Question #1:
Robert Good morning!!
I'm reaching out to see if your study of the Scriptures especially Revelation
still points to the anti-christ very possibly arriving this Fall?!
Do you think possibly the Noahide Laws Conference in Jerusalem has something to
do with it?
Do you think THAT is when we might see revealed the man who is the anti-christ?
Even if he's just a face in the group of let's say 15----25 main people at the
conference??
Will keep an eye out for your return email and any new and thoughtful insights
Response #1:
Good to hear from you.
If you've been following the posting at Ichthys (link),
you know that this has been a hot topic recently for obvious reasons. September
seemed the most likely month for the Tribulation to commence, if it will indeed
start this year. By the time we reach mid-November, this year would then seem
unlikely. Of course, we're never actually told when in the course of the actual
year it would/will begin. Fall is a supposition based upon the fact that the
Fall cluster of festivals speak of the Tribulation, the Second Advent and the
Millennium, whereas the Spring festivals speak of the cross and the
resurrection. Given that there is a "half hour of silence" once the book of the
Revelation of Jesus Christ is opened with the undoing of the seventh seal
(Rev.8:1), I have interpreted that as a six month delay from Spring, when our
Lord was crucified and resurrected, until the Fall, when the seemingly
appropriate festivals occur. Add 2,000 years and you get the year of the Second
Advent. If so, 2033 would seem to be the year of His return, with the seven
years of the Tribulation preceding. That would mean sometime this Fall. But this
interpretation favored at Ichthys requires that Daniel's 70th week, the final
week of the Jewish Age which has not yet happened, run parallel with the last
seven years of the Church Age (an overlap;
see the link). If it turns out that it doesn't happen this way, that instead
those final seven years are appended to the present age, then the most likely
start time would be not this Fall but Fall of 2033.
There are a lot of other "moving parts" as well (see
this week's posting and links). But it seems to me pretty certain that when
the Tribulation DOES begin, it will be very clear:
And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
Revelation 8:5 KJV
Since the angel casts this fire "to the earth", it would seem that the entire
earth is meant so that all of these portents will be audible and tangible
worldwide (cf. Is.18:3; Jer.25:30-32). That would be an unmistakable sign that
the Tribulation has begun, and it certainly hasn't happened yet.
As to the revealing of antichrist, here is what I read in scripture:
Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For [the 2nd Advent cannot come] unless the Apostasy [the great falling away of the faithful in the first half of the Tribulation] has already occurred, and the man of lawlessness [antichrist] has been revealed [an event also occurring in the Tribulation], that "son of destruction" (i.e., characterized by, author of, and doomed to destruction), the one who will oppose and exalt himself against every so-called god and object of worship to such a degree that he will take his seat in the temple of God and represent himself as being God. Don't you remember that while I was still with you I was explaining these things to you?
2nd Thessalonians 2:3-5
So the beast will not be "revealed" until after the Tribulation begins. By the
time we reach its mid-point, it will be beyond obvious who he is (and will have
been obvious to any believer who has ever even read Revelation long before
that). But until the Tribulation begins, while the Holy Spirit's ministry of
restraint is still going on (link),
I don't think we are likely to have any definitive indication of who antichrist
is or might turn out to be. Whether or not he attends this conference you
mention, I have no idea, but I don't think it would be possible to tell one way
or another without the benefit of hindsight, and we won't have that until
sometime during the Tribulation.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Great hearing from you. I still believe you are correct ----this Fall is
the beginning of Tribulation.
I think possibly the censor of fire is either an asteroid causing
massive damage or a nuclear weapon, which will either be used on Iran or
somewhere in Europe. If Europe it will be blamed on Russia bc Europe
wants war with Russia and will more then likely need a false flag to get
things rolling.
I also think it's way too much of a coincidence that the start of the
NOAHIDE laws etc begins THIS Fall. It will obviously be used by the anti
Christ. Let's stay in close touch Big events I believe are now only
weeks or months away.
As well, Europe has already signaled that they will be rolling out their
digital currency next year. Everything must be in place because of the
UN 2030 agenda. Everyone with digital ID and using digital currency.
The antichrist is mimicking Christ. He will be who he truly is by the
end of 2029 into 2030. To copy Jesus. Fall 29----33 public life. But I
believe he comes onto the scene this Fall -----Spring 2027 (anti C).
Crazy days. United in prayer. Your good friend
Response #2:
Re: "This Fall is the beginning of Tribulation." We'll find out about
that soon enough. If Thanksgiving rolls up and it hasn't begun, we are probably
in for a respite. How long is another question. In terms of calculating dates
from antiquity to the present, one year is a "rounding error". No Tribulation
this Fall might mean seven years respite. I could definitely see that, namely,
no overlap but a seven year period of peace and prosperity preceding the
Tribulation along the lines of the seven "fat years" before the seven years of
famine in Egypt which Joseph was given to predict (the last seven haven't been
particularly "fat" what with Covid right in the middle). But as you may have
noticed in the postings recently, there are a lot of other "moving parts" in the
interpretation as well which could shift things a year and preserve the overlap.
If this experience has shown us anything, moreover, it is that pinning the start
date to the Fall is probably correct but not dogmatically definitive. That part
of the interpretation is based on the one hand upon the "half hour of silence"
in Revelation 8:1 representing a shift from Spring to Fall to line it up with
the festivals which are illustrative of end time events, and on the other hand
the understanding of those festivals in an eschatologically symbolic sense
(i.e., Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot;
see the link). That being the case, and since we can't have confidence that
the designation of those festivals as they are observed today is correct in
terms of "in which month they really ought to be celebrated" (because of the
lack of continuity with pre-diaspora conventions for one thing), even if we
believe it will be "in the Fall", we are hard pressed to give a tight range of
likely days.
Re: "the censor of fire is either an asteroid causing massive damage or a
nuclear weapon". Revelation is not as symbolic as many people think. Mostly
it is to be taken literally. For example, in the first trumpet judgment, we see
literal "hail and fire mixed with blood . . . hurled down on the earth" (Rev.8:7
NIV); but in the second trumpet judgment, "something like a huge mountain, all
ablaze, was thrown into the sea" (Rev.8:8 NIV); and in the third trumpet
judgment "a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky" (Rev.8:10 NIV).
So John writing in the Spirit has no problem representing actual celestial
objects and differentiating them from fire, e.g., generally. As to the other
suggestion, it's clear that the signs mentioned in Revelation 8:5 come from
heaven, rather than originating from earth, and from God, not from human
activity. Also, we don't hear any report of significant damage in the
announcement of the Tribulation; but we have specific reports of that in the
trumpet judgments and in the bowl judgments.
Re: "Noahide laws". While antichrist will make use of every religion –
except for biblical Christianity – I've never been convinced that there is
anything special about this particular movement (see
the link for further links to antichrist's religion). In terms of
coincidence, God begins the Tribulation, but this movement is a human one,
albeit no doubt satanically inspired as are all religions.
Finally, I know that there is also a lot of speculation about digital currency
and the like. However, the only thing we have in the Bible that has any possible
connection to this development is the prohibition by the beast on buying and
selling by those who do not take his mark. That only happens in the middle of
the Tribulation at the commencement of the Great Tribulation, so anything that
takes place now can only be incidental in those terms. I'll grant you that it is
one more thing on a long list of societal and technological "developments" which
lead me to believe that the Tribulation is going to occur sooner rather than
later . . . because it doesn't seem to me that things can continue on the path
they are on very much longer – or that God would allow it.
We'll see soon enough.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Good day, Professor,
I wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that my son
had his surgery — and he is doing great. The Lord has exceeded my
expectations, as He has so many times before.
He said his anxiety was almost completely gone the morning of the
surgery. There was a mishap that morning and they didn’t let his wife
back into pre op with him for the hours before the procedure, but he
said he never got scared. He felt peaceful. Praise God!
He only stayed one day in the hospital, and his nurse said she had never
seen any man do as well as he did. He even got up and walked the evening
after the surgery. His belly incision hasn’t healed yet, so please keep
that in your prayers.
We’ve had a few big quakes lately, but nothing that felt worldwide. I’m
watching around the 20th, though. I was reading in Leviticus this
morning, and it spoke of the Glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle on
the eighth day. Surely this points more toward the time after the
Millennium, when the Father joins us all in eternity. I would hate to
think what humanity might do with another thousand years.
In Him,
Response #3:
That's terrific news! I have been praying about it. God is good!
I'm on the lookout as well. I figure if we get to the middle of
November, then all bets are off as far as being able to nail down the
start to a specific day or span of time this year. It will probably mean
a respite, but that's about all I can say.
I do think you are correct that there won't be a thousand year wait! If
the seven millennial day interpretation is correct, which I certainly
think is the case, then it's a matter of a few years at the most, not
decades or centuries and certainly not another millennium. After all,
the Millennium is "the seventh day" which is the time of blessing with
Christ reigning a thousand years (Rev.20:2-7).
In any case, I also agree that "this can't go on all that much longer".
Just what we have witnessed in the last several decades in societal
decay and technological hubris makes it seem unlikely that mankind would
survive that long, and I definitely doubt that the Lord will let things
continue like this forever. We're likely to find out, sooner rather than
later.
Thanks for the update and for the prayers!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hi Dr Robert,
I came across your website and I find it so interesting. Thanks.
I note you believe the Tribulation (Daniel's 70th Week in Daniel 9:27) starts in
2026, in the fall.
Well as we are in 2026,we shall soon know. Note you take the half hour in
silence in Heaven to approximate 6 months hence the Tribulation beginning
approximately 6 months later after the March/April dates of Christ's death and
resurrection in A.D.33.
As we are in October 2026 already, the Tribulation likely begins this month or
possibly may get extended to November 2026 do you think?.
Thank you.
Kind regards.
Response #4:
Good to make your acquaintance.
Re: "I note you believe the Tribulation (Daniel's 70th Week in Daniel
9:27) starts in 2026, in the fall". That is not exactly the way I would say
it. Here's a quote from a posting done many years ago, not long after Ichthys
began posting Q/As. From "The Date
of the Tribulation's Commencement: How certain a date is 2026?"
"I welcome your prudent skepticism in this matter. Please let me assure you that this is not a prediction. What I have done in Part 5 of the Satanic Rebellion series (the time-line chart which gives 2026 as the date for the commencement of the Tribulation merely reflects the information contained in that study) is to document and project the seven millennial day plan of God for human history. What you say is absolutely correct: no date is mentioned in the Bible, and the passage you cite (Matt.24:36), gave me some pause. Furthermore, God is not bound by any system He may have set up (even if He has in fact followed it and revealed in scripture His following of it thus far)."
So this is an interpretation of scripture. Specifically, it is an application of
the seven millennial day interpretation outlined in the link in the quote above.
If the Millennium is 1,000 years, and if the Jewish Age began about 2,000 years
after the fall and lasted for about another 2,000 years, then it is no great
leap of interpretation to project the 2nd Advent as occurring at the end of the
Church Age, 2,000 years after Christ's victory on the cross and His
resurrection. The most likely date for that (admittedly, derived from evidence
outside as well as inside of the Bible but not specifically identified by the
Bible) is 33 A.D. The most controversial part of the interpretation was positing
that the seven years, Daniel's 70th week, the final seven years of the Jewish
Age would overlap the final seven years of the Church Age, thus 2033 would be
our Lord's date of return with the Tribulation beginning seven years earlier.
If there is no announcement of the Tribulation's commencement by sometime in
November (Rev.8:1-5; cf. Is.18:3; Jer.25:30-32), then one of the assumptions
above (and also on the list where I give all of the assumptions upon which this
interpretation was based;
see the link), or the 33 A.D. date, or some other interpretive point will
have been incorrect. The overlap is the most likely suspect in that case. It
seemed inconsistent for gentile believers who have the Spirit to still be around
when Jewish believers take up the lead in all things spiritual and it not still
be "the Church Age". But on the other hand, there were plenty of Jewish
believers "still around" during the early years of this age in the time of
transition (as documented most clearly in Acts 19:1-7).
In any case, as you have concluded, we'll find out soon enough about that.
Personally, I'll be very grateful for a seven year respite – or longer. Or even
a one year "stay of execution", however things work out. But it does seem to me
clear that we are on the threshold, not only because of the elapse of nearly two
millennial days but also because of the societal and technological developments
which indicate to me (and many others) that things are unlikely to go on as they
are indefinitely.
Thanks for your interest. Do feel free to write back any time.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Hi Bob!
How are you holding up in your neck of the woods?
Thank you for the prayers regarding the safety. There are goofy things arising,
but its been quiet in that physical safety regard.
I wanted to get clarification on Rev 14; am I correct that the angel
pronouncements of both the Gospel and the warning of the Mark of the Beast are
audible to the earth’s population and real? It isn’t allegory or symbolic.
And that it will also be preceded by the earthquake similar to the one that
marks the beginning of the tribulation?
Lastly, those events are preceding the Beast rolling out / enforcing the mark? I
know the mark is referenced in 13, but I’m assuming it’s more a description of
what will take place in the later part of verse 14?
Have a wonderful day! Need to stall some sheep in need of their haircuts;
thankfully, I’m not doing it, and leaving that to a speedy, experienced shearer.
PS I’m asking because I think the enemy is really leveraging my fear I could be
wrong about the aspects of the mark and it could be something in our everyday
life.
We know it isn’t forgivable, but I’m also reminding myself to not add to
Scripture, that God is gracious and faithful in His conveying the timing and
qualities of this. It isn’t like our credit cards or passports etc.
I suppose I’m talking this out in part for reassurance but to also confirm in my
own mind the truth. We’ll know when we’re halfway through the Tribulation, there
won’t be a mistake as to what the mark is, and in the interim I must just focus
on solidifying the truth and not letting the enemy twist my fear of failure into
being immobilized for Divine good.
I haven’t had these weird irrational fears and paranoia for such a long time, so
it “feels” familiar (aka yes, terrifying but a part of me sees it for what it is
and knows it’s incredibly stupid).
Response #5:
I'm glad to hear that you are safe in spite of "goofiness" round about. Keeping
you and yours in my prayers about that.
On Revelation 14, yes, I take that to be literal and audible. The only parts of
Revelation which are symbolic are the obvious symbolic representations (i.e.,
our Savior as a lamb; Israel as a woman, Babylon as a prostitute, the devil as a
dragon, antichrist as a beast); otherwise, the only question on that score is
whether or not what John sees will be visible to all (for example, the
instruments of the fifth and sixth woes in Revelation chapter nine are probably
not visible to the inhabitants of earth). But these proclamations of Revelation
8:5 are meant to be heard (cf. Is.18:3; Jer.25:30-32), and the earthquake is
literal (here's
a link on the latter). I didn't understand this part of your question: "I
know the mark is referenced in 13, but I’m assuming it’s more a description of
what will take place in the later part of verse 14?" Could you clarify?
On the mark, you don't have to worry at all about accidental marking. None of
this will take place until the beast "makes war" on Moses and Elijah and they
are taken back up into heaven and antichrist then takes his seat in the temple
at the Tribulation's mid-point. So none of this will be difficult to understand.
So, re: "We’ll know when we’re halfway through the Tribulation, there won’t
be a mistake as to what the mark is, and in the interim I must just focus on
solidifying the truth and not letting the enemy twist my fear of failure into
being immobilized for Divine good." That is absolutely correct, my friend!
We have a reverent fear of God and no need to fear anyone or anything else.
Best wishes for the sheep!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Hi Bob,
Thank you for the gracious and fast response; I’ve been praying and mentally
battling over here to not let any fear or paranoid behavior unfitting of a godly
witness take front seat.
On chapter 13, I initially thought the 14 was a warning to not take the mark but
then 13 precedes it. On rereading, it seemed a judgment but then the angel
sharing the Gospel doesn’t make a lot of sense if people cannot be saved (who
had taken it) unless this is for the small sliver who did not take it *and* are
not yet believers.
I know it’s enemy attacks getting me where I’ve had a history of weakness —
“what if?”
What if it’s my phone, the bank account, writing checks etc.
But I was remembering how you and
Mr. Omo reference common sense. Moreover, and most importantly, the LORD
wants all to be saved! Why would He pull something out of order from His Word
and allow its deception to damn someone to hell?
Lastly, this is certainly where it’s of such necessity to have sound teachers.
We need to trust them to help us discern the Word. I’ve recalled people who have
self deduced some bizarre theory on what the mark of the beast is, and I can’t
live life that. I can’t live seeing eternal damnation at every corner in a
conspiracy theory but all the more because we have to believe the whole Word. We
can’t set ourselves to read beyond it or add to it (speaking of Revelation).
I’m still afraid, but I think I see this as very irrational fear I have to stop.
There’s essentially zero reason to think the mark is anything now, many many
reasons to trust and know it’s in the future as laid out.
I read all you had on the topic, but was still shaking in my boots, so thank you
for the encouragement.
All to say, I’ll just prioritize adding in another study specifically on the
tribulation so I’m more grounded in the truth and know it very well.
Thank you so much!
Response #6:
You are right: the Lord WANTS us to be saved (1Tim.2:4), and that is especially the case for all who have chosen for Him. Speaking of sheep . . .
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand."
John 10:27-29 NIV
It's true that there is no "once saved, always saved" unconditional eternal
security, but the only way to become insecure is to willfully and
forcefully reject the Lord, denying Him, losing faith, giving up faith
completely . . . so as to no longer be a believer (Jn.3:18).
There are a lot of lies out there, and more with each passing day. The evil one
is well aware of where our personal vulnerabilities are. He has a "file" on us
all. If we are subject to any sort of tick like this, no doubt the aggravations
will keep coming, at least until we stop responding.
The mark is a tattoo (link).
It will be unmistakable, as will be both the method of its branding, the meaning
of that branding, and the procedure for doing so. It will be voluntary (not
without great pressure to agree, of course), and that will be the whole point.
No one will be allowed to take this mark without "pledging allegiance" to the
beast in a public ceremony. So no one will be unwittingly tattooed. And the
proclamation of chapter fourteen is a guarantee – along with the number/name
calculation graciously given to believers – that the issue will be pellucidly
clear to all.
Revelation is generally chronological, but in any narrative history, when two
discrete things are happening at the same time or approximately so, with
overlapping time frames, one has to be described first. If I'm writing a history
of "the Battle of the Bulge", and I want to break things down into the three
main sectors and give some sense of what was happening on both sides as well, at
the tactical, operational and strategic levels, that's nine different things
happening at more or less the same time. Something has to come first in the
telling of it and something last. That doesn't mean that what is told last
didn't happen until everything that is told first happened. The middle of the
Tribulation is very dense in terms of what happens, and John is also given to
introduce the beast at that point, even though he has been in power for three
and a half years already. This is why in the CT series I had to insert an entire
part, 3B, in order to catch everyone up on what had been happening with
antichrist and his kingdom (link). We may
be able to digest and process a baseball game front to back chronologically, but
historical events are different, especially when there is a spiritual dimension
as is the case during the Tribulation, with what is going on in heaven, what is
going on with believers on earth, and with what the evil one and his son are
doing.
Re: "I read all you had on the topic". There's a lot at Ichthys, as many
others have had similar fears and I've had to explain this from a lot of
different angles. Here's one link you may have missed which will lead to others
(do feel free to write me back about any of this):
https://ichthys.com/mail-Antichrist-Mark-Number-ID.htm
Your godly resolution of the issue in this email lets me understand that while
you are being tested, you are not wavering but are passing the test! Re: "There’s
essentially zero reason to think the mark is anything now , many many reasons to
trust and know it’s in the future as laid out." That's absolutely correct!
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend – thanks for yours as well!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,
It has been a while since I have written to you; My apologies.
I have a question that came up; in the Bible Study I was teaching yesterday.
They wanted to know who is referred to in Revelation 18:4.
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “ ‘Come out of her, my people,’ so
that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her
plagues."
Revelation 18:4 NIV
So years ago, I thought that you wrote or included your thoughts about who is
the Country or place that we should Come out of this particular place which is
unnamed. I thought I saw a paper that you wrote stating what country is referred
to as "Come out of her, my people. What country is this referring to? Is it the
USA?
I hope you are still in good health my brother and friend. I should say our
brother and friend. __ has had some bumps in the road, such as falling down in
the Walmart store. But, I do believe that some angels had help her during the
fall, and she was only hurt in her hand and lip, but was only minor, and she is
in good shape today. I do truly believe that the Good LORD had sent an angel to
protect her. She is okay, and it took only 1/2 day.
Thanks for all of your help in understanding what you wrote in your teachings.
Response #7:
Sorry to hear about __, but what a blessing for any of us who are "of an age" to
fall and not be seriously injured. I've got her on my prayer list.
To answer your question, scripture does not identify mystery Babylon. As I've
tried to point out in the CT series,
the one thing we know for sure is that Babylon and the revived Roman empire are
not the same place. Given that antichrist comes from mystery
Babylon and that he and she are the politically, economically and militarily
dominant forces during the Tribulation, if things do start up any time soon
there is no other likely candidate other than the U.S. (see the link:
Probable Identification of the Future "Mystery Babylon").
Mind you, there is NO mystery Babylon until the Tribulation begins. If it does
start soon, and if the place is here, then the addressees in Revelation 18:4
will be the believers here who have survived until near the end of the
Tribulation just before Armageddon. There will be a brief period of respite
during the fifth bowl judgment when antichrist "disappears" into the darkened
north to shore up his revived Roman empire base. At that time, believers will
hear the command "flee!" and we will be well-advised to heed it (here's a link
on that:
"Flee Babylon!").
Please give my best to __ and tell her that she is in my prayers (as are you, my
friend).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #8:
Hello Dr Bob,
How do you arrive at the conclusion that Abraham was circumcised in 2065 BC?
Forgive me if this is already out there on the website, but I didn't see details
in the breakdown of the eras and years you've already published. I only see in
the Bible it says he was 99.
Thank you in advance,
In our dear Lord,
Response #8:
Good to hear from you.
The whole B.C./A.D. system of dating wasn't invented until around 550 A.D., long
after the Bible was written, so any date one speaks of in our system of dating
is an application of that system to the information we have about the past (that
is true of dates in all of ancient history).
Scripture does, however, give us a lot of chronological information which, when
properly analyzed, allows us to approximate these dates. I'm by far not the
first one to tackle this.
Eusebius in the
ancient world and
Ussher in the modern world are the most important figures to do this (see
the links).
To reprise briefly what you will find in SR 5 under
"Chronology
in the Bible" and following, to find out what year was Abraham's 99th, 1st
Kings 6:1 states that the 4th year of King Solomon's reign (ca. 964 B.C.)
occurred 480 years after the Exodus (ca. 1444 B.C.: i.e., 964 + 480 = 1444).
Next, Exodus 12:40 states that Israel remained in Egypt after Jacob's arrival
exactly 430 years, and thus taking us back to 1874 B.C. by adding this to 1444.
Next, in Genesis 47:9 Jacob tells Pharaoh on his arrival in Egypt that he is 130
years old which takes us to his birth in 2004 B.C. to which we add 60 years
based on Genesis 25:26, where we learn that Isaac was sixty when Jacob was born
leading us to 2064 B.C. We then add one year to take us to the circumcision of
Abraham at age 99, the event which marks the beginning of the Jewish Age
(Gen.17-18; cf. Rom.4:9-12).
How do we know that Solomon's 4th regal year was ca. 964? Since scripture
doesn't give us relative numbers to work with, so this date has to be an
approximation. But it certainly falls well within the window of probability and
is not out of sync with the most commonly given conservative date for this
milestone (966/967 B.C.), based on what secular chronological information is
available.
Pushing Solomon's date farther back in time would add years to 2065
corresponding to the number of years added, while moving the date forward would
subtract years from that date in the same way. The virtue of what I have
proposed is that it squares precisely with the seven millennial day
interpretation, allowing 2,000 years for the Jewish Age based upon 2 B.C. as the
date for the birth of Christ. As I say, this is "the gist". More details
available at the link above.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Dr Bob,
Wow thank you for that thorough explanation! I need to reread a couple times to
follow the trail of years mentally, to wrap my head around that.
I heard an interesting thing the other day, that after the crucifixion, the red
wool yarn used on the day of atonement by Jewish people, on the 2 goats, never
turned white for the 40 years after crucifixion while the temple was still
standing. I knew about the red wool yarn being used but didn't know it
supernaturally turned white ( is this true?), and then wouldn't after Christ's
atonement was complete.
In Jesus,
Response #9:
Never heard that one before. I assure you it's not in the Bible. We do know that
the temple veil was supernaturally split, there was a major earthquake, and many
recently dead believers were resuscitated, after our Lord gave up His spirit on
the cross (Matt.27:51-54). That's more than enough for me, red/white yarn
notwithstanding.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Yeah, I didn't recognize it from the Bible, but heard it was written in the
Talmud (I think). Agree with what you said.
Anyways, hope you had a nice holiday weekend! It's hard to be patient right now,
waiting to see what will or might not yet happen this month or next. But
obviously, I know patience and trust are the name of the game. My fleshy side
creeping in there.
In our dear Lord, who's always on time
Response #10:
It could well be in the Talmud. There's plenty in there that clashes with the
Bible.
Re: "It's hard to be patient right now". LOL, it'll be harder once we
know for certain we've got seven years left no doubt! Happy to have that put
off, but we all know who it is that is in control of the time-line. Our part is
to do the job our Master assigns us to do.
(7) And He said to them, “It is not for you to decide the times and occasions which the Father has ordained on His own authority (i.e., the Second Advent et al. will happen on His time-table, not yours). (8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth”.
Acts 1:7-8
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Bob, I hope you’re doing well. I have a question about the use of the word
believe in these instances. Is it used as True, saving faith, or is some other
type of faith?
John 2:23-25, 12:42-43, Acts 8:13
Response #11:
Faith, Greek pistis / pisteuo, is believing the truth of what one
hears and trusting in that truth. There certainly are levels of faith, as Jesus
says many times, "Oh, Ye of little faith!", when reproaching his
disciples for not trusting Him enough, and also "Great is your faith!"
for certain individuals (e.g., Matt.15:28). Faith can grow; faith can shrink. If
our faith grows, like a mustard seed it can become a massive tree; if we don't
attend to our spiritual growth, it can shrink and even disappear. Believers are
saved, regardless of if their faith is small at the Lord's visitation; but only
believers are saved, so if a believer reverts to being an unbeliever before
exiting this life then said person is not saved, no longer being a believer
(Jn.3:18).
These passages you ask about are notably difficult ones.
(22) Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. (23) Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. (24) But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, (25) and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
John 2:22-25 NKJV
In this first one, the object of faith in verse 22 is "the scripture and the word which Jesus had said", meaning that now through faith and the Spirit's illumination they understood what it meant (we can't understand / epignosis any truth without the Spirit and without believing it). They were believers. But believers advance spiritually the same way they became believers, namely, by hearing and believing and applying the truth (e.g., Phil.3:16; Col.2:6). Just because someone is a believer does NOT mean that they believe all truth – otherwise there wouldn't be such a "fan club" for the "rapture", e.g. In verse 23, we do have individuals believing in our Lord when they witness His miracles, but the following verses suggest that this faith was not strong and that it ebbed and later died. After all, how many of these crowds who followed Him and rejoiced in His miracles were still loyal when He was being crucified? There are those who are born of seed that falls in shallow soil. They believe for awhile, but fall away later on (Matt.13:21-22; Mk.4:16-17; Lk.8:13). Many of our Laodicean day will belong to this category, falling away under the pressures of the Tribulation in the Great Apostasy (link).
Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 12:22-25 NKJV
These are also believers, but clearly not believers of great faith or of great courage. Was faith such as this sufficient to endure to the end? Only those who endure in faith until the end are saved (e.g., Matt.10:22). I suspect that some did and most didn't. We will have to wait until the final judgments to find out about each individual case.
Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
Acts 8:13 NKJV
Another example of an individual who, at least at first (we don't know anything about this individual outside of Acts chapter eight), who did "believe", but who then immediately began to revert to his former manner of life (as evidenced by Acts 8:18-24). This is a very important point, because it demonstrates that believing, being saved, while it does change everything, does not take away our free will. We still have to persevere in the faith and, pace Calvinism, this is NOT automatic. It requires that we fight the fight of faith all the way until the end. That has always been of critical importance. How much more now for us who stand of the threshold of the Tribulation?
(12) "Now because of the increase of lawlessness [at that time], the love of the many will cool. (13) But he who endures until the end, this [is the one who] will be saved."
Matthew 24:12-13
"But when the Son of Man returns, will He find faith [still existing] on the earth?"
Luke 18:8b
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Mat 24:29
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be
darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from
heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
That verse you sent me me is exactly first thing I show those who thin,
there is a pre trib rapture. They look at it, kinda confused, puzzled.
Then walk right over to friends and continue their version of "I won’t
be here I’ll be raptured out".
Response #12:
It is pretty sad . . . and likely to get a whole lot sadder soon (we just don't
know how soon).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Thanks so much, Bob! I really appreciate it.
It'll be a relief when you've done your time as vice chair. The dispute
is an added load for you. I wouldn't fancy that either - trying to
listen and act fairly for both parties. Hopefully it'll be resolved
quickly. Keeping this in my prayers for you too.
Just thinking, Bob - if we do get the respite - we can take a deep
breath but we have to be careful that we don't sit back, relax and
become complacent. We need to continue to do what we should be doing day
by day anyway. Growing spiritually, progressing, producing, preparing
etc.
Thanks for your prayers too!
In Jesus
Response #13:
I agree with you absolutely on the issue of complacency. It's a daily prayer of mine for us all to be helped to guard against that. And you are right. If we get a respite this fall, it doesn't mean we're getting seven years' worth. We'll have to be ready for whenever it starts.
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Luke 12:35-40 NIV
We certainly want to avoid being the second servant in this scenario in the rest of the chapter where Peter asked for specifics:
Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
Luke 12:41-48 NIV
Iron sharpens iron (Prov.27:17); so the more we remind each other of the
above, all of us as believers who care about the truth, the better we
are likely to be at staying alert (link).
The next time slot I have my eye on is Friday when Sukkot ends (if
September/October was the "right month"); after that, it's on to a new
moon (Oct./Nov.) with everything 30 days advanced.
Thanks for your prayers, my friend! And for your love of the Word.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Hi Bob,
Thank you for this - it's definitely spurred me on even more! And thanks for the
link too. It was very good to read through it again.
I hope today went okay for you.
Work was fine today. There are times like this morning at work when I'm snowed
under and running behind. Then something will happen and I'm able to catch up
and I just know that it's the Lord. He helps me out so often like that at work.
He's so good! He looks after me so well. And it meant that I was able to have my
full hour at lunchtime rather than just half an hour.
So we'll keep our eye out for Friday then, Bob.
Thanks for your prayers too!
In Jesus
Response #14:
Thanks! We may well have to work at staying alert if it turns out that like the
seven years of plenty before the seven years of famine that Joseph was given to
prophesy about in the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, we find ourselves doing
very well for quite some time before it all hits.
Meanwhile, since yesterday I've now got two more meetings on the calendar. I'll
sure be glad when May of '27 roles up. No more vice chair and no more personnel
(for a while). I won't be able to get out of the GLC major entirely, but that
too should calm down after January.
New water line going in tomorrow so I'll have company while I do my part in
writing the promotion letter for the case we're working on. Came home to a big
hole in the front yard so they have already prepped for it. Hopefully, they
won't run into too many problems putting it in.
Thanks for your really encouraging testimony about your work. It's great when we
see the Lord's hand in all these things, isn't it? He looks out for us! I know I
couldn't get through a single day without Him.
Keeping up the prayers (thanks so much for your!).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Hi Bob,
That's true! We're told to "stay alert at all times". That means in the good
times and the bad.
Re: my testimony about the Lord helping me at work. You're right - it really is
lovely to see the Lord's hand in all these things. To see how He is in control
of everything and how important even the small things in our lives are to Him.
Every part of our lives matter to Him. And if He takes care of us in the small
things He will certainly take care of us in the toughest times - including the
Tribulation. Luke 12:6-7
I hope everything went okay with the new water line yesterday.
No shaking today so far!
Have a good weekend, Bob! (Try to squeeze some rest in)
In Jesus
Response #15:
Re: "And if He takes care of us in the small things He will certainly take
care of us in the toughest times - including the Tribulation." That is an
important lesson never to forget. Big and small mean nothing to God, but we are
apt to appreciate the former more than the latter (cf. Lk.7:40-50). He knows
that too.
The water line was no problem! Thanks for the prayers, my friend. There was a
complication (isn't there always?), but I alerted them to that early on, and
they had everything done before lunch. Did a good job too! Now all of a sudden
the water pressure in my shower is double what it was before! Almost got blown
away the first time in!
On the job front, it's still super busy. Teaching four and a half classes per
semester is doable as is the research requirement (publish or perish!).
It's the admin that is a load, as it is very time consuming. Yet another
meeting this afternoon after I got home (Zoom), another one Wednesday and the
big one next Friday. I've never looked forward to Christmas as much since I was
about four years old. Also to May!
No shaking today, amen! It's probably smooth sailing now, but as I've said, I'm
waiting until this time in November at least. If the "no shaking" continues,
I'll never be so glad to have been wrong about something ever before in my life!
My Fall breaks starts tonight and I have the decks cleared with nothing
absolutely on the calendar until Wednesday. Planning to take full advantage!
Hope you are getting some rest and staying away from over commitment too, my
friend.
Keeping up the pray for you and yours too!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Good afternoon,
I hope all is well with you and your family. I’ve said it before and will say it
again, thank you so much for your ministry and all that you do for us. I just
don’t understand how you find the time to do all that you do. I just finished
reading Part 6 of The Coming Tribulation and
really enjoyed it. The human mind and heart really just cannot comprehend what
our Heavenly Father has planned for us. It just reminds me of what Paul says in
1 Corinthians 2:9.
It is wild to think that we could be entering into the Tribulation in just a few
weeks. I’ve been praying lately for God to prepare me so that I can stay
faithful no matter what happens. If it is my lot to be martyred, then so be it.
I know that a few seconds of misery and pain are nothing compared to eternity
with Christ and our Heavenly Father. Part of me hopes that we get a 7-year
reprieve, but then again, that is just 7 more years down here toiling away. I’d
much rather be with Christ.
My main worry is obviously my family and how this whole thing will go for them.
The last thing I want is for them to be hurt in any way. I try to push those
thoughts out of my head, though, because I know that whatever happens, God is in
control and it is all part of His plan. That gives me a lot of comfort.
Lately, I have just felt so blessed to be saved and to know Christ. There is
nothing worth anything outside of Him and my relationship with Him. I look
around and I see people chasing these worldly things that mean absolutely
nothing in the end. As we all know, this earth and everything in it is going to
turn to dust. It blows my mind how people just prefer their sin over Christ. I’m
just so grateful that I know the truth. I get emotional thinking about it
sometimes because I know I’ve done absolutely nothing to receive it or His
grace. It is all a gift, and it is one that I plan on treasuring for all my time
left down here and for eternity. Knowing that my family are saved and that we
will all experience eternity together is such a blessing.
I’ve been in my new role for about 6 months now, and everything is going great.
There are some rumblings about me potentially moving teams early next year.
There is a position or two opening up, and people are already asking if I’d be
interested. The good Lord just keeps taking care of my family and me over and
over and over again. __ has also gotten a pay raise and a bonus since we last
talked. It all just blows my mind.
One last thing, can you add __ to the prayer list? He is undoubtedly saved but
struggles with bad thoughts, and his ADHD doesn’t help things at all. I’ve been
praying that he would continue to grow in his relationship with Christ and that
he would continue to seek God’s will and guidance regarding all of it. It is
something that he has always struggled with.
Your brother in Christ,
Response #16:
Thanks for this great testimony, my friend, and also for your very encouraging words. For what it's worth, I believe that you are thinking about the potential challenges ahead in just the right way, and also that your way of looking at the world is the exact, right, godly way to do so. This really is how we fulfill the fourth commandment as it has been transformed for us in the Church Age (link). Instead of physically resting one day a week, we are responsible to rest spiritually at all times. Whether things are good (as we see them) or bad (as we see them), we need to remember that what is coming is better (lest we love this world), and that what we see is only temporary (lest we become discouraged by it). This perspective will be all-important should the Tribulation begin soon (and it's very important now as well).
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2nd Corinthians 4:16-18 NKJV
I'll be praying for __.
Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Thanks for getting back to me and for the prayer. I'm hopeful that things will
get easier for him as he grows in Christ. I also know that things might just get
harder as he grows in Christ because that is the last thing the opposition
wants. I pray for him daily and will continue to do so. He and I, along with my
entire family, are very close and talk just about every day. I'm very thankful
that he is saved and that he understands what all of this is about and what is
really going on down here. I've come to the conclusion that knowing one's family
is saved is one of the greatest blessings this side of eternity. I get so much
joy and peace out of knowing that my family knows THE truth and is saved. It
just seems that the vast majority of the world is so completely blind as to what
our purpose is down here and as to what is coming. I am reminded of 1
Corinthians 1:18 quite often. Most people just don't understand and simply don't
want to understand. They just don't want to be bothered by it and would prefer
to chase their fleshly desires and completely ignore God and His call to
salvation. What an absolutely insane thing that is!! I can't wrap my head around
it and never want to be able to. All I want is Christ and to spend eternity with
Him.
As the Tribulation approaches, whether that is in a few weeks, 7 years, or 1,000
years, I am going to keep on praying, reading, and trying to grow as much as
possible. I know there are troubles in store for all of us in this life
regardless of when the Tribulation starts. I want to make sure I am spiritually
prepared for those times so that I can be the leader, example, and witness that
my family needs. I want to make sure that I remain faithful to Christ no matter
what He would have me face. I know nothing can come my way unless God allows it
and, if that is the case, there is most definitely a reason for it and God has a
purpose in it. Life is so much easier to live with that in mind. Soon enough,
regardless of anything that happens on this earth, I'll be with Christ, and as
Paul writes in Romans 8:18, none of it will compare to the glory that awaits us
with Him.
Looking around at everything going on in the world, it does seem that it is
close. Everything seems to get a little crazier every day. Either way, Christ is
king and always will be no matter what.
Your brother in Christ,
Response #17:
My pleasure. Yes indeed! Having family and loved ones who believe is a great blessing, and having them love the truth and be interested in spiritual growth is an even bigger one. These are blessings we should savor and be very grateful for. After all, as you can probably tell from reading the email responses every week, this is pretty much the exception rather than the rule. During the Tribulation, spiritual solidarity, peace and harmony with those near and dear will be even more rare.
Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies are the members of his own household. But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 7:5-7 NIV
"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ "
Matthew 10:34-36 NKJV
"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 24:10-13 NKJV
"You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death."
Luke 21:16 NKJV
Re: "I know there are troubles in store for all of us in this life regardless
of when the Tribulation starts." That is so very true, my friend, and a
great point of comparison to always keep in mind. It's a major reason why
studying eschatology is never "abstract" but instead ever providing parallels to
what we are experiencing here and now.
Thanks for this wonderful email and for your excellent, positive attitude, my
friend! I found this very encouraging.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hello Mr. Luginbill,
It has been a minute since I really wrote to say hello, so I thought I would do
that. I hope you have recovered fully from the accident, and that your health is
well. Are classes going all right so far this semester? Did you find someone to
teach Latin?
Things are okay here. Work is going well. [omitted] Hopefully soon I can get
enough hours between the two positions.
I've been working on a few ministry admin tasks. I'm anticipating things to get
busier over here with the (hopefully!) additional hours at work and then tasks
picking up on the ministry side also. I would appreciate prayers for fitting
everything in effectively and efficiently.
The Bible study I was doing paused for the summer, and we haven't resumed,
although we've talked about picking it up again. I'm wondering if that door has
closed, or at least changed. I'm not sure if I could really do it well given the
existing framework, and I don't want to do more harm than good by trying to
share truth that they might not be ready for yet or willing to receive. We also
paused the Bible study with __ and haven't resumed that either, which I think is
probably ok.
This past year has been very tough mentally and emotionally. I know that I am
responsible to apply the correct biblical truth no matter how hard it is (like
forgetting the past and moving on).
I know things will be okay (Romans 8:28) and I know that God loves me SO much.
I've come to better understand that even His discipline really is love, and pure
and good even if it hurts. I thought I understood that, but I've come to realize
it more.
I really hope you are well!
In Christ,
Response #18:
Thanks for the update, my friend!
I'm doing a lot better, though I still have some fatigue and some issues with my
neck. It's been quite a year . . . so far! The new wheels are nice (Nissan Rogue
– although my old company commander let me know that they've had issues with
engines seizing up; hope that was before mine was made). Classes are going well.
I've hit my stride pretty much. Never did get any help with Latin so we lost
quite a few students.
I'm glad to hear about your job situation and I'll be praying for full-time work
somewhere / somehow. Benefits are expensive – health insurance in particular –
so it's typical of employers to want to limit hours to relieve themselves of
that.
In terms of spiritual growth, you are on the right track. It takes everyone some
time to start feeling confident in the Lord, as much as we would like. And that
is always going to be a fight. When the likes of David, Moses and Elijah stumble
occasionally, well, we can be forgiven for not being perfect.
The main thing I would like to say about that is that the fourth commandment is
the one we should focus on more and more, especially as the hour draws near. We
can have peace at all times, and indeed we should. How do we do that in the
midst of all this noise and churn down here in the devil's world? First and
foremost by keeping the truth in our heart that the other side is better in
every way, and that everything down here is temporary, whether "good" or "bad".
"This" is not forever. In fact, we don't even have a guarantee of tomorrow . . .
in this life. But we do have an absolute guarantee, a promise from God Himself,
of an ultimate tomorrow which puts every today into the shade. So we can have
peace. If we are drawing breath, then God is keeping us alive regardless of the
situation. We only need to hang in there for this moment. And the moment we stop
drawing breath, we will be with the Lord. At that time, all the trouble down
here will be gone forever on the one hand, and the wonders and blessings on the
other side will eclipse the best of what we may have experienced in this life to
an unimaginable degree. We all know this (or should); applying it . . . well,
that's fulfilling the fourth commandment – as it has been expanded and fulfilled
in the New Testament (link).
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.
Romans 8:23-24a NIV
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away"
Revelation 21:4 NIV
Keeping you and your family in my daily prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
[p.s., special appeal to any and all who have felt the need to contribute to this ministry over the years but have been unable to do so (because it doesn't accept them): please consider blessing Bible Academy with your godly generosity.]