Question #1:
Hi Bob,
No worries - I understand. It was at a time when you had a lot on your
plate too, so I wasn't sure. Think I've got a couple more typos for you
tomorrow.
Had a bit of success today. ___ managed to fix part of the pipe - so
that was something to celebrate! The team are coming back at the weekend
to line the whole pipe. It'll cost a lot but should see us out. Funny
how you and I have had a similar sort of problem. Are dodgy pipes a good
test from the Lord?!
CPR training went well on Monday and work went well today. Our new
manager starts next week - at last! Hope she's nice.
So I'm ticking a few things off the long list. I hope things soon calm
down for our brothers and sisters too. Must be good prep for us.
Did your new neighbours move in?
Just another couple of days and then your long weekend - hooray!
Love writing to you and you always help me through. Thanks Bob!
In Jesus
Response #1:
Good news on the pipe! Mine was an old terracotta line and the part that
collapsed was under the back porch's concrete pad. Digging that out along with
digging out the old line all the way along the exterior of the house would have
cost twice what it did cost (and it cost plenty). These are good tests.
Others have "better" ones. [omitted]. Don't know what is going to happen there
(prayers appreciated). Another "good one" is our friend who, I just found out,
got 1.2 million into debt on account of his wife having a very serious medical
condition but them having no health insurance. I gather they worked day and
night for years and dug out to the point where they are managing, but – good
grief! – and I thought I had been "financially challenged". Another good one is
my friends in Idaho who are living out of a camper selling real estate; she has
developed a very debilitating condition (numbness in the limbs, etc.) and
despite all manner of testing they can't figure it out – and I don't think they
have health insurance either.
I have learned that we all get the tests appropriate for us as individuals, so
it's better not to think either that we are under-tested or over-tested in
comparison to the trouble anyone else may be facing. We just need to be grateful
to God that it's not worse for us and that He does see us through whatever it is
we have to face personally – always. That is one "good" thing about the
Tribulation too, namely, that for the most part, we'll all be in exactly the
same boat.
Yes, I did meet my new neighbors. They seem nice (youngish but no kids). They
are moving in gradually (one truck was unloading today). I'm pretty sure they'll
be quiet enough, so that's a good thing.
Keeping up the prayers!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Hi Bob,
It sounds like a similar problem. When the team came out they used a
camera to look at our terracotta line and could see some wear and tear
(little cracks in the pipe) but thankfully it hasn't collapsed. So
lining the pipe should solve that problem. Ours actually runs underneath
the concrete floor in the dining room. So I'm very glad we won't have to
dig the floor up to replace it. The part that __ fixed was further up in
the loft (attic?) and it's plastic so it's a lot easier to deal with.
Good tests, but oh dear, Bob, seems nothing compared to the "better"
ones our brothers and sisters are going through. So sorry to hear about
___. [omitted]. And __, and also your friends from Idaho too! I'll be
praying for them all. The numbness in the limbs is baffling. There could
be many causes for that but it's just finding it. People over here are
always moaning about the NHS, but I'm very grateful for it. It's not
perfect but it's been absolutely brilliant whenever we've needed it.
That's my experience, anyway.
I think for me at the moment the test is more about handling the
pressure of a lot of things being fired my way all at once. If it wasn't
for the Lord helping me and your prayers for me, I'd feel like I was
drowning in it all. The pressure is there, and it isn't easy, but at the
same time deep down His peace is there too. He will take care of us - He
will continue to provide - He is in control!
So when you say that we all get the tests appropriate for us as
individuals, do you mean that the Lord knows our individual strengths
and weaknesses and exactly the kind of tests that will strengthen our
faith and help us to grow spiritually?
Our strength to endure testing and temptation doesn't come from
ourselves; it comes from God. The tests teach us to rely on Him, in His
power and not ourselves. Philippians 4:13
One encouraging verse to remember is 1st Corinthians 10:13.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is
faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but
with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may
be able to endure it.
Romans 8:28-39 is so encouraging too. We are more than conquerors
through him who loved us! And,
. . . for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory
that has overcome the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:4
All very important to remember for the Tribulation.
Happy to hear your new neighbours seem nice too!
Keeping you in my prayers, Bob!
In Jesus
p.s. Happy to share this one.
Response #2:
Probably if I had addressed the problem earlier I wouldn't have had such
expense. When my line clogged before and it took them a lot of effort to
clear it, they wanted to run a camera through but I declined. Had they
done so, no doubt they would have found what your people found and been
able to do something similar. I also passed on the water line insurance
they have through our water co. (I actually didn't realize it included
the sewer line too). It is what it is. I'm happy with the result . . .
except for the paying it off part.
Health insurance is a big issue and a big problem here; not sure an NHS
system would work with our demographics. As it is, this is one reason I
plan to keep working. I have a group plan through the uni which is hard
to beat.
Right. [omitted], and I gather that will be not so simple. (Idaho)
thinks it's a result of being kicked by a horse sometime back. Seems to
have something to do with the liver, but I have no idea. I'd like to
know how things are going, but I try not to pester people too often in
situations like this. It's a judgment call.
Yes, we have to fight on many fronts at once, and when things are going
haywire on multiple fronts at the same time, it does get dicey and we do
have our patience, our strength and our faith tested. I think of Jacob
who had trouble everywhere he looked for a good part of his life . . .
but the Lord blessed him and got him through everything. He "kept
wrestling" in faith, and that is what we all need to do.
"If it wasn't for the Lord helping me . . ." Amen! That is so
true for us all. And, yes, the Father knows what we need in terms of
testing and also how our particular tests fit into the overall plan. Job
had no idea that his ordeal was going to be a blessing to countless
future believers while he was suffering through it at the time. We too
are being observed, by angels and fellow Christians. So everything we do
and say and think is important. We're none of us perfect, but believers
who are walking closely with the Lord can have an impact through their
life-witness that is ofttimes not noticed by themselves in the thick of
the battle. We'll find out the details on the other side. In the
meantime, all we really need to do is have faith that the Lord is
working it out for good as long as we keep faith with Him. Because He
is.
Great verses! Indeed, we can endure whatever we're called upon to endure
with the help of the Spirit and the prayers of our brothers and sisters
in Christ!
I have the strength to endure all things in the One who empowers me to do so.
Philippians 4:13
"All very important to remember for the Tribulation." Amen! And
good preparation for it as well. Something else we need to remember when
we find ourselves under pressure: the Lord is preparing us.
Keeping you in prayer for some relief, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
p.s., thanks for your willingness to share, and, speaking of relief, I
just found out that the uni is closed tomorrow on account of the coming
storm, so Fall break starts early!
Question #3:
So Doc, something I've truly realized very recently is that there truly
is no point on trying to fix ourselves, either in sin or just aspects of
our spiritual life in retrospection.
In other words, we cannot possibly know every little detail of our
situation, only God can for sure, so trying to figure out everything
that could have possibly gone wrong, even if it's to "do better next
time" is a fools errand, because that's unknowable. It's like trying to
extensively and manually scan the entire internet to see why a single
webpage isn't working.
We can only know that we sinned, or otherwise didn't do as good as it
could have been. This is why God only judges us on doing the best we can
given the circumstances we know of, it wouldn't be fair to count it
against us when it "could have been better" but we made an honest effort
with our knowledge of truth and the situation, even in terms of mental
and spiritual capacity from period to period of our walk, we can't "be
at 100%, 100% of the time".
I should clarify, meant it's not a sin if we honestly don't do as good
as we could have if circumstances were better or we had better knowledge
that said circumstances didn't allow us to have.
Response #3:
I think it's a fair point. Our knowledge is imperfect and so is our application, even for the most spiritually mature.
For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.
1st Corinthians 4:4-5 NKJV
I don't think I'd want to develop a theology about this, but practically
speaking if we get all bollixed up about what exactly we did or didn't
do yesterday we'll never end up doing anything positive today. The best
policy, the only one that really works, is to just keep putting our
heads down and doing what we ought to be doing NOW, not planning
tomorrow or regretting yesterday but growing, progressing and producing
TODAY.
So we confess when we sin (1Jn.1:9) . . . and move on, making a mental
note not to fall into the same trap again. God helps us with that too
(Heb.12:3-11).
During the Tribulation, it's going to be very important not to get
subjective about "bad things happening" (if it's our fault at all, we
confess; but there is a spiritual warfare element involved as well –
just ask Job). We all need to keep focused on the bigger picture,
remembering that God is the One who is in control. That's true now;
it'll be doubly so then.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hello doctor,
I'm here pondering about how the old Testament believers kept their faith given;
the perilous specific times they lived and the satanic attack upon their
marriages (staying with unbeliever wives); Job, Lot and Hosea.
What is there to learn from their life experiences?
Thanks as always. God Bless you.
Response #4:
It is true that believers today have wonderful advantages. We have the completed
canon of scripture, the entire Bible; we have teaching ministries available to
access anywhere any time on account of technology; and we have the Holy Spirit
indwelling us permanently. So isn't it sad that so few believers today take
advantage of these marvelous opportunities? It seems fair to say that the
average Laodicean believer isn't doing nearly half as much with these great
advantages as many of the great believers of the past did without a Bible (or
much of one), without technology (for communication, at any rate), and without
the indwelling Spirit. Moreover, we have the cross and resurrection as a
reality; they had to look forward to that day in faith. And yet, what faith
Abraham had! And all the great believers in the "catalog of biblical heroes" in
Hebrews chapter eleven! And while it is true that these represent the cream of
the crop, it's also the case that as Paul says, "time would fail" in listing all
the wonderful Old Testament believers, even the ones we are given to know
something about through scripture, let alone the very many more there must have
been who are not mentioned in writing – but their names are written in heaven.
As to "how?" they "did it", they "did it" the same exact way we need to be
"doing it", namely, they were given truth and then they believed it and applied
it. As a bit of a history buff, I find it interesting how many servicemen have
reported how that in times of danger they found themselves reciting the Lord's
prayer or the 23rd Psalm. That is understandable (since these are two things
that are often taught to be memorized in traditional Sunday schools). This is an
example of very little truth being heavily relied upon, and that is no doubt
what was the case in Old Testament times for most believers. They knew enough to
be saved and enough to walk with the Lord by holding fast to what truth had been
shared with them. That is the only way that Jacob, for example, got through all
of his hardships in his life.
"If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you.”
Genesis 31:42 NIV
Then he blessed Joseph and said, “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked faithfully, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm – may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly on the earth.”
Genesis 48:15-16 NIV
Jacob had no Bible, no permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, no teacher – but he was given to know certain critical truths about the Lord and he trusted Him. That is essentially what it is all about down here on earth, after all, determining to trust/believe/have faith in the Lord and what He tells us no matter what. Faith is like voltage, and with enough of it, sufficient current can be passed through even a small wire. How sad that today when we are "wired up" like never before, for most in Laodicea there's not enough volts to generate even a small spark. All the more reason for those of us who do understand what is at stake to commit to being "live" and zealous for the Lord more and more day by day as we "see the day drawing near" (Heb.10:25; cf. Rom.13:11). Because once the Tribulation begins, we're going to need every bit of truth we've believed – and we won't regret a single minute we've spent preparing through giving attention to the truth.
Here are some links on this:
Biblical Role Models
Hebrews Chapter 11: The Catalog of Great Spiritual Heroes
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Bob, you are the consummate teacher! I've learned much from you both directly
and indirectly. I want you to know I appreciate it.
I'm convinced you're right about the Tribulation. The evil twists and turns I
see today convince me we're seeing the fat lady singing before the roses are
thrown on stage and the curtain comes down. Scripture urges us to wait on the
Lord, which is about all I'm doing at this point. Whatever he decides if fine
with me.
Have a good semester and thank you for your prayers. You remain in my daily
prayers.
In our Lord,
Response #5:
Thank you!
Greatly appreciated. Agreed re: the Tribulaton. We all will have to "wait on the
Lord" for deliverance once the Tribulation begins, even more so than we do
today. But while we're waiting, there is no substitute for spending quality time
and effort devoting ourselves to spiritual growth. That is the one thing we CAN
do to become adequately prepared for what's coming.
Keeping you in my prayers too, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Dr Luginbill,
First, thank you for your writings and responsiveness! It is truly a blessing to
the Body of Christ!
My question is regarding Eph 3:20-21. I have come to believe that “church”
includes all who have chosen to follow Yahweh, not just those who came to faith
after Christ. I also believe it includes those who choose Christ in the future,
up until the future final conflict and Satans final banishment.
However, those who hold to a dispensational model to interpret scripture insist
there is a church “age” and only those born during this “age” can be part of the
church.
Eph 3:20-21 seems to imply an unending status for the church given that the
glory of Jesus will be seen thru it forever.
Have I misunderstood or mis-read the concept of the church or this verse?
Thank you!
Response #6:
Good to hear from you – and thanks for the kind words.
You are absolutely correct that the Church is not restricted to believers in the
Church Age. Everyone who has ever been saved from the beginning until Jesus
returns is part of His Body (those saved thereafter, the millennial believers,
are "The
Friends of the Bride"; see the link).
It is odd that so many contemporary Christians get this wrong – as if, for
example, Jews and gentiles before the cross are somehow not "of the Church",
whereas, e.g., Paul makes it VERY clear that we gentiles who are saved today are
grafted into the good olive tree of Israel, not the other way around
(Rom.11:1ff.). Cf. Also:
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:11-13 NKJV
Clearly, the gentiles of the Church Age are blessed to have become part of the
Body of believers which existed before. And since there is only one resurrection
when the Lord returns, how would we not all be part of it, all who have believed
since the beginning?
This is a just a very short reprise of a much bigger explanation to be found at
the link: BB 6B: Eccelsiology: the Study of the Church
(q.v.).
During the Tribulation, Israel per se, that is, Jewish believers, will again
take the leadership role under the guidance of
Moses and Elijah and the
144,000 Jewish
evangelists (see the links). But we gentile believers are and always will be
part of the Body of Christ as well. And I am sure that there will be a role for
us as well during those last seven years – if only we take pains to prepare for
that now.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Dear Professor,
How are you doing? And how’s work going? We had a great time at our Sunday
study. We are studying CT2 and all the time
I’m amazed at how much work you put into it. Can’t imagine the time and mental
agility it took. All your work is very precious to us. Thank you very much.
Our study reminded me again about taking it one day at a time. “Wake up and get
to the battle field. Prepare yourself as best you can because you don’t know
what to expect.”
I really don’t have a lot to say. Just wanted to shoot an email saying hi.
Have a blessed week ahead.
In Jesus,
Response #7:
Thanks for the vote of confidence, my friend! Coming from you, it's especially
appreciated.
Work is going OK. The students were a little dead today. Makes it tougher for me
since then I have to jump around a lot more to wake them up. But classes went
well enough. I'll have some grading to do this week since I've given out
midterms for my upper level classes. But that means we're headed towards the end
pretty quickly . . . which is a GOOD thing!
Thanks also for the reminder on "one day at a time". That is an important
perspective to hold onto now – and will be doubly so during the Tribulation. Who
can bear the entire seven years at once? But if we are not taking it one day at
a time, it could feel that way. God gives us one at a time and all we need to do
is walk with the Lord today "as long as it is called 'Today' " (Heb.3:13).
How is your health?
Keeping you guys in my daily prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #8:
As a student myself, very few days in class are exciting. I have to consciously
remind myself from time to time why I am there. But the clinical aspect when we
are by the patient’s bedside keeps you on your toes cause you can be asked any
question and you’ll be laughed at if you give a stupid answer.
It is a very GOOD thing that we are headed towards the end. It would be almost
impossible to endure this world otherwise.
We are all very healthy. _ gave us a little scare a few days ago when she sucked
on a piece of mosquito coil which we usually burn to kill mosquitoes. By the
mercies of our God, it didn’t harm her and when we rushed to the emergency we
were told if anything was going to happen, it would have. She is very healthy,
still learning to walk and talk and eating EVERYTHING she sees. It’s scary cause
we have to watch her like hawks.
I try to go for a one hour walk every morning and try to include vegetables in
our meals with very little oil. Since my Dad is diabetic, I’m trying to avoid
sugar as much as I can.
__ has had a cough for about a month now and he went to do a tuberculosis test
yesterday. I pray and hope that’s not the issue cause it’s a six month treatment
of about four drugs daily if it is.
I hope you’re doing okay health wise yourself Professor?
We are so blessed to always be in your prayers and you are always in ours too.
In Jesus,
Response #8:
I like your eternity perspective, my friend! It really is the only way to keep our eyes on the Lord.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NKJV
I do my best to keep my students engaged. Latin and Greek are like solving
puzzles and there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do in the process
of learning them. Problem is that I don't have to power to teach students who
aren't there. And students who don't study and/or don't want to concentrate in
class will of course feel some pain. I do my best to help them along, but some
days . . .
I'm glad to hear your daughter is OK! They have "child-proof" just about
everything over here because all kids are apt to do this sort of thing.
Sorry to hear about __! I'd sooner think he's got some Covid variant, but I'm
not that kind of "doctor". Let me know about the tests.
Doing OK. Still have a bad foot/ankle and shoulder, but functional enough to get
by. Don't get me started on "the other stuff". When I still had the old Volvo,
it got to the point where I had a mental list of about two dozen things that
were wrong with it . . . but it still worked. LOL that's where I am: things
"still work" . . . more or less. Prayers always appreciated!
Keeping you guys in mine day by day as well.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Thank you very much Professor. Your emails are always very very warm.
Students can definitely be very difficult.
Will let you know about __ as soon as we get the results.
I’m very happy you’re doing okay despite “the other stuff”. I’ve learned
something new this morning, “things still work”. So very much to be grateful
for.
In Jesus,
Response #9:
Re: "Students can definitely be very difficult." LOL, so can professors
(just ask any of my students).
I'm praying for you all.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,
We are doing well and in good health.
I just want to ask you a question on your opinion about Cremation.
1. There are places in the Bible where it talks about the dead being buried, but
no mention of cremation.
2. I don't believe in cremation, and from what I read in Scripture, it was only
for those who were cursed.
3. Many that die today are being cremated, because it is cheaper than be buried,
and in my opinion, that is not a good excuse for cremation.
I would like to have your kind opinion on this subject, and what if anything,
does the Bible say about it; which I am not aware of?
Thanks so much for your reply.
Make God's richest blessing be upon you always.
We are studying your teaching on Theology, and are amazed, especially ___, about
the depth of your teachings. I am always amazed at your teachings, and always
look forward to seeing what you write, for I always discover something new.
We thoroughly enjoy your studies.
Just want to say that Matthew 24 is coming alive at this time, and the times are
getting worse with war, earthquakes, famines, etc. everywhere taking place.
Won't be long now, so I have been preparing us by studying your teaching, and
fabulous it is, on Eschatology. I have been studying it for at least a year,
more than once for myself.
There is so much more to be learned. I have been studying your teachings for at
least 10 years now, and maybe more. I am still amazed how the LORD directed me
to your website, and I am so thankful that He did.
Blessings to you always,
Your friends,
Response #10:
Always good to hear from you, my friend, and thanks as always for your
encouraging words.
Re: cremation: First it's necessary to say that whatever happens to these
physical bodies is of no account in terms of the ultimate resurrection of every
human being – even unbelievers will be resurrected. It's a safe bet that the
atoms of Adam and Eve are scattered around the globe by now (what the great
flood etc.), but they will be resurrected when the Lord returns as will His
entire Church.
So when it comes to the question of cremation, we believers understand that this
is a personal matter which has its effect, if any, on the living, not the dead.
Many Christians believe that burial is more honoring to the dead and sends a
better message to the living, being more suggestive of our absolute faith that
these dead bodies will one day rise. That may be true. On the other hand, if we
have faith that what was said above is true, then the argument could be made the
other way as well. My mother was very firm that she wanted burial for herself so
of course we never even considered not following her wishes. For myself, since
the Tribulation seems close at hand, and since there is a great likelihood that
if one is a believer then he/she will be martyred therein, it is likely that the
decision will not rest with ourselves or our loved ones. The beast and his
minions are likely to dispose of our remains however they please; however they
do it, I'm sure it won't be respectful. But at that point, we ourselves will be
in heaven, regardless of what happens to our bodies . . . with only a few short
months to go before the resurrection.
So I try not to weigh in with any sort of authoritative statements on this
point, inasmuch as cremation as an issue is not mentioned in the Bible even
though this was the normal way of treating the deceased in the pagan Greco-Roman
world (the ashes were preserved; sometimes in very ornate cineraria).
Here are a few links on this:
What does the Bible teach about cremation and the resurrected body?
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Hello Bob!
Why did Paul say that he has to spread the gospel? Would he go to hell
if he didn’t and if yes why? Does this somehow apply to my calling? (if
I don’t accomplish what I should, will I go to hell)
In Christ,
Response #11:
If Christians went to hell for not doing our job, we'd all be in trouble. All believers are saved; only unbelievers go to hell (Jn.3:18), but we do lose out on rewards the Lord would like us to receive if we are deficient in spiritual growth, progress and production. Were you thinking of this verse?
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
1st Corinthians 9:16 NKJV
If so, the next verse explains it:
For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
1st Corinthians 9:16 NKJV
Paul had been given a job to do – by the Lord Himself:
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he [Paul] is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Acts 9:15-16 NKJV
And to whom much is given, from them much is expected:
"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."
Luke 12:48b NKJV
We are all left here after salvation to glorify Jesus Christ. We do that by growing spiritually, by passing the maturity tests that come our way once we hit that level, and then by carrying out the ministries that Jesus assigns to us (1Cor.12:5). When He does so, that is a charge, that is a responsibility we ought to take seriously. We want to get a good report before Him on that day:
"His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' "
Matthew 25:21 NKJV
We don't want to suffer the fate of the bad steward:
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Matthew 24:45-51 NKJV
Our Lord uses the extreme example above of someone who not only doesn't do what
they should do but actually reverts to unbeliever status and does what should
not be done. The bad steward above is analogous to "ministers" in the
church-visible who will join antichrist's world religion and be responsible for
the shipwreck of the faith of those who follow them as well as of their own.
Paul will be one of the most highly rewarded individuals in the Church and will
have his name inscribed on one of the foundation stones of New Jerusalem. He
"worked harder" than all the rest of the apostles (1Cor.15:10; cf. 2Cor.11:23),
though in humility he attests, "not me but the grace of God with me". We ALL
should be walking through this world in the fear of the Lord, loving Him but
also respecting Him, in order to make the most of the time we have been given
and NEVER to be in danger of falling away. This verse you ask about explains
Paul's application of this principle: being lukewarm may not be the same as
falling away from the faith, but it is NOT good enough, not to earn a reward
that glorifies the Lord . . . and possibly not good enough to have the
strength of faith necessary to make it through the Tribulation with that faith
intact.
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."
Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV
During the Tribulation, being lukewarm will become virtually impossible.
Believers in that state will either have to "warm up" rapidly or risk having
"their love grow cold" (Matt.24:12), which is falling away under the pressures
of that terrible time to come.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Dr. Luginbill,
As I mentioned in my last email, I am trying to teach our family the
Gospel of Luke. There are some sections that are hard for me to
understand thoroughly and therefore I can't teach it properly. We are
currently in chapter 10 and verses 12 and 14 have raised questions.
Verse 12 - But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day
for Sodom than for that city.
Verse 14 - But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the
judgment than for you.
I believe Jesus is talking about the Day of Judgement but I can't
determine if it means the Great White Throne judgement or a judgement
that God would bring that would occur during their lifetime here on
earth. Also, it is talking specifically about certain cities (the cities
that the seventy would enter while proclaiming the gospel of the
Kingdom, as well as Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum) but I assume He
is referring to the people that live in those cities.
Anyway, many of the commentaries I have read seem to think those
statements by Jesus indicate that there are degrees of punishment - that
the punishment will be more tolerable for some than for others. I don't
find scriptural support for the concept of degrees of punishment in Hell
or in the Lake of Fire, but I can't otherwise explain what Jesus is
saying here. Could you please give me some insight that would help me
teach these passages properly?
Thank you so much. And please know that I pray for and study under your
ministry every day.
Response #12:
I find commentaries largely useless. That is partly because of who
writes them (scholars who are not necessarily even spiritually mature)
and why they are written (not necessarily to teach doctrinal points or
provide genuine encouragement based on the truth). Occasionally a
helpful historical point or textual note will be provided, but I rarely
use them (even though I own many of them), because even time invested in
"seeing what they have to say" is usually time wasted.
No, there aren't variations in punishment. There are the saved and the
unsaved. Period. There are variations of rewards with all believers
having the same basic blessings in eternity (compare Matt.20:1-16). But
there is one penalty for refusing Jesus Christ: the lake of fire.
"Circles of hell" is an RC fiction (building on Dante), along with
Purgatory.
So what does our Lord mean? The first and most important thing is to
grasp His main point. That point is that His contemporaries, the very
people who ought to have repented and rejoiced at His arrival were
rejecting Him (and so were headed to hell); whereas at least these other
towns had SOME believers (Sodom had Lot; Phonecia had the woman who
received Elijah – and also the woman who importuned our Lord to heal her
daughter). But Jesus found NO faith in the cities mentioned so that His
point is to shame them with the relative example of otherwise
unbelieving places they despised. This is very similar to when He says
the following in Nazareth:
Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
Luke 4:23-27 NIV
Thanks for those prayers, my friend – and for all your good words and
for your efforts on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ. Keeping you in
my daily prayers as well.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Hello Dr. Lugbinbill,
I have a question concerning the Apostle Paul before he became a
believer of Jesus Christ.
It seems to me that Paul rejected several verses given in Isaiah and
Micah as follows:
Isaiah 6:8-10; Isaiah 7:14-16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2.
If Paul was tutored by Gamaliel what happened to his understanding of
the above scripture. They seem to be very clear to me, but Paul rejects
them and what they say about Jesus. Hmmmm.
He lived in Jerusalem and surely hears about Jesus being born in Micah
5:2.
Maybe it's because of 1 Corinthians 2:14 that he wrote later? Perhaps he
did not understand the scriptures above????
Can you please give me your thoughts about my thoughts and also your
thoughts..
Thanks always for your help.
I am currently writing a teaching on the subject titled "One Reason, One
purpose. It is about Jesus, and sinful mankind, etc. I think from where
the churches are going, this would be a good reminder, to get them back
on the right track, as they say. I believe they have moved away from
these subjects, and have forgotten scriptures.
Your friend,
Response #13:
Given that the entire Jewish people consistently rejected the truth even
when confronted with it directly in the very person of the Messiah doing
miracles and visibly fulfilling prophecy before their very eyes, I'm not
sure that Paul presents any sort of special case.
Unbelievers can't really understand the truth in any case. The only way
that the truth can settle in the heart is through the ministry of the
Holy Spirit who makes it understandable. For unbelievers, He only does
this with the gospel – because that is what they need so as to be saved
and then afterwards to be able to learn all of God's truth.
Re: "I think from where the churches are going, this would be a good
reminder, to get them back on the right track, as they say. I believe
they have moved away from these subjects, and have forgotten scriptures."
But I think your question, answered above, really IS apropos of your
purpose. Because I think in dealing with "churches today" you are going
to have the same problem that our Lord had in dealing with "the Jewish
people then", namely, the one Isaiah speaks about:
"For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them."
Matthew 13:15 NIV
The churches today which are really growing in terms of numbers (not spiritually, of course) are all about "worship" and not Bible study, and their "worship" is generally over the top and spilling into all manner of charismatic and new age excess. The older line ones have fallen back into mere ritual. If there is no love of the truth, either because of a desire to have emotions stoked and ears itched on the one hand, or being complacently comfortable with rituals and forms of the past devoid of any interest in the truth, either way, you'll be dealing with lukewarm Laodicea – and she's getting cooler by the day.
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth!"
Revelation 3:15-16 NIV
But it's good of you to try! We're getting closer to the end day by day,
and when the final seven years begin, everyone who has begun to prepare
ahead of time will be so much better off than those who find themselves
dropped "lukewarm" into the Tribulation.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #14:
I have one more question though, does Bema in 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Romans
14:10 mean the sports idea (It just being for rewards or lack thereof, though I
do believe there can be regret over having wasted opportunities if one didn't
live a particularly godly life), or the court idea (referring in this case to
the idea of being shamed or reprimanded for our sins as well)?
Please tell me your thoughts.
(I should clarify, I meant the regret will be purely during the Bema, there are
no tears in our Heavenly home after all)
Response #14:
Paul does say during his discussion of the judgment seat of Christ that we thus
"know what it is to fear the Lord" (2Cor.5:11); but there is no mention of shame
or shaming. We all want to be rewarded; we all want to hear "well done!"; we all
want the bonfire to be as small as possible (1Cor.3:12-15). Best way to achieve
all that is to joyously move forward spiritually every day. Getting upset about
past failure is something we are supposed to avoid (Phil.3:13). Failing to keep
moving forward and allowing ourselves to focus on the past is the best way to
undermine what we want and end up with what we don't . . . but we will all be
happy in eternity. It's only unbelievers who ought to be neurosing over the
eternal future.
So yes, the reward is according to the athletic analogy (link)
and the reprimand according to the judicial analogy. What is our take away? Get
moving spiritually NOW, and stick with it day by day. That is the only way to
ensure the "well done!" we desire . . . and the only way to prepare for the dark
days soon to come.
For much more on this, please see the link:
"The Judgment and
Reward of the Church"
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Bob I am seeing a big improvement in my health! I did pray for deliverance last
night and also I continued with my Bible study plans last night even though I
felt ill and tired. I was showing willing to God and I feel that is why He is
responding to my faithfulness.
I did almost blow a gasket a moment ago. I haven't been messaging __ now for a
long while but she keeps popping up now and again claiming something Biblically
inaccurate. I have been sort of ignoring the messages as I feel like I am being
goaded by them. Today she asked me to sign a petition to stop Christian
persecution so in response I gave her a lot of Biblical evidence that this is
part of the Christian walk and we expect this. I also sent another link to your
study on Peter's Epistles and the
studies on suffering.
She seemed to take it well but because I said 'We are truly near the last
days'..it was as if I had pulled a pin out of a grenade. She just exploded and
said 'The voice of doom again'. I did then gently try to explain that Christians
should be looking forward to the Millennium Kingdom.
I have really tried with her Bob. It's as though quoting from the Bible is now
nails down a chalkboard for her. I can't see how much longer she will abide in
the faith at this rate. I try my best to not be as heavy handed as I used to be
but Tribulation is a fact and even if I never talk to her again about it, she
will still have to live through it. What can we do when Christians don't want to
believe it will happen and don't want to prepare for it?
It is a scary thought. __ is very emblematic of Laodicea. She doesn't want to
study the Bible or accept the authority of a sound ministry. She believes what
she wants, when she wants and is furious when errors are pointed out. She gets
her ears tickled easily and really is all over the place. No doubt this is why
so many lukewarm believers are so gung ho about the pre-trib rapture. It makes
me feel that the real reason is that they use it to justify a lukewarm faith and
a lazy and careless attitude towards studying the Bible.
__ doesn't want to be led towards maturity but wants to lead me instead towards
damnable heresies (talking to the dead). I guess this is an education for me at
the very least. No doubt I will meet this time and time again in ministry.
I probably should take the epithet 'voice of doom' as a compliment. Those are
the kind of names given to the prophets of old after all!
2 Cor 2:16
To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings
life. And who is equal to such a task?
If someone of faith becomes antagonistic to the Word itself..what then. I worry
for __. If she doesn't heat up soon she will be in trouble. Even before the
Tribulation though, what worries me is that she will fall away. Her faith is
hanging by a gossamer thread but she refuses to do what will make her faith
stronger. Maybe what is at root of this is that she truly loves the world more.
So sad and frustrating to see.
In Jesus,
p.s., Also thanks so much for all your work on the
ceremonial
calendar and the
seven days of human history (links). It has helped me in so many ways! Thank
you so much for all your hard work. It took me a very long time to get my head
round
Daniel's 70th week but I am getting there now!
In Him,
Response #15:
I am thrilled to hear that your health is on the mend, my friend! I'm keeping
that in my daily prayers.
Re: "What can we do when Christians don't want to believe it will happen and
don't want to prepare for it?" As you mention later, that is Laodicea in a
nutshell. Besides praying for them, we can't do anything except to witness to
the truth, and then only effectively to those who have ears to hear. Unless and
until they respond, the reaction you provoked is typical. On a very basic level,
people really do understand that they are rejecting the truth, and no one who is
doing so ever appreciates that being pointed out – except in those very rare
cases where the person is being led by the Lord to open up, and that requires
something coming from inside them prodded by the Spirit, and not from outside
from us.
Once again, there are individuals to whom our ministries are welcome and those
to whom they are not. Best to concentrate on the former group – and even here
there are likely to be great variations in the degree of "welcome-ness". Yes,
this is Laodicea, and the vast majority of believers are not really interested
in the truth at all, and even those who are, are very likely not "red hot" for
it but only a degree or two warmer than tepid.
Once the Tribulation begins, the pressures will be great to "heat up" or "cool
off" completely. I thank God for believers like yourself who are preparing ahead
of time. That is the only sure way to be safe.
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
John 17:15-17 NIV
Thanks for your prayers too, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Dear Bob
I hope all is well with you and yours ln the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus.
My daughter thinks Trump and Elon Musk may be the anti-Christ's etc. I certainly
hope and pray that they are not, since Trump had the head injury and Musk
wanting to put chips in people's brains.
I would love a yes or no answer on your advice when you have the time.
best wishes
__ in Tasmania.
Response #16:
There are a lot of people who are upset about recent events.
Re: "I would love a yes or no answer" . . . as would we all on this!
About the best I can do is "probably not". The reason for that is that scripture
is clear about the beast not "being revealed" until the Tribulation begins. We
will know for certain who he is only after the Tribulation starts, but there
will be no doubt about the start of the Tribulation (it hasn't begun yet):
(1) And when He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. (2) And I saw the seven angels who stood before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. (3) And another angel with a golden censer came and stood by the altar, and much incense was given to him so that he might offer it for the prayers of the saints on the golden altar in front of the throne. (4) And smoke from the incense went up from the hand of the angel before God for the prayers of the saints. (5) Then the angel took the incense holder and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it to the earth. And there occurred thunderous voices(1) and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Revelation 8:1-5
These are unmistakable signs and sounds which will be perceptible around the
world (as with many such things which will happen during those seven years).
In terms of "chips in brains", I can say for certain that this has nothing
whatsoever to do with "the mark of the beast". That mark is a visible tattoo
whose purpose is not to alter behavior but to demonstrate allegiance to
antichrist, not some means of control and definitely not something which will be
imposed against a person's will. There will be coercion to take the mark, as
scripture makes clear, but only those who agree will be marked (and it is only a
mark). Here's link on that which will lead to more:
"What is the mark?".
In terms of "wounds", the one the beast receives is said to have been "fatal",
literally, "a blow of death" (Rev.13:3; 13:12); the world will be convinced that
he rose from the dead, so traumatic will it seem. I think we can safely say that
being nicked in the ear, while no one would want that, is not on this level.
Also, this event happens at the mid-point of the Tribulation, right at the
commencement of the Great Tribulation, and we have already established that the
Tribulation has not yet begun.
Throughout history there have been many "good candidates" for antichrist
(Hitler, for example, seemed to some to be so incontrovertibly). But the idea we
have of the beast from popular culture is not the picture he is likely to
present to the world. Instead of stirring up hostility he will be well-received
by most since most will be deceived by him. As I have opined in the past, a
religious figure who then becomes political is a likely scenario. After all, he
is anti-Christ, portraying himself to actually be Christ. I know of no one in
the media mix at present who even comes close to matching those credentials.
I don't know the future; I only know what the Bible tells us about it, and one
thing is clear: there is no prophecy being currently fulfilled. That is all in
abeyance until the Tribulation starts. Anything that happens beforehand may be
conducive to the developments the Bible relates for those seven years, but we
can't say for sure. So we will just have to wait and see.
Here's the largest and most applicable posting to the details in your question:
CT 3B: Antichrist and his Kingdom.
Please do feel free to write me back about any of the above.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Hello Bob,
I can always rely on you for a commonsense answer and last night I was reading
your work about the tribulation and was glad I did again, so, many thanks for
the clarification that you gave me in your reply.
Take care
God bless in the name of Jesus.
Response #17:
You're most welcome!
Do feel free to write back any time.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Noticed in one of the letters in your latest emails, the correspondent seemed
glad Biden didn’t win but was concerned about Trump as he was dangerous and
might usher the end. Well, the end is coming but it would not be Trump ushering
the end, it would be God’s plan using him. As for him being dangerous, whatever
that means - like the end of democracy chant during the election campaign by so
many in the opposition. Funny how socialists of all stripes always want
democracy to get power then it's, as it was said in Africa in the 60s and 70s,
one man, one vote - one time. The founding fathers recognized democracy as a
system of human government was a recipe for eventual destruction. That’s why
they organized a constitutional republic, not a democracy, so that the passions
of any particular time did not automatically destroy the country though they
might come close. Also why they designed the electoral college, the appointment
of senators by state legislatures (no longer true thanks to the 17th amendment)
and made constitutional amendments so difficult. The fact most people now are
not aware of that is thanks to the poor public and college educational system of
the last 50+ years. Was it perfect or is it now, not by any means since its made
and run by humans. But they did establish a representative government providing
a greater degree of freedom to its citizens than its predecessors. That’s the
only reason, aside from divine will and the Marine Corps (had to include that),
why what became the US has been around for some 248 years.
As a citizen I have a legal right and opportunity to vote in elections and most
times do but also recognize that my vote is subject to His will; one cannot
become caught up in politics to the point its seen as the ultimate answer to
problems. We see so much of that in this day and time from all the political
parties and numerous media outlets of every stripe. Do I lose sleep over or stay
up late watching electoral results of any kind, no; if someone wants to, that’s
their choice and I am glad they have that choice in this country. We are in the
world but not of it; we render unto Caesar but also to God; remembering who’s is
what is the key. While it's normal as a citizen to be saddened by the failures
in and of one’s country and its leaders, such is the history of mankind. Our
faith and hope is to be in Him not some person or party. We live in a country
that allows its citizens to have some say thru elections but politics remains a
false god for those who put their faith in it as the answer to the wrongs of the
world.
I see this recent election as possibly setting the stage for what “peace and
prosperity” people think there is before it really hits the fan in the near
future. The Left and their allies have created the control and propaganda system
that wasn’t utilized to its fullest and the conservatives will likely begin to
revitalize the military and industry to toughen up the country so that when the
Antichrist does appear, the basic tools are there for him to use to begin his
military conquests and establish political control. So I still think its likely
his reign will initially have a “conservative” face rather than a “liberal” one,
though it will not really be either because its Lucifer in control in his effort
to wipe out the human race in his continued campaign to thwart the Almighty,
though his doom is sure. But we will know its true nature when it comes by
continuing to prepare in knowing the Word while being vigilant and resting upon
faith in the Lord and not in any human or man-made entity or idea.
Response #18:
Great stuff! Couldn't agree more (especially about the Corps).
If we still had only property owners allowed to vote (I would happily add all
vets), it would be a different republic alright.
People don't realize what true democracy would look like. Don't think they'd
like it much. The Athenian democracy was very intrusive domestically (one was an
"idiot" literally and etymologically for resisting engaged participation) and
externally aggressive, producing an empire which almost resulted in the complete
destruction of the city (after the 2nd PW the Spartans in a fit of Realpolitik
prevented the allies from razing the city and enslaving the inhabitants only
because they knew Athens would be a good check on Thebes in the future). People
who are upset by "too much politics" would be really put off by the Athenian
model, the original democracy, where you essentially got drafted to be the
equivalent of a senator/representative for a year (and full time day/night
"watch officer" service for a month of that stint). Everyone was in the army or
the navy. Jury duty paid much better, however.
I'm also looking to the religious realm for signs of the beast's rise. He will
pretend to be the Messiah. Seems like things might start there and spill over
into politics afterward.
Thanks the for the great insights, my friend! Hope you don't mind this getting
posted pretty soon.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Bob,
The Archbishop of Canterbury (Church of England) has resigned today due to a
child abuse cover-up scandal. He is a much divisive and even despised figure and
there were 10,000 signatures calling for his ousting from the church. Of course
I only pay heed to the ebbs and flows of the church visible so as to keep track
of it but it is a good reminder that people who mock God, who sin with a high
hand or push false teaching and create confusion and schisms (no matter how high
their positions are from the world's view) the Lord can and will eventually
humble and bring low such people.
I thought that while on one hand we can all weep for how bad the Laodicean
church is, we can be encouraged to see that God doesn't allow mockers and wolves
to pull us all into disrepute and despair forever. God is still on the throne!
He answers our prayers and although things can look very bleak at times, He
hears us and He delivers us from evil and those who practice it!
In Jesus,
p.s., I need to add something else that may be important to your ministry
followers. In the UK we have a news channel that is very similar in politics and
presentation as Fox News, it is called GB News. There used to be a presenter on
there called Calvin Robinson who used to be an Anglican cleric with a show
called Calvin's Common Sense Crusade. He has a very warlike and Knights Templar
view of spiritual warfare and makes use of that imagery a lot. His broadcasts
were solely about fighting against everything considered 'woke' and was very
political in his outlook whilst wearing a 'dog collar' on TV. I was always
uneasy and creeped out with this blending of tabloid news with religion and the
tying up the Bible with the culture wars. The problem is that because so much
media in the UK is tied up in promotion of ridiculous ideology, the only channel
against it was followed by people as the 'voice of reason'. I am getting to my
point now.. Calvin was ousted from the channel and now has a podcast called the
'Lotus Eaters' (notice the Hindu reference of the lotus flower). This person is
incredibly influential over Christians in this country a bit like Tucker
Carlson. I notice there is a pattern of a media person gaining trust and
following from Christians and then they are booted off because they are
controversial, so they set up a channel elsewhere where they then push more
radical content (like the slowly boiled frog). I do wonder if they are all truly
on the same side but they do what the Gestapo used to do, when they shot one of
their own officers so that the affiliation would not be suspected. What I have
only just found out today is that this commentator who has a huge influence over
Christians here, he has recently become a Catholic Priest and actually wrote on
Facebook today that all Christians need to go under Rome again!! When someone
quizzed him about this he said "if you are for a divided church then you are
against the church". The main reason I am adding this is that it looks to be
playing out just as you have written it to be that there will be two religions
duking it out : the Antichrist Vs the Mahdi. So it looks strongly as though the
Antichrist will head a New Age religion whereas the Mahdi will head a Chrislam
religion of Catholics, Muslims and Eastern Orthodox combined. In that Wide is
the Gate documentary, one commentator did say that it looks like there will be a
fight between a "false Abrahamic religion messiah" and a New Age one and so far
that does look to be playing out. So it looks like the political left/right
divide (which are deadly enemies at this point) will just feed into either the
New Age under Antichrist (left) against the "false Abrahamic religion" under
Mahdi (right) with Jews and Christians completely cast as pariahs. So the fight
against 'woke' may lead to the Mahdi, whilst the embracing of woke may lead to
the Antichrist. Of course, we will only know for sure once things start to
unravel and be revealed. Satan can't keep his cards to his chest forever though
and at some point has to 'show his hand'. Something else to note is that this
Calvin Robinson is very pro-Trump. Just thought you may be interested in another
'heads up'. Things are moving like greased roller skates over here!
Response #19:
Very interesting report.
There are a lot of "pluses" for a scenario that makes the beast an R.C. leader.
As mentioned in previous posts and elsewhere, positing antichrist as a religious
even more than a political leader makes a great deal of sense to me, given
especially his title: anti-Christ. He will claim to be the Messiah. That does
have political implications, obviously, but it would seem to have to begin on
the religious side of things and then morph over into the political realm.
I wasn't aware of any of these developments in the UK. I have long been amazed
(maybe appalled is better) at so many "conservatives" over here actually
converting from one Christian group or another to the R.C. religion – as if
there is purity there. Abortion has a lot to do with it. It's noteworthy that
while it is of course a horrible thing, the false viewpoint about the beginning
of life has helped to fuel it as a political issue with the R.C.'s right out
front on that. That's true to one degree or another in many of the fronts of the
"cultural wars". So this isn't particularly surprising. It certainly makes sense
from a tactical point of view that the devil would be pushing outrageous
anti-God and anti-law policies on one side, while he backs fatally flawed
individuals and groups with doctrinal incorrect and often dangerous viewpoints
on the other as the only solution. Seeing the beast as coming from the right in
response to over-stepping on the left is a reasonable scenario. But so is the
opposite one. I've opined in the past about the possibility of antichrist being
a "transcending" figure who will somehow coopt and appeal to both sides. We
shall see.
The growing dysfunction is a clear harbinger of the end and thus is all the more
reason for genuine believers who are serious about the truth to double down on
spiritual growth and preparing for what lies ahead – because as you intimate, it
doesn't look like there's going to be much of a middle ground between these two
equally satanic extremes.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Hi Bob,
Of course these things we won't know for certain until they are actually
happening, as so much can change in so short a time. I just wanted to comment
about what is 'in the water' these days and there is overwhelming evidence that
the anti-woke pundits have big Catholic affiliations so something to be extra
wary of.
Of course there is the whole 'New Age' stuff too and that is getting more and
more ubiquitous day by day. It is good to be wary of most things at this point
that cannot be verified by the Word!
I have certainly had my fill of political and social commentary pundits to last
a lifetime. When it comes to following any such discourse in the public square,
I have found a personal fickleness towards them all has always been a good solid
inoculation from being carried too far down the stream along with any one of
them.
Just another thing to note (to support my initial assertion)... The
conspiratorial world has strong Catholic connections too. Two big conspiracy
theory pundits 'Russell Brand' and 'Jordan Peterson' have both recently
converted to Catholicism (with a New Age twist). Also a YouTuber called John
Campbell who is an ex-nurse who was meant to be a source of alternative media
during the pandemic (who has now become a strident anti-vaxxer) recently made a
bizarre video claiming that the Shroud of Turin was really the shroud used to
wrap our Lord and Saviour!
So things are getting very interesting (if the definition of interesting is
actually weird and startling!!) Seems like the emerging-merging church has both
feet in the New Age AND Catholicism (with also a nod to conspiracy theory) At
this point, like the Grand National, it's an 'any horse race' (seeing as all the
horses up to run for deceptive purposes are from Satan's stable!)
In Jesus,
Response #20:
"Merging church" is right! That is an excellent way to put it, my friend. And
that is what will happen in the Tribulation with it all merging into one big
mess . . . with us who truly love the Lord left out (see the link:
the Tribulational Religion of Antichrist). Happy to be left out of that
"party". It's going to cost us to refrain from joining, but we have already
"counted the cost" and know that eternal life is well worth it – especially
considering the alternative.
Thanks for the info. I've heard of some of these characters but not all of them.
I should probably follow these things more closely. But, soon, all I'll need to
do is stay current on your website!
And that's right, they may be "horses of a different color" but they're all nags in
the end.
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.