Question #1:
Congratulations on 29 years of Ichthys this week!
Response #1:
Thanks! Yes, it was twenty-nine years ago last Thursday that Ichthys.com first
went live. The first month or so involved turning
the Peter series (what there was of it
at the time) into HTML files for posting at the site. Since that time, as you
know, it's grown quite a bit – to the point that more than one reader has
complained about difficulties in navigating it!
None of this would have been possible without the Lord, without the help of the
Holy Spirit and without the prayer support and encouragement of its readers.
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1 NIV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Good afternoon, Dr. Luginbill,
I pray and trust the Lord that this email finds you well! By reading
some of your questions and answers emails I've learned about some of the
situations you came through recently. I trust the Lord that He has
brought you through with abundant grace.
I think recently many questions sent to you have to do with the possible
starting point of the Tribulation period. I have read your Satanic
Rebellion series and the Coming Tribulation series. But I am not sure if
you have address the possible connection of the year AD 70, the
destruction of the temple with the timing of the end times.
When Jesus went to the cross, he prophesied that Jerusalem will be
destroyed and what he said will come to past in a generation (40 years)
and it is about 37 or 38 years after His ascension that Jerusalem with
the temple of was destroyed in August of 70 AD.
My thinking is, the destruction of the temple signified the end of the
Jewish age. The Church already began on the Day of Pentecost back in 33
AD. But the Jewish age did not completely come to a close until 37 years
later.
Could this factor be part of the calculation or consideration for when
will the last 7 years begin?
I know back in the 80s, many end time teachers thought that the Lord
would be back in 1988, since Israel was restored as a nation in 1948, so
they added 40 years to it and got 1988. But of course nothing happened
in 1988. But I wonder if 1948 still has any importance in calculating
the end of the Church age and the beginning of the millennium?
Another question, how confident are we in knowing that Jesus died and
resurrected in 33 AD? I have heard different calculations, some say
Jesus died as early as 30 AD. If you can point me to your reference on
this, that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for continue to faithfully ministering to the body of Christ.
God bless,
Response #2:
Good to hear from you, and thanks for your concern.
In terms of where to start the count for the Church Age, the death and sacrifice
and resurrection of Jesus Christ followed by the coming of the Holy Spirit would
seem to me to be the inarguable point where the Church Age begins (as you have
it too). That being the case, I'm not sure why its two millennial days wouldn't
start then. The apostles were all gone by 70 A.D. as were the sign gifts, and
the New Testament had been completed. The intervening time was indeed an era of
transition (see
the link), but from the point of the first Pentecost of the Church Age, the
rituals et al. that would end by force some 37 years later were already null and
void (as the book of Hebrews makes clear; link).
So the Jewish Age did come to a halt then – but with seven years left to go
(i.e., Daniel's 70th week: Dan.9:24-27).
In terms of the likelihood of 33 A.D. being "the year", I've done my best to
explain why it is the most probable (link).
One thing to say in addition is that all of the other dates which have evidence
in their favor are earlier (which would also put 2026 out of consideration) . .
. except one: 34 A.D. As mentioned in a recent posting, Sir Isaac Newton argued
for that date, but that would require our Lord's ministry to have been four and
a half years long, and that is out of sync both with John's ministry and with
the length of the Tribulation ministries of Elijah and Moses which scripture
presents as parallel to John's and our Lord's in terms of type (there is also
the problem of the number of Passovers which can be found in the gospels;
see the link for the chart). And
here's the
link to where all that is discussed in SR 5.
In terms of 1948, as I've often pointed out, this date has no spiritual
significance. All prophetic returns to the land in scripture occur after the
Messiah's return, being of God not of man (link).
Also, there can't be any significance to the number itself as the entire B.C. /
A.D. system of numbering is also man-made and did not exist at the time of
writing of the NT (it's 6th century in origin).
There are a lot of other "moving parts", of course. But I do have to say that
the best "chance" for the Tribulation beginning this year, namely, being
coincident with the appropriate Jewish festival(s), has pretty much come and
gone. But I am waiting for November to be more firm about that.
Thanks for your good words, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Hi Bob,
So glad you had a good first day back!
Bob, it really sounds as though this was a bolt from the blue/shot
across the bow and really there was nothing you could've done to prevent
it so please don't reproach yourself and I am really sorry if what I
wrote sounded critical as it wasn't, just to alert you to how dangerous
and reckless a lot of drivers are now becoming. As it was, you did
tremendously well to avert the car and then yourself from a possibly
worse situation so really you should be proud of yourself for how
defensive and quick thinking your reactions were! The Lord is with
you!!.
I don't want to 'spook' you out with this or sound too 'woo woo' but it
could be that the other driver was under demonic influence and it was
the enemy who wanted to 'take you out' but was unsuccessful thankfully
because of the Lord's wonderful protection and mercy. If we physically
saw the spiritual battlefield we were in then we may be paralysed by
fear but we know that the elect angels outnumber the fallen ones and
that God is the Almighty and although fallen angels have access to
powers we don't possess, they are still creatures like us and their
powers used for evil rebellion only temporal and finite.
'..greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world' 1 John
4:4
Please don't torture yourself over this happening. There was nothing you
could've done and the Lord knew this would happen so it will be part of
His plan somehow and to test your faith further. I can say from my own
experience that given we are closer and closer to the Tribulation
proper, the tests and experiences us believers are going through are
getting harder and tougher to get through and deliberately so.
[omitted]
I guess what I am trying to say is that if people don't have the Holy
Spirit and aren't walking closely with the Lord through knowing and
accepting the truth in obedience to Him, they are ideal fodder for
demonic possession/control as may have been the case for the other
driver. The way that demons operate is in such direct opposition to all
that is good and upright and reliably predictable that it does take us
by surprise as it defies and runs counter to all we trust and believe
in.
Doing all this research into cults and abuse, my jaw has dropped again
and again about how low people can go and the only explanation for such
anti-human reckless thoughts and behaviours can only be the demonic. I
am still guilty of thinking most people (even the unsaved) are
responsible people who want at the very least to preserve their own life
and limb but it appears not so. Some can have the same kamikaze
devil-may-care scorched earth policy as a suicide bomber does and they
really act on the streets, in the homes and offices and on the roads as
if they have nothing to lose, as though they are invincible!
The enemy often makes use of the element of surprise to pull the rug out
from under us so that we do what Job's wife told him to do (curse God
and die). We've said this before the 'good' thing that happened to you
and me (although very different on the surface) is that these out of the
blue attacks on us can only be solved through the Lord's perfect
intervention. The good out of them that we come to rely and trust Him
more and more until it becomes second nature for us to know that He is
always with us no matter what. We know we don't have regular civilian
lives here but are called into His battle.
[omitted]
I guess what I am saying is that I feel the road ahead for all us
believers Bob will become more and more fraught with dangers and threats
because of our faith but see the remarkable deliverance He has brought
you through! Although frightful, it is an encouragement to all of us
that something that seemed obviously fatal was not in that you walked
away and can carry on serving the Lord! Even your friend's friend was
amazed you walked away from that! Hopefully this is a witness to him of
the God we happily serve!
I haven't experienced anything personally like that (I guess we are all
tested in different ways) but it shows that many things that can be a
terror and be an utter destruction to an unbeliever is something a
believer can walk away and be delivered from. Remember that God knows
everything about you and you are worth more to Him than many sparrows
and that even the hairs on your head are numbered! Great is His love and
mercy towards you that is made new every morning! Great is His
faithfulness! He changes not!
[omitted]
I am really sorry you have experienced this but I realise that sometimes
when we are able to walk away from something so violently shocking then
we know just how all powerful and amazing and loving our God really is!
But I do want to put a little caution into your heart, after my fiery
trial, I realised how much and how many are now given over to the
demonic which makes them act in perverse and shocking ways that defies
any kind of moral or even logical reasoning at all. The perverse and
disorientating anti-God, anti-human, anti-life mentality is on the rise
with marked rapidity.
DO PLEASE be careful out there though, whether on the road or the
pavement (sidewalk). To say it's a jungle out there is an understatement
and we will no doubt see even worse moral degeneration to come if the
balloon goes up in the next few months.
So glad you are still with us. __ sends his condolences and his regards.
Hope the bruises and the shock of it all heals soon. He has His arms
around you Bob! Never fear! You are very dear to me my friend! Please
always pray before and every time you get into the car again though!
Let me know what the doctor said about things today. I am praying for
you over that too!
Your friend in Jesus,
p.s. longing for a time and the Kingdom whereby there are no shocks or
attacks or disturbances from the perfect peace of being face to face
with our Lord forever! Praying for your healing and peace to return! The
Lord has you covered Bob! Praise Him!! Hallelujah!
Response #3:
I am trying to be careful, but sometimes it's impossible. Loved ones
tell service members going into combat to "be careful!", but that is
impossible of course. Sort of the same thing in the invisible combat in
which we are presently engaged. We can try to "be careful" but I'm
pretty sure that there was nothing Job, e.g., could have done to protect
himself and his family other than what he did do – and what you are
doing: trust in the Lord.
Re: "If we physically saw the spiritual battlefield we were in then
we may be paralysed by fear but we know that the elect angels outnumber
the fallen ones and that God is the Almighty and although fallen angels
have access to powers we don't possess, they are still creatures like us
and their powers used for evil rebellion only temporal and finite."
Amen to that!
The doc didn't find any obvious signs of concussion or "brain bleed" or
anything broken. He encouraged me to go get a CAT scan, but, honestly,
the only thing they could do for me if there was a problem is drill a
hole in my head and I haven't got the time, the patience or the
inclination. Mostly they prescribe rest and that is what I am trying to
get – in snatches here and there.
Thanks for the prayers and the very encouraging email, my friend! Hope
you don't mind me posting it (with a number of edits and anonymizations
of course).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hi Bob,
You raise a good point. As Solomon said, "What was, is, and will be." A bad
paraphrase but true none the less. What I'm reading about the Marxists is no
different than the French revolution. I just don't think any of us are used to
seeing it here. Austin, e.g., has become a little Leningrad. It used to be a
pleasant, quiet and friendly place. Now, I won't even go there and it's only
about 40 miles away. My Achilles heel is my well and I have to address that.
Even in that, the Lord has blessed me. Most wells around here are 800-900 feet
deep. My driller hit water at 120 feet. Otherwise, the Lord has blessed me so
that, while I may not be happy, I will get buy just fine. Even if I can't get
the well provisioned, I can still get water. I'll just have to work a bit
harder. I can think of worse afflictions.
I think much of the apostasy, from what you describe, will come from the
"just-make-it-go-away" attitude. I can sympathize, but I don't see giving up as
worth it. It may be easy for me because I see my end-of-days clearly in the
headlights and don't expect to survive it, but for younger folks though, it'll
be incredibly tough. Particularly if they have children and debts.
I don't expect the Tribulation to start with things being worse than ever
before. I expect them to ramp up as they have been to a crescendo pitch when the
anti-christ shows up. I could be wrong. (Of course I've never been wrong before,
have I?:) It's all in the Lord's hands and He can handle it quite well.
Thank you for your prayers. I think we'll all need to be praying for each other
in times to come. I pray you and yours are doing well.
In our Lord Jesus,
Response #4:
The devil's strategy has always been the same. Even the tactics are similar.
That's another reason for mature believers not to become overly upset about
what's going on (or will). This is the devil's world at present. Why wouldn't
terrible things happen?
You have a point about wanting things to stop being an impetus for spiritual
regression.
"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."
Matthew 24:12 NKJV
Also, after all, taking the mark of the beast will be the ultimate in "throwing in
the towel". The consequences, damnation, are irrefutable – and everyone will be
aware of them. And the "relief" that comes with joining antichrist will be
minimal and very short-lived. This is something we're all going to need to keep
very clearly in mind because the pressure will be intense, whether or not we
have families or debts – as most of us do.
Re: "I think we'll all need to be praying for each other in times to come."
Amen to that!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Hey Dr Bob!
I hope you've enjoyed your weekend! I wanted to tell you, __ with the crazy
heart rate episode had a check-up with our family Dr, and she's pretty sure it
sounds typical of a non-dangerous arrhythmia, which I was relieved to hear!
A question for you that came up in conversation with __; what will the angels
purpose be during the millennium, or what part do they play in that time?
Church things: We used to attend a very small rural "non denominational" church
(although they are in line with mainstream evangelical teaching). The past year
we've stopped attending, although I still help out there with the operation
christmas child boxes, and the kids attend the fun social type things just for
that purpose. The pastor's wife still teaches our kids piano lessons. So we are
still in that loop a little.
Stopped attending service because teaching was maybe 40 percent of the service,
and just weak, shallow, mainly to just get new folks saved although it's the
same crowd each week, neglected teaching the "sheep", never any deep issues,
only milk. Basically everything you already know about the current church
status. I laughed reading the post recently of feeling nauseous and "why am I
still here" while sitting in the pews. Yep. That. Now we know better and found
better, so we do better.
But the pastor's wife just reached out, saying they really miss our family in
church and asking what they might do to accommodate our family better hoping we
would come back. And I'm honestly at a loss on what to say, because the truth
would probably hurt...Praying about how to respond when I see her soon. Was
hoping she just wouldn't ask. But truly she is a wonderful, kind hearted person
and does love the Lord.
But... on that note, today we began an Omo video [link]
all as a family as our new "church" at home. We really want to get our kids
deeply in the Word to understand the full truth. They were taking notes in their
Bibles and I would pause the video to talk about it, ask questions, explain to
them why they never hear this in church. Today went so, so well. We are going to
try to set aside more time to do this every week with them, more than just
Sunday. __ reads the Bible every morning with them, but honestly like you say,
you NEED a solid bible teacher to unlock it all, and that is so true.
I was debating reading your satanic rebellion to them, but decided listening to
Omo's videos [link] might suit
better for now (as you suggested), and I will have them focus on the things I've
already printed from you as they get closer to high school, if the Lord gives us
that time.
Main topics today we talked about: why we need to confess sins continually, not
taking God's grace for granted, the sin unto death, David as an example of
unconfessed sin and then confessing in psalm 38 and 32, divine discipline. These
things are NEVER mentioned in church. You know this already of course. This is
what the kids need to understand. And all this in 20 minutes of video, which
took about an hour's time to teach. More than attending church for months,
truly.
That's what I'm leaning to answer to the inquiry of why we left church. We are
using online ministries to go deeper. I wish she wouldn't have asked.
Honestly though, we do enjoy the small town family that church provided. There
is a need to connect and relate to other people that runs deep too. We know
that's not priority but it feels hard to miss that side of things.
Noah's ark: I've caught a few headlines about the testing being done on that
site in Turkey. I randomly was reading some comments on the article, and man,
people just think Christians are idiotic, empty minded fools to ever believe a
story like that. How much more when things are really underway, you can see the
seed already there in peoples' hearts.
__ has a birthday party this weekend and my in laws are staying with us. I
thought that this will be a good distraction from thinking too much about when
the new moon falls and we wait to see if 'it' arrives.
Sorry, somehow this ended up longer than anticipated. Kids all in bed so I had
time! Appreciate your time as always.
Patiently enduring in the Lord,
Response #5:
That's great news about __! A real answer to prayer.
Re: Angels in the Millennium. Seeing that we are only given to know a small
amount about what they are doing now, it's no surprise that we don't have any
specific information about their millennial roles. They won't be opposing fallen
angel activity. We know that because the devil and all of his followers will be
sequestered in the Abyss for the duration. Otherwise, I would imagine that they
will continue their role of observation and oversight of individual believers.
Re: the other issue. It says at Proverbs 24:26 that "An honest answer is like a
kiss on the lips." Still, I well understand that you want to answer with tact
and without undue offense, especially when it is unlikely to bring any good
result. I've said a prayer for you to be able to be truthful without also being
painful.
Thanks for the updates and for sharing your encouraging and godly perspective.
It's wonderful that your children are already benefitting from being taught the
truth. This will be a blessing for them forever.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Hello,
I had a question about some stuff I’ve seen online regarding near death
experiences (NDEs), because it’s greatly impacted my faith badly and has made me
want to turn from religion altogether.
Lately I’ve been seeing these NDEs all throughout the internet about people’s
visits to hell. They would come from YouTube channels like God’s Voice Today or
God’s Truth podcast. I also see them on Facebook being shared by big name
pastors and even users confirming how they were sent to hell as a warning.
The thing is that these testimonies make the Bible seem wrong (Not that I
believe that, just something I noticed) because the Good book demonstrated the
Lord showing far more mercy and grace to sinners whereas these testimonies make
me feel like I have a divine weapon to my head. Paul affirmed that the
Corinthians were saved (reminding them that they were a new creation) and
encouraged them after chastisement even though they’re demonstrating brazenly
sinful behavior by our standards yet today, Christians, as shown by those
testimonies, are in hell because they didn’t forgive their neighbor on time or
watched a little too much TV.
I understand that if you reject Jesus’s gift then you face eternal punishment.
The thing is, the visions would describe people, even Christians in hell for
stuff like not tithing, wearing jewelry, unforgiveness (Ik the verse that
discusses this), forgetting to confess a sin before they died, or one single
unrepented sin. (I have cognitive issues due to medical problems that ruin my
memory so I worry.) I thought that because of grace, we’re covered and made
righteous through his sacrifice.
For the record I believe in the gospel and ECT, it’s just that my faith has been
greatly reduced because of all this. People are saying these testimonies make
them love God more but they just make me wanna hide and cry for being born.
How should I approach this as a wavering Christian?
Response #6:
Good to make your acquaintance.
Re: "stuff I’ve seen online [which has] greatly impacted my faith badly".
I'm sure you've heard that old joke: a man goes to the doctor and says, "Doc, it
hurts when I do this", and the doctor replies, "Well stop doing that!". If a
believer in Jesus Christ is doing anything which seriously affects his/her faith
in a serious way, then he/she should stop doing it. Because, after all, we are
saved through our faith in Jesus Christ by the grace of God (Eph.2:8-9), but if
we lose our faith in Him, if we stop trusting in Him for our deliverance from
death and damnation, well, only believers are saved:
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
John 3:18 NKJV
The good news is, the actual "good news" of the gospel, that as our Lord says
above, those who DO believe in Him, those who are believers, persons of faith in
Him, ARE saved!
In terms of the specifics, we believers have been given the Bible as our
touchstone of faith and practice. There are certain areas of truth available to
all mankind, the proofs of "natural revelation" God has given everyone to
demonstrate His existence and His goodness (e.g., Ps.19; Rom.1:18-21;
see the link). But when it comes to ALL other truth about God and spiritual
matters, the ONLY place said information and truth can be found is in the
Bible. No one today is receiving extra-biblical prophecy; no one is
being given any special messages from God; no one is being given special
experiences – containing "information" not in scripture – so as to share them
with the rest of us. If they say they are, then they are lying.
Let no one who delights in humility and the worship of angels pass judgment on you. That person goes on at great lengths about what he has supposedly seen, but he is puffed up with empty notions by his fleshly mind.
Colossians 2:18 NET
Anyone can claim anything. And in most of these cases, it's a case of not even second hand but third party reporting. Here are a few links about that:
Third Party Testimony III: Near Death Experiences, Revelations and Tongues
Third Party Testimony II: Charismatic Claims of Visions, Dreams and Prophecy
Third Party Testimony I: We Believe God and His Word - Not People
No one goes to hell for sin. "All sin and fall short of God's glory" (Rom.3:23),
so all need God's forgiveness. Believers have been forgiven when we believe and
we are forgiven when we confess all sin after we have believed (1Jn.1:8-10). But
even unbelievers are not condemned for sin – because Christ already paid for
their sins; they are condemned for rejecting Him. That is the unpardonable sin (link).
I can well believe how a legalistic individual might want to suggest, "if you
don't do this" or "if you do that" you'll be condemned. That way, said person
can pressure people to do what they want. What's the difference between saying
you'll go to hell for not tithing or saying, "If you don't write me a check for
a thousand dollars right now, you're going to hell!" Actually, no difference at
all. Such people are going to incur discipline from the Lord . . . if they are
believers at all.
What should you do? 1) stop listening to lies; 2) all believers need to grow
spiritually unto spiritual maturity in order to "no longer be immature, swept
off-course and carried headlong by every breeze of so-called teaching that
emanates from the trickery of men in their readiness to do anything to cunningly
work their deceit" – which is what is distressing you here – but rather that
they "may, by embracing the truth in love, grow up in all respects with Christ,
who is the head of the Church, as our model" (Eph.4:14-15).
Being spiritually mature and stable in faith is important at all times. How much
more so once the Tribulation begins – because antichrist will deceive many.
"For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."
Matthew 24:24 NIV
So my best advice is, instead of torturing yourself with internet lies, to
commit yourself to a course of spiritual growth so as to have a strong shield of
faith in your heart which has been fortified by the truth. Every believer needs
to grow; very few in our Laodicean era are doing so (because there is so little
serious spiritual "food" being served up in the churches). Ichthys is one place
to grow (I recommend the Peter series
and the Basics series; at the links). I
also recommend Pastor Omo's "Bible Academy" (at
the link).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Good afternoon,
I just wanted say thank you for responding to my post. I really appreciate it.
Unfortunately I get quite anxious about stuff like this and it has followed me
for the vast majority of my life. But like you said, every believer needs to
grow.
There so much stuff on the internet that bombards me even when I try my hardest
to avoid it. Oh well, I guess that will make me a stronger, more mature
Christian in the end.
Once again, thank you and have a blessed day!
Response #7:
It's my pleasure.
Yes, it's all about spiritual growth. The best defense in this regard is a good
offense. You're welcome to the materials at Ichthys anytime.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #8:
Hello Dr.,
In your DropBox you should find the following audio files: Hebrews 10-11 (at
the link)
Things have been busy here with work and life. [omitted]
I read the Bible completely through every year along with my studies and have
never found anything to contradict the interpretation that there are seven
millennial days of human history before the eternal state, it's the only
interpretation that makes sense. Even though the earth hasn't shaken yet, I do
believe we are close to the end. Since you have speculated that antichrist could
possibly be a millennium baby, and if he is, maybe he won't be revealed until he
turns 30, the same age Jesus was when he started His ministry. What do you
think?
How are you Sir? I've been reading in the Sunday postings about the car accident
you experienced and I'm happy you're ok. When did that happen? How did it come
about?
I'll have the last two chapters of Hebrews to you in a few weeks. Got you in
prayer here daily.
All the best,
Rev.22:20
Response #8:
Thank you! All files received, uploaded and tested AOK. That was a lot of work!
On antichrist's age, there is really nothing in scripture which points to his
age, but since he is mimicking Christ, I doubt he'd be much older or younger
than "thirty something" when it begins, since that was our Lord's age during His
earthly ministry.
Thanks for your vote of confidence. Likewise, I think the interpretation is
correct (not unique to me; it goes back to the early church). Some things, like
the Trinity, are obvious enough, even if not spelled out per se in scripture, so
it's no wonder that others have seen the same things – because they are there to
plainly see for anyone who is actually looking. I suppose the real wonder is how
few have seen this one (which says something about Laodicea).
I would be very glad to have some respite, but, like you, I'm going to have to
get better about taking better care of myself if we've got an additional seven
year wait I wasn't counting on. As we age, the "challenges" have a tendency to
mount up. Makes me day by day anticipate more and more the next body (Rom.8:23).
On the accident, I'm doing much better. Fogginess of head mostly gone. Neck is
still a problem (prayers appreciated!).
Thanks again for your help, my friend! And for your prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Hello,
I appreciated your response to my last email. I’m sorry for the delay in
communication. Life got busy, and I failed to respond back to you. I heard about
the accident you had and am thankful that God protected you from worse injuries.
I hope your recovery has gone well and that you have healed and are rested from
it.
There are a few things that are weighing heavy on my heart, but I think I will
just focus on one at a time.
Yesterday, I had lunch with another mom that I met at a homeschooling group
years ago. We developed a friendship and still get together sometimes. The short
version - we were saying goodbye in the parking lot, and she said she wanted to
tell me something and that I might hate her afterwards, to which I said I'm not
going to hate you.
As she proceeded, I had an inkling of where it might be headed. In attempting to
grow closer to the Lord, she had questions that were not answered
satisfactorily. She started doing research and over these past few months has
now deconstructed her faith (her words) and no longer believes. She said if
someone would have told her she would do that even a few days prior to that day
of decision, she would have said that was crazy. For several days she woke up
terrified over it, but is now okay with not believing. She said I understand if
this makes you want to have nothing to do with me, and I told her it makes me
want to pray for her. She was thankful that I wasn't abandoning her and said she
wouldn’t mind if I still talked about God.
She said she wasn’t broadcasting this to the world, didn’t want to wreck
anyone’s faith, and that I was the first person outside of her family that she
has told this to. She was also debating about how she would raise her youngest
son (8) regarding this. She has 4 boys, a husband that was raised Catholic but
doesn’t really believe and was only going to church for her. The older 3 have
been exposed to the gospel many, many times and will make their own choices.
Even though God, faith, and prayer was brought up in conversation over the
years, I still wasn't sure how deep her faith really was. Sometimes people talk
about God, but you're not quite sure where they truly stand. It does seem
evident when someone really has a relationship with Him that runs deep.
I did not ask what her original questions were as we were standing in the
parking lot, but I believe I have enough of a relationship with her that I could
ask. I'm not quite sure yet if God will lead me to do or say anything further at
this time. I did ask her if she believed that her "research" could be wrong. She
said no, I really don't. She said, I'm still me and still have morals,
principles, standards.
1. Do you have anything on your site or in emails that addresses this issue? If
so, I considered sending her that link and your website link in general and
asking if she would consider reading it. She would have the option of good,
solid teaching if she chose to avail herself of that.
2. Have you ever known someone to go down this path and then come to their
senses and turn back to God?
3. I think we should be prepared to have others we know walk away from God and
faith in Christ, but we ourselves need to be determined to stand firm to the
end. I want God to find me with my faith still strong.
4. It seems harder these days to have real conversations with others on a deeper
level. People seem to want to play it safe, and yet I think there are some that
long for more, but don't know where to turn to get good solid truth. May all of
us be attentive to the Holy Spirit to be ready if opportunities come our way.
5. I wish more people understood that faith in Christ and walking with him is
not boiled down to owning a Bible, attending church services, and participating
in church social activities. He wants us to have a meaningful relationship with
Him and allow Him to impact all the areas of our lives. To seek Him. How can
someone have a desire to really follow Christ, see Him work in their life, and
then just give it all up? I don’t know what her faith was really built upon.
Not quite sure if I’m expressing this correctly, but it can be hard to care
about people and their families and have no say over what they decide to do or
how they choose to raise their kids.
It was just discouraging to hear this yesterday, and I’ve been a little
preoccupied and sad today.
Let us keep abiding in Him,
Response #9:
No worries – it's good to hear from you. I'm doing well. It's been quite a year!
And I'll be glad to see the last of it.
Thank you for sharing this with me. I think you handled this as well as anyone
could. I do have a few observations and then I'll get to your points.
First of all, it is totally understandable why you found this discouraging. That
was the point. When we are making spiritual progress and doing what the Lord
wants us to do, we can expect opposition from the evil one and his evil
servants, seen and unseen. It seems to me that this was clearly a test as well
as a spiritual assault designed to discourage you and turn you away from your
good course. That instead you are determined to stand fast in the truth
regardless speaks volumes about your level of spiritual maturity and your
commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Secondly, why else would this person feel the need to "share" this with you? Why
tell anyone about such a thing, let alone someone who, though a friend, is not
so close or intimate that it's necessary or particularly helpful to do so . . .
and in a public venue at that? Partly this has to do with the first point above
(Satan uses anyone and everyone willing to do his bidding); partly for
self-justification (the more people one can convince to join in or at least cow
into silence about any bad behavior, the more justified people tend to feel
about such things); so partly also to "evangelize" you to this "revelation", to
make you curious about the "research", and to trip you up.
Thirdly, when this person says they no longer "believe", my question is,
"believe what?". What "research" could ever have anything to say about our
commitment to Jesus Christ? That is what saving faith is, not mere knowledge or
"facts" we think are correct. We who belong to Him have committed ourselves to
following Him as you note and relate. He is our life. That is not something that
can be "researched" away. No "facts" or information exist that are in any way
relevant to our commitment, our faith and trust in Him. No such "research" will
ever be able to convince us who love Him that all the wonderful things He's done
for us did not happen, first and foremost our deliverance from death and
damnation through His sacrifice for us on the cross – confirmed many times in
our lives by many temporal blessings and deliverances and blessings we have
received.
So when this person talks about "believe", it sounds to me as if she is talking
about the existence of God. That is the only thing that fits this narrative,
namely, a claim to have found evidence that God does not exist. This tells me
that said person was never a believer in the first place, not in the biblical
sense of the word of being born again through placing our faith/trust in Christ
for salvation from death. Plenty of people believe in God. Why wouldn't they?
His entire creation is set up to make the basic fact of His existence along with
basic information about His glory unassailable (see
the link).
(18) God's wrath is about to be revealed from heaven upon all ungodliness and unrighteousness – on men who suppress the truth [in their hearts about God] in their unrighteousness. (19) For that which can be known about God [from everyday experience] is obvious to them, because God has made it obvious. (20) His nature, though invisible, is nevertheless plainly apparent, and has been since His foundation of the world, for it may be clearly inferred from this creation of His – [this is true of] both His eternal power and His divinity – so that they are without any excuse: (21) they knew about God, but they neither honored Him as God nor thanked Him. Instead, they gave themselves over to [the] vanity [of this world] in their speculations, and their senseless hearts were filled with darkness.
Romans 1:18-21
Not being willing to turn to God, even though knowing about Him, even though realizing that there is no solution to death without Him, is, sadly, the basic human default. But denying these basic truths one once recognized as such – along with the entire human race – is the classic pattern of an unbeliever hardening his/her heart (see the link: in BB 4B, section II.2.c: "The Problem of Unbelievers"). Can anything be more foolish than this? No, because embracing this lie which is known to be a lie by the person who embraces it, at least until the heart becomes irremediably hardened, cuts said person off from any hope of salvation.
The fool has said in his heart,
“There is no God.”
Psalm 14:1 NKJV
Finally here, nothing, it seems to me, could make more clear the pointlessness and potentially counterproductive nature of present day Laodicean church attendance. Not only did it not do this person any good in the end, but it may have contributed to her spiritual decline and present "understanding".
In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good.
1st Corinthians 11:17 NIV
Believers need the truth, the teaching of the Word in depth and detail, in order
to grow and come to the point of being able to do their part in the growth of
the Church. But few churches provide any "meat" at all, and often what little
they do provide is tainted with legalism and error.
As to your specific questions:
1. The best link would be BB 4B: Soteriology, since
it makes the issues plain.
2. Not personally, but nothing is impossible for God, and, while we have to be
realistic, since people have free will and make their own choices, I would never
discount the power of prayer.
3. "I think we should be prepared to have others we know walk away from God
and faith in Christ, but we ourselves need to be determined to stand firm to the
end. I want God to find me with my faith still strong." All I can say to
this is a resounding 'Amen'!
4. a) "harder these days": I think you are right about that. That is a
sure sign of our Laodicean times.
Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.
Isaiah 59:15 NIV
4. b) "some that long for more, but don't know where to turn to get good solid truth" About that, I'm not so sure. If a person is really interested in God's truth, it may take some effort, but God always provides. And why is it not absolutely easy to find good teaching? No doubt to test the true depth of the desire for truth the person has. But everyone who seeks, finds.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Matthew 7:7 NIV
4. c) "May all of us be attentive to the Holy Spirit to be ready if
opportunities come our way." Amen to that as well!
5. This is wonderful! And the truth. "How can someone have a desire to really
follow Christ, see Him work in their life, and then just give it all up?" I do
not know. But even for those who do believe, it's possible to fall away. We may
be grounded on solid rock, but there are those whose faith is slight and built
on only shifting sand. We all need to keep this solidly in mind as we approach
the end.
"Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Mark 13:13 NIV
I am sorry for the emotional toll this has taken on you, my friend. But you
should take heart that you have passed a serious test with flying colors . . .
and that your faith is stronger as a result (exactly the opposite of what the
evil one was hoping for).
Keeping you and your family in my daily prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Good afternoon,
I heard that Trump is planning to have the execution of Nidal Hassan
live-streamed for the whole world to see. It really sickens me and I find it
absolutely insane. I believe in justice and definitely think he should pay for
his crimes but live-streaming it seems to be unnecessarily brutal. It also gives
him the chance to die as the martyr that he sees himself as. I really do think
this will cause more problems regarding terrorism in the future. I just can’t
wrap my head around it. I really don’t think it is good for the soul to watch
such brutality. I read where he’s a paraplegic which makes the whole thing even
crazier.
__ brought up a good point regarding this that I didn’t think about. He brought
up the two witnesses band the world viewing their dead bodies and wonders if the
public execution of Nidal Hasan could be normalizing it and setting the stage
for it. It blew my mind when he mentioned it and I can’t stop thinking about it
considering how close we might be to the Tribulation starting.
Society seems to be in an absolute moral free fall and we all know it is just
going to continue to get worse. I’m just ready to be with Christ and to leave
this rotten place behind. I know we all have work to do until Christ comes back
so I’ll just keep on growing and trying to do what He’d have me do. I hope you
and your family are well.
In Christ,
Response #10:
I've not heard anyone express the opinion that this is a "good idea". So I'm
skeptical that it will actually happen. But whether or not it does, I think that
you are right that this is a sign of the times we are in. Just one more
indication that we are closer to the end than to the beginning. Things like
this, things that get us upset (and there is plenty to be upset about), are also
good tests in that we Christians need to learn to be good professional soldiers,
so to speak. If we allow things "out there" to take away our peace now, what is
going to happen once antichrist comes on the scene? Because whatever is noxious
today is nothing compared to what is coming. To make it through the Tribulation,
we are all going to need to have "entering into His rest" down to a science (link).
Re: "normalizing". That is an excellent point, and I think we see that
across the board in our society and around the world and on every front. That is
one of the things which makes "all this" doubly difficult for believers. We need
to be able to recognize evil for what it is on the one hand (not becoming inured
to it), while at the same time on the other hand not allowing it to unduly upset
us or throw us off our game. The temptation is to resist what we don't like and
join in with what we do – both of which tendencies result in political action
and concomitant and inevitable spiritual decline.
Re: "I’m just ready to be with Christ and to leave this rotten place behind".
Indeed! I think every growing Christian feels that way at some times, and will
more and more so when things start to decline faster (which is possible and
probably even likely, even without the Tribulation). We can take solace in the
fact that we are children of the light (Eph.5:8), and that we have been rescued
from this kingdom of darkness to anticipate the coming Light our Lord
(Col.1:13). But as you rightly say, "we all have work to do until Christ comes
back". That is where we all need to focus, and not allow ourselves to be tossed
to and fro by the events of this temporary world (Eph.4:14).
Re: "I’ll just keep on growing and trying to do what He’d have me do."
That is the attitude we ALL should have!
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Hi Bob,
Someone else phoned in sick today at work so they were messaging again on the
group WhatsApp asking if anyone could cover. I received 25 messages by 9am. This
is happening pretty much every week at the moment.
I hope your day went well, Bob - and the exams too.
So this week could be the last likely "window" for 2026. But still a possibility
up until Thanksgiving on your side of the pond?
Thanks for your prayers for me too, Bob. I've felt very tired for months now.
Life seems busier than ever. But you know how that feels too!
In Jesus
Response #11:
25 messages! Wow, that's the time to turn off the phone. I recently had to
adjust the notices from my new Nissan app since they were not just dinging but
"pushing" and very disturbing, coming at inconvenient times.
My students didn't bomb as badly as they might have done (but it's a good thing
I'm a merciful grader). I still have a stack to get through tomorrow and other
things on the agenda, but I'm moving through . . . and Thanksgiving is getting
closer! We almost lost the blooms the night before last and last night too.
Patchy frost but it didn't settle in here in the Highlands. The nasturtiums are
even mounting a come back (they love the cooler weather).
Yes, if we get through this week, I would say the probabilities are dropping and
hitting near zero by mid-November (not zero, as God has the authority to do
anything and we've not been specifically made privy to the likely time/date of
the year). I'm really going to have to be solicitous of my health if there are
seven more years to wait than I was counting on!
Prayers for some respite for you, my friend – and for good health in spite of
the load. Thanks for yours too!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Hello Bob,
Revelation 12 seems to be very much problematic to harmonize with the
timeline it may suit with. If John is seeing a sign of a flashback to
what happened a very long time ago, the 1260 days (if taken literally)
will give a head scratch as to when it can fit in the past history from
our standpoint. If John is seeing a future war during the tribulation's
half phase, the war itself and whatever John saw happening during the
defeat of the dragon and his minors doesn't add up to the truth Jesus
tells in Lk 10:18 ( I saw)...past. Can there be another war in heaven
again??
Put your scholarly work here please!
Yours in the wonderful counselor,
Our Lord Jesus.
Response #12:
Good to hear from you!
The book of Revelation is essentially chronological, although in relating any
historical period coherently, one has to reach back from time to time to give
background. Revelation chapter twelve does have a symbolic start, in order to
explain the ancient hostility of the devil to the Messiah and to His people,
Israel. That is very appropriate at this juncture because in chapter eleven we
have just had the termination of the ministry of the two witnesses and thus also
that of their 144,000 disciple-evangelists. This is the mid-point of the
Tribulation and the beginning of the final three and half years, the Great
Tribulation. It is at this point that those in Israel who responded to the
ministry are led safely out of Israel proper, and that is what is being
described in most of the chapter. As the devil and his angels are cast to earth,
antichrist is motivated to try and destroy these believers, but they are
supernaturally helped and delivered by God. This can all be found written up in
detail at the following link: CT 4: The Great
Tribulation (see especially sections II-IV).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi Bob,
I hope all is going well with you.
I loved the "Spell Seventeen" video! I asked ChatGPT the same question a
few days ago and it got it right. I've just asked it again and it got
the answer wrong with 3 letter e's. I corrected it and it said you're
absolutely right - 17 has 4 letter e's. Sounds like it can't make its
mind up. It definitely isn't ready to take over the world!
Things are very busy here for me. Work stuff, home stuff - all kinds of
stuff! A couple of family members haven't been too well but they're
improving. I'm very tired and fighting off a cold - I think I'm winning!
How are things with you, Bob?
Keeping you in my prayers.
In Jesus
Response #13:
Yes, it's a real hoot, isn't it! I'm surprised that they haven't been
able to fix it yet. Personally, I use Chat and Claude and I very often
run the exact question/request by them both. It's eerie how they are
often so much alike in their answers, but sometimes go completely
different ways. What one will miss, the other often will catch. And I
often also have them check each other's work. I find it's like having a
research assistant (two, actually). And just like an R.A., you have to
watch them like a hawk – but they can save you time.
I'm sorry you're not feeling 100% and having to keep burning the candle
at both ends. It's very busy here too but I did get past the latest
hurdle on Friday and did the follow up this morning.
Many of my students are sick and/or missing class. It happens every year
about this time, but this year has been particularly bad in that regard.
Take care of yourself, my friend!
Keeping up the prayer and thanks so much for yours.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Hello Bob,
I do hope this letter finds you and yours doing well. Many times I have thought
of writing you.
I am sincere when I say, I really would like to know; how are you doing?
Often times I seek answers to a specific question on ICHTHYS, only to become so
lost I can barely recall what prompted my visit in the first place. It's
wonderful! Each time I am so very grateful for the plethora of of knowledge
found in the many back and forth discussions you have and organize.
Prompted by a post made by Ken Ham (Noah's Ark, KY) on facebook today:
The topic on the table: Nephilim. Ichthys has, once more, found me turning
right, and dare I say; then right again down the proverbial rabbit hole. I still
have much to read on the subject. I am enjoying it, as always.
On another topic:
Would you share with me your opinions on Adams Synchronological Chart or Map of
History (originally called: Chronological Chart of Ancient, Modern and Biblical
History)?
May God bless you and yours, on this day and all days. In Jesus' name. Amen
In my prayers
Your sister in Christ
Response #14:
I am doing pretty well. I had a major surgery last March and a big car crash in
August, but the Lord brought me through both and I am recovering very well. The
job is beyond busy, but I'll rotate off the "extra admin" work in December (for
the most part); spring will be busy too as I have to chair our personnel
committee and handle the merit reviews for the whole department. But next April
should bring some respite (and December will be easy too). How are you doing?
Re: "Adams Synchronological Chart or Map of History", I'm not sure what
you're referring to. Do you have a link? I do have some charts which deal with
these sorts of things posted at Ichthys (here's the link to
the Seven
Millennial Days chart). Best place to read about my take on chronology
generally is in SR 5 at the link:
"Specific
Chronology of the Seven Days of Human History".
Thanks for those prayers, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Hi Bob, Thank you for getting back to me. I do appreciate the opportunity to
talk with you again.
I am so sorry to hear the challenges you've been facing. Of course I want to ask
all of the expected questions, both out of concern and curiosity. Surgery, are
you okay? Is this a forever problem? Car crash! Again, are you okay? It all
sounds very difficult. I surely hope you have seen, or will see complete
healing. I will be praying about both. I thank you for sharing.
About spring: Knowing you are going to be busy so far ahead of time I can see as
a blessing and a curse (well, not a curse really). Having the time to prepare is
good, but I'm surmising there isn't much you can prepare ahead of time to
mitigate the barrage of responsibility that will come in the spring. Sounds as
though you could benefit from disconnecting for whatever amount of time would be
possible. There are certain things I do that separate my brain from the
categories that might be considered burdensome responsibilities. Some people
travel, or take on jigsaw puzzles, or go fishing, or play tennis and such to
disconnect. Have you anything that takes you away for a time from the work,
albeit much loved work?
The information to follow is from Wikipedia. I see no reason to accept this
write-up as accurate. This is what led me to seek your opinion. IF accurate, I
could see this being a useful tool. [omitted]
Allow me a moment to apologize for not having responded sooner. God is good
every day. I, too, have had some distractions. [omitted] The baby has been
struggling. With her lungs filled with fluid, she was rushed right from delivery
into NICU, where she has been ever since. Today was the first really good news
I've heard. If all goes well, she will be discharged Sunday. How blessed I am to
be here to see this new generation.
Please excuse my late reply, as I haven't spent time with email at all.
Keeping you in prayer,
Response #15:
My pleasure,
I'd need to have a copy of the chart, but it sounds from the description as if
it'd take a lot of work to vet it completely (and this is not an apologetic
ministry – but I'd be happy to answer any specific question you might have).
As mentioned in SR 5 (at
the link), a number of people since antiquity have attempted to reconcile
biblical chronological information with secular chronology; I also do a good
deal of that at the prior link. However, my purpose is only to lay out the
biblical side in terms of the way we describe dates in our way of thinking
today, mostly to demonstrate how the seven millennial day interpretation works
out (link).
Thanks for the update! I'm sure that your family is keeping you busy and
engaged! Prayers for your new great-granddaughter.
I'm doing OK, not 100% but I am getting there. Things are different (as a result
of both experiences), but functional. On the job front, it's been super busy.
Yet another meeting this afternoon after I got home (Zoom), another one
Wednesday and a big one next Friday. I've never looked forward to Christmas as
much since I was about four years old! Also to May!
Thanks so much for those prayers, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
So kind of you to offer your time to addressing my questions, Bob.
Most importantly, how are you doing? I understand you are busy and, at the same
time trying to heal. The human body is a most remarkable design, I have no doubt
you agree. I do not accept the limits the doctors put on my recovery ever. It is
routine for me to reply "no it won't" or "yes, I can." God is good. He knows
what you need. I will continue to pray for that. As for busy, I have been busy
and I have been not busy. My experience can clearly state: Busy is better!
re: The Adams Synchronological Chart or Map of History. Thank you for giving it
your consideration. It was something I saw, likely an advertisement. I have, for
the most part, decided not to look into it further for now.
It certainly does seem, the more I study the more questions arise. Your site is
rich with conversation and insight which sometimes feels limitless. It's
wonderful. I am so grateful to have your site to visit whether or not there is a
specific question in mind. On ichthys, I read pages and pages of discussion
regarding what happens when we die. My parents, my brother, my loved ones; are
they sleeping? waiting? or with God? Just rhetorical questions right now. What
an interesting topic this is on ichthys! I may go back and try to decipher more
of it. It's not something if fret about. It is something I think about. One day,
perhaps I'll ask you to explain it to me.
God bless you, Bob. I do hope for a peaceful Christmas for you and perhaps some
down-time before then.
Blessings to you and yours, Bob,
On my mind and in my prayers, I pray for your healing and any and all of what
you need. In Jesus' name.
Response #16:
It's my pleasure. I am doing a lot better. Still have some issues with my head
(a little foggy at times and needing a bit more sleep than before) and neck, but
I'm on the mend. Yes, it's been very busy, probably the busiest semester I've
ever had on this job, but come December it will back off a notch or two, and
next year should be less fraught.
Thanks for your good words about Ichthys and for your prayers. In terms of
"what's next?", here's a link to a response I wrote for a colleague some years
back who had a similar question: "What
does the Bible say about Heaven and Hell?" And here are a few other
pertinent links in case you missed them (it's easy to miss things at Ichthys
because, as you notice, there is a lot here):
What is Heaven like according to Christian Teachings?
The Blessed Eternal State of the Saved (in CT 6)
The nature of life after death
Our Heavenly, Pre-Resurrection, Interim State.
Thanks for your prayers, my friend! Keeping you in mine as well.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Hi Dr. Luginbill,
I hope you're doing well! How are things at work with your multitude of
responsibilities? How is your health? And are your zinnias still kicking, or
have things frozen over down there in Louisville? We got our first frost last
night here and I forgot to bring my fuchsias in...I'm so happy the Lord takes
better care of me than I do of my precious flowers.
I have a question: how do we know that the two prophets will literally be Moses
and Elijah and not two other prophets echoing "Moses and Elijah" in the same way
that John the Baptist was "Elijah"? Can you break it down for me like I'm five?
I'm rereading Revelations and the Coming Tribulation, but I thought I'd ask in
case anyone else is having difficulty understanding this like I am. Maybe
someone already has asked, but I couldn't find anything and/or I missed it-
sorry if you've already answered this a million times!
Your teachings have been such a blessing to me! I probably told you this, but
years ago, I felt so lost and confused, specifically regarding how to interpret
Revelations. I grew up Presbyterian/Calvinist and essentially what I was taught
at school and at church and from my parents regarding the end times was "Panmillenialism
- it'll all pan out in the end." Which they said as a joke. But I guess it's
technically true to a certain extant. They would follow that up with "we can't
know the day or hour," which is also true. But it still felt like a cop out
answer. I truly wanted to understand what the Bible was saying, but I didn't
know where to turn for help. And then God lead me to you!
In Jesus,
Response #17:
Great to hear from you, my friend. I am doing well, thanks. Tomorrow I give the
second of three exams in three of my classes, which means we are headed to the
end. That's a pretty good feeling, especially given everything that's gone on
this year. I'll be happy to see the end of 2026.
We almost had a frost here too, but dodged it. The zinnias are in their last
blast of glory but the nasturtiums are mounting a comeback (they love the cooler
weather). Forecast is for 40's for lows for the next week or so, so we may make
it to Thanksgiving with some color still. The trees are just starting to turn
here. They usually peak around Halloween.
On your question, I've received a lot of emails on this topic over the years,
and I'll give you some of the links below. The best evidence for the two
witnesses of Revelation chapter 11 (and Zech.4:14ff.) being Moses and Elijah is
their appearance with our Lord on the mount of transfiguration where/when His
second advent is prefigured:
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
Matthew 17:1-4 NIV
Other indications: 1) other than Enoch, these are the only two great believers
mentioned in scripture whose bodies are not given yet to see corruption (Elijah
being taken away in a fiery chariot and Michael fighting with Satan for Moses'
body); 2) they both have "unfinished business" (Moses not entering the land
because of striking the rock; Elijah not finishing his ministry on account of
his flight to Sinai); 3) the miracles they are given to do in Revelation
correspond to those of the prior ministries of these to (i.e., water into blood,
restraining rain); 4) Elijah is definitely predicted to come back (Mal.4:5), and
Moses is also mentioned in the same context (Mal.4:4).
While it is true that our Lord says John is Elijah, He qualifies the statement
with "If you are willing to accept [him/it]" (Matt.11:14). But the
people were not willing to accept either John's ministry or our
Lord's, and that is why they did not receive the temporal deliverance they
craved but will have to wait as we all will for His second coming. Moses and
Elijah are, respectively, "types of Christ and John the baptist", meaning that
they represent them. So in terms of "echoing", that's correct, but it's the
other way around: John echoes Elijah who is going to come back (with Moses) and
"restore all things" (Matt.17:11).
Here are those links:
The 144,000 and the Two Witnesses of the Tribulation
The Two Witnesses
Moses and Elijah are the Two Witnesses
The Restoration Ministries of Moses and Elijah
Transmutation, Resuscitation, and Resurrection
The Bodies of Moses and Elijah
Re: "Panmillennialism" meaning "it'll all pan out". LOL! Never heard that
one, but that is essentially the message I got too, growing up Presbyterian. I
remember standing on the "L" platform waiting for a train coming home from my
violin lesson as a youngish lad in Chicago one day and hearing all of the church
bells throughout the city begin to ring and wondering if this was the Lord's
return (still don't know the reason for the bells). So I didn't have a clue
until much later in life.
Thanks for your very kind words. I agree that it's so much better to know not
only what scripture says but also what it means than to drift along in
ignorance, "nodding to God" one day a week.
How are your dogs doing?
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Thank you for this! So in trying to find the answer to my question, I was
reading through all the Eschatology questions to try to manually find someone
who asked the same question...which was clearly the wrong way to try to find the
answer! I figured I should just ask you directly. The site:ichthys.com: search
thing was not working for me, which I have since figured out was because I was
using the wrong browser. Anyway, now that I've figured out the problem, I should
be able to search the website -- as long as I remember to switch browsers.
So when Malachi speaks about Moses and Elijah he literally means Moses and
Elijah. I keep marveling at how much of the Bible should be understood literally
rather than figuratively. It's kind of encouraging because it makes the Bible a
little bit easier to understand. I'm still mentally undoing the work of
pastors/teachers (well-meaning or not) who have taught the opposite. Like for
example, I used to think that much of Revelation was symbolic. But now, from
reading your teachings over the years, I know that much of it is describing
events that will literally happen, and maybe very soon.
The Bible is so beautiful and masterfully written, and its message is consistent
from Genesis to Revelations over the course of thousands of years. Super hero
movies and other human media can't even keep their canon straight after a few
decades let alone thousands of years!
Lastly, the dogs are good! Well, they're all "bad" in their own special ways.
One of my dogs broke into the bathroom and ate all my toilet paper. Then she saw
how mad I got and walked over, rested her chin on my knee, and wagged her tail
as if that's supposed to make everything better.
I've for certain forgiven them at least 70 times 7 times.
In Jesus,
Response #18:
Understandable about the Google search. Also, Google is always changing around
their parameters and their procedures. They don't actually index all of the
material in some of my longer pages anymore so I no longer use that method for
searching. I search the whole website with an HTML editor (you can download all
of currently available materials on the Archives page
in zip files and do likewise or use other search programs).
And there is a subject index at Ichthys. If you
page search for "witnesses" you'll find most of the same links I gave you.
Re: "I used to think that much of Revelation was symbolic." That's what
we were taught too (when we were taught anything). But if a person starts
reading the Bible in earnest it becomes pretty clear that 1) it means what it
says; 2) symbolic things are usually very clearly spelled out (e.g., the figs of
Jer.24); 3) to figure out what everything in the Bible means is something beyond
the time, expertise, education and gifting of most believers. We all have
spiritual gifts. We're all equally important to the Body. To grow, however, we
need a good teaching ministry.
That's hilarious about the TP (though I'm sure it didn't seem so at the time)!
Glad they are all doing well. 70 x 7!!! Pets really need that, dogs especially,
since they care (cats do not).
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.]