Bible Speaks

Do You Believe in the Trinity? See what this man Thomas Emlyn did? 

Thomas Emlyn—Blasphemer or Advocate of Truth?

WHO was Thomas Emlyn, and what moved him to take a stand for truth? What might we learn from him that could help us today?

To answer those questions, we need to go back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries in England and Ireland. The Church of England then wielded considerable authority. Various Protestant groups and individuals were at odds with the church.

WHO WAS HE?

It was into this environment that Thomas Emlyn was born on May 27, 1663, at Stamford, Lincolnshire, England. At the age of 19, he preached his first sermon. Later, he became a chaplain for a countess who lived in London; and still later, he moved to Belfast, Ireland.

In Belfast he eventually officiated in a parish church. As time passed, Emlyn served as a minister in several places, including Dublin.

WHY WAS HE ACCUSED OF BLASPHEMY?

During those times, Emlyn was carefully studying the Bible. His studies caused him to doubt the Trinity, although he had originally believed in it. As he researched the Gospels, he became convinced that they supported his improved understanding.

Emlyn did not immediately reveal what he had found. However, some in his Dublin church noticed that he did not refer to the Trinity in his sermons. Knowing that his findings would not be received well by others, he wrote: “I cannot hope to continue here in my present post, when once I have professed.” In June 1702, two associates confronted him about the omission of the Trinity from his sermons. Emlyn confessed that he no longer believed in it and offered to resign.

Emlyn’s publication that presented Scriptural proof as to why Jesus could not be the Supreme God

Within a few days, he left Dublin, Ireland, for England. However, after ten weeks he returned to Dublin to settle some affairs, with the goal of moving to London permanently. While there, hoping to vindicate his views, he published An Humble Inquiry Into the Scripture-Account of Jesus Christ. In this publication, he gave clear Scriptural proof as to why Jesus could not be the Supreme God. This infuriated members of Emlyn’s former congregation in Dublin. A formal complaint was filed.

Emlyn was arrested and brought before the Queen’s Bench Court in Dublin on June 14, 1703. In his True Narrative of the Proceedings, Emlyn states that he was indicted “for writing and publishing a book, wherein, it says, I had blasphemously and maliciously asserted, etc. That Jesus Christ was not equal to God the Father.” The trial proved to be a farce. Seven bishops of the Church of Ireland sat on the bench with the judges. Emlyn was not allowed to speak in his own defense. Richard Levins, a distinguished lawyer, told Emlyn that he would be run down “like a wolf, without law or game.” At the conclusion of the trial, Richard Pyne, Ireland’s Lord Chief Justice, told the jury that if they did not come to the expected verdict, his “lords the bishops were there,” perhaps implying that the jury would be duly punished.

“I suffer for what I take to be his [God’s] truth and glory.”—Thomas Emlyn

When Emlyn was found guilty, the solicitor-general proposed that he retract. Emlyn refused. He was fined and sentenced to a year’s imprisonment. Because he could not pay the fine, he stayed in prison for two years until a friend convinced authorities to reduce the amount. Emlyn was released on July 21, 1705. The ignominies he suffered moved him to declare, as earlier quoted: “I suffer for what I take to be his [God’s] truth and glory.”

Emlyn moved to London, where he eventually associated with William Whiston, another Bible scholar who had been ostracized because he published what he felt was Bible truth. Whiston respected Emlyn, calling him “‘the first and principal confessor’ of ‘old christianity.’”

WHY DID HE REJECT THE TRINITY?

Like William Whiston and another respected scholar, Isaac Newton, Emlyn found that the Bible does not support the Trinity doctrine as reflected in the Athanasian Creed. He explained: “After much serious thought, and study of the holy Scriptures, . . . I found great reason . . . to alter my judgment, in relation to formerly received opinions of the Trinity.” He concluded that “the God and Father of Jesus Christ is alone the Supreme Being.”

What brought Emlyn to that conclusion? He found many scriptures pointing to differences between Jesus and His Father. Here are just a few examples (Emlyn’s comments on the scriptures are in italics):

• John 17:3: “Christ is never said to be that one God or so God, as to be the only God.” Only the Father is called “the only true God.”
• John 5:30: “The Son does not his own will, but the will of the Father.”
• John 5:26: “His Life is given him of the Father.”
• Ephesians 1:3: “Whereas Jesus Christ is commonly styled the Son of God, we never find the Father styled the Father of God, tho he be oft called the Father of our Lord Jesus.”

After Emlyn considered all the evidence, he emphatically stated: “There is no one passage in holy Scripture, wherein it can be so much as pretended, that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are expressly said to be one and the same individual being.”

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

Many today back off from taking a stand for what the Scriptures teach. But Emlyn was willing to stand up for Bible truth. He raised the question, “If a man may not profess the most important truths, which he finds clear and evident in the holy Scriptures, to what end should he read and search them?” Emlyn would not compromise the truth.

The example set by Emlyn and others can move us to consider whether we are willing to stand up for the truth in the face of scorn. We too can ask ourselves, ‘Which is more important—the honor and blessing of the community or upholding the truth of God’s Word?’

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20140401/thomas-emlyn/

"They lacked nothing."—Neh. 9:21.

THE NEED FOR DISCIPLINE

How did Jehovah mercifully care for his sinful people? (b) What do we learn from God’s dealings with his chosen nation?

The Levites’ prayer refers to two specific sins committed by Israel soon after they had promised to keep God’s Law at Mount Sinai. For these, they rightly deserved to be left alone to die. But the prayer praises Jehovah: “In your abundant mercy [you] did not leave them in the wilderness. . . . For forty years you provided them with food . . . They lacked nothing. Their very garments did not wear out, and their feet themselves did not become swollen.” (Neh. 9:19, 21) 

Today, Jehovah also provides us with everything we need to serve him faithfully. May we never be like the thousands of Israelites who died in the wilderness because of their disobedience and lack of faith. In fact, those things “were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have arrived.”—1 Cor. 10:1-11.

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2013766#h=1:0-29:442

Faithful Worshippers Support Theocratic Arrangements

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | NEHEMIAH 9-11

Faithful Worshippers Support Theocratic Arrangements

God’s people willingly supported true worship in various ways

• The nation prepared for and celebrated the Festival of Booths in the correct way
• Each day the people gathered to listen to the reading of God’s Law, which made them rejoice
• The people confessed their sins, prayed, and asked Jehovah to bless them
• The people agreed to continue supporting all theocratic arrangements

Continued support of theocratic arrangements included:

• 
  
  Marrying only those who worshipped Jehovah
•         

• 
  
  Making monetary contributions
•         

• 
  
  Observing the Sabbath
•         

• 
  
  Supplying wood for the altar
•         

• 
  
  Giving the firstfruits of the harvest and the firstborn of the flocks to Jehovah
• http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/202016047?q=neh+9%3A21&p=par 

@The Librarian I know he is a friend on Facebook but if I see errors I do respond. I ignore people, opinions are just that sometimes, I am not fluent in Spanish so I translate them. Have not seen other things questionable just pictures and texts etc. Why people are so against him, I don't know? He's still a friend from a distance. ???

@Jay Witness I have heard many years ago he's apostate, I've watched him. Sometimes his links are incorrect, I had noted that to him. ? Maybe I shouldn't being a woman? Lots of messages he is apostate. Don't know, in time it will be shown? My 2 cents ?‍?

No matter how far you go in the wrong direction, there's always a chance to turn your life around.

"Let the wicked man leave his way, And the evil man his thoughts;
Let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him,
To our God, for he will forgive in a large way." (Isa.55:11)

Loyalty is a warm quality that includes devotion, faithfulness, and unswerving allegiance. A loyal person is not fickle. Rather, he lovingly attaches himself to someone (or something), sticking closely to that person (or thing) even through difficult circumstances. Yes, Jehovah is the supremely “loyal One.”— (Rev. 16:5)

How can we imitate Jehovah’s loyalty? One way is by taking action in behalf of those who are facing difficult circumstances. (Prov. 3:27) 

For example, do you know of a fellow believer who is discouraged, perhaps because of health problems, family opposition, or personal failings? Why not take the initiative to offer that person some “good words, comforting words”? (Zech. 1:13)

Doing so, you are proving yourself to be a loyal and true friend, one “sticking closer than a brother.”— (Prov. 18:24)

We can imitate Jehovah’s forgiveness by choosing to be forgiving toward one another whenever there is a basis for doing so. 

Being forgiving does not mean that we condone offenses or allow others to take unfair advantage of us. No. It basically means that we choose to let go of resentment. Significantly, though, in order to be forgiven by God, we must imitate Jehovah’s forgiveness in our dealings with others.
www.jw.org

#Repost @ecua_gringo
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The sisters had prepared sandwiches and drinks for the as always early arrivals.  Parents and other adults arrived later.  One 12 year old study named Digna brought along six of her friends.  Three of them asked María Alegría if they could each have a regular Bible study like Digna has!

#Repost @ecua_gringo
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Totoras, Ecuador.  Picking up children and parents to take to our Quichua language Memorial.  15 children were cleaned up, dressed in clean clothes and waiting for us on the side of the road two hours prior to the Memorial!

#Repost @ecua_gringo
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None of these Quichua speaking children have had an opportunity to take a picture before.  This was their first lesson.  First rule, keep the heads in the frame!

#Repost @ecua_gringo
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Totoras, Ecuador.  1.5 hours before the Memorial, locals, especially children, began to arrive at the small house we rent monthly for the Group meetings.  They happily watched many Carlitos and Lucia Quichua videos.

#Repost @ecua_gringo
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'Selfies' are a category of their own, some like them and some don't.  Personally I like photos taken of persons taking their selfie.  An interesting change not having everyone looking directly at the lens.

16 minutes ago, bruceq said:

Yes I noticed this as well. I was just afraid to mention it. lol

@bruceq Not good? ???

L?K here? 

http://www.jwforum.net/portal/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2825:on-book-of-world-records-worldwide-letter-writing-campaign-protests-proposed-religious-ban&catid=48:news

A MIND TROUBLED BY DOUBT CAN NOT FOCUS ON THE  COURSE TO THE NEW WORLD 

6 "But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about." (James 1;6)

TAP SCREEN FOR BIRDS ?

1 moving picture and one GIF, 1 photo 

IMG_2238.MOV

@Queen Esther Sweet, brings tears the music! Been in Truth 62 years, baptized 49. Time flies. The Brother and Sister that came to visit were Circuit Overseer and Wife. I will try to find their experience in the WT Library. Much Love,

?????

THEY PRAISE PEACE BUT GLORIFYING WAR. (WORLD WAR II) Some History for you to know about.....

FRANKFURT on MAIN, Germany, September 24. The German PROTESTANT and Catholic churches now publish in their magazines extensive exhortations which explains the duties of the soldier who fights in defense of their country and warn the German soldier to fight with the same resolution of San Miguel for a German victory and a just peace.

In Catholic newspapers front-page appears the figure of the Archangel brandishing a sword of war and shifting a dragon with a sacred spear.

In the Catholic dioceses in the West and to the South of Germany, the clergy, headed by bishops and archbishops, is actively busy working for the refugees who have been evacuated from districts that remain on the western border. Many convents have been transformed into hospitals and both monks and nuns are working under the direction of the Red Cross.

The Catholic Bishops of Germany have issued a pastoral letter that says:
"At this crucial hour, we urge our Catholic troops to fulfill their obligation in obedience to the Führer and be willing to sacrifice all personal interest.

"We call to all the faithful so that you join in ardent prayer, so that Divine Providence of the Almighty God leads this war to a blessed success and peace to our fatherland and nation."

In addition, all bishops have sent a special message to their respective dioceses, including the Bishop of Rottenburg in Württemberg, who had been expelled last year from his diocese for having refused to vote in a national election call socialist.

Cardinal Archbishop Bertram, head of the German episcopal congregation, issued a patriotic message similar to his faithful, urging them to "everyone who trusts in God Almighty is strong heart". Awake 1985, Dec. 22, Page 5.

How was Linen used in the Bible? 

The cleanness and purity of white linen, it is used in the Scriptures to symbolize righteousness.

The robe of fine white linen worn by the Aaronic high priest was to be woven in checkerwork, evidence that the Israelites were well acquainted with the art, being able to weave patterns into their fabrics.—Ex 28:39.

In the construction of the tabernacle, Bezalel and Oholiab were experts whose ability was increased and sharpened by God’s holy spirit, so that they could do the required work exactly according to the pattern given by Jehovah. (Ex 35:30-35)

Also, there were women with fine ability in this direction, spinning thread from flax and from wool. (Ex 35:25, 26)

In making the fabric for the ephod of Aaron the high priest, the workmen “beat plates of gold to thin sheets, and . . . cut out threads to work in among the blue thread and the wool dyed reddish purple and the coccus scarlet material and the fine linen, as the work of an embroiderer.”—Ex 39:2, 3.

Linen was woven from flax, which has much longer fibers than cotton and is easier to spin but is harder to dye. Linen was a cherished item in the wardrobes of kings and high officials. Joseph was clothed with “garments of fine linen” when he was made a ruler in Egypt. (Ge 41:42) Also, Mordecai went out from before the Persian king in royal apparel of blue and linen. (Es 8:15) Women valued clothing made of linen.—Pr 31:22.

Other Uses. Cloth bands were used as swaddling bands for newborn babies. (Lu 2:7) The Jews also had the custom of preparing bodies for burial by binding them with bandages of clean linen along with spices (not an embalming process such as the Egyptians practiced). (Joh 19:40; Mt 27:59)

After Jesus’ resurrection John and Peter found the bandages and the cloth that had been upon Jesus rolled up separately lying in the tomb. (Joh 20:5-7)

When Lazarus was resurrected he came out of the tomb with his countenance still bound up with the cloth that had been placed over his head at burial—apparently a long piece of linen fabric.—Joh 11:44.

Money was sometimes kept wrapped in a cloth. This was the way the wicked slave referred to in one of Jesus’ illustrations kept his mina instead of investing it. (Lu 19:20) Money was often carried in the voluminous folds of the bosom of the garment, probably wrapped in such cloths.

God’s law to the people of Israel commanded: “You must not wear mixed stuff of wool and linen together.” (De 22:11; see also Le 19:19.) Regarding this, theEncyclopaedia Judaica (Jerusalem, 1973, Vol. 14, col. 1213) remarked: “The clothing of the priests was notably exempt from the prohibition of [sha·ʽat·nez′] [a garment of two sorts of thread, NW]. Exodus 28:6, 8, 15 and 39:29 prescribe that various pieces be made of linen and colored wool interwoven. . . . This suggests that the general prohibition was grounded on the taboo character of such a mixture, pertaining exclusively to the realm of the sacred.”

Figurative Usage. Because of the cleanness and purity of white linen, it is used in the Scriptures to symbolize righteousness. The garments next to the high priest’s body, namely the drawers, robe, and turban, as well as the drawers, robes, and headgears for the underpriests, were made of fine, white linen. (Ex 28:39-42; compare Job 29:14.)

The bride of the Lamb is arrayed in bright, clean, fine linen, for “the fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the holy ones.” (Re 19:8) The armies following Jesus Christ in heaven are represented as being clothed in white, clean, fine linen. (Re 19:14) Babylon the Great, which has been rich in the traffic of merchandise including fine linen, also has put on an appearance of righteousness, being “clothed with fine linen,” while at the same time carrying on the activities of a harlot.—Re 18:3, 12, 16

Figurative Use. Babylon the Great is depicted as being arrayed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, representing luxury. (Re 18:16) But in the case of the bride of Christ the fine linen of her apparel is clearly said to represent “the righteous acts of the holy ones.”

Likewise the heavenly armies are shown clothed in white, clean, fine linen, indicative of their carrying on war in righteousness.—Re 19:8, 11, 14; see also Da 10:5; Re 15:6
http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200273468

"The power beyond what is normal [is] God’s and not that out of ourselves."—2 Cor. 4:7.

The Privilege of Prayer

COMPARED to the universe, the earth is very small. When Jehovah looks at the earth, all the people in all the nations seem like just a tiny drop of water from a bucket. (Psalm 115:15;Isaiah 40:15) 

Even though we are so small when compared to the universe, Psalm 145:18, 19 says: “Jehovah is near to all those calling on him, to all who call on him in truth. He satisfies the desire of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help, and he rescues them.” What an amazing privilege we have! 

Jehovah, the almighty Creator, wants to be close to us, and he wants to listen to our prayers. Yes, prayer is a privilege, a special gift that Jehovah has given to each one of us.

Jehovah uses his holy spirit to answer our prayers. When we pray for help to cope with a problem, he may use his holy spirit to give us guidance and strength. (2 Corinthians 4:7) 

Jehovah also uses the Bible to answer our prayers and to help us to make wise decisions. When we read the Bible, we may find scriptures that will help us. 

Jehovah can also motivate someone who comments at a meeting to say what we need to hear or an elder in the congregation to share a point from the Bible with us.—Galatians 6:1.

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102015157?q=2+cor+4%3A7&p=par

3 hours ago, John Lindsay Barltrop said:

..........and a "good meal" was had by all !!!

@John Lindsay Barltrop Jehovah feeds us well! We rejoice in His Words, they are getting brighter and brighter! Paradise is coming you can "see" it on the horizon! 

Thank you ? 

⛵️????⛵️〰〰〰?

@Kurt Thank you! Interesting. There are hooks in Satan's jaw and he's going down fast. Let them do what they want. Who is the extremist here? We can still pray, go to friends and family, etc, the best thing is look ? all religions will be affected worldwide, Let it come, we have no fear, Jehovah is near. 

Bible Speaks ???

http://tv.jw.org/#en/video/VODBible/pub-jwbai_201511_1_VIDEO

2016 it said for date 

?‍? Worked! ????

@The Librarian @ARchiv@L Don't know if this is what you wanted? ?

STAY HUNGRY!

6 “Happy are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, since they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

29 minutes ago, Elisabeth Dolewka said:

we where 774  assistants 5 congrégations together .

@Elizabeth Dolewka; I have videos I posted under Russia. If you can't find them let me know? Agape ???

The Resurrection Hope Is Sure!
“I have hope toward God . . . that there is going to be a 
resurrection.”—ACTS 24:15.
 

É certa a esperança da ressurreição!
“Eu tenho esperança para com Deus, . . . de que há de haver uma ressurreição.” — ATOS 24:15.

Η Ελπίδα της Ανάστασης Είναι Βέβαιη!
«Έχω ελπίδα προς τον Θεό . . . ότι πρόκειται να γίνει ανάσταση».—ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ 24:15.
 

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-teach/hope-resurrection-of-dead-loved-ones/

"We know that all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together until now."— (Rom. 8:22)

"You will be hated."—Matt. 24:9.

17 Be on your guard against men, for they will hand you over to local courts and they will scourge you+ in their synagogues.

 18 And you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations.

19 However, when they hand you over, do not become anxious about how or what you are to speak, for what you are to speak will be given you in that hour;

 20 for the ones speaking are not just you, but it is the spirit of your Father that speaks by you." (Matthew 10:17-20)

24 "But on the first day of the week, they came very early to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.

2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 

3 and when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 While they were perplexed about this, look! two men in shining garments stood by them.

5 The women became frightened and kept their faces turned toward the ground, so the men said to them: “Why are you looking for the living one among the dead?

 6 He is not here, but has been raised up. Recall how he spoke to you while he was yet in Galʹi·lee,

7 saying that the Son of man must be handed over to sinful men and be executed on the stake and on the third day rise.”

8 Then they remembered his words,

9 and they returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest.

10 They were Mary Magʹda·lene, Jo·anʹna, and Mary the mother of James. Also, the rest of the women with them were telling these things to the apostles.

11  However, these sayings seemed like nonsense to them, and they would not believe the women.

12  But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, and stooping forward, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went off, wondering to himself what had occurred." (Luke24:1-12)

6 Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."             (John 14:26)