "seed" was again mentioned, God telling Abraham at Genesis 22:18, “and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” (ASV). Over 800 years later, renewed assurance was given to Abraham's descendant King David, and with the passing of more time Almighty God (YHWH)'s prophets kept this flame of hope burning brightly as testified to at 2Sa 7:12, 16; “When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.” And, “And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” (ASV), and Isaiah 9:6, 7, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Almighty God (YHWH) of hosts will perform this.” (ASV). More than 1,000 years after David and 4,000 years after the original prophecy in Eden, the Promised Seed himself appeared, Jesus Christ, the legal heir per Luke 1:31-33, “And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” And, Galatians 3:16, “Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” (ASV). Bruised in death by the earthly seed of the "serpent," this "Son of the Most High" provided the ransom purchase price for the life rights lost to Adam's offspring, thus providing the only means whereby mankind can get everlasting life. He was then raised on high, there to await the appointed time to hurl "the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan," down to the earth, finally to be destroyed forever. Thus the magnificent theme announced in Genesis and developed and enlarged upon throughout the balance of the Bible is, in the closing chapters of Revelation, brought to a glorious climax as Almighty God (YHWH)'s grand purpose by means of his Kingdom is made apparent at Revelations 11:15; 12:1-12, 17; 19:11-16; 20:1-3, 7-10; 21:1-5; 22:3-5, “15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever.” And “And a great sign was seen in heaven: a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars; 2 and she was with child; and she crieth out, travailing in birth, and in pain to be delivered. 3 And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads seven diadems. 4 And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child. 5 And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days. 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels going forth to war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels; 8 And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. 10 And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe for the earth and for the sea: because the devil is gone down unto you, having great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time.” And, “17 And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, that keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus:” Amd. “11 And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself. 13 And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and pure. 15 And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” And, “1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed for a little time.” And, “7 And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” And, “1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God: 4 and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away. 5 And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he saith, Write: for these words are faithful and true.” And, “3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him; 4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads. 5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” (ASV).
This Kingdom under Christ the Promised Seed is the means by which the vindication of Almighty God (YHWH)'s name will be accomplished. Following through on this theme, the Bible magnifies God's personal name to a greater extent than any other book; the name occurs 6,973 times in the Hebrew Scripture portion of the New World Translation. That is in addition to the use of the shorter form "Jah" and the scores of instances where it combines to form other names like "Jehoshua," meaning "Almighty God (YHWH) Is Salvation." (See ALMIGHTY GOD (YHWH) [Importance of the Name].) We would not know the Creator's name, the great issue raised by the Edenic rebellion involving this name, or God's purpose to sanctify and vindicate that name before all creation if these things were not revealed in the Bible.
In this library of 66 little books the theme of the Kingdom and Almighty God (YHWH)'s name are closely interwoven with information on many subjects. Its reference to fields of knowledge such as agriculture, architecture, astronomy, chemistry, commerce, engineering, ethnology, government, hygiene, music, poetry, philology, and tactical warfare is only incidental to development of the theme; not as a treatise. Nevertheless, it contains a veritable treasure-house of information for the archaeologists and paleographers.
ACCURACY AND HONESTY AND CANDOR OF THE BIBLE:
As an accurate historical work and one that penetrates the past to great depths, the Bible far surpasses all other books. However, it is of much greater value in the field of prophecy, foretelling as it does the future that only the King of Eternity can reveal with accuracy. The march of world powers down through the centuries, even to the rise and ultimate demise of present-day institutions, was prophetically related in the Bible's long-range prophecies.
God's Word of truth in a very practical way sets men free from ignorance, superstitions, human philosophies, and senseless traditions of men per John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (ASV), and Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two–edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (ASV). Without the Bible we would not know Almighty God (YHWH), would not know the wonderful benefits resulting from Christ's ransom sacrifice, and would not understand the requirements that must be met in order to get everlasting life in or under God's righteous Kingdom.
The Bible is a most practical book in other ways too, for it gives sound counsel to genuine true followers of Jesus (Yeshua) on how to live now, how to carry on their ministry, and how to survive this anti-God, pleasure-seeking system of things. Christians are told to "quit being fashioned after this system of things" by making their minds over from worldly thinking, and this they can do by having the same mental attitude of humility "that was also in Christ Jesus" and by stripping off the old personality and putting on the new one. For details, go to the following Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:5-8; Ephesians 4:23, 24; Collosians 3:5-10. This means displaying the fruitage of God's spirit, "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control"-subjects on which so much is written throughout the Bible, for details, go to Galatians 5:22, 23; Collosians 3:12-14.
Authenticity. The veracity of the Bible has been assailed from many quarters, but none of these efforts has undermined or weakened its position in the least.
Bible history. Sir Isaac Newton once said: <<<"I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatsoever." [source - Two Apologies, by R. Watson, London, 1820, p. 57]>>>. Its integrity to truth proves sound on any point that might be tested. Its history is accurate and can be relied upon. For example, what it says about the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians cannot be successfully contradicted, for details, see Jeremiah 51:11, 12, 28; Da 5:28, and, neither can what it says about people like Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar, for details, see Jeremiah 27:20; Daniel 1:1; and on Egyptian King Shishak see 1Kings 14:25; 2Ch 12:2; and on Assyrians Tiglath-pileser III and Sennacherib, see 2Kings 15:29; 16:7; 18:13; and on the Roman emperors Augustus, Tiberius, and Claudius, see Luke 2:1; 3:1; Ac 18:2; and on Romans such as Pilate, Felix, and Festus, see Acts 4:27; 23:26; 24:27); nor what it says about the temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Areopagus at Athens, see Acts 19:35; 17:19-34. What the Bible says about these or any other places, people, or events is historically accurate in every detail.
Races and languages. What the Bible says about races and languages of mankind is also true. All peoples, regardless of stature, culture, color, or language, are members of one human family. The threefold division of the human family into the Japhetic, Hamitic, and Semitic races, all descending from Adam through Noah, cannot be successfully disputed, for details, see Genesis 9:18, 19; Acts 17:26.
Says Sir Henry Rawlinson said, <<<"If we were to be guided by the mere intersection of linguistic paths, and independently of all reference to the Scriptural record, we should still be led to fix on the plains of Shinar, as the focus from which the various lines had radiated." [source - The Historical Evidences of the Truth of the Scripture Records, by G. Rawlinson, 1862, p. 287]>>>.
Practicality. The Bible's teachings, examples, and doctrines are most practical for modern man. The righteous principles and high moral standards contained in this book set it apart as far above all other books. Not only does the Bible answer important questions but it also provides many practical suggestions, which, if followed, would do much to raise the physical and mental health of earth's population. The Bible lays down principles of right and wrong that serve as a straightedge for just business dealings, for details, see Matthew 7:12; Leviticus 19:35, 36; Proverbs 20:10; 22:22, 23; industriousness, see Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:23; 1 Timothy 4:11, 12; 2 Timothy 3:10-12; clean moral conduct, see Galatians 5:19-23; 1 Timothy 4:3-8; Exodus 20:14-17; Leviticus 20:10-16; upbuilding associations see 1 Colosians 15:33; Hebrews 10:24, 25; Proverbs 5:3-11; 13:20; good family relationships, see Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colosians 3:18-21; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Pr 13:24.
As the famous educator William Lyon Phelps once said, <<<"I believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college course is more valuable than a college course without a Bible." [source - The New Dictionary of Thoughts, p. 46]>>>. Also, Regarding the Bible, John Quincy Adams wrote, <<<"It is of all books in the world, that which contributes most to make men good, wise, and happy." [source - Letters of John Quincy Adams to His Son, 1849, p. 9.]>>>.
Scientific accuracy. When it comes to scientific accuracy the Bible is not lacking. Whether describing the progressive order of earth's preparation for human habitation, for details see, Genesis 1:1-31, speaking of the earth as being spherical and hung on "nothing," see Job 26:7; Isaiah 40:22, classifying the hare as a cud chewer, see Leviticus 11:6, or declaring, "the soul of the flesh is in the blood," see Leviticus 17:11-14), the Bible is scientifically sound.
Cultures and customs. On points relating to cultures and customs, in no regard is the Bible found to be wrong. In political matters, the Bible always speaks of a ruler by the proper title that he bore at the time of the writing. For example, Herod Antipas and Lysanias are referred to as district rulers (tetrarchs), Herod Agrippa (II) as king, and Gallio as proconsul, for details, see Luke 3:1; Acts 25:13; 18:12. Triumphal marches of victorious armies, together with their captives, were common during Roman times, for details, see 2Corinthians 2:14. The hospitality shown to strangers, the Oriental way of life, the manner of purchasing property, legal procedures in making contracts, and the practice of circumcision among the Hebrews and other peoples are referred to in the Bible, and in all these details the Bible is accurate, for details, see Genesis 18:1-8; 23:7-18; 17:10-14; Jeremiah 9:25, 26.
And with respect candor, Bible writers displayed a candor that is not found among other ancient writers. From the very outset, Moses frankly reported his own sins as well as the sins and errors of his people, a policy followed by the other Hebrew writers, for details, see Exodus 14:11, 12; 32:1-6; Numbers 14:1-9; 20:9-12; 27:12-14; Deuteronomy 4:21. The sins of great ones such as David and Solomon were not covered over but were reported, see 2 Samuel 11:2-27; 1 Kings 11:1-13. Jonah told of his own disobedience, see Jonah 1:1-3; 4:1. The other prophets likewise displayed this same straightforward, candid quality. Writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures showed the same regard for truthful reporting as that displayed in the Hebrew Scriptures. Paul tells of his former sinful course in life; Mark's failure to stick to the missionary work; and also the apostle Peter's errors are related, for details, see Acts 22:19, 20; 15:37-39; Galatians 2:11-14. Such frank, open reporting builds confidence in the Bible's claim to honesty and truthfulness.
Facts testify to the integrity of the Bible. The Bible narrative is inseparably interwoven with the history of the times. It gives straightforward, truthful instruction in the simplest manner. The guileless earnestness and fidelity of its writers, their burning zeal for truth, and their painstaking effort to attain accuracy in details are what we would expect in God's Word of truth, see John 17:17.
If there is a single point that alone proves the Bible to be the inspired Word of Almighty God (YHWH) it is the matter of prophecy. There are scores of long-range prophecies in the Bible that have been fulfilled. For a partial listing, see the book "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial," pp. 343-346.
Preservation. Today none of the original writings of the Holy Scriptures are known to exist. Almighty God (YHWH), however, saw to it that copies were made to replace the aging originals. Also, from and after the Babylonian exile, with the growth of many Jewish communities outside Palestine, there was an increasing demand for more copies of the Scriptures. This demand was met by professional copyists who made extraordinary efforts to see that accuracy was attained in their handwritten manuscripts. Ezra was just such a man, see Ezra 7:6.
MISUNDERSTANDING OF WHAT STANDARDS ARE:
As mentioned in the introduction, There is a great misunderstanding with regard to exactly what standards are and how they are to be used. Some feel standards are to be proven; whereas, NIST [National Institute of Standards and Technology - a US governmental agency] and the ANSI [American National Standards Institute - a private technical organization in the US] both make clear that the purpose of standards is to unify or codify what is or is not in accordance to a standard. Standards are either made by a recognized standards setting body and/or other authoritative source. Their main intent is to bring unity in what ever is being judged and/or standardized. Standards are put into effect through promulgated to the users or affected parties and are made available through a variety of sources.
Some standards have an extensive history of application and additions/revisions. Some standards cover basic technical entities such as the SI that covers the metric standard of measurements and weights and these types of standards often intersect with other scientific systems of weights and measures. These types of standards are intended to codify a system so everyone has a standard or uniform way to compare measurements or ways of viewing specific items or situations. In other words, they give a way of proving what is right or correct against a base which is the standard.
The oldest known standard that has frequently been revised up until approximately 96 A.D. is the Holy Bible. It has been translated into more languages than any other standard. In effect it is the ultimate standard due to its promulgated by the Supreme authority of the entire universe, Almighty God (YHWH). However, it like all other standards is intended to codify a system of living or belief which is acceptable to this Supreme authority.
THE BIBLE IS UNIQUE AMONG STANDARDS:
First, the Bible was written over a period exceeding a millennium and one/half by over 40 different divinely inspired writers.
Second, it is far older than all other standards now in common usage.
Three, it is the only standard written at the direction of Almighty God (YHWH); therefore is the ultimate standard.
Is there a way to prove inspiration or, at least, intelligently present evidence for its inspiration? The answer is "Yes!" One of the best ways to prove inspiration is by examining prophecy. There are many religious books in the world that have many good things to say. But only the Bible has fulfilled prophecies--with more fulfillments to come. The Bible has never been wrong in the past, and it won't be wrong in the future. It claims inspiration from God, " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16 AV). Since God is the creator of all things " Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;" (Isaiah 44:24 AV), then He (YHWH) is also the creator of time. It is under His control. Only God, then, would always be right about what is in the future, our future.
Fulfilled prophecy is strong evidence that God is the author of the Bible because when you look at the mathematical odds of prophecy being fulfilled, you quickly see a design, a purpose, and a guiding hand behind the Bible. If just one prophecy failed, then we would know that God is not the true God, because the creator of all things, which includes time, would not be wrong about predicting the future. " When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:22 AV). And "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; 10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;" (Isaiah 46:9-10 American Standard Version of 1901).
One writer and mathmatician, Peter Stoner has figured out the possibilities of the fulfillment of just eight (8) prophecies happening, let alone 100 having been fulfilled, and had this to say:
The following probabilities are taken from Peter Stoner in Science Speaks (Moody Press, 1963) to show that coincidence is ruled out by the science of probability. Stoner says that by using the modern science of probability in reference to eight prophecies, 'we find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled all eight prophecies is 1 in 1017." That would be 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. In order to help us comprehend this staggering probability, Stoner illustrates it by supposing that "we take 1017 silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. "Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man." Stoner considers 48 prophecies and says, "we find the chance that any one man fulfilled all 48 prophecies to be 1 in 10157.
EXAMPLES OF A FEW OF THE PROPHECIES FULFILLED IN JESUS (YESHUA OR YHWH SAVES):
PROPHECY FULFILLED WHEN JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED
[ 1. Betrayed by a friend - Psalms 41:9 - John 13:18-27 - 460 BCE ]]
[ 2. Thirty (30) of silver thrown in Temple - Zechariah 11:13 - Matthew 27:3-5 - 518 BCE ]
[ 3. Betrayed for thirty (30) pieces of silver - Zechariah 11:12 - Matthew 26:14-15 - 518 BCE ]
[ 4. Potters field bought for thirty (30) pieces of silver&Zechariah 11:13 - Matthew 27:6-10 - 518 BCE ]
[ 5. Forsaken by His disciples - Zechariah 13:7 - Mark 14:27-50 - 518 BCE ]
[ 6. Falsely accused by false witnesses - Psalms 35:11-21 - Matthew 26:59-61 - 460 BCE ]
[ 7. Remained silent before accusers - Isaiah 53:7 - Matthew 27:12-14 - 732 BCE ]
[ 8. Was wounded and bruised - Isaiah 53:4-6 - 1 Peter 2:21-25 - 732 BCE ]
[ 9. Spit upon and beaten - Isaiah 50:6 - Matthew 26:67-68 - 732 BCE ]
[ 10. Was mocked - Psalms 22:6- 8 - Matthew 27:27- 31 - 460 BCE ]
REASONS SOME REJECT THE INSPIRED WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD (YHWH), THE BIBLE:
There are two main reasons that individuals reject the Bible, but neither is valid:
[1] They are clueless to reality – lack of knowledge.
[2] They desire to live a life style NOT meeting the requirements of the Bible.
The first if basically self explanatory, but let’s look at the second.
The Bible clearly marks certain activities as deviant. Some cases are as follows that give admonition on morals and conduct:
[1] Showing that fornication, adultery, and other gross sins is a serious deviation from the moral standards of the Bible:
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.” (ASV).
And,
1 Corinthians 6:9-11, “Or 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 men, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.” (ASV).
[2] Worshippers of Almighty God (YHWH) must be united regardless of nationality:
Romans 2:11, “for there is no respect of persons with God.” (ASV).[[No racism]]
And,
Ephesians 4:1-6, “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.” (ASV).
[3] Need to pray incessantly:
1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing;” (ASV).
And,
2 Thessalonians 3:1, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also it is with you;” (ASV).
And,
Philippians 4:6-7, “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” (ASV).
[4] Prayers to be heard by Almighty God (YHWH) must be offered in faith:
Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to be well–pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.” (ASV).
[5] Good family life depends on husbands loving their wives as they love themselves and for wives to have deep respect for their husbands. And children should obey their parents, for this is pleasing to Almighty God (YHWH). Parents need to guide and train their children in a loving way and in godly principles:
Ephesians 3:22, “Wives, be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” (ASV).
And,
Ephesians 6:4, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.” (ASV).
And,
Colossians 3:18-21, “Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well–pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.” (ASV).
[6] Deviant sex clearly win Almighty God (YHWH) disapproval:
Romans 1:19-28, “because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: 21 because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four–footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves: 25 for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. 28 And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;” (ASV).
Now the reality is the fact that many individuals are governed by hedonistic tendencies in which they get pleasure from deviant sex acts and materialism, and for this reason reject the inspired word of Almighty God (YHWH), the Bible, as a standard – this of course is NOT based on fact and reality.
One such individual tried to justify sodomy by saying,
"You have attempted to show its unnatural which is plainly wrong as it occurs in nature."
Now of course this is totally invalid as animals are governed by instinct and NOT by cognitive thinking, as are humans. To try and use the animalistic behavior of animals to justify human conduct is nothing short of insane.
This same individual said,
"As i have asked for NON biblical reasons, any biblical answer is simply not acceptable."
What utter nonsense, it is like asking a mathematician not to use math books or other recognized standards - pure and utter nonsense, or asking an athlete to run a race with a ball and chains - just utter stupid nonsense.
CONCLUSION:
First, the Bible was written over a period exceeding a millennium and one/half by over 40 different divinely inspired writers.
Second, it is far older than all other standards in use in the world today.
Three, it is the only standard written at the direction of Almighty God (YHWH); therefore is the ultimate standard.
Is there a way to prove inspiration or, at least, intelligently present evidence for its inspiration? The answer is "Yes!" One of the best ways to prove inspiration is by examining prophecy. There are many religious books in the world that have many good things to say. But only the Bible has fulfilled prophecies--with more fulfillments to come. The Bible has never been wrong in the past, and it won't be wrong in the future. It claims inspiration from God, " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16 AV). Since God is the creator of all things " Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;" (Isaiah 44:24 AV), then He (YHWH) is also the creator of time. It is under His control. Only God, then, would always be right about what is in the future, our future.
Fulfilled prophecy is strong evidence that God is the author of the Bible because when you look at the mathematical odds of prophecy being fulfilled, you quickly see a design, a purpose, and a guiding hand behind the Bible. If just one prophecy failed, then we would know that God is not the true God, because the creator of all things, which includes time, would not be wrong about predicting the future. " When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:22 AV). And "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; 10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;" (Isaiah 46:9-10) (ASV).
To learn more, check out the following:
[1] religioustruths.proboards59.com/ An Educational Referral Forum
[2] www.network54.com/Forum/403209 A Forum Devoted to Exposing The False Religion of Islam
[3] jude3.proboards92.com/ A Free-Speech Forum For All
[4] www.freewebs.com/iris_the_preacher My web site.
Your Friend in Christ Iris89