http://ichthys.com/ 
Believers in the World XIX

Question #1:  
Thanks Doc. About changing how we look at the world, I tend to get very emotionally attached to my favorite games and whatnot, to the point I care very much about what the series represents and even what direction it's heading in gameplay and quality wise...remembering what's coming in a few short years is plenty sobering in regards to this, but I can't help but feel way too attached to something like this, because it's been a large part of my life for so long. If I "get attached" to God's Word and what it says, will this be less of an issue? I keep trying to form a habit of daily Bible reading and frequent prayer, but it's hard when there are so many distractions.
Response #1:   
You are "fighting the fight" (1Tim.6:12), and that is a good thing. The longer you fight it, the harder you fight it, the better things get in every way. So don't give up. Everything to come will make up for whatever seems like a loss here and now, and will do so infinitely and eternally.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9 NKJV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:  
Thank you, that means a lot. I often post my opinions and whatnot on social media, as either to start a discussion about some aspect of it or just to share my thoughts and feelings about it. This isn't bad in and of itself right? [omitted]
Response #2:   
I wouldn't obsess over something like this. In terms of helping others with what you say or write, my advice would be to "keep your powder dry" and save it for situations where you can guide others into the truth, taking care, of course, not to endanger yourself by casting pearls before swine.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:  
How would I endanger myself doing that? I see how it would be a waste of time but how would it be dangerous?
Response #3:  
Jesus says it's so, so it's definitely so (Matt.7:6). People who are under the devil's sway hate the truth, so if you express the truth to them they (and the evil one's minions), are likely to make you a target.

Given the world in which we live, where Christians are being "canceled" all the time at every opportunity, I would think you should already have an idea of this.   This will all get much worse during the Tribulation.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:  
Hello Bob,

How are you doing? I keep praying for your trial and your deliverance.

I wonder if the tests we go through, whether when they arise again (the same trial from before) we are being given another chance to pass it in case we failed it last time? I know the enemy always uses the same weapon that works but I also know simultaneously God is allowing it for eventually our own good and His glory.

It's about my ___ again. I have felt myself crack emotionally again. [omitted] I have tried my best to be flexible, accommodating and forgiving to both of them for their sakes (and because it is the right thing to do) but it has taken an emotional and mental toll on me. They both idolise their partners and to get along with them, they expect the idolatry from me too. Of course that is where I draw the line but I keep finding myself being pushed and goaded into a corner where I am expected to capitulate and bend to both their every whim. It is emotionally and mentally exhausting.

Sometimes I feel I can get through it better than other times. This is exactly my ministry and yet I struggle through this myself. 

I have learnt that to say less is better and to use my time wisely when around them. I also know I have to guard my own life and to not over share everything. I feel as though it is time to put these things on the back burner and get on with the things I am to do. To continue growth and study, work on my business and other non-emotionally charged things. They both demand that I am pulled into the drama that they enable. Really though it is their choice, their free will. I try to witness my faith but they refuse to hear and then go back to their controlling relationships again. I keep these things in prayer and try to remind them there is a life outside of coercive controlling men.

I thought it to be good for them anyway if I get on with my own life in independence from this drama but total dependence on our Lord. In the past, when I have been busy in my own things outside of their prison cells, they comment that I am 'like a breath of fresh air'. When I spend too much time in the same mental prison they are in though, I am no help at all as I am equally as dragged down and depressed as they are.

I think this is the answer then. To get on with my own things, to not dwell and agonise over it when not in their company, to say less and listen more, to be professional about it and apply what I learn from ministry when I can and continue to be this breath of fresh air to them as I walk in the light.

Please let me know of what you think. I will keep doing battle over this in prayer.

In Jesus,
Response #4:  
In terms of tests, no two test are exactly the same, even if similar. And all testing has the same positive effect, even if it's a repeat. If we fail a test miserably, we know it. But just because we weren't 100% perfect (who is?), doesn't mean it was a failure. That is a mindset to avoid. We do the best we can, day by day, and we don't look back. And we take whatever testing comes our way, handling it the best we can.

We all have to make our own decisions, but what you are saying here, namely, about getting some stand-off between you and your family for the sake of your sanity, seems to make very good sense to me. For those who are in a situation where it is NOT "either or", namely, either we have contact with our families and get nowhere spiritually or we break off completely, that is a blessing in and of itself. But in situations of dysfunction where there is a definite drag which can be overwhelming, then taking precautions not to "get sucked into the drama" is a basic spiritual survival skill. I know that your ministry deals with these issues, but it is often the nearest and dearest who are the most reluctant to realize that they should pay any attention to anything WE say, even though they are words of pure truth (e.g., Matt.13:55-56; Jn.7:5).

Keep fighting your good fight for the Lord.

Keeping you in my prayers about all this day by day, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:  
Thank you so much for this my friend! It was a great comfort to read this morning!

Things have already seemed to have quietened down. I realise that how I think, respond and react play a big part in these things even when it involves many others. I remember my fire safety training course; they said that it takes three things to make a fire and once one is removed the fire goes out. Arguments and disputes are also like this. They are only sustained when we 'add fuel to the fire'. Not adding fuel when we feel goaded is not easy. Only walking in the Spirit stops us and that relies on faith that God will deliver us through and He sees all.

The verses about being 'slow to speak and quick to listen' as well as 'slow to anger and quick to forgive' have been hugely important for me too.

I have realised that dictators in families have their own version of the decalogue albeit one which prohibits things which are neither illegal nor sinful. These prohibitions merely serve the dictator and reflect their preferences and prejudices. Life becomes easier when we realise this, that these rules are not backed by scripture and do not glorify God but instead venerate the dictator idol (from which only tyranny is the net result).

Of course the spiritual equivalent of this is legalism which equally only feeds the belly of the one in charge whilst keeping all else in their fearful throes.

It is wonderful to know we are free in Christ isn't it Bob!

In Him,
Response #5:   
Yes, it's wonderful to know that everything the eye beholds is temporary and soon to pass away, that on the other side there will be no guilt or rancor, no resentment or regret, not hostility or pain, only joy in the presence of the Lord in company with all of our brothers and sisters. In the meantime, we have a right – and a duty – to be at peace in His rest until that glorious day.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27 NIV
That is our Church Age fulfillment of the fourth commandment, "entering into His rest" always and at all times until we see our Lord face to face (Heb.4:1-11; see the link).

Also, had some potentially good news today, so thanks for those prayers!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:  
Hi Bob,

I hope this email finds you well.

I have had another set back and it left me low emotionally. I realise that this is a test and I am only just getting through it.

[examples of abuse omitted]

I see that I am getting nowhere fast with my family and so I will take my foot off the accelerator, make a detour and move forward in a way that is actually doing what the Lord wants me to do rather than what the enemy is guilting me over. After all the enemy would like nothing more than to get me to sink all my time in chasing the wind with my family rather than actually do the work that the Lord has already prepared for me!

I know that changing this way of thinking won't be easy and will be a battle but I am confident that I will master it in faith. 

The tests are starting to get harder and harder and it makes sense that the most recent test would be the hardest one so far. I have always found my family really hard work and this is a hard test as they have the ability to really, really hurt me very deeply indeed. Of course the enemy knows this so he can really hit me where it hurts. What he hasn't realised though, in his eagerness to abuse me through my family, he is actually inadvertently showing me his techniques and strategy which I can then make note of and use for my ministry! The more he uses my family, the more insight I gain on his operations that I can then detail and share with others to help them! 

Genesis 50:20
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

In Him,
Response #6:  
"Getting nowhere fast" may be an overestimation of your progress with them.

I do know that the Lord knows how much you love your family. I have to believe that if you do persevere in doing what He really wants you to do, that this also will eventually fall into place too – to some degree. We can't control other people's free will, and a good thing too (even though when they chose wrong it results in heartache for us).

It does sound to me like you have passed these tests! Passing tests doesn't always mean we "feel good"; we can and do have a right to "feel good" that we have passed, but there is often suffering and sacrifice involved in doing so, and in such cases the "good feeling" will at least not be immediate.

I am keeping you in my prayers, my friend – and also ___ for her complete deliverance. People who are not concerned with the Lord inevitably create their own little world of whatever to occupy their attention. "Games" are one way of doing this, and some of these "games involving manipulating others" are very popular – as you know very, very well by now, both intellectually, through study, and through bitter personal experience. 

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:  
Hi Dr L,

I admire men's ability to put their emotions on hold in situations. And sometimes I watch them in situations to understand how they do the things they do. I don't know.

[omitted example of men fighting]

I wish I could put a pause on my emotions. Is there a secret?

I am still on Bible study, and something you said in the Coming Trib-the way you mentioned that at that time we win the victory by maintaining our faith and love against the pressures. I really appreciate your exegesis of Revelations (especially the explanations of Greek things).

Hope you are well. Please take care,
Response #7:   
Well, if someone is physically attacking someone else, it sounds to me like their emotions have already gotten the better of them. In my experience and observation, men are plenty emotional, they just show it in different ways and, if anything, tend to be more surprised by them than women are. We also have to allow for individual cases as we are all different. I was reading in a history of the battle of El Alamein about one British commander who was known to be incredibly unflappable even under the most trying circumstances. The British have a rep for that "stiff upper lip" stuff, but he (Alexander) was so cool under fire that he impressed even them. Of course others got really flustered when it got "hot", so again, we're all different.

Thanks for the good words about Coming Tribulation! We're all likely to "feel bad" about what we experience when it does begin, but trusting the Lord is the secret for us all, men and women both, when it comes to passing spiritual tests in spite of emotional stress – and especially that particularly difficult one.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:  
Hello Bob again,

I have another update to bring you. I am happy for you to share it as an encouragement to others (with personal details removed).

[omitted]

I also mentioned that I want to learn to drive and __ immediately wanted to 'own it' and control my lessons. It was a mistake to tell her then but I gave another boundary and said that this is what I want to do alone. I will keep this sub rosa from now on.

[omitted]

There is a pattern with my family. They want me to stay in a designated role and when I show signs of moving out of it, then they immediately guilt trip me and act as though they are being abandoned. I will have to learn to keep my counsel more and keep things to myself and just get on with it.

I know I can do this with the Lord's help. I don't want to be truly 'self sufficient', as I am already 'God sufficient'. The Lord gave me the confidence yesterday and today to put much overdue boundaries up with my family. The enemy working through them tried to make me feel as though boundaries are selfish and wrong but I have known long enough now that the system of control in my family is not God glorifying and not what He wants for us.

Thanks Bob for listening to me through all this. The ministry I have been working on has been ministering to me first(!) but I guess that is always the way. When we start our ministry, we are the first to benefit from the fruits of our labour. Amen!

I know that what I am trying to undertake will be difficult, especially after so much bullying, undermining and trauma but I know that Jesus will be with me every step of the way and I need not fear anything as I move on.

In Him,
Response #8:  
Sounds as if your new year is off to a promising start!

"I will have to learn to keep my counsel more and keep things to myself and just get on with it." That seems wise and prudent.

". . . we are the first to benefit from the fruits of our labour". That is true. The cook has to taste the food before it is presented to the table, after all. Maybe that is why the best cooks are fat. In spiritual terms, we can't get enough nutrition, so that is all to the good.

Keeping you in my prayers daily, my friend. Best wishes with the driving! Here are the four basic rules I use when I've taught people in the past:

1) Don't hit anyone or anything.

2) Don't let anyone hit you.

3) Don't get a ticket.

4) And don't get mad!

I think the above is good advice, even in countries where they drive on the wrong side of the road (n.b., I have violated them all at one time or another in my life).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:  
That's pretty good advice from someone who drives on the wrong side of the road!

We seem to need one or two extra safety precautions on this side of the pond..

1) think for the other driver even when s/he is not thinking of you
2) driving within the speed limit will result in the punishment of tailgating 

I still crack up when I remember that post you wrote about the unwise use of Christian bumper stickers especially when they are the last thing you see before the driver cuts you off! Also the bumper sticker "this oxcart is bound for heaven". Lol! 

Speaking of bumper stickers, one of the books I am reading for ministry talks about the Christian ones in the US in the 60's that said "I found it". Do you remember those ones? But you would have been a nipper back then.

In Him,
Response #9:   
Yes, we have new driving conventions over here now as well which one has to get used to. "Straight ahead on red" is a new one; also "left turn on red without stop", I have recently seen a few times.

I do remember – no nipper I when it was all the rage. A friend's brother (an RC) called the number on the billboard out of curiosity and couldn't get off the phone fast enough when a hard-sell evangelical "witnesser" answered the phone. The campaign was actually based on a song popular at the time with that group.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:  
Doc...I have to confess something. I haven't stopped any of the things I told you about I know are wrong...there are a few variations I've stopped, bit in the broad category of those things, I've probably gotten only worse...I don't know how I'm gonna break out of this Doc...I feel like I don't even truly want to stop [omitted]. I know if I don't get out though, I absolutely will not spiritually survive the Tribulation....I just feel like giving up and accepting this fate.
Response #10:   
Do NOT give up.

You don't have to confess to me – confess to the Lord (1Jn.1:9). Believe me, He will help you, with as much discipline as you need to put all bad things behind you . . . if you are just a little willing to listen to the Spirit and respond (Heb.12:1-11; see the link).

Hanging on during those difficult times to come will be hard enough for those who are well prepared, so "think about the things above" (Col.3:1-2), and put the Lord Jesus Christ first in your life. You'll never regret it.
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
1st Peter 4:18 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:  
Hello Dr. Luginbill! 

How are you doing, sir?

I've redone this drafted response quite a few times, but perhaps this one will take. It seems when I don't send these off, things evolve - so to speak. Praise the Lord, if that's on account of growth or movement. 

I'm glad you emphasize to focus on consistent, sound Biblical study; I believe it's making a difference in my walk. Overall, I think I'm living a more patient, controlled, gracious, and less fearful life even if questions still abound.

In regards to the blood topic, when I see myself inclined to err towards extreme behavior, maybe it'd behoove me to not "add" to God's word; is that correct? If it says don't "drink blood", there's no reason for me to extrapolate many degrees from that and create my own Pharisaical rules (I.e. no fish oil, etc).

Where I'm stumped is how the covenant with Noah was "modified" regarding the blood. It seems, given the verses you provided, it was? That said, maybe this is a matter that can overall just become a distraction from greater things that need tending. 

"Anyone trying to add a spiritual dimension to food is likely straying into this sort of deception or dangerous legalism (or both: they're not mutually exclusive)" - quoting your email. 

I think I struggle in this regard (adding a spiritual dimension) with more than just food. This leads me to a related question:

Can you expound on Colossians 3:23-24? The lessons I've followed on Ichthys emphasize how apart from the Lord and His truth everything is rather empty. I have a hard time seeing how efforts on things other than Bible study, ministry or clear cut evangelism is purposeful or meaningful. I used to, but in the recent year or so this has gotten confusing; maybe I err towards aesthetic legalism on this one and end up being rather nihilistic.

Is it that if we're being controlled by the Spirit, navigating this world as we produce the fruits of the Spirit, then those mundane things or activities we do may be redeemed, in a sense, if we're undertaking it for the Lord's glory? Is that right? (This, assumes, we prioritize growing in the Truth, and endeavoring to follow it.) Otherwise, it's all vanity or worse?

Alternatively, or additionally, is it that the study and learning is when we're being equipped, but "non-study" time is when we're putting that into practice, developing, and testing through doing? 

Related, in Peripateology you were speaking to the invisible battle waging and how even if we direct our thoughts and focus to the eternal, we're "moving the needle" (by the empowerment and grace of the Lord, of course). Does this "matter" if, for example, it's just abstaining from acting or fostering frustration in what may arise with the mundanities of life?

In the past, I think I was drawn towards what I'd call "behavioral exceptionalism"- very grand, sweeping, and generally fringe or unique life changes that rather dramatically highlight ones values. That said, the Lord is looking at my heart, and it seems I perhaps need to humbly wait on the good works He prepared for me as I endeavor to grow in Him and His Truth - not try to find something "meaningful" and "worthy" to do. 

Lastly, could you please direct me to the right "topic word" to search on the site for Hebrews 13:17? I've been a bit nervous of what that looks like after some impactful (overbearing? Intrusive?) experiences in churches and Bible studies in the past. I've seen in your writing you do note at times how something is your application but you wouldn't necessarily teach that as a hard and fast, for example. So, is "obeying" regarding the hard and fast?

For example, I believe you have leaned towards being non-interventionist towards unbelievers and generally not associating outside of work. While I'd say I'm generally rather isolationist these days, there are some exceptions that I work to carefully navigate (e.g. a family we've known some time is planning to visit us soon) - hopefully, for eternal purposes and God's glory.

Have a blessed day in the Lord, and thank you very much for the studies and the teaching! I'm still struggling regularly to more consistently and confidently know *that* path with legalism isn't *the* path, but, Lord willing, He will complete the work He has started in me for His glory.
Response #11:   
You've broached a number of topics here, so please forgive me if I miss anything (and do feel free to write back).

Re: "things evolve - so to speak": Well, you're growing – and that is great! The more we grow the more we see everything a bit differently. One of the phenomena believers experience is how far apart we become from unbelievers – and even from immature believers – in our basic premises and in our approach to life . . . because we REALLY DO see things differently. So while superficially we are all operating on the same plane (i.e., going to work, going shopping, mowing the lawn, etc.), we sometimes lose sight of how radically different our underlying appraisal of all these things is from theirs. The more we grow, the more we see things as God does and the less like others do.

Re: "how the covenant with Noah was "modified" regarding the blood": I'm not really sure what you mean by this. Noah was given the right to eat meat as long as it was not "with the blood", because "the blood" symbolizes life and was therefore to be poured out as a sacrifice representing the blood of Christ (as in also all of the Levitical offerings). So this is symbolic (see the link).

Re: Colossians 3:23-24: In this world, we represent Jesus Christ. We are His ambassadors, so to speak (2Cor.5:20). As such, everything we say and do reflects on Him in one way or another, to men and angels both. Our challenge as believers today is to do everything well. We are to be good husbands and wives, good employers and employees, good neighbors and citizens . . . AND all the while putting Jesus Christ first in our spiritual growth, progress and production. It is often said that life is a balancing act. That is even more the case for positive believers than for unbelievers or for immature believers who are not trying precisely because of our commitment to growing in the Word and helping others, for these critical functions take much time, effort and energy. 

It is also the case that if we put Jesus first, we will find that it is easier to "do well" with all the other areas of life which require our attention. Contrariwise, whenever we allow the pressures of life to crowd out our time for prayer and Bible study or to distract us from our walk with the Lord, we will find that not only does our relationship with the Lord suffer, but we also don't do as well in those other areas we've foolishly tended to prefer. So we have to do both well; but we have to put the Lord first, which means prayer, Bible reading, Bible study with a good ministry, and applying the truth to our lives, and we also have to be careful to represent Him well in all of our other responsibilities. 

How we end up balancing these things will be personal and individual and always subject to adjustments, but that is the goal: to honor Jesus Christ in everything we do both spiritual and secular. We absolutely cannot sacrifice one area for the other, even when we prefer what is most important to what is not. I.e., just as we can't spend 80 hours a week on our job for the sake of success and expect that not to negatively affect our marriage and our relationship with the Lord, likewise we can't stay home from work to read our Bibles and neglect our spouses to a dire degree "for the sake of Bible study" and expect God's blessing. We have to do both well, putting the Lord first but not using that as an excuse not to live up to all of our other responsibilities.

On Hebrews 13:17, this is meant for practical purposes, not for the aggrandizement of "those in authority". Here, after all, is what our Lord said about that when the disciples were arguing about "who was greatest":
And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves."
Luke 22:25-27 NKJV
Any "one in authority" in the Church, a pastor-teacher or other elder, is ideally when doing what Jesus told us to do "one who serves". In other words, "yielding" to him/them as in this verse you ask about is merely accepting their "teaching" authority so as to give them the benefit of the doubt about what they are teaching so as to believe it and grow from it. Mind you, the way things work in the Church, no believer nowadays ever needs to submit to anyone's teaching authority without first testing it out, and no one needs to continue under anyone's teaching if for whatever reason they come to feel it is not in their spiritual interest to do so. But what Hebrews 13:17 accomplishes for those who accept it is to help to put aside "the bones", as my old pastor used to call it. That is to say, not being focused on criticizing your teacher and looking for "problems", but once he's proved his worth, accepting his teaching without resistance . . . and putting aside qualms "for later consideration" when these do surface. Because unless and until someone actually BELIEVES what is being taught, no real good comes of listening to such teaching . . . because only what is true AND believed can do us any good. The Spirit uses truth-believed (i.e., epignosis; see the link) to build us up in the "inner person". That is what epignosis is; without believing the truth, mere knowledge (i.e., gnosis) is of no particular benefit. 

In terms of unbelievers, some of us are better at personal evangelism than others. But whether we are gifted in that area or not, it is also true that we are not supposed to be button-holing everyone we meet to "give them the gospel". Pearls are not meant for swine but for those who demonstrate a willingness to receive the gospel for the pearl of great price that it is. There is a time for everything (Eccl.3:1ff.); listen to the Spirit and He will help you see when to share and when to refrain.

I think your experience in feeling somewhat isolated from the world is a natural thing that most advancing believers go through, especially in these Laodicean days where the chances of finding fellowship with others who really have a heart for spiritual growth are fairly small. But the good part of this is that if we are advancing spiritually, then we find that our relationship with our dear Lord Jesus Christ is growing stronger and closer by the day – and there's nothing better than that! We are NOT alone – we have Him!
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20b NIV
I don't recall if I every mentioned the Ichthys forum to you or not. If not and if you'd like an invite, I'd be happen to ask the moderator to send you one (no worries either way).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:  
Dear Bob,

It is the end of another year in which I have thoroughly enjoyed learning and growing through Ichthys, and the email contributions of fellow seekers. Thank you, Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work in keeping Ichthys up & running & expanding!! (Looking forward to more of Hebrews)

In everything you write, I see the fruit of the Spirit: Love (for), Joy(in), Peace (with), Faithfulness (to) our Lord. And Patience (with), Kindness (toward), Goodness (in), Gentleness (with), Self Control (again toward) Us...your appreciative students!! You are a special man...and a gifted teacher!

Keeping you in my prayers Bob,

With you, in Him
Response #12:   
Great to hear from you, my friend! And thanks so much for all these good and encouraging words!

More of Hebrews is "on the way". Hope to have a new installment out by the end of the month or thereabouts (Hebrews home page).

Keeping you and yours in my daily prayers as well, and wishing you a blessed 2023!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:  
Hello Brother Bob

I don't know if I asked you this question before I like to ask you about Grace. I hear at times pastors preaching say that we don't deserve Grace. When I'm listening I thought comes to mind where in scriptures does God say we don't deserve His Grace. What comes to mind is the scripture:

John 1:17
King James Version
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

I see that you can't have Grace without Truth. And you can't have Truth without Grace in Jesus Christ basically you can't have one without the other. And then I see a lot of scriptures pertaining to God's love for mankind His creation His Great Love this is God's Grace His Love.

Blessings 
Response #13:  
I wouldn't want to put words in another pastor-teacher's mouth, but I think what this person(s) might be trying to say is that grace is God's favor given to us in Jesus Christ without us having to work for it – and in fact if we DO work for it, it's not grace (see the link: God's policy of grace). 
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
God offers grace/His favor and we receive it through faith. That is the opposite of works.
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
Romans 4:16 NIV
So when someone says "we don't deserve it", while that is true, possibly they mean is "we can't do anything to deserve it, we get it even though we haven't done anything to deserve it . . . through faith".

That, in any case, is the biblical position. And how do we receive God's favor? Only through putting our trust in His Son.
For the Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:  
Hi Dr L,

In my Bible reading I came across this:

Lev 19:17 NKJV
'You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.

How do you explain what this means?

Work is rough. I have to stop taking so much headache medicine, but at least my supervisor believes I have all the work I can do. Please say a small prayer for me on this.

I had a bad moment Friday. It was after work and it was getting dark. And I thought I had lost my car key (it was in the door). And I didn't react well. When I prayed it was more like the desperation I used to have. And I was thinking and saying that I was at my limit. And then I found them. And it just wasn't a great moment. And recently I have been afraid I am too attached the nice things God gives me. I am afraid I am too attached. And I thought of the verse of how hard it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. They are like riches to me (remember I was deprived as a kid). But I do think in time I will get healthier in my mindset on owning things, because I have gotten better. 

Please tell me how you are doing?
Response #14:  
Leviticus 19:17 (often badly translated) is along the lines of Matthew 5:22-24: we are supposed to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, not hate them; if we have something against them, we should speak with them frankly if otherwise we will indeed be drawn into sin from such. So if we can't forgive and forget (because of the nature of the relationship and the thing that "gets our goat"), then the alternative is a frank chat; if we're not up to that (for whatever reason), then we'd better forgive and forget.

Sorry to hear about your work. I do and will continue to keep that in my prayers for you. As far as losing your cool, that happens to us all from time to time. The fact that you realize that this is a "temperature check" from the Lord is a very good sign. We can all do a better job of staying alert and walking closely with Jesus always. And you DID pray! Which is what we should do . . . then cope. 

There are a LOT of such "desperate prayers" in the psalms, so you're in good company there. It is good and legitimate to pour out our hearts to the Lord whenever we are under any sort of pressure – and even better to trust Him confidently and resolutely whenever any trouble comes our way: He WILL bring us through (He has never "abandoned us or forsaken us" and He never will: Heb.13:5). 

When it comes to believers navigating the material world, there is a balance to be struck between being totally dependent on things on the one hand but also working oneself into complete asceticism on the other. Neither path is healthy. Enjoying what the Lord has given us (1Tim.6:17; cf. Eccl.8:17), while at the same time realizing that everything down here is totally temporary and could be gone in an instant – except for our relationship with the Lord – is a good "sweet spot" to be in (Eccl.7:17-18).

So I think you're doing pretty well.

Went out to the car this PM and saw that a tree feel down in the street with the 60+ mph gusts we've been getting today! Missed my car by about six inches – God is good!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:  
Hi Doc. When you say God punished David "excruciatingly" for his act of murder, what do you mean? I understand the sheer magnitude of David's sin was something to behold, but doesn't God only punish believers like a loving father would? I guess if your son killed someone you would turn them in to the police or something...maybe God was giving David "jail time" so to speak, I mean the punishment did last around 15 years right?
Response #15:   
There is also this:
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 12:47-48 NIV
Few believers in the history of the world knew as much about the truth as David did or had been given as much from the Lord as David was. Putting that together with the magnitude of what he did in committing adultery and then murder to hide it and we understand that he had a lot of discipline coming. 
Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die."
2nd Samuel 2:13 NIV
David "owned it" after the fact, repenting and confessing – though of course that did not remove the heavy discipline he had coming. And it is also good to note that the Lord forgave David and never left him and helped him through all the resultant troubles. So this incident also should cause us to notice the great benefit of being as close to the Lord as David was.

Here's a link about all this: In BB 3B: The Fact and Purpose of Divine Discipline.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:  
Dear Teacher

How have you been, Sir?

Have a short update and a request because I'm too mentally tired to write better.

The request first: __ is quite ill. Could you please keep him in your prayers? Too much is happening at the moment in his house and it must all be taking a toll on him.

The updates:

1. The Lord has been so good to us. We have been getting all that we need for the wedding. 

2. I started mediating the Bible Basics on the website on a club that I started in Clubhouse. It is also giving me some idea how I will eventually structure my own "curriculum. It's been nice going. I haven't had any trolls so far. 

3. I'm stalled a bit on programming. I have a project to work on, and thinking about it has been challenging. But I believe that I will break through soon enough.

4. __ continues to work through Pastor Curt's teachings.

God has been immensely merciful to us. I am very grateful that He has been looking out for us through all that has gone on since we met and especially since we came upon Ichthys, but I still sometimes wonder why He does when we are more deserving of His punishments. We are still rejoicing in His immense kindness to us.

We are keeping you in our prayers here.

Your student in Jesus
Response #16:  
Things are OK here. The potential crises at the beginning of the semester were all averted – so thank you so much for your prayers! Very busy, but hard at work on "the next thing" now that the Peter series has finally been completed (reluctant to "let the cat out of the bag" before I get some headway (Hebrews was the choice).

I'm happy to hear that you continue to pursue your ministry development and personal spiritual growth – very important. Also good to hear that ___ is growing and that your wedding is moving forward as planned as well. I'm confident that you will hang in there and do what is necessary on the "bread-winning front" as well. Can't be easy to be a programmer. 

I have said a prayer for __ and will try to remember to keep him on my personal list. 

As to discipline, as it says in Psalm 103:10-11 (NKJV): "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him". 

It is good to revere the Lord – that is "the beginning of wisdom" – but also to remember that He is our Loving Father who is looking out for our best (Heb.12:1-11). If we experience times of testing, we trust Him to bring us through; if we are given times of respite, we gratefully accept them without slacking off spiritually or letting down our guard. If we do that, we will be fine in the long run – and the Christian life is all about the long run.

Keeping you and your bride-to-be in my daily prayers – thank you so much for yours!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:  
Hi Bob,

I'll definitely do my best to pace myself and not over-do it. Crazy days at the moment!

Our last patient today flew over here from your side of the puddle to visit his sister. I had a nice chat with him. He said he was born here but then moved over to live in Palm Springs, California and now he lives in south Florida. He said it was nice to come over and have a little break from the humidity over there. He had a painful tooth so we got him out of trouble until he flies back in a week's time. He had some very nice crowns in there!

That's very true! I'm kinda glad we haven't got twenty plus years left. The cross-reference links will be very useful and save you some time. Sometimes I read the Q&A's and I remember a lot of the answers you give to folks from what I've already read in the Basics. I find that very encouraging. Remembering the things I've already learnt like this. I've seen those times when you give folks the links and they still don't read them. It's a shame because what they want to know is all there. I guess we all make our choices at the end of the day. I'm going to keep reading and re-reading.

Could you please say a prayer for __? He seems a little better today but __ is feeling nervous about putting him to bed again tonight. Thanks Bob - I really appreciate it.

Praying for you and yours too.

In Jesus
Response #17:   
A long way to go to get one's teeth attended to! Wonder why your patient shifted from Palm Springs to FL. It does get hot out there in the desert, but it's not as if FL is cool in the summer, and they don't have hurricanes in CA (or water either, come to think of it).

Good to hear that you keep pushing forward with your studies. It is a shame that more don't do more with these materials, but as you say, we're all down here to choose – and we could all do a better job on this front (myself included). 

I'll bet there'll be a lot of "crash-course" activity when things really start to mix up in few years . . . at least I would hope so. Even better, of course, is getting things solid in our hearts before the crisis comes. 

I will certainly be keeping ___ in my prayers.

Keeping you in there too, of course! Thanks so much for yours.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:  
Dear Bob

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your “Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews”. It just so happens that I am involved in a Bible study on Hebrews so the timing could not be better. Your explanation of Paul’s authorship, the history of the book, and the overview were all excellent.

Thanks again for all you do. You are truly a blessing.

In the name of Jesus the Christ,
Response #18:  
Thank you!

That is most encouraging, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:  
Hello Brother Robert

I have a question I have two friends that explained to me about a sickness they have. The senior lady was dealing with a sickness she wouldn't claim she said but she explained she got really sick so she went in and the doctor told her she had real bad case of diabetes. Her response to the doctor that's what you say but she said that she confessed she had diabetes she claimed it she got it. It's been shared with me by these two confessing sickness then you get it. My response was you seen so many sickness in the Gospels that Jesus healed He never once presented that kind of confession, namely that you get sick because you claim it. 

Really hoping you could help on this false teaching or belief I tried looking on line to find something about this misteaching but can't seem to find anything.

Take care God Bless 
Response #19:   
Of course you are correct. 

How to refute something when 1) it's not in the Bible anywhere, 2) it makes absolutely no sense?

It's hard to prove (or disprove) a negative. 

I will say that your explanation is exactly on the right track: God is concerned with HEALING us, not with making us sick (Ps.103:3; Is.53:4).

Other than testing (of which all believers have a part; we think of Job's ailment), the only reason a person would get sick outside of natural causes is by doing something so awful that God is bound to punish them with divine discipline, something like abusing communion (1Cor.11:30). But even in the case of divine discipline, the purpose is to provoke repentance so that healing, spiritual and physical, may come (Heb.12:13; cf. Jas.5:14-16; see the link).

God is merciful, kind, patient, long-suffering. He is not the sort of harsh accountant-tyrant people with weird views like this seem to assume (Ps.103:8-13). Haven't they heard that He sent His own beloved Son to die for us? That is what He is truly like.
Here are a few links which deal with related issues:
False Teachers, False Teaching, and False Organizations
Egregious Trends
Cults and Christianity VIII
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:  
Doc, as I start to abstain from the things I know are bad, I start to feel, slowly but surely, more guilty and ashamed when I do give in. Is this a good sign? Can you give tips on how to confess to the Lord?

I try to forgive others but it's hard...praying for them to be saved doesn't help much either...I know I need to so God will forgive me when I confess, but it seems to be a completely insurmountable task with how horrible the things done to me are and how hard it is for me to not hold a grudge for even the smallest things.

___is a very bad influence on me spiritually, I love him and want to spend time with him but he's just so vulgar and even blasphemous at times. Please pray for him again. How do I approach spending time with him? I don't want to cut him off from my life...

Doc...that virus question came from a video, a thought experiment that horrifies most people who know about it because believe me when I say from a non-Christian worldview it's TERRIFYING. Basically it says that in the distant, distant future, some ultra-hyperintelegent and technology advanced AI will be made with the purpose of bettering humanity...and it might decide that the first step is to punish everyone across history who know about the idea but didn't do everything they could to help create it by eternally consciously tormenting them(!?), and it says by the time such an absolute singularity with technology is achieved, time travel will most certainly be possible. I was utterly mortified because of the possibility it proposed...until I remembered God would never let such a thing exist, and besides Christ will undoubtedly return eons before it would be possible. I remembered a verse that speaks of things like this:

1 Timothy 4:7
7Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 

Please pray I won't fall for these kinds of schemes again, they undoubtedly come from the enemy.
Response #20:   
Forgiving is easy. You just have to "do it". Of course, that is the solution to all other difficult things in this life as well, and yet people often don't manage. 

For believers, it is much easier to do hard things – because of the Holy Spirit. But if we listen to the flesh instead of the Spirit, then we are in the same "too hard" boat as unbelievers. And we DO know when we are listening to our sin natures instead of to the Spirit. If we'd just take a moment to listen to Him and remember the truth we've learned, remembering our Lord and what He's done for us, we'd have no doubts about what it is right and good to do (forgiving, for instance). But then we'd still have to "do it" . . . whatever the "it" is. Here in Laodicea specially, and many believers have not really, not fully committed to doing what the Lord wants. 

The good news is that you don't have to do ALL of "it" immediately. Try taking small steps. Spiritual growth is a slow process – like the seed that eventually grows into a tree, it doesn't happen overnight. As we say in Latin, tantae molis erat romanam condere gentem (crude translation: "Rome wasn't built in a day"). God only gives us one day at a time. So rather than defeating yourself mentally by looking at the whole seemingly monumental task at once, concentrate on walking with Jesus today, one step at a time.

Dealing with people we love who are bad influences can be tricky. All I can tell you on that one is that YOU need to be the one to set the ground rules and stick to them (e.g., no doing / saying things that you find offensive or harmful to you spiritually).

I do pray for you, and I am encouraged that you are figuring more and more of these questions out by yourself. Trusting the Lord – which you have done here – is in many respects THE answer to everything. Salvation is all about faith; so is the Christian life; trusting the Lord in all things is the only way forward (see the link: Hebrews 11: The Catalog of Great Spiritual Heroes).

Becoming more attuned to what the Spirit wants you to do is a good thing. Be careful about "guilt" though; we want to do things out of positive motivations as much as possible, and the devil is very good about stoking guilt feeling in very unhelpful ways, making us feel more guilty about things he knows will "get our goat" and leaving us alone about things where it is clear we do understand the issues aright. 

In terms of confession, when in doubt, confess, do so immediately, and as often as possible. There is no limit on 1st John 1:9! And once you confess, know of a certainty that the Lord has forgiven you, just as He has promised. Also, remember, that the Lord's prayer contains a blanket confession (so it is at the very least an every day thing). Repent, confess, and move on – this should become automatic for all advancing believers (see the link).
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:8-12 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/