Question #1:
Hi Bob,
I hope you're well and have had a good week - I'm sure you're tired though!
It was interesting to read that in your ministry you've had some people approach
you saying they are Christ Himself. That must have been a bit weird, Bob!
There'll be plenty more of that yet to come.
There's lots of noise in the news this week about AI safety warnings. And how
the technology is causing a lot of fear out there. I take note of it, but also
take it all in my stride. We'll eventually see what comes of it all. The Lord is
in full control of everything anyway so I'm not rattled - I have peace inside.
Wishing you a good and restful weekend, Bob!
In Jesus
Response #1:
Yes, tomorrow will be another eschatology posting. Yom Kippur is Sunday/Monday
so . . .
Re: AI. It's funny. Last fall, no one in my department really knew much about
AI. Now the university is offering "micro-credentials" in it on various
platforms and incorporating into everything. Things ARE moving fast. We can say
that for certain. Where they are going and when they will get "there", however,
is something we all, like you, take note of "in stride" with "peace inside" –
which is the way we're supposed to be handling all the noise and churn down here
anyway. Exciting times (not necessarily in a good sense).
Thanks for you prayers too, my friend! Keeping you daily in mine.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Hi Bob,
I hope all is going well? I didn't know about the crash, but I'm glad it
didn't take you out. Things can happen in a microsecond, but I can see
that God had His hand on you. Thanks go to Him again! (Rom. 8:28).
I'm sitting here at the computer, with fuzzy eyes and a fuzzy mind,
trying to figure things out. I know you are way more busy than me, but
if you have a (couple months?), I would appreciate your expertise on the
Time.
Here's what I am wondering concerning 2026 vs. 2033 A.D. start of the
Tribulation and Christ's imminent Return. Maybe I should dive back into
your analysis on Ichthys, but if you have some time? I was looking at
Hosea 5:15, and Hosea 6:1-2, wondering if the "Church Age" is leading up
to 2033 for the start of the Tribulation? Is Hosea the blueprint? Is
there a need for an "overlap" per your original analysis?
"I will return to my place" (Hosea 5:15). Is this Jesus going back to
the 3rd. Heaven, after His 1st. Advent? In their "affliction " ....is
this talking about during the Tribulation? "After 2 days He will revive
us". (Hosea 6:2). This is 2,000 years, right? So, if Christ left here in
33 A.D. then the 2 days (2,000 years ) bring us to 2033 A.D. "After 2
days He will revive us": The revival and the "affliction" that causes
Israel to seek Him do not happen during the 2 days. So, after 2,000
years are complete?
That would mean that the "Church Age" would run its full course up until
2033 A.D. (I think?), and the 7 year Tribulation runs immediately.
afterwards. "On the 3rd. day He will raise us up." (Hosea 6:2). Is this
3rd. day representing the start of the 3rd. millennium since Christ
(33A.D.)? Being "raised up to live in His sight" would seem to be a
description of the 1st. Resurrection (Rev. 20:4-5). Is this correct?
Would this date be the start of the Millennial Kingdom?
I'm not too sure about the "overlap" theory. analysis. If the
Tribulation starts in 2026, the intense "affliction" that revives Israel
would start before the 2 days (2,000years) are over. Hosea explicitly
says "after" the 2 days are complete. Since Hosea positions the 2,000
years as a complete, unbroken block of time, it seems like the "final
trouble" that is coming cannot legally start on God's time-clock until
the 2,000 years expire in 2033 A.D. You have this fleshed out better
than me, so I would appreciate you sorting it out for me.
I'm confused and way over my fuzzy head here......not that It matters
too much, since I know where I'm heading.... to be with the Lord "at the
last trump"!......whenever that happens? (1 Cor. 15:52). It's not how
you start out that matters ....It's how you finish that will count.
(Matt. 24:13; Col. 1:23).
I hope you are healing well from your "issues". We can keep trusting God
through our "hard times" (James 1:2-4). Thanks for all your prayers for
all of our issues. Praying for you as well. Have a good one, Bob!
Your friend in Jesus,
Response #2:
Good to hear from you, my friend. All is well enough, but I'm pretty tired. Part
of the problem is that it happened less than 72 hours before the start of one of
the busiest semesters I've ever had. Really felt it today teaching my four
classes, although I got through it fine. I'm probably going to try and rest up
tomorrow (no classes on Tues., anyway).
On your question, it is true that finding an "overlap" is something unique to me
(as far as I know), and since I began teaching it I've always said that it was
the most controversial part of the potential dating. It is also true that it can
cut both ways. What I mean by that is that finding Israel's last seven years
combined with those of the Church Age is perhaps six of one and half a dozen of
another with seeing the Church Age run into the last seven years of the Age of
Israel and being appended to it. But it is a significant issue because it means
seven years difference in the start time, seven years later in the latter
understanding of things. And as I've discussed in recent postings, there are
other variables. Just for example . . .
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar – when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene – during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
Luke 3:1-2 NIV
It seems pretty certain that Tiberius' fifteenth year began on August 19th of 28
A.D. But some have wanted to put this a year or so earlier based on a supposed
joint regency with Augustus. I find that particular scenario unlikely, but it is true
that the secular sources we have dating Tiberius' reign, while good as far as
non-biblical sources go, are not deep.
Or to take another example, I have found our Lord's ministry to have lasted
three and a half years, based upon 1) the mentions of Passovers in the book of
John, and 2) the suitability of this length given the significance of that
period of time in His and John's ministry and also in that of Moses and Elijah
who are types of them and who minister for three and a half years during the
Tribulation. But no lesser light than Sir Isaac Newton saw four and a half years
when he examined the evidence (and he was right about the apples [they do fall
down], although wrong about stock in the South Sea Company [it didn't continue
to go up]).
[The Lord] will restore us, [Israel], after two days (i.e., after the Church age), and will raise us up on the third day (i.e., the Millennium), that we may live in His presence (i.e., with the Messiah, who personifies this prophecy in His resurrection on the third day).
Hosea 6:2 (cf. Lk.24:46; 1Cor.15:4)
If the third day here is the Millennium (which I believe it is), and if the two
days are the Church Age (as I see it), then the Millennium ought to occur 2,000
years after the commencement of the two days (the Church Age starting in 33 at
the time of our Lord's resurrection and ascension), or in 2033 (approx.). That
would mean, I think, that the Tribulation would have to come seven years earlier
(in approx. 2026).
The "affliction" of Hosea 5:15 and the "seeking" of the Lord does indeed refer
to the Tribulation and the revival during its first half carried out by Moses
and Elijah, while Hosea 6:1 describes the attitude of repentance on the part of
those who respond to that ministry and to that of the 144,000. Then follows
Hosea 6:2 quoted/translated above. "Raise us up" is indeed the resurrection . .
. of the believing Jews of the Tribulation (and the martyrs) . . . and of course
of all believers prior to that time, i.e., the entire Church, us included.
Re: "That would mean that the "Church Age" would run its full course up until
2033 A.D. (I think?), and the 7 year Tribulation runs immediately. afterwards."
You'll have to help me with this part. To me it seems the opposite, namely,
that, according to this passage you ask about, everything is over 2,000 years
after our Lord's departure (i.e., resurrection and ascension).
Re: "Since Hosea positions the 2,000 years as a complete, unbroken block of
time, it seems like the "final trouble" that is coming cannot legally start on
God's time-clock until the 2,000 years expire in 2033 A.D." Yes, unless
there is an overlap, which is what we are wondering about.
I've got you in prayer.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Hi Bob,
As is pretty common for me (when it comes to many of these eschatology
events), I'm missing the forest for the trees. That's why I knew that
you could help me get out of the woods after going in circles and being
lost. Thanks for leading me out! I appreciate you taking the time to
explain all this very clearly. At least, now, I'm getting a "better
view" of things.
BTW, I've always been on board with your in-depth analysis, including
the "overlap". Funny, (seriously!) I found out from a guy, named AI,
that you had the corner on "all this" eschatology stuff, beating out
Irvin Baxter, Jack Van Impe, Hal Lindsey, David Jeremiah, Dave Hunt,
Robert Jeffress, SDA, Mormons, JW, etc,...on all of the wide ranging the
"nut and bolts" "interpretations" as well as some eyebrow raising
"predictions"! I found out that they were all nuts!...so, I bolted from
them. There's a lot of "I know it all" experts out there. So, my hat's
off to you, Bob! You actually do have some trustworthy work done on "all
this"! I know this won't blow your head off...but, Wow...so much
deception can get a lot of people right back in the big dark woods,
again. (What about some other topics?, LOL!). We must be in the "last
days"...anyway.
There are so many pieces to this puzzle, which was hard for me to put
together. And you bring in the historical context (Tiberius, dates, et
al.), which really helps to sift through some of this...also, looking at
John's ministry, our Lord's ministry, Moses and Elijah's ministry, etc.
(things that I never considered). So, now, these considerations really
do help me get a clearer picture. I agree with you (for straightening me
out --- my mistake) on the 2,000 years (after our Lord's departure), per
your "overlap" analysis. (I didn' have my coffee yet, so I mis-spoke on
that one!) I think I was getting fidgety, "as we see the day
approaching". I know there will be 7 years left once the balloon goes
up. It will be great to see Jesus when He finally gets here, right on
Time. (Rev. 22:20).
I hope you get some much needed rest, Bob, and I look forward to
learning all I can from you "while it's still day". I'm sure I'll need
some more help going forward. Watch out for any unexpected incoming
missiles, OK? I really appreciate all that you are doing for all of us
sheep! Take care.
Your friend in Jesus,
Response #3:
Thanks! Much appreciated.
Yours was/is a very legitimate question. I'm also not sure that Rosh
Hashanah is/was "the day". I've always felt that Yom Kippur was a more
likely day for starting (Sept. 20-21? Oct. 20-21?), but nothing in
scripture lets me be anything like dogmatic about the particular day.
Re: "Missiles" I had a number of "close encounters" out there on
the road today but didn't get hit. But the way people are acting/driving
makes me wonder whether the restraining ministry has been lifted and I
just missed the memo.
Best place to find all this info in one place is
SR 5.
Keeping you guys and your health in my daily prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the link. It's been a while (a few years? ) since I studied
this...Time for another go. There is a lot to keep in mind, and my eidetic
imagery is NOT as good as it was (how many years back???). My high school Latin
teacher said the mind is like a muscle. It seems like all my muscles need more
exercise. Getting old can be more "challenging"!
Keep up the great work that you are doing, Bob! I need all the help I can get.
Maybe you should invest in an armored personnel carrier to keep those "devilish"
road terrorists at bay? Then I will be able to ask you some more questions,
since you will still be here!
Thanks for all the prayers. You are in ours as well. Have a good one.
Your friend in Jesus,
Response #4:
I just got finished re-reading the
Satanic Rebellion series myself. link
Re: "APC". Well, the USMC just recently got rid of their tanks (my old
MOS). Maybe I can get one on surplus.
Thanks for your prayers as well, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Hi Bob!
I’ll plan to write more soon, but wanted to drop a quick note. I hope you’re
well in the Lord!
Are you doing ok after the car crash still? I’m sorry your car was totaled, but
what a blessing you’re ok and you were able to get a new vehicle! I hope the
insurance situation won’t require much more effort on your part.
Thank you for the weekly email post; last night, a fan was shaking the room a
bit, and for a few moments I was wondering if the earthquakes were going to kick
off.
I sure could use another 7 years or so of additional growth, but the Lord knows
best.
I have really been getting clobbered lately; I want to count it as a blessing -
perhaps, I’m getting some accelerated training or needed discipline or a mix of
the two?
Have a wonderful night! Thank you for everything and for your ministry!
Response #5:
I'm doing a lot better. I did get a new car and it's better than the last one
(though I'm still figuring out the electronic bells and whistles).
I'm sorry you are getting "clobbered". I do pray for your deliverance from
"flak" . . . but sometimes the Lord means us to fly through it instead. Been one
of those weekends here as well.
Re: "I sure could use another 7 years or so". Amen! Me too! In fact, I'm
still a bit fatigued and could have used another three day weekend what with a
very busy week ahead. But the Lord always gets us through (and that will be the
case with the Tribulation too).
Keeping you and yours in my prayers, my friend – and thanks so much for yours!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Hi Bob,
I’m glad you’re doing better! Yes, the new electronic components can be a bit
much in my opinion.
I’ll be praying for your fatigue and all the other matters the Lord knows you
may need answered as you start back; I’ll also keep the Ichthys readers in
prayer that they’re pressing on in preparation and growth.
As for my flak, honestly, I do think it’s better for me to go through it. I know
this life is very short, eternity will be never ending, and our potential
rewards could be great; I’d really prefer to stand before the Lord in the best
shape I can be by the power of His Spirit by His grace and work, and these heavy
struggles - I trust - are all for my best.
Response #6:
Thanks, my friend.
Re: "starting back" . . . we're already a third of the way through the
semester. If I can make it to Thanksgiving, it's all good.
Re: "flak", that is a GREAT attitude, my friend! Not always easy to
maintain, but a blessing if we can. That is truly entering into "the rest of
faith", the day by day, moment by moment trusting in the Lord which fulfills the
Church Age development of the fourth commandment (link).
As long as we are drawing breath, we are here and the Lord is sustaining us; as
soon as the breath departs, we'll be with Him and things will be unimaginably
better on the other side. Everything else is distraction. So we all ought to
adopt your wonderful attitude, just like scripture encourages us to do.
(3) And not only this, but let us glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces patience, (4) and patience produces proven character, and proven character produces hope – (5) and this hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
For I do not consider these present hardships in any way comparable to the glory destined to be revealed for us.
Romans 8:18
(17) For this present light affliction of ours is working out for us an eternal weight of glory beyond any possible estimation. (18) [Let us] not [then be] having [any] regard for what can be seen, but [instead] for what cannot be seen. For the things which can be seen are ephemeral. But the things which cannot be seen are eternal.
2nd Corinthians 4:17-18
(2) Brothers, when you are being beset with all manner of trials, take pains to be joyful. (3) For you should keep in mind that this testing of your faith develops perseverance. (4) So let your perseverance develop fully, that you may become fully mature and entitled to a full reward, having been found lacking in no respect.
James 1:2-4
(12) Beloved, don't be amazed at the fiery ordeal of testing you are now undergoing, as if something out of the ordinary were happening to you. (13) But to the degree that you are [truly] participating in Christ's sufferings, be joyful about it, so that at His glorious revelation, you may also rejoice with great gladness.
1st Peter 4:12-13
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Hi Bob,
Thanksgiving is a wonderful benchmark; I’m a bit partial to the dishes myself.
Recently, I had a turkey fly over the car, and then later saw maybe 4-5 out a
house window. They would maybe disappoint on Thanksgiving, though, if one was
anticipating a tubby factory bird.
Thank you so much for the email; the timing was just perfect! I had a
considerably difficult development in life right beforehand, and it preceded
another discouraging chat with a believer revisiting “forsaking the assembly”.
I know I’ve written on the topic before, and I have read the other
correspondents having similar trials.
It’s soul-crushing to have people so confidently imply or insist you’re
disobeying the Word.
One can go to great lengths in studies, spiritual growth, serving believers and
unbelievers of all walks of life, but if you aren’t seated in a pew for at least
90 minutes a week…forget about it.
Some of the times when I read the emails, I feel such a sense of solidarity, of
consolation.
No one in this ministry “knows” me, but “this” [non brick and mortar ministry]
is where the Lord initially helped pluck me from a very dark, dangerous path.
I still worry I won’t be strong enough to last through the whole Tribulation
without faltering, but I, for lack of a better more fitting term, do not want to
give up or in.
This far, settling into a church where I feel viscerally uncomfortable and
disturbed, seems like a poor choice, as you’ve touched on many times in varied
ways for people.
That all said, I’ll be praying for you and the plural “you” Ichthys folks who
may later read this.
Response #7:
Yes, if there is respite, that will be a good time to give some extra special
thanks. I'm supposed to be on a diet so maybe a wild turkey would be just the
thing.
Re: "people [who] so confidently imply or insist you’re disobeying the Word".
It puts us in good company. The "religious people" put Jeremiah in the stocks.
They stoned Steven to death. They whipped Paul multiple times. It's just as our
Lord said:
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:11-12 NIV
After all, it's not as if we are button-holing them and reproaching them for "going to church" (although in my opinion in most of those cases we'd be justified in doing so since their "meetings do more harm than good": 1Cor.11:17). But they feel the need to criticize us for not doing what they are doing. First of all, how is that justifiable to do?
Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
Romans 14:4 NKJV
And why do they do it? To me the reason seems obvious. On some level they are well aware that they are merely "nodding to God" and accomplishing next to nothing – or actually worse than that to the extent that there is false teaching and proselytizing for it. It's the case with all bad behavior. If "everyone else is doing it", then, no problem. So if someone else is NOT "doing it", then it makes the other look bad and maybe even feel bad (if they have any conscience left). Of course, they don't want to change themselves. But if they can change US, then maybe they were right in the first place. It's insane, but that is exactly how human nature (i,e., the sin nature) works.
Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.
Exodus 23:2a NIV
My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
Proverbs 1:10 NIV
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
Proverbs 4:14-16 NIV
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.
Psalm 1:1
Are religious people justified in harassing those of us who are trying to do what the Lord wants us to do? I don't think so.
It is not good to punish an innocent man, or to flog officials for their integrity.
Proverbs 17:26 NIV 1984
For us, there is only ONE opinion that matters – our Lord's!
"Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets."
Luke 6:22-23 NIV
So stay the course. As far as "knowing you", I do pray for you daily, my friend.
If you're interested, there is also a group that gets together virtually (see
the
"Fellowship Link"); they'd be glad to welcome you in.
Looking forward to cheering you and your reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ,
my friend!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #8:
Hi Bob,
I realized upon rereading that you maybe weren’t saying “make it to
Thanksgiving” on account of school, but rather anticipated events in these
possible upcoming days. Yes, I will plan to join you in an extra special time of
gratitude. I don’t feel ready at all, though the world is increasingly evil so
there’s that.
Re: "people [who] so confidently imply or insist you’re disobeying the Word".
Yes, that is a good encouragement. I used to be a lot more bothered by being a
misfit, but we ought to be misfits here. Not to in anyway share these verses as
though I am like our precious Lord, but they are good reminders of what I should
be “pressing on towards” :
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but
the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20 ESV
Also, there’s the one that says :
“But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all
people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was
in man.” John 2:24-25 ESV
Re: For us, there is only ONE opinion that matters -- our Lord's! Amen to that!!
Re: As far as "knowing you", I do pray for you daily, my friend. Yes, thank
you!! Those prayers are appreciated; I imagine their weight has brought me
tremendous relief and mercy during my time here. Moreover, you have helped guide
me through dark valleys which took no small amount of Biblical wisdom and
hard-fought insight.
I have considered that group, though - for better or worse- I’m a bit more
conservative when it comes to being in the recorded lessons especially now with
AI capabilities. Not to say that can’t change, and maybe it’s a fault on my
part, I just lean quite private. Even these being anonymous online were such a
big stretch for me. Who knows why aside from the Lord…
Re: Looking forward to cheering you and your reward at the Judgment Seat of
Christ, my friend! Lord willing, I can earn quite a bit more before then. I can
imagine all those who were touched by the Ichthys community cheering quite hard
when you’re up there!
Thank you again for the prayers, and I’ll be praying for you!
PS I assume you don’t mind, but is it still ok for me to print off studies for
my own off-line resource. I price checked a while ago and was pretty blown away
but wanted to try to do at least a few, especially with AI agents proving they
can be little sociopaths.
Response #8:
Yes, that was the "goal". October might be possible, November unlikely, by T-day
it won't be happening this year we will be able to safely say.
Do feel free to download, print, manipulate, do whatever to these materials –
anything that helps you and is affordable. I only object to people passing them
off as their own work or otherwise misrepresenting them.
No worries about NOT getting involved with "the group". It can't be everyone's
"cup of tea" any more than Ichthys can, and I do hear what you are saying about
"on line". I recently changed all of my voice mail settings in various venues to
the generic one so that my voice is not readily available (I get it).
I appreciate "the weight" of your prayers too, my friend! Thank you so much for
them.
Praying that the "clobbering" and the "flak" are or soon will let up a bit.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Hey Dr. Luginbill,
I did want to ask you about Leviticus 19:33-34 and Exodus 23:3. You seem to have
commented on this subject a few times in some of the Saturday postings
(regarding immigrants and non-natives in this country) and at least once that I
can remember in one of your email responses to me. I don't believe this is a
political question as much as a moral one, based on a principle that carried
over from the Old Covenant to the New. Obviously, we are not Israel or under the
Law. But there are commands, principles, and teachings that carried over (while
everything else was done away with). I don't see how it would be ok today to
oppress foreigners and aliens. But what would that look like in our modern
times, given everything that's happening?
Where does one draw the line with these passages regarding border control and
deporting illegal immigrants? As in, when does one cross the line into unethical
behavior (perhaps, sinful behavior in violation of the command of our two
example passages)? To me, it is good and necessary to have border control and
security. Keeping out illegals who haven't yet made it into the country doesn't
seem to violate these commands, since these people have never lived in the
country itself. Nothing wrong with that for obvious reasons. But what of those
who did make it to the country "illegally" and are set to be deported for that
reason? Do you see this as morally wrong? I mean, if someone broke a law to get
where they did, then they did wrong (although perhaps said country should find a
way to make it easier for them to go through the legal proceedings and not
pronounce them as true natives until they have done everything required, instead
of jumping the gun and kicking them out immediately?). But perhaps I'm missing
something. In what ways do you feel our country is failing in this area
(oppressing foreigners)? Would it be the way ICE has been handling these matters
by randomly hunting people down and shipping them out? Or could it depend on
that person's specific circumstances and/or the people trying to immigrate
(criminals and terrorists also have to be accounted for)?
On a slightly different note, I do know some countries that often and openly
accept fleeing refugees from war-torn countries, like accepting Syrians fleeing
from their native homeland. If those are the circumstances, do you think it
would be better for so many other countries not to turn their noses up at those
fleeing war and violence if they should happen to seek them? Should this be a
model, and would it constitute a closer approximation to the biblical ideal if
it involves emergency situations?
I'm sorry to hear your recovery has been more difficult lately. You will
continue to have my prayers.
Work is going well, but [omitted]
In His grace and power,
Response #9:
My pleasure.
Re: immigration and scripture. I think the tone and the tenor of the OT passages
is pretty clear. It's up to individual Christians to judge what they think of
their government's action on these matters. Nothing in scripture says anything
like "if you don't have absolutely open borders you are fighting against God".
On the other hand, picking up people at random in areas where one might expect
to have illegals, incarcerating them for long periods of time, and then sending
them to countries on different continents from where they were born seems a bit
inconsistent with "you shall love him as yourself" (Lev.19:34).
As I say, we all have opinions. In a democracy we are allowed to vote to
influence changes of policy when we don't like or alternatively do approve of
what the government is doing. Personally in this ministry, I try not to comment
on things that are political except when as now I'm asked something from a
biblical perspective. I can also say that there are plenty of political causes
that have the potential to get any reasonable person "excited" on one side or
the other, but that if as Christians we allow ourselves to get sucked into this
loop, it will enervate our spirituality very fast . . . and can even militate
against our faith as we then start looking to personal effort and political
solutions instead of relying on the Lord. And the Christian life is all about
faith, trusting Him.
Finally on this point, if there are things we don't like out there in our
society, whether what the government is doing or what the opponents of the
government are doing, just stay tuned. Once antichrist is in charge, that will
be exponentially worse – and reacting to it the wrong way exponentially more
dangerous; i.e., whether being tempted to "get on the band wagon" or oppose it.
I'm glad things are working out for you better on the job, even if it's not
ideal (I don't know of any job that is).
Keeping up the prayers, my friend – and thanks much for yours!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Hey Dr. Luginbill,
I agree, and I like how you put this. One thing I will say I really dislike is
when deporting people involves separating children from their parents for
extended periods of time.
For clarity, do you believe, from a biblical perspective, that deporting illegal
immigrants back to their homelands, even if done civilly (kindly), goes against
the biblical ideal? I guess now this is where we may be getting more into the
"opinions" side of this, and that's when it becomes politics. Like, it isn't
unloving to deport someone back to their country if they are illegal, if it is
done in a civil and considerate manner. On the other hand, (tell me if you think
this sounds right) it may not always be the best course of action for every
person, depending on the individual and their circumstances. I won't ask any
further than that.
Regarding work, yes, no job is ideal, and I think a mistake a lot of people make
is trying to find something that is when such is not the case. But everyone
tries to find something that comes as close to that as possible (can't say I
blame them, as I'm the same way). For sure, I definitely don't plan on staying
with __ the rest of my life. But I don't regret all the hardships I've faced or
all the bad places I've worked because they've taught me a lot and helped me
develop so much perseverance, faith, and character.
Totally random, but something I find disturbing is how many people pass away not
long after they retire. That's why lifestyle, good diet, exercise, and staying
active before and after retirement are so critical. You see so many older people
just sitting around after retirement, only for it to catch up to them later.
It's almost as if the body is like, "So that's it? We're finished now?" It's
almost like a car that was driven all the time. But once it sits for an extended
period, something in it dies, and then it won't start. I suppose the key is to
stay active after retirement (hobbies, exercise, traveling)?
In Christ,
Response #10:
When it comes to political issues like this – or any sort of practical
application of biblical principles to real-life situations – there is no end to
the permutations. That's another reason to avoid getting sucked into such
discussions. I'm happy with just quoting what the Bible has to say about such
things, clearing up any misunderstandings about what the passages mean, and
letting individual believers make their own applications. That is what we are
here to do, after all.
I'm keeping you in prayer on the job front. To that end, when you ask about and
notice people who "lose it" when they retire, believe you me I have seen the
same. And at my age it's all the more perspicuous since a number of these people
are ex-colleagues and age-mates (or younger). Continuing to work seems to be the
best way to "stay with it". Not everyone has that option, however. So staying
active, however one chooses to approach that, is clearly important.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Hey professor,
Ok, I get it now. Understood and agreed.
On retirement, knowing your age, I hope I didn't scare or discourage you! I'm
sure I didn't, but you know, just in case.
I personally think I would prefer to retire rather than keep working (although
preferences can change over time). Going on walks/hikes, milder forms of
exercise, fly fishing, maybe some other outdoor recreational activities, and
what have you (I could list more ideas, lol). But that's just me. I do know some
people who do certain jobs (like fixing cars) as hobbies. Not my thing, plus I'm
not mechanically inclined and have always found that kind of work to be quite
boring.
I'd rather get out of the workforce (which, to me, is getting worse by the day)
sooner rather than later (although I don't believe I'll have to wait long if the
tribulation comes this year or within the next decade or less). Companies just
don't treat their employees as good as they used to, making it harder to stay
committed to one place. People will often say, "Just wait till retirement when
you'll be able to enjoy life more!" But believers should be living in the
present and learning how to balance their lives now (God, ministry, family,
personal time for enjoyment and relaxation, etc.), not work themselves to death
in the meantime, especially since tomorrow isn't even guaranteed. People spend
so much of their lives as workaholics, working long hours and so much overtime,
that by the time they realize they wasted so much of their lives pouring them
into their jobs (a person' job does not define them) instead of balancing things
out as they should have, it's usually too late because their lives are mostly
over (not to be depressing, but it reminds me of the parable of the rich fool,
Luke 12:13-21). I'm not saying it's wrong to work long hours, but (as we already
know) a lot of, unfortunately, lukewarm Christians do prioritize these things
more than they should.
In His name,
Response #11:
That's a very nice description of the two extremes. There may be some people who
work their fingers to the bone in order to retire early who then make the most
of retirement, but that in my observation and experience is the exception to the
rule.
In any case, I'm happy to keep doing what I'm doing. The Lord has greatly
blessed me with a job that allows me sufficient time to get to the ministry on a
daily basis. If I retired, I'd have more time for that . . . unless medical
costs and other expenses sky-rocketed even more and I was forced to go work as a
greeter at Walmart for pennies on the dollar, lol. So I'm very grateful for what
I've got!
In any case, YOU have a long time before you need to worry about it.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Thanks so much Bob,
I am happy to say that I am experiencing that peace and joy again! I am
now sleeping and eating normally again as I wasn't doing either before!
The Lord is very good isn't He!
It's a miracle that I could be like this despite the evil around me but
it really truly began when I was 'being still and knowing that the Lord
is the Lord'. I KNOW now confidently that although I am not privy to all
the details of His amazing plan, He knows exactly what will happen and
what is best and so I can TRUST HIM that what was meant for evil will be
used for good.
Reading the Book of Job, book of Acts, the Psalms and also in Genesis
about Joseph's abuse from his family has been a incredible comfort and
encouragement to me! Especially reading about how Joseph named both his
children (by faith) Manasseh = making to forget, Ephraim = fruitfulness.
I can see BOTH these things from the Lord! Once I put everything with
trust into the Lord's hands, I then asked the Lord if He would help me
to forget the horrific abuse I have been through. The Lord has answered
this prayer straight away as I was being plagued by heartache and pain
and it was holding me back from going forward and doing His will.
So despite all the evil the enemy intended for me, I can see the Lord's
hand over me, helping me to get through and I don't know how the
deliverance with the situation will come about but I know that the Lord
is good! He is the Almighty! Nothing is impossible for Him!
Due to the severity and rapid decline of circumstances during the worst
parts of this fiery trial, sadly I was convinced that the devil was
winning and had absolute control! That was a very dark and weak moment
through flagging faith but now I have recovered and rallied and my faith
and trust in Him is stronger than ever now! I no longer despair but take
joy knowing that even in the absolute worst of situations, He is there
with us in the fire. I can attest to that myself!
Please print this one Bob as I hope this is encouragement to others as
you know how terrifying this trial has been!
Your friend in Jesus, both enduring and overcoming!
p.s. you were right though, to keep spiritual momentum during really
hard trials we need to be aggressively on the offensive rather than just
trying to defend ourselves from evil like you said. It's embarrassing to
say but I have severely underestimated the enemy and how vicious and
evil he is willing to go with us believers. This test has really shocked
me in ways that I probably shouldn't have been. As I said before, it is
one thing on paper to know the depravity of mankind but another thing to
live through it! [omitted] I don't want to come across as glum but at
times I have had virtually everyone around me against me...this will be
really good training for the Tribulation though. It may be that the Lord
wants me to suffer much so as to win considerable rewards so I should
focus on that instead.
Response #12:
Re: "I have severely underestimated the enemy". We don't have
to be
concerned about the evil one and his forces whatsoever – other than having a
general understanding of how they work, everything contained in the Bible. We
can't see them (pace Luther who is reputed to have thrown an inkwell at
the devil, or so he thought), and we can't interact with them (praise God!), so
we don't even have to give them minimal thought. We have a right to just do what
we need to do and should do and leave the rest to the Lord. He will comfort us
in these trials – and you have certainly been through them!
You, of course, do have a special dispensation on the above in noticing the
tactics used by the evil one since this is part of your ministry. Very
perceptive observations here (thank you!). But this can be done in a
professional way, not getting upset about it, especially since we know and
believe absolutely the truth that our Lord Jesus Christ is in control of
everything.
Your first email reflects your legitimate and laudatory joy in the Lord with a
tested and mature believer's perspective; naturally a counter-attack followed in
short order. But "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever", in
any and all circumstances wherein we may find ourselves (Heb.13:8). And so we
have a right to be joyous and confident every day – and not berating ourselves
with recriminations about yesterday. That's a very important part of the day by
day, moment by moment "faith rest" we're supposed to embrace as our Church Age
fulfillment of the 4th commandment (link).
Fight the good fight of faith!
1st Timothy 6:12a
Keeping you and all your concerns in my daily prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
I was reading that the first words in the bible were not "in the
Beginning". It is the Hebrew Befreshit and bara. Can you explain this to
me?
I would appreciate it.
Thanks my friend,
Blessing be with you every day.
Response #13:
The first phrase in the Bible is berē'šîth (בְּרֵאש ִית), a prepositional phrase meaning literally "in first" or "in the first place" or better even yet "first off" (the word "created" comes next). It is translated in the Greek NT with the phrase en archei (Ἐν ἀρχῇ ), commonly translated the same way:
In the beginning (Ἐν ἀρχῇ) was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 KJV
Likewise in Greek it means "in beginning" but NOT "in THE beginning". In
both places, translators obscure the fact that for God this is no
beginning. Genesis 1:1 describes what God created "first", and at the
time, Jesus Christ already "was" (Jn.1:1).
I discuss this and related issues in SR 2: The
Genesis Gap (at the link).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Thanks so much Dr. Luginbill.
__ really appreciates you. I am up to __ lbs. now.
Laugh out loud.
I believe that the LORD still has work to do for Him.
Much thanks for your help in understanding this.
I always appreciate your teachings, because I learn much, and still going. I am
currently taking a break in the study of
Peripateology, for the moment so I can study Genesis 1.
Great blessings to you our dear friend and teacher.
Response #14:
You're very welcome!
I'm so glad that you and __ are doing better. __ is great, given where you were!
Pretty soon you're going to have to knock off the ice cream and cookies!
Since you're focusing on Genesis, in addition to the link I gave you last time,
you also might want to look at this one:
Genesis Verse by Verse.
It doesn't have every single thing I've ever written about the book, but it's
not a bad place to start looking.
Thanks guys, for your encouragement, prayers and support.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Thanks Dr. Luginbill, I hope you are doing well.
We pray for you every day, for you are a gift from the Lord to us.
Blessings to you every day.
P.S. I am studying what you sent me concerning Genesis, and it will be good I
know.
Response #15:
Thank you!
Praying for you and __ and your families daily as well, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
[omitted]
Response #16:
Salvation is based upon being a believer in Jesus Christ, not on our behavior
(Jn.3:18). Our behavior does affect our faith, whether negative or positive, but
no single act can rob us of our eternal life. No one who is still a believer in
Jesus Christ will take the mark, not you or anyone else who believes in Jesus.
Also, the mark does NOT yet exist (please
read the link; it will lead to others too). And when it does exist – not
until half way through the Tribulation – it will be a physical tattoo which
followers of the beast will receive on their forehead or hand. It will NOT look
like "666" because the Greek system never ever even had those Arabic numeral
symbols and didn't function the way ours does either.
I think you already know this. When you are confronted with these characters you
need to understand that they mean absolutely nothing at present – except to the
extent that you allow yourself to be manipulated by the evil one and his minions
by giving them meaning they do not have biblically.
Question #17:
Hi Bob,
Just a commentary: "Scientists Create Synthetic Cell That Can Feed, Grow, and
Replicate" Of course, assuming it's true and not some hopeful delusion.
https://slaynews.com/scientists-create-synthetic-cell-feed-grow-replicate/
I believe this nonsense will eventually kill us if the Lord doesn't intervene.
As I drift into my twilight years, I grow more pessimistic about the world. No
need to reply unless you feel I'm off base and if you do, answer your important
emails first.
In our Lord Jesus, may his kingdom come soon
Response #17:
There's a lot to be pessimistic about!
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV
If this is true of believers, how much more for the secular world. I've long
wondered "how long can all this go on?" But it has continued to "go on" for
years and years.
Like a terminally ill patient, sometimes "hanging on" can go on longer than
anyone would have imagined or predicted. One of the good things about the
commencement of the Tribulation will be the sure and certain knowledge that our
Lord's return won't be more than seven years away, and that will be a great
blessing to cherish indeed.
Praying for your health and well-being daily, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi, Bob,
Thank you for reminding me about Lamentations. One theory I've heard about the
seeming delay is that the Lord is waiting until all the fallen angels are
replaced with His church. I don't know how true that is since I've read nothing
in scripture that would suggest that.
For the longest time, I felt guilty about withdrawing from society as I have,
but after scanning the news, I'm thankful the Lord led me to my little patch of
prairie. There was a reason for that even if I haven't understood. I've decided
to enjoy it. In fact, I hate even the thought of having to go "out there." My
optimism hasn't improved a bit as you can see. I couldn't imagine ever going
back to a city to live. Even Austin is getting as bad as NYC, Chicago or Denver.
I need to thank you. You have been a lifeline of sanity in a world I no longer
understand. I pray all is well up there in L'ville.
In our Lord, may His kingdom come soon.
Response #18:
The Church is indeed a "one for one" replacement for the fallen angels.
Strangely, however, I've never heard that explained before other than on Ichthys
(doesn't mean it's not "out there" somewhere)! The problems with saying there'll
be a delay are many. For one thing, God's plan has been in place since before
creation, and it's never changed nor will it. For another, the Church will not
be completed until the Second Advent so the Tribulation would never start if,
e.g., the "rapture" were true.
There is ever more "noise and churn" out there, and city life is definitely not
for everyone. Louisville is pretty quiet, especially for its size, and I really
appreciate that. It got a bit too rambunctious during the Floyd riots, but since
then there has been mostly peace and quiet, at least in my neighborhood and
haunts. But I'm sure it's not as peaceful as the West Texas prairie!
I'm glad the Lord led you to a peaceful place, my friend. I see no need for you
to feel bad about that. And, as you say, there may be reasons you/we don't even
know yet.
Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Enlightenments are pouring in
We must be nearing the end
Heads up , prophecy unfolds
Knowledge of things foretold
Wisdom earned a daily gift
Sharing to those who drift
Remain firm soon his return
Hold the faith do not quit
Apostasy, a trip to the pit
Salvation is his name
His death was not in vain
Proclaim it loud without shame
In heaven he will proclaim your name
Response #19:
Thanks!
Question #20:
[omitted]
In other news, another venue locally was hosting 'psychic readings' (that's two
on my doorstep now)...whilst a Nigerian Pentecostal mega church 'the Redeemed
Christian Church of God' has moved into the local dancehall building near our
shopping centre. I could tell it was Pentecostal by the logo alone. It just has
a dove to represent the Holy Spirit. I knew it was unusual for a Christian
church to not have the cross as a symbol so I guessed that they would be overly
focused on the Holy Spirit/sign gifts and Charismania and I was right!
A dove seems to be shorthand for Charismatic/Pentecostal churches so now I know
that without even doing much digging online that it will be that 'slain in the
spirit' nonsense and the whole if you are not speaking in tongues then you
haven't had the Spirit's baptism fear tactic etc. etc.
You probably won't be surprised that one of their pastors in Lagos has passed
bad cheques to the tune of $1.6 million. That's not exactly 'chump change' is
it?!
Anyway, hope this finds you and your ankle well!
Thanks again so much for being a real friend and real fellowship during this
hardest of trials my friend!
Your friend in Jesus,
Response #20:
I'm very glad to hear that you are righting the ship, my friend.
Now that you are "back on point", it's no surprise that you are noticing all
these cultic things out there – and also that the more "normal" daily flak is
returning. But there's no such "noise and churn" in New Jerusalem! That kingdom
IS coming and no one can stop it. N.b., the JW's changed to "spiritual" when it
didn't happen. It is typical of unbelievers to imagine that there are relative
standards, substituting their own for God's. Cults institutionalize these;
individual unbelievers come up with their own. What they "are doing" seems right
to them so it must have to be right with God. Wrong (Prov.14:12; 16:25). In
fact, one either is or isn't doing what God wants. It's all about our free will.
Do we use it to rebel or to obey? That's the only question for unbelievers. God
wants obedience on His terms: faith in Christ, salvation by grace through faith
not works. For believers, the question becomes "just how obedient" we are
willing to be; and that's the basis for our rewards. But imagining that God will
have to comply to our reasoning and desires is the essential and the original
satanic error that leads to disobedience – i.e., revolt.
Meanwhile, what we believers are thinking, saying and doing for the Lord in
growth, progress and progression really DOES make a difference, here and now and
certainly also when we are evaluated and rewarded.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1st Corinthians 15:58 NKJV
So keep up the good work, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.