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Eschatology Issues CXLV

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Question #1:

Thank you so much sir for remembering me. Please continue praying for me and my family sir as we are in tough times now. Although my finances are now okay unlike before, but still I have personal struggles. Please sir. Also, I would like to ask what's the connection between Israel-Iran now and the end times? Thanks sir.

Sincerely,

Response #1:

I do pray for you and your family. Is there anything specific you would like me to add to my list or the Ichthys list?

Regarding the recent hostilities in the Middle East, as I have noted many times, the Church Age is the "mystery age" of the seven millennial day plan of God. It can be found in the Jewish ceremonial calendar (see the link), and of course there were many prophecies in the Old Testament about the first advent of Christ and also of the turning of the gentiles to the truth, but the specifics of how these future events would fit into the plan were not made clear until after the coming of our Lord and after the gift of the Spirit (cf. 1Pet.1:10-12). Until then, all future events were given to be seen as one whole (i.e., prophetic foreshortening; see the link).

The upshot of all that is that from the standpoint of prophecy about future events, the first advent jumps directly to the events preceding the second advent, namely, the Tribulation and everything associated with that prior seven year period. In other words, there are no prophecies per se that deal with the Church Age. Yes, we do have Church Age trends given to us in the messages to the seven churches of Revelation (see the link), and there are some other Church Age developments that can be seen to be foreshadowed in prophecy (such as the turning of the gentiles to Christ mentioned above and also the destruction of Jerusalem), but by and large there are no specific details of definite events given in scripture regarding this present age.

I do realize that many, far too many, "ministries" try to find significance in particular dates or events of the recent past (such as the foundation date of the secular state of Israel), or present, but these are entirely misguided and not biblically warranted at all. All we can really do is to study the Tribulation itself and the world situation as described in the prophetic information scripture contains. Then, we might possibly get a feel for how things ought to look just before it starts. The problem with this method, of course, is that we cannot really say anything definitive about where we are now by projecting backward from the state of the tribulational world. That is because things are going to happen very quickly once the Tribulation begins, so that, on the one hand, things that seem to make the Tribulation look impossible for many years to come might actually change almost immediately once the seven years commence. And on the other hand, things in our present world situation that look to match with it completely at present could change tomorrow and change back many times before the actual events of the Tribulation itself take place. After all, there have been many times in the history of the world since the Church Age began when conditions seemed ripe – and yet the Tribulation has not begun till yet.

If you've read Coming Tribulation (link), you probably remember that the interpretation adduced therein has the actual antichrist rise to power in no small part as a "savior" of the West and of Israel against a putative (but not actual) "antichrist" who brings together not only all of the Middle East but many other adjoining nations besides in a grand anti-Israel coalition. It is safe to say that this individual has not yet arisen to public prominence (and the beast himself is specifically said by scripture not to be revealed until AFTER the Tribulation begins: 2Thes.2:1-3). So do current conditions seem likely to produce two such individuals and two such coalitions? That would be hard for anyone to affirm without any doubt, but also hard to absolutely deny, given the pace of change of things in the world today AND the exponentially greater speed with which they will take place once the Tribulation does begin. It could well be that we have plenty of advanced notice based upon a (seemingly) unmistakable series of events beforehand. On the other hand, it is also entirely possible that things will look very unlikely to be able to trend in such a direction any time soon . . . the very day before the Tribulation begins.

What we CAN say for certain is that for believers who are contemplating these matters, current events ought indeed to begin to motivate us to start getting serious about spiritual growth if we are not already in that mindset, and to redouble our efforts if we are. Once the Tribulation begins our opportunities for fortifying ourselves spiritually with the maturity and truth we will need to navigate those difficult days will likely be greatly reduced.

"As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work."
John 9:4 NIV

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #2:

Hello Bob, I hope you are doing well. Sorry I haven't been in touch for a while, I've been dealing with a lot of family-related issues. I also had a lengthy internet outage which was finally fixed. I am sure you are addressing the current events on your website but I am wondering where you think we are in terms of Biblical prophecy. Obviously concerned with the war between Israel and Iran and of course, now us. I don't recall too many situations in my lifetime that have been this serious. If you can address this in your own good time with links on your website, I would appreciate it! I'm sure you're busy, thanks for your prayers and I continue to pray for you! Again, I hope things are well with your job and family.

In Jesus Christ

Response #2:

Good to hear from you. How are __? I keep them in my prayers. And how is your health?

I am getting some emails about current events. The answer is pretty much always more or less the same. We are right as believers to watch and take these things to heart. But we can't draw any conclusions from current events themselves, because nothing that is currently happening has been detailed in prophecy. All remaining biblical prophecy currently not fulfilled has to do with the end times themselves. So the most that what is happening at present could be is a prelude to the Tribulation (and the prophecies related thereto). Do these events seem likely to segue into what is prophesied to occur once those last seven years begin? Possibly. But that has been the case before in world history (very notably in the time before and during WWII). Can we deduce that the Tribulation is closer because of this latest war? While it would be prudent to stay awake spiritually AND to get more serious about our spiritual preparation for what's eventually going to happen because it may be that the "time is drawing near", that is prudent at all times. And we can't say for certain that the Tribulation will begin next year (although that is not to be ruled out, given what information we do have from scripture) or eight years from now or more or even tomorrow. We believers just have to be ready at ALL times. So to the extent that believers do take notice of these events AND respond accordingly, it's all to the good. To the extent that they just speculate and don't use it as motivation to get moving spiritually (or, worse, allow themselves to get distracted from whatever spiritual growth they had been engaged in to "watch the news"), then it's not helpful.

The Lord is going to return right on time, and what a great day that will be! Marana Tha! But without question there will be seven years of challenging times that precede that blessed return.

There have been a lot of emails dealing with this and related subjects at Ichthys of late (i.e., the "Eschatology Issues" series; see the link for a list of all past postings).

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #3:

My grandparents have been gone for quite some time but whenever someone brings them up, it puts a smile on my face so thanks for asking. They were good, God-fearing people. My paternal grandfather was the town doc and was born in 1899, so pretty old school as they say. Everyone else is doing ok. My mom is 85 and still running around almost daily, not sure how long that will last at her age but I'm glad she's doing well now.

I've seen a number of YouTube channels, one is calling itself Lion of Judah. A lot of end-times stuff, I have a friend who sends me links although I've grown weary of watching them. Hopefully the cease fire will hold but whenever I think of the present condition of the world, I am reminded of 2nd Timothy. From a cultural perspective, it's far worse than it was in my youth. I make it a point to respond accordingly, I've seen life end very quickly for several people in my time. As the Bible says, life is like a fleeting shadow. Still having health challenges but it could be far worse, I'm grateful for what I have.

I assume that you are still at U of L and that things are going well there? How is your family? I will look forward to reading the links! For those of us who are still above ground when the Tribulation begins, we will definitely have to endure it. I know a good number of people who think otherwise and likely can't be convinced. Thanks again for returning my email!

In Jesus Christ,

Response #3:

Thanks for the update. Yes, still at U of L with no plans for changing that. When and if the Tribulation hits, of course, we have no clear idea of what that will mean for work and for many other things.

That's right. No easy "rapturing out" of trouble. It's a sad thing for those who are counting on being spared going through those seven years, I suppose. But, really, it is their own fault. If they were the tiniest bit interested about what the Bible has to say about this and all other important issues, they would have committed to a course of spiritual growth and that would have led them eventually to a good place to learn the truth.

"All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved."
Matthew 24:9-13 NKJV

As our Lord's words above make clear (if a person lets them sink in), after the Tribulation begins will not be an ideal time to make up lost ground in spiritual growth. The level of false teaching and the persuasiveness of it will be exponentially worse, bad enough so that along with the demonic "signs and wonders" these false teachers are given to do, it will be sufficient to "to deceive, if possible, even the elect" (Matt.24:24). For all those who are slacking off and putting their hope in a pre-Trib "rapture", therefore, getting right with the Lord will be harder and much trickier then than is the case before it all starts. Given the prior citation, we conclude that even mature believers will have to be very careful to maintain their walk with the Lord. What, then, can we expect to happen to those who have not bothered to mature? We do know that one third of believers are predicted to fall away in the Great Apostasy (link).  So I believe I have plenty of justification in calling out the false doctrine of the pre-Trib rapture as one of the big three which "threaten faith" (link).

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend. Thanks so much for yours!

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #4:

Hi Bob,

I live in an apartment/condo and they are redoing the roof on short notice, usually starting about 6:45 am. I'm a second shift guy so it's tough for me to be up that early, lucky to get 5 hours of sleep lately. Feeling a little punchy so sorry for the slow responses. The good news is, they are almost done. Praying for peace and sleep, I need both.

Glad to hear that you're still at your job and that things are going well on that front! Good point, the tribulation and the events surrounding it will almost certainly turn this world on its head. I expect that to happen in my lifetime but as you pointed out, there's a chance it won't. Great biblical reference there, I am going to share that with friends and family members. I have told a number of people about your website over the years. I used to believe in a pre-tribulation rapture in my younger days, I honestly think prayer changed that. My eyes were opened years ago and I'm in 100 percent agreement. I've been attacked a number of times online for pointing that out but I tend not to take it personally. You're right though, that belief is ultimately dangerous to Christians and will cause people to turn away at a time when they can least afford to.

All of that being said, I still have a fair amount of work to do as a Christian. It's been very difficult to find a good church here in Minnesota, usually I watch online services. If you have any recommendations let me know. You have an excellent platform to call out the false doctrine, doubtless you've help convince people over the years and turn away from it.

It's been a pretty rough summer in this neck of the woods in terms of severe weather. In town in northern Minnesota, which rarely gets severe weather was basically mowed down by 130 mph straight-line winds. Yes indeed, you are always in my prayers and thanks for yours as well!!

In Jesus Christ,

Response #4:

Re: "It's been very difficult to find a good church . . ." This is something I hear all the time. It is possible to grow to spiritual maturity and to continue a close walk with the Lord through Ichthys alone (and there is a forum; I can ask the moderator to send you an invite, if interested), or through some other good online ministries such as Pastor Omo's Bible Academy (at the link).

However, the number of churches out there where putting all of one's chips on such a table would end up being a good bet are few and far between. In fact, it's pretty difficult to find a place where attending does not "do more harm than good" (1Cor.11:17). It's necessary to say this because the church-visible of Laodicea has drummed it into us since childhood that attending a brick and mortar church is what Christianity is all about. You are a good Christian if you do and a bad one if you don't. So of course we feel guilt when we don't even when we are not being benefitted or are even being spiritually harmed when we do. But we are here for the Lord. If He has provided a ministry from which to grow, we should embrace that, whether online or in the flesh. At least that is my opinion . . . and I think in this I also have the Spirit of the Lord (1Cor.7:40). After all . . .

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
2nd Corinthians 5:10 NKJV

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #5:

Greetings Dr. Luginbill,

For several years we, overseas, have often read your various issues under Your Emails section.

Thank you for the labours and consistency you exercise in keeping this going. The thing we don’t like much, something that has gotten more and more less relevant to this world’s issues is the change from prophetic, interpretive emails to personal ones.

For instance, this last set of Eschatology Issues CXLIV, 14 June is centered around people’s personal issues, rather than broad, sweeping global insights. Years ago you used to respond much more with insights, with didactically and biblically based set of responses.

Today, God’s people are, like never before, swept up in a wide range of global issues especially focused on What time is it? We realize people are sending you personal messages and want your response, but these issues have little relevance in our sphere of activities and challenges overseas.

Perhaps folks need a separate channel to contact you for advice, leaving eschatological and end-time issues in a separate area on your site.

We are currently working in reaching out to the illiterate and handicapped souls in the Horn of Africa. A massive challenge!

Maranatha!

Switzerland
Break the silence, finish the Task!

Response #5:

Good to make your acquaintance, and thanks much for your interest in Ichthys.

I'm not sure how familiar you are with the site, but the emails section is only part of it.  It is fair to say that a very large portion of Ichthys has been devoted to prophecy and eschatology.  For example, the nine part Coming Tribulation series, the five part Satanic Rebellion series, and part 2B of Bible Basics, "Eschatology" which, by itself, is 386 pages long, single-spaced.  Further, there is commentary and exegesis on these and related matters in the verse-by-verse studies where these issues come up (in the Peter series and the Hebrews series; see the links). 

In terms of the emails per se, I answer questions as I receive them. Often indeed there is personal information included (much of that is frequently omitted, I might add), but this is part of building community. I have received very many emails over the years telling me just how grateful readers were to have read these sorts of emails because they confirmed that they were "not the only ones" who were going through such things or who had questions about such things. So the email responses are not independent of the questions I get but directly responsive to them (at least that is my goal). For those who are not interested in these sorts of conversations, as I say, there are many major postings which are not so constructed.

Even in terms of the emails, while there was perhaps more personal and situational material in "Eschatology Issues CXLIV", it was mostly "on topic", and a quick look at the "Previous Postings" list will show that, if anything, matters of prophecy and eschatology definitely outnumber any other single area of doctrine (again, a reflection of readers' questions). I have to say, that, if memory serves, this is the first time that I have ever received this sort of suggestion. More common is this response received from a long-time reader explaining why he was no longer keeping up with the site:

"Some time ago during my lunch hour at work I had been checking out your weekly mail questions and answers and found it very encouraging and I learned a lot. However, over the last few months it seems the subject has parked immovably on eschatology issues. To be frank, I am not really a big fan of studying that particular subject; seems that everyone has their own take on the end times, and it tends to boggle my brain. I concentrate mainly on my daily walk with Jesus and let the future events play out, knowing He is in control. It would be great if the rapture comes before the tribulation, which I tend to believe it will - but if somehow it does not, then as He has been faithful through the 40+ years I been walking with Him, He will be then also. Hope you understand. I do read ALL of the Bible, including the book of Revelation, so I get doses of eschatology from such reading."

I'm sure Ichthys readers would be very interested to know about your missionary efforts in Africa! Please do consider sending along some details. Also, I'd be happy to post a prayer request for you in this regard on the site.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob Luginbill
p.s., as you probably discern, "Luginbill" is a Swiss name. My family originally hailed from the area around Bern (where I understand the name is fairly common or at least variations thereof are). Our ancestors settled in the colony in central Ohio (there are also a lot of Luginbills in the US who settled in the Indiana colony and originated from there).

Question #6:

Hi Bob,

Your comments on DTS in your 12/07/24 post reinforced my notion that people have never changed. It convinces me the Lord will treat them no differently than He did the Pharisees and Sadducees. Higher education appears off the rails in general with their cultural perversions (specifically __) and Bolshevism. Hopefully, you're not seeing much of that at U of L.

I think Acts 15:29 is fairly explicit in terms of dietary laws and having seen what happens to blood after a few seconds without oxygen, I wouldn't want to eat anything strangled either. So hunting with a snare is a definite no-no as is blood pudding and sausage, though I'm sure many would disagree. Maybe this is not quite what the council had in mind, but it's certainly my take.

I could rhapsodize at length but the nub of it is, the Bible is true for all times and the instructions the Lord gave applies to all time. Eg, when he instructed His disciples to sell a cloak and buy a sword today would mean buying a gun to defend you and yours because a literal sword, without training would be useless for today's threats, as would a gun without training though I can't imagine a Christian pulling the trigger on someone else outside of the most severe provocation. (Besides, firearms training is much more available today than sword training.)

Christ's parable seems to reinforce that notion that, "if the man knew at what hour the threat would come would not have allowed his house to be broken up." A bad paraphrase, I know and not His main point, but like almost everything else I read in scripture there are many layers of meaning.

If I'm off in the weeds again on any of this, please straighten me out. I pray all is well with you and yours and your snowfall is modest.

In our Lord Jesus,

Response #6:

Don't think that you'd see much of that at Dallas seminary, I'm guessing! They have their own problems, however. I probably couldn't have gotten in at Dallas because of not being a member of a denominational church (same problem our correspondent ran into in the end). As far as U of L is concerned, they virtue signal like everyone else and many of my colleagues have "drunk the Kool-aid", but they pretty much leave me alone, so it continues to be an excellent base of support for this ministry.

The day is probably coming when we won't have to worry much about dietary issues – being just glad to get enough bread to scratch by. That's what Revelation suggests, anyway.

For my part, I think you have an excellent grasp of scripture as well as the meaning behind it (that is what this ministry is designed to foster, after all). In terms of layers, well, there is always something else to learn. Even Paul said he "hadn't yet arrived" (Phil.3:12). A sobering thought!

We're forecast to have rain here not snow (except perhaps at the very end of the system). Still clear at the moment.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., how are the legs?

Question #7:

Hi Bob,

I'm never sure whether I cooked up my understanding on my own or whether you shaped my conclusions. I suspect both. Most of that which I came by my own, you've corrected. Thank you.
I was seriously off on the weeds when I came to you, though even then, I understood the resurrection came at the end of the Tribulation.

Legs are slowly improving. They sent me to a dermatologist for a second opinion which tells me they were confused. The dermatologist took two biopsies which tells me they didn't know what it was either. They prescribed a steroidal cream which has actually helped. I'm still waiting to learn the results of the biopsies. Thanks for asking.

I pray you avoid the "pro-palestinian protests." I wonder who's stirring that up?

In our Lord,

Response #7:

When it comes to prophecy and eschatology, most Bible TEACHERS are "off in the weeds". It took me personally many, many years to figure out the details, and I was blessed to be starting from a very good foundation.

Glad to hear that you are on the mend. If they give you something that works, knowing the precise diagnosis isn't really that important. Keeping up the prayer on this end.

U of L isn't much on protesting – blessedly. Every once in a while we'll get a few dozen with bull horns, but never anything serious.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #8:

Hi Bob,

Thank you for your prayers. They help. It still looks like it'll be a long haul but I'm beginning to feel more normal. I'm glad to hear U of L is somewhat normal. It seems like so little is anymore.

I pray you and yours stay well and warm.

In our Lord,

Response #8:

I'm keeping this in prayer. I do hope it doesn't complicate Christmas plans. Hopefully you will be seeing your family?

"Normal" may be an overstatement. But it's "survivable" and that's really all I am interested in at the moment. Hope to get to finishing this article I started over the summer now that we are on break, but I had computer problems today (fixed after a frustrating morning – thank you MS update).

We are pretty well and warm enough! Pray the same for you, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #9:

Started reading through your Coming Tribulation series again and I noticed the date I first copied it at the library was in October of 2014. Wow, time sure flies by and your teachings are even more pertinent as we enter into 2025.

Happy Holidays

Response #9:

Great to hear from you!

Yes, time really seems to be zooming by on this end as well. I remember when 2026 seemed astronomically far away and now it's virtually on the doorstep.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy 2025 as well, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #10:

All is trending just as you projected.

Merry Christmas,

In Jesus

Response #10:

That's just what concerns me!

Question #11:

Well it is sobering but understanding the scriptures as Daniel’s 70th week approaches we will not be taken off guard. I see so many believers that are totally oblivious about the timing of these things and I try to share your material with them but most scoff or don’t want to believe that God has given us knowledge of these events and their timing. “We are not in the dark that that day should overtake us like a thief.”

Yes, the four horsemen of the Apocalypse are trending, the Antichrist is coming, wars and rumors of wars, famine and death and plagues all on the horizon but we have the Word and for that I am so grateful.

Response #11:

A wonderful, godly perspective, my friend!

It is the absolute truth, that if we fear the Lord, we have nothing whatsoever to fear from or in this world. Doesn't mean the time soon to come will be pleasant, or that there won't be troubles and pressures beyond what have so far been seen. But He who has made us all these wonderful promises in His Word is faithful. We can trust Him, no matter what – and knowing the truth and holding it fast does and will make all the difference.

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20b NIV

Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #12:

Hi Bob,

Back from my trip now and it is taking me a while to mentally and emotionally process it all as it was pretty intense in lots of ways and there were also a lot of big surprises. It ended up being two reunions rolled into one, I didn't realise that an old flame lived so close to where I was staying so we met up for lunch too. What I wasn't prepared for was the huge amount of love and affection that these old friends would show me. They all were really overjoyed to see me and there was no awkwardness despite the time gap between the last time we were all together.

It's funny because this group's lives now run the full spectrum of experience from newly got together couples with young children to aging bachelors. From dirt poor loners to millionaire row and jet setting success story. And yet...they all had something missing, something big and important. The longing and hunger in these people was palpable and heavy in the air. Like they were all holding their breath and waiting to see what was round the next corner. They may think it will come from another success or creativity or another relationship.. I know that what they are missing can only be found through faith.

As people are naturally curious and when they see someone new on the scene who seems different, who isn't jaded or bored then they did seem to hanker over what my secret was. One guy there who was part of the entourage encouraged me to talk to him about my faith. He seemed really lost. He drinks a lot and doesn't know what life is all about and has lost both parents.

There were so many of them waiting for something and I think they are ready for God but will they accept Him? The scary realisation is that the Antichrist is round the corner and these folk seem pretty desperate for something new (some more than others). That's my worry. The Antichrist may not appear monstrous at first but very appealing. So many are needy and waiting now.

They have been worn down by life, by disappointments, by the pandemic and loss and the obvious emptiness of life whilst our civilization is crumbling around us. The fear is that this wait will end with the appearance of the Antichrist who will appear to be everything they have been waiting for.

In Jesus,

Response #12:

Thanks for letting me know you got back home safe and sound, if a bit drained. Sounds like it was a good trip all around.

There is a lot of wisdom here, my friend. You have diagnosed the unbelieving human condition very well, and of course a lot of believers fall into similar traps too. We are all vulnerable while still "in the body", and immature, lukewarm, drifting believers are even more so.

This is all good grist for your ministry too.

And it is important to recognize and warn people about the consequences of such vulnerabilities in time soon to come as you do here. Yes, the more dysfunctional society in general and people individually become, the more likely they will be to welcome "the big change" which, as you say, may not seem scary at first but rather exciting and promising . . . even though it ends in the lake of fire.

All the more reason to double down on spiritual growth.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #13:

Hi Bob,

I am happy for you to publish the email in full Bob. There is nothing in it that I feel any qualms about sharing but you can redact anything you find extraneous to the main point.

Further elaboration on the observations I have already made...Quite a few people I met there have made life changing decisions because of the pandemic. Two out of three men I met had hastily committed to a woman they hadn't known for long, whilst another decided to make a life partner out of a platonic friend. Two of these three couples had 'pandemic babies' and admitted that they wouldn't have had children if not for the pandemic.

It shows how much of a motivator fear and confusion can be to make a hasty decision which has huge consequences. They clearly rushed into these things as they felt time was possibly running out for them being bachelors. No doubt a strong fear of possibly 'dying alone' would be present. Now that the attention grabbing urgency of the pandemic has died down, they have time to reflect on their decisions which has seemed to bring them some regret.

What more of a catalyst to make hasty decisions will the Tribulation be?! We know it will be the most intense and chaotic period of human history that will move at an unprecedented alarmingly rapid pace.

All those who are not building on the rock but on the sand will have no stability or foundation to their lives at all and will simply (as my friends did during the pandemic) grab the first thing that comes along that will seem to be a stabilizing force. This of course will be the Antichrist.

As you keep labouring to remind us, we HAVE to have a set routine and plan for spiritual growth and serious study NOW whilst learning day by day how to lean and trust and rely on our Lord for our day to day lives. It must become firmly entrenched and second nature to us to keep doing this now daily 'while the wood is still green'. This will mean, of course, prioritising our serious study and concentrating on our walk and growth to such a degree that it will inevitably entail sacrificing non-essential parts of our lives to make sure these daily studies are done.

As my own life has become hectic of late with more and more work to be done, I have found that a lot of 'hobbies and pastimes' I used to take pleasure in have now gone to the wall as I simply do not have the time for them. If I had doggedly persisted with them, they would have cut into more pressing areas of my life. I have had to be mature about this and take it on the chin and see the 'bigger picture', 'the view from above' and realise that these things would only become weeds with time, choking out my efforts I am putting in now to lead to production. The funny thing though is that I don't miss these things now at all, I understand the folly of them, they are distractions taking me away from what is needful.

It is good for us to check in with ourselves regularly now and then to see how we are doing spiritually, what we need to do more or less of going forward.

We have to make each 'punch' count in the fighting of the good fight. We need to train ourselves more and more and 'pummel the body' as Paul writes so that this mastery over our sinful nature coupled with our strengthening faith and full trust in our Lord will bring us safely through those seven years soon to come so that we can meet the Day of the Lord with joy and anticipation rather than fear and regret.

In Jesus,

Response #13:

I find it very encouraging that you have such a laser sharp appreciation of the problems. None of us is perfect. All of us stumble from time to time. Recognizing the danger areas ahead of time and avoiding them is a sign of mature prudence. Obviously, living alone on a desert island would reduce a lot of these temptations, but that is not the solution (historically, that approach led to the monastic movement which spawned an entirely new set of problems).

Lots of us have the issue of lingering longer than we should over things past; probably all of us for one thing or another. It's always best, however, to cut our losses and get cracking moving forward. As I mentioned to a friend of mine having coffee today who started reminiscing about the past and was contemplating writing it up, "I believe in moving forward".

Thank you so much for the insightful email and also for your willingness to share. These are excellent observations and I am sure that just about everyone can see a bit of our own individual experiences during Covid and with the reaction of people we observed therein (a bit more mental illness and doubling down on secular rather than spiritual concerns from what I personally saw). Your bottom line is right on the money: it demonstrates the vulnerability people manifest under unusual pressure – and the Tribulation will "bring it" like nothing has before. As you alluded to . . .

“For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?”
Luke 23:31 NKJV

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #14:

Hi Bob,

We have had some GREAT news! [family health concerns and discussion of dysfunctional issues of family and friends omitted]

In Jesus,

Response #14:

Thanks for the good report on __. Should I modify the request at Ichthys? Let me know what I should say.

Re: __:  Many if not most unbelievers are relationship "toe jamb" to one degree or another . . . and sadly many believers as well. We are all grateful to know some people who are not! That category seems to me to be getting smaller and smaller day by day as the world becomes more and more dysfunctional. This is a trend even Thucydides noted (War is a violent teacher who snatches away the ease of normal life, and molds the impulses of most into conformity with whatever circumstances present themselves"; Hist. 3.82.2), but of course our Lord put it in the way we needed to hear it about all that is to come:

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
Matthew 24:12 NKJV

"Many" being literally "the many" meaning "most people". So as bad as people are now, they will be getting much worse very soon – the only exception being believers who have put the Lord first so as to be spiritually prepared for what's coming. I'm not sure that psychology's slicing and dicing of these things has helped much. It's tended to give people excuses for themselves and for others. We really are not "this or that type"; we CHOOSE to DO "this or that thing". When I was young, there were very few mentally ill or challenged people. Now everyone has a mental/emotional malady – everyone who "is anyone" at least.

Re: "I can and should do what is godly by my parents but I don't have to run myself into the ground doing it" Amen! That is the main point. We can't control or often even positively influence the bad behavior of others. We do what we should do in honor of Christ; we tolerate where we can and separate where we must.

Good stuff here! And thanks for the permission to publish (redacted). Good news about __ too! But always be cautious when dealing with unbelievers . . . or believers who are "off in the weeds".

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #15:

Hello Dr. Luginbill,

Thank you so much for adding __ to the prayer list and praying for them!.

I am glad you are doing well! I am keeping your Greek class in my prayers and will keep your health in my prayers, too. I think the most difficult part of getting in shape and staying in shape is the consistency.

I am trying to figure out what to do next. [omitted]

I really like company I work for and I have been very blessed to have great managers at __. We have a new CEO who is steering the ship in a new direction. Upper management is finally listening to the sales team and making the changes we need. Despite all of these blessings, I am getting burned out and bored with sales. Also, even though we get commission on top of a base salary, my paychecks are "feast or famine" based on my school's budget cycles [libraries cutting back] and sometimes even the weather in the states that make up my territory.

I am going to take some time to research different industries/positions this summer.

Right now, I want to have as much time as possible to grow in God's Word, so I am planning on staying with __ for at least another year, or until everything really starts to "catch fire" in this country.

I remember you saying in an email response I read years ago that you thought the antichrist could come from a conservative background, especially because he may be a pastor, rabbi or religious leader. Do you think that still may be the case since the political pendulum in our country has swung so far to the right? Of course, there are a lot of liberal/progressive churches he could come from. I think it will be interesting to see how he unites the right and the left when he rises in the US.

In Christ's Love,

Response #15:

It's my pleasure. Please do let me know how this turns out. And thanks for your prayers as well.

Re: "I think the most difficult part of getting in shape and staying in shape is the consistency". In my experience and observation, consistency is the key to doing anything worth doing. I have been pretty consistent at exercise over my life, but in the past few years I developed a number of physical problems which militated against doing the amount of exercise I'm doing now (and had done in the past). I was sidelined a little or a lot or completely from jogging, e.g., for several years. Also, I wasn't good at keeping the weight off. That's a priority this summer as well.

Thanks for all the background. I've noticed that in higher ed as well; libraries are often seen as safe places to cut. We're still functional at U of L in that regard, but they've been paring down the library budget regularly for some years now. We don't subscribe to half the journals we used to, and most of them are now only electronic subscriptions. I'm going to be keeping your job in my prayers too.

Re: "I want to have as much time as possible to grow in God's Word, so I am planning on staying with [my current employer] for at least another year, or until everything really starts to "catch fire" in this country." I admire that. Serving the Lord always requires sacrifice. Sometimes people can see it; sometimes they can't. But the Lord surely knows . . . and no legitimate sacrifice for Him ever goes unrewarded, if not in this life, certainly in the next.

Re: the origin and rise of the beast. As I'm sure you know, scripture tells us that he won't be "revealed" until after the Tribulation begins (2Thes.2:3). So even if we think we have a perfect candidate, well, that's been the case before as well. Things have changed a great deal in just the last ten years, in terms of the political and social landscape in the US and around the globe, and also of course in economics and technology. Plenty of things have happened that I would have thought impossible or at least not happening in my lifetime, and it does seem to me that the pace of change is accelerating. So there is very little that I would dare to call "impossible!" at this point. A good case could be made for any of the scenarios that you and others have asked about recently. All we believers can really know is what is in the Bible. Scripture gives us the broad outlines and the critical information we need so as to be able to know what WE will need to be doing once it starts. Everything else, while piquing our curiosity (mine included) is, in the end, not terribly important from the standpoint of our negotiating of that difficult time ahead, should that be God's will for us. We know for an absolute certainty that after it starts, it will be less than seven years until our dear Lord and Savior returns and rescues us all. Marana Tha for that great day!

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 ESV

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #16:

Hello Dr. Luginbill,

I hope your week is going well!

I want to give you an update on __: He had surgery this past and praise to God, everything went well! Thank you so much for your prayers!

“In my experience and observation, consistency is the key to doing anything worth doing.” That is so true! I think patience, focus, consistency, and persistence together are some of the most underrated and underestimated gifts (almost “superpowers”) God has given us. I watched a classmate start art college with almost no natural talent or drawing skills, and now he is working as a concept artist for movies like Star Wars. His artwork is incredible because he used his passion to fuel his hard work.

“Plenty of things have happened that I would have thought impossible or at least not happening in my lifetime, and it does seem to me that the pace of change is accelerating. So there is very little that I would dare to call "impossible!" at this point.” So much has happened in the Middle East since we last corresponded! It really is accelerating. I am curious to see how much will change before the Tribulation starts.

[omitted] And I will keep your fitness in my prayers, along with praying for God to fill up your Greek class. Keeping weight off has always been a tightrope walk for me, so I sympathize. Not being able to exercise makes it so much more difficult!

In Christ’s Love,

Response #16:

Thanks for the good report! Keeping up the prayer. Thanks so much for yours too.

Yes, it's been a wild couple of weeks on the news front. I expect that sort of thing to continue. It's still difficult to make any predictions -- which is why I would rather just limit myself to reading the headlines. The biblical issues are very clear.

There are some things about __ on the site, but they are salted around here and there in the email responses. Feel free to write me about anything anytime.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #17:

Hello Dr.,

In your DropBox you should find the following audio files: [BB 3B 1-8]

This is the complete book of BB:3B-Hamartiology (really enjoyed going through this one again), BB:4A-Christology coming up next, God willing. Also, I’ve been following along with Pastor Omo in his Jeremiah series. I’ve always seen the parallels to today and he does a really good job showing the relevance to the situation we currently find ourselves in, I know a man like yourself you can relate. With the way things are going who knows what is going to happen next and what the affect/effect will be, but I’m sure it’ll be interesting at the very least. Appears all is right on track according to the Word of God.

Things at work are interesting, everybody is worried about budget cuts (knew these were coming) just the first in a series belt tightenings I’m sure. We’ve been told that services with part-time employees will be the first to go, and then? We’ll see. I’m not worried personally, the Lord will get me right where He wants me to be.

How are you sir? Hope your summer is going well. My vegetable/flower/fruit garden is doing well, we’ve averaged about an inch of rain a week with no real pest issues yet, so . . . so far, so good. How’s yours?

Got you in prayer here daily, God willing I’ll have BB:4B for you in about two months.

All the best’

Rev.22:20

Response #17:

Wow! What a lot of work! I love these new MP3 files. Well done as usual, but these are really top-notch. The tech has come a long way and, guided by your patient hand, has given us some real gems here in my opinion. I hope you know how much I appreciate all this great work. All files uploaded, tested, and working AOK!

Glad to hear that you are getting a lot out of Curt's Bible Academy. It really is a jewel, and I wish more Ichthys' readers would avail themselves of it more often. Jeremiah would be a great book for everyone to study, as you note, especially given the times. There is much complacency today in Laodicea. It reminds me of this passage:

"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Matthew 24:37-39 NIV

Of course the above is speaking of the second advent when, as in the flood, there will be no time to repent. At least once the Tribulation begins, believers who have been slacking will have some time to consider their poor prior decisions. It seems almost certain, however, that the opportunities to grow will be less even if the motivation will be higher than is true today. All the more reason for us who see what's coming to put spiritual growth at the top of our priorities list. These MP3's are very helpful for that, because they give folks an opportunity to access teaching at times and in places where reading is not a good option.

Your garden sounds fun and tasty! We've got a few veggies but the rabbits and the squirrels don't leave much so we do that mostly for fun.

I've got your job in prayer, my friend. Your attitude of confidence in the Lord is very encouraging. Thanks for your prayers too. I just got a raise! Been a long time coming but I'm very grateful to God and to all those who've been praying for me in my position.

Working on research projects this summer and have yet to start preparing for the fall (that will come soon enough: third week in August). Greek enrollment is up to five for the first year. That is a little rise. I need it to come up quite a bit before classes start. The Lord has always provided. Thanks for your prayers!

How's your health doing? Keeping all these things in prayer as well.

Thanks for being such a stalwart in the faith, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #18:

Hello!

Aside from the Bible itself, I have grown so much in understanding from your writings. After praying to find truth in matters I wrestle with, your voice has been a trustworthy source of clarity and great value to me. I feel so many people have things incorrect or go astray in biblical ideas.

I have 2 questions that have arisen after reading your work on end times things.

What does it mean in Rom 11:26 that ALL of Israel will be saved? Also the verse that God will " heal their apostasy"? The fact that God has partially hardened the Jewish hearts now but much of the Bible speaks of eventual restoration of Israel.... my mind wonders, will Jewish people from all of history, currently deceased, be given a "second chance" at recognizing Jesus as savior? This would of course goes against the normal pattern...people don't get a second chance after they die. But I would appreciate light on this question.

You speak much on the 1:1 replacement of Satan's fallen with humans who choose Christ. If I'm remembering correct those numbers will be completed before or during the Tribulation... with many more adding to Christ's tally during the millennium. What about all the souls ( the majority) of humans who have rejected Jesus? Wouldn't this far outnumber and continue to add to Satan's tally... to the point of always being more than the minority who choose for Christ?

Thank you for your work. It truly is a bright light in a dark and chaotic world of voices.

Warmly,

Response #18:

Good to make your acquaintance, and thanks much for your encouraging words.

And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
“The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
For this is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins.
Romans 11:26-27 NKJV

As to your questions, first, understanding "all Israel" in Romans 11:26 requires remembering what Paul said several chapters earlier: "they are not all Israel who are of Israel" (Rom.9:6 NKJV), by which he means that genuine "Israel" is composed of believers. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were all believers. Esau, even though he was Isaac's son and Abraham's grandson, enjoying a closer biological relationship to the original Israelite than most who followed, was not "of Israel" nor are any of his descendants (the Edomites). Being of earthly Israel is hereditary on the one hand, but it is also spiritual. Only believers are part of "all Israel" in the verse you ask about, and in heavenly terms even gentiles are grafted into the natural olive tree so as to be a part "by faith" even though not "by blood" whereas those who are "by blood" but not "by faith" are in the end "shut out". Saved means saved in Romans 11:26, eternally (through faith in Christ), but also physically when Jesus Christ returns at the second advent and rescues the people of Israel from the forces of the beast at Armageddon.

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
Romans 4:16 NKJV

So, no, no second chances: on life to live and then the judgment (Heb.9:27). There will be a great return to the Lord in faith on the part of biological Israel when the Lord returns (but even so not all will believe: link).

(29) Immediately following the tribulation of those days, the sun will grow dark and the moon will not give out its light, and the stars will fall from heaven and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (30) And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven. And then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and will see the Son of Man coming in command of the clouds of heaven (i.e., the heavenly hosts) with power and much glory.
Matthew 24:29-30

Behold! He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all the peoples of the earth will grieve on account of Him.
Revelation 1:7

On the other issue, you are exactly correct in your remembrance. The millennial believers are "the Friends of the Bride" and they constitute Christ's double portion, the extra inheritance He is due as the First Born. Together, therefore, the Church and the Friends will equal the entirety of the company of elect angels, together with them forming the entire eternal family of God destined to worship Him in New Jerusalem forever. Most of these issues are addressed at the link: CT 6: Last Things.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #19:

Dr. Luginbill,

Thank you for that speedy response!

If I may ask one more question that has just arisen after reading about your thoughts on timing of the Tribulation?

With being on the cusp of that fall 2026 time, how should we, as faithful parents of 4 children (ages 4 to 10), be preparing THEM for what could very well begin soon?

My husband and I are certainly pursuing a path of growing faith, and we teach our kids the same. To think that we could be the ones to be alive during these monumental times, how amazing. But I can't help be a little concerned for our, and really ALL, children alive during these times. I can't help but wonder how children will fare during these very difficult times. Mine included.

We celebrate Jewish feasts as a family to teach the prophetic symbolism...I guess with the fall feasts coming soon, we will go a little deeper this year! And just continuing to talk about it with them. How else should we prepare them?

Thank you for your time!

Response #19:

As parents, siblings, family members and even friends, of course we want the best for the people we care about. The prospect of those we love not being able to have the time to grow and live their lives, hopefully in blessing, is distressing. We understand, of course, that in the course of history, many such severe disruptions occurred. WWII in Europe and Asia disrupted, cut short and ended the lives of countless millions. It may not have been the Tribulation, but it's hard to see, for some of those who suffered the worst, how it could have been much worse – different, but bad enough.

Also, it's incumbent upon me to remind all readers with these sorts of questions that the interpretation which finds next fall as the most likely date for the commencement is just that: an interpretation. Scripture doesn't designate a year nor does it give any sort of precise formula for deducing a specific year. As often mentioned, even the system of calendar years we presently utilize did not exist when the Bible was written (A.D./B.C. wasn't invented until the fifth century of this era). Also, God is sovereign and it is within His rights to advance or delay anything He wishes on the timeline of prophecy (for example, the "days being shortened" at the end of the Tribulation, "for the sake of the elect": Matt.24:24; Mk.13:20). In addition to this caveat, it is also true that the 2026 interpretation is based on a number of assumptions which, if any one of them were to be incorrect, the timeline would have to be moved a little or a lot. Here is a list of the major ones:

That said, I do believe all of these assumptions to be correct. I have no special information that is not available to any Bible reader or any pastor-teacher studying and teaching the Word of God, and in the teaching of this interpretation I've always tried to make it clear where and how I "got this".

Perhaps the most consequential potential alteration of this interpretation would be if it turns out that there is no overlap between the seven years of the Church Age and the last "seven" of the Jewish Age (Dan.9:20-27). In that case, we would get a seven year reprieve. Personally, I think it unlikely, for one reason since "we", i.e., Church Age believers, will still be here (no pre-Trib rapture), so that it is difficult to see how the Tribulation could not be part of the Church Age as well. We will still have the Spirit indwelling us, so how can the Age of the Spirit be over? Also, all of the New Testament information about the Tribulation, the book of Revelation in particular, is being addressed "to us", the Church of Jesus Christ. So, again, that would seem to me to be difficult to reconcile with a termination of the Church Age at the Tribulation's start as opposed to an overlap. Paul's words to the Thessalonians about those days to come gives every indication that THEY and therefore WE are persons for whom these matters are of primary concern (2Thes.2:1-5; cf. 1Thes.4:13-17). That would seem most odd if our age is meant to end seven years prior to our Lord's return. On the other hand, by joining the two ages in the final seven years of each, we have a powerful symbol of Israel and the Church – which are of course in reality one and the same in the end (we are all part of the Bride of Christ) – being joined together immediately before the return of our Messiah. Here are some other indications that the overlap is the correct interpretation (from SR 5 at the link):

1) the fact that the completion of the gentile complement of the body of Christ is coterminous with Israel's change of heart at the Second Advent (viz., at the end of the Tribulation: Rom.11:25-26).

2) the fact that this present era, described as "the times of the gentiles (that is to say, a time and a time [period] of 1,000 years each: Lk.21:24), will not come to an end as long as Jerusalem is "trodden under foot" (i.e., not until the return of Christ at the end of the Tribulation).

3) the fact that the current Church Age trend of antichrist-type deceivers will only reach its culmination with the unveiling of the antichrist in the Tribulation (1Jn.2:18).

4) the fact that the prophesied (and already observable) trend towards apostasy on the part of the Church will only reach its fulfillment in the Tribulation (compare Rev.3:14-20 with 2Thes.2:3).

5) the fact that the Church Age is in a very real and scriptural way part of the "end times" (1Cor.10:11; Heb.1:2; 1Pet.1:20; 1Jn.2:18), a principle that makes little sense if it is to be excluded from the conclusive period of the "last days", the Tribulation.

6) and finally and perhaps most significantly, the fact that much of our hope as Christians consists in our looking forward eagerly to the return of our Lord, an event that will take place at the end of the Great Tribulation (1Thes.4:13-18; Tit.2:13; see Peter #27 for detailed discussion).

Also, there is this passage:

(5) And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted his right hand to heaven (6) and swore to the One who lives forever and ever, the One who created heaven and everything in it and the earth and everything in it, that there would be no further delay (lit., “time”), (7) but that in the days of the seventh angel’s call, when he is about to blow his trumpet, the mystery of God will be concluded in the exact manner in which He has proclaimed its good news (lit. “gave its gospel”) to his servants and to his prophets.
Revelation 10:5-7

What is the "mystery of God" except Jesus Christ and His Church (e.g., Rom.16:25; Eph.1:8-10; 3:1-11; Col.1:25-27; 2:1-3; Rev.1:20)? So if "the mystery of God" is not to be completed except coterminously with the end of the Tribulation, and since we, the present "Church militant", will still be on earth, how would the Church Age not still be continuing?  None of this may be absolutely and finally definitive, but this evidence taken together suggests that it would be extremely unwise for believers who "know the times" not to be prepared for the Tribulation beginning very shortly.

To (finally) get to your specific question, it sounds to me as if you are leading your children into a love and appreciation of the Word of God. There is no better preparation for anything in this life and in this world. And there is no better preparation for the Tribulation other than spiritual preparation: growth, progress and production in the Spirit through the Word. That is the basis for everything positive believers do in this life. We cannot know the texture of our lives during those difficult seven years before our Lord's glorious return, but if we are walking closely with Him, there is nothing we cannot endure, God helping us to do so. On the other hand, those without rock-solid faith will have a very difficult time, even if in worldly terms they are tough, rich, sitting on half a million MRE's and a veritable arsenal in their basements. All of that could evaporate in an instant, but no one can take away the truth in our hearts, our trust in Jesus Christ and our love for Him – if we have developed that knowledge of the truth, that faith and that godly fear as we should have been doing all along.

Do feel free to write me back.

In Jesus,

Bob L.

Question #20:

Yes. I can see very much how no longer believing in a pre trib rapture really does give fuel to the fire to grow and progress in one's faith (and pass that on to my children as well)! Your ministry has changed my mind on this, as well as other teaching we commonly hear preached at our church.

I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading what you write.

Thank you again for your time!

Response #20:

Thanks for the good words.

Yes it's true. Troops in an army of any country which for whatever reason is in no imminent danger of attack are less likely to train hard for war than those in a country which is at serious risk of being invaded in the near future. At least that is how things usually work. I have no doubt that there are some believers who have bought into this false doctrine who, even so, are otherwise pretty much doing what the Lord wants them to do in terms of spiritual growth. Given that this is the era of Laodicea, however, these would be in an even smaller minority than those who have committed to spiritual growth "knowing the time".

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Romans 13:11-12 ESV

In Jesus,

Bob L.

 

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