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

Question #1:  
Doc, is it really sinful to purposely lucid dream? I feel like I need to try it because I rarely get dreams that aren't terrible nightmares anymore, like, ones of basically despair in some form, and praying over them doesn't help it seems. Then there's people claiming all the methods of deliberately inducing a lucid dream are "occult" or whatever. It frustrates me to no end since I don't want to sleep a lot of nights or even go back to sleep when I really need it because of these horrid dreams.

There is also just wanting a nice happy dream and being in control of it guarantees that, but you get what I'm saying right?
Response #1:   
If you can control what you dream, you're the only person I've ever met who can do that. There is some info on dreams on the site (here's one link). As mentioned, I think that the weight psychology puts on dreams is foolish. They really don't have any spiritual connotations (if not a definite direct communications from the Lord which is non-existent to rare in our day), aside from the fact that it does seem to be true that they are "nicer" to the degree that we are walking more closely with the Lord.

So like all other issues, if we pursue the spiritual path the Lord sets before us, this too will be resolved for good in time.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:  
Doc, some people I see online say they were into the occult, and even "sold their soul" at one point or fear they may have, and now worry God won't save them...honestly it sounds silly to me, in all honesty, I don't think "selling your soul", be it to the devil, a demon or a pagan god, is really something one can do, Biblically speaking.

Yeah if you do that you're basically begging to be possessed if you're not saved and if a believer stumbles so hard they end up falling into this bizarre practice, they're absolutely blaspheming Christ in a truly awful way and are probably nearing apostasy or the sin unto death, but if God gave Satan so much power he could literally own a human soul and have near complete control over it and its fate if one gave theirs over to him, I doubt humanity would have survived this long. I'd assume you agree on this?
Response #2:   
Yes, it would be ridiculous . . . if it weren't for the fact that people believe all sorts of lies which the devil spawns and promulgates in popular culture.

*Also, the word "soul" is problematic. This is an English word which translates psyche (Gk.) and nephesh (Heb.), both of which really mean "person" or "life" or "heart". In other words, a "soul" in biblical terms is most definitely not an actual "thing" like our spirit is indeed a "thing". Human beings are dichotomous, possessing body and spirit, the interaction of which is what produces "life" and "personhood", the combination of which gives us the "heart" where we think and emote and decide. See the link.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:  
Doc, a lot of Christians claim that for God to forgive you, you not only need to forgive others but "forgive yourself"...the last part is often easy enough for me, I've done quite bad things in my past, things that are usually worse than whatever minor or moderate offense comes my way...but that's where the 2nd part comes in, I can never find the strength to "forgive myself" for those actions...is "forgiving yourself" even an actual part of repentance, and if so how would that even work?
Response #3:  
I've never heard of a Christian trying to make that claim . . . from the Bible. That is more pop psychology, but of course that is the sort of thing one gets in easy-listening mega churches these days.

I will say that we are not supposed to wallow in guilt either. We are to "own" what we do. Then we confess it to the Lord. He promises to forgive us. We accept that promises gratefully. Then we move on. We don't have to worry that we're not "feeling bad enough" because He is fully able to make us feel plenty bad – with divine discipline – if we are not responding properly. 
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Psalm 32:1-5
So let it all go – once you've repented and confessed – and look forward, not backward. That's the only way to make progress in spiritual growth.  Link:  Confession of Sin (in Pet.#15)

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:  
[omitted] Yes, I'm really looking forward to Spring now - but I'm looking forward MUCH more to being with the Lord! I'm feeling that more and more and more.
Response #4:  
Good news about the extra hours! Probably a good thing it's temporary too. Yes, L-ville has worked out for me. It's got its ups and downs, but it's proven a good base for this ministry, and that's what counts.

". . . but I'm looking forward MUCH more to being with the Lord!" Amen! I'm with Paul. Being with the Lord is "better by far" (Phil.1:23), but here we stay for the Lord and for the benefit of those He's given us to minister to. We don't want to leave anyone else in the lurch, even if it means we have to hang in there a bit longer. And even if it means dealing with the Tribulation.

Thanks as always for the typo help, my friend! And for the prayers (keeping them coming from L-ville too).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:  
Hi Bob,

This is only curiosity. I was cleaning out kinks and ran across a link to 10 USC section 15, commanders non-judicial punishment. Please don't waste time on this question while you have better things to do.

Way back when, I was an enlisted man in the 8th Air Force band; Glen Millers old band. I had to audition and pass an E7 level qualification. Of course I wasn't paid at that level, but that's beside the point. Most of the frogs in my wave of recruits were either beginning professionals or college music graduates, most from Boston when Boston was the feeding ground of NY professionals.

One day, we were ordered to fall out at 5:30 or 6:00 (I can't remember.) By 8:30 the bus hadn't shown up so I suggested to my friends we go just outside the gate and get some fresh doughnuts for breakfast. When we got back, the bus was there and loading and we got in line with the rest. The commander, a butterbar up from the ranks, said give them a reprimand and HIM, pointing at me, "an article 15."

I've always wondered about that. He and I didn't like each other. He knew we knew he wasn't qualified, He was later vanished to who-knows-where. He fancied himself "Tom Jones" and was convicted of sitting on high school girl's laps during concerts which didn't endear himself to the local community.

Can you tell me how I violated my orders since I was there to board the bus with out making a delay? Not that I care at his point; I would have done nothing differently.

What would you have done?

In our Lord,
Response #5:   
This reminds me of that old saw, "Military justice is to justice as military music is to music". Your experience seems to prove that. 

I've seen similar abuses in every nook and cranny in my life, and the military is no exception. I don't see anything wrong with what you did. I've seen people written up for ridiculous stuff while others "slid" after doing things they could have gotten thrown out of the Corps for. 

Bands are a whole different thing in any case. The USMC band is fantastic and they have great uniforms . . . but they are not really Marines (and I don't think now they are subject to the UCMJ). The daughter of some friends in my parents' adopted church in FLA got into the band after Julliard. I'm pretty sure she didn't know whether to salute with the left hand or the right, but she could play the French horn wonderfully well. 
Did you ever tell me what you play?

As to the particulars of your situation, it seems the Lord handled it all for you after the fact. This, in my observation, is a very common thing. So we always need to make an effort to "forgive and forget . . . and leave it to the Lord".

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:  
I believe God was looking out for me from the beginning. Even into my sojourn with the Taoists, Theosophists and Rosicrucians. He proved his existence and power to me. In the Air Force as a mater of fact, even before the oil seal adventure. I've not doubted since. I don't understand it all, but I trust Him.

Curiously, I also have experience with what I would consider demons and succubi during that time which I'll ask about in another email. All this remembrance of things past brought to memory questions it'd long since forgotten and I need to brood on that for awhile. Maybe they're all best forgotten.

In our Lord,
Response #6:  
"Maybe they're all best forgotten." The way I read scripture, we have a right to let go of the past and live our lives for Christ today, one day at a time. In fact, that's the S.O.P. As long as we keep in mind all of the deliverances and good things God has wrought for us in the past, the cross first and foremost, our lives here and now have to do with what we are achieving for the Lord TODAY through growth, progress and production.
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:  
Hi Bill, thanks for taking my email.

Just a quick question on the article shown in this screenshot attached

What translation are you using for these references? I looked around on the Website to see if you put it somewhere but I couldn't find it.

Thanks in advance,
Response #7:   
Good to make your acquaintance. In future, thanks in advance for sending all questions to the website address (questions2@ichthys.com), not to my work address.
From FAQ 12. Translations: Where do the translations of scripture that appear at Ichthys come from?:

Many of the translations given at Ichthys are my original work. For those that are not, the version's abbreviated name (e.g., KJV = King James; NIV = New International; NASB = New American Standard) appears just to the right of the verse citation. An index of original translations currently available may be found at the following link: Ichthys Translations. See also FAQ #20 and How to use the Bible translations at Ichthys.
I.e., if it doesn't say what version the quote is from, then you may assume it's my own translation (here's a link to the listing of those translations).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:  
Hi Bob,

I have some updates for you! It is amazing news and it is more witnessing to how glorious and faithful our Saviour is! Three more prayers I have been praying for have been mercifully answered.

___ has now been told by a specialist that although she has diseases that cannot be cured (heart and liver disease) that as long as she recovers from the infection she has now, she may be able to go home as long as she has people coming in to look after her every day. So the Lord has answered our prayers over this!

___ will be starting Chemotherapy next week and the specialist is very optimistic at the moment!

Also ___ has accepted respite care for her husband who has dementia and is very abusive.

So it has really been glorious news Bob! What has upset me though is people's response to the Lord's mercy. ___ has a sister on the same street as her but she has a very controlling husband. Her sister wouldn't even visit her in hospital (a local one) even though at one point we thought she was dying. This man has poisoned the whole family against one another and acted like a cancer. He has forbidden His wife and daughter to have anything to do with ___ and her daughter and this has taken a massive toll on everyone concerned.

I have talked before about the perversity I have seen growing in people, the hardening of their hearts. [omitted] I have noticed the enemy doing this a lot lately. Whenever I have tried to be cheerful and encouraging people he keeps trying to nip it in the bud so that everyone stays depressed. I see that he tries to stop any attempt I make of moving forward with people or witnessing to people.

I remember what you said before that when a person doesn't have the Lord that they often resort to mind games just to occupy their time here. It is really perverse and really sad and a real fat waste of everyone's precious time here.

I have learnt a lot over the last year Bob. I see how vital and how powerful prayer is. I see how faithful, gracious and true the Lord is. Sadly I also see how deeply deceived unbelievers are and how perverse in their 'reasonings'.

Because of all this I am learning when to alter my prayer list given how hard hearted people can be and to be led by the Spirit on this. I also am devoting my time to the things that the Lord wants me to do and learning when to cut my losses.

Thank you for your wisdom and tireless support on these matters my friend!

In Jesus,
Response #8:  
Thanks for the updates . . . and for the good news!

It's always a great boost to our faith and confidence in the Lord when He does these things for us.

People, on the other hand, are often not grateful, nor generous, nor even civil – even if they are acquaintances of long standing or even related . . . or perhaps maybe especially if this is so. It is annoying at the very least, but we need to learn not to let these sorts of things upset us . . . or the devil will keep using them to upset us. And when we are upset, we're usually not praying, Bible reading, Bible studying and ministering as good and as much as we should. So, objective gained for Satan. 

In the grand scheme of things, those are very insignificant victories for him when it comes to good Christians like yourself who can only be slightly slowed down occasionally. But why should we give him even that satisfaction? And why should we let ourselves be upset in the first place? When it comes to people who have proven over and over again that they are like this, then we really do need to cordon such individuals off emotionally as much as necessary so as not to get upset. If we do keep getting upset by them, then it's probably a sign that a greater level of disinvestment is necessary, merely to protect ourselves. 

We would all like all of our former friends and acquaintances to love the Lord like we do, and our family members whether immediate or extended especially. Barring that, we would all like them all to be saved and have good relationships with them. This is often beyond our control to effect, even if, as you are doing, we work hard and inventively at it. But we CAN always keep praying . . . and keep trusting the Lord that He loves us and knows our hearts and is working things out for good. We just have to be patient. Sometimes the wait is long (just ask Abraham). But we know that we can trust the Lord. No matter what.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:  
Good morning, 

Re: The word " republic " in the scofield bible?

I have had my Dads bible passed down to me and I'm starting to go to bible studies with my family to learn about our savior and his word! There is a word that my dad has said he found in his studies and I'm wondering if you could help me locate that word to further study his thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Response #9:   
Good to make your acquaintance.

I'm not sure where Scofield applied / treated the word "republic". It's not a biblical word. It's a Latin word, phrase really, meaning "public thing" where "thing" is more like "property". In fact, the English word "commonwealth" is a direct translation of the Latin re publica. 

Scofield was wonderful at organizing biblical doctrines (actually helped a lot by his second wife), but a lot of progress has been made there since these bibles were first published. I would suggest having a look at the Bible Basics series at Ichthys (at the link) and/or also the Subject Index where you can quickly find information of biblical topic (e.g., Dispensations: which is quite different from some of the things that Scofield posited and promulgated). 

In Jesus,

Bob Luginbill
Question #10:  
Hi Dr L,

A lot of people go on about how even the poor in America are richer than most of the people in history. Is this true?

Are you well?
Response #10:   
I guess it depends on your perspective. I don't think they had this many homeless people in ancient Rome and Greece, e.g.

As I've also observed in the past, the definition of being poor in antiquity was having to work. The definition of being "dirt poor" was having to work for somebody else – to be a wage slave. Since that is where most of us are, I'm not sure this statement is true. It's a bit like comparing apples and oranges, moreover. Food (in this country) is plentiful, so that with charity and/or government assistance, it's pretty hard to starve to death, at least in comparison with the ancient world. On the other hand, having a simple shelter was fairly easy to provide in antiquity – a lot easier than in 21st century USA, that is for sure.

In any case, we believers have always been provided for by the Lord, whether the sun is shining or not. That was the case in antiquity; that is the case today. Belonging to Him and being blessed with the opportunity to learn His truth are true riches, then or now.
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
James 2:5 NIV
Hope you're having a good week!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:  
Bob,

Re: the problem with ___ and my getting so upset about it. I have rallied and confessed my sin of complaining and despairing to the Lord. 

I am ashamed at how I have panicked and reacted to what was going on. Really felt overwhelmed then for the longest time. The Lord though has stepped in and lessened my load whilst giving me the strength and assurance while I go through the fire.

Thanks my friend!

Your 3 doctrines that threaten faith (from your Peter Series) REALLY helped today.

In Jesus,
Response #11:   
I'm not surprised! 

I knew you were just letting off a little steam. Has the exterminator gotten your problem under control yet? Living in this neighborhood, I've had to trap mice, defeat squirrels, catch birds, capture raccoons and rats – it would be nice to have had somebody to do it for me (especially with the last two . . . don't ask). Also, barky dogs nearby are beyond annoying. One place I lived there was dog who lived outside who used to bark for half an hour at a time without a break – no lie! Mostly after dark when I was trying to sleep. Glad I was able to move away from "robo-dog". So all these things (and plenty of other things) can really get our goats (so to speak). Mature believers like yourself are able to recover quickly, and it's always a blessing when the Lord answers prayers and helps us with that.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Keep fighting the fight, my friend! And don't worry if you would rate your performance in this test as somewhat less than perfect (you're apt to get another chance soon enough!).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:  
I think I remember you telling a story a while back of a teacher who was inspired to just read Scripture for the sermon. And to that point in the story I was thinking, oh that sounds like it would be a good approach. I just mean that I have wondered how useful the random sprinkling of verse pieces here and there during the service is (when the pieces are just isolated and left). And then you said their overseer, or whoever it was said it was neat and not to do it again. That really, really irritated me, though I know I am just one person at the bottom.

And it reminded me of someone who worked in church (a worship minister if I remember) and admitted it was basically just like a job. And it really bothered me then. And also when I would read older literature and some men would take the parish because that was the option that suited their situation (not a love for God). 

Coincidentally I am reading the Bible Study where it mentions the qualities of a pastor teacher, and it mentions the motivations one should have for becoming one. It does seem like the system is against them. Thanks for pushing through!
Response #12:   
The seminary professor who told us that story had us all laughing with it. Baptist churches (as that one was) and indeed MOST denominational places, expect a "really nice sermon" every Sunday, one that "inspires and entertains" . . . good teaching not necessary (and in fact not really desired).

You're pushing through too, my friend!

Keep running your good race. There's a good reward in store for all who do so.

Keeping you in my prayers,

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:  
Hi Bob,

"When pigs trample our pearls, it's not the fault of the pearls."

I love this expression. It's a variation of, "Guns don't kill people, people do" but less politically charged. I never thought of that. I'll shamelessly appropriate it and use it when appropriate. Thank you.

What I try to practice when it comes to questions of right and wrong is being still and listening to the small, quiet voice of the Spirit. There have been occasions where I had no question when I was about to do or say something that effectively earned me the Spirit's sharp smack to the back of the head. On some questions. He's quiet, which I interpret as, "Give it a shot and see what happens." My advice would be pray then be quiet and listen. I have enough proof in my life to know the Spirit is always with me which I believe is true of all true believers.

Men and women are substantially different which goes beyond physical equipment. I don't believe women should be in a combat or command role. As for the submissive role, in my experience it goes back and forth. Try telling your wife, for instance, you don't like the meal she prepared and you'll quickly be told to go fix your own. After having to cook for myself, I completely understand. When taking a job in another state, she'll likely submit. However, given the strange way things have developed in recent years, one never knows.

I've never had a woman for a preacher or church leader, but I have had men and women as teachers. I would listen to the one who knew more than me. I don't think your correspondent was doing or did anything wrong. I think your answer was good. I don't think you dodged her questions, either, and later in the conversation you explained well. There were times when your answer to me seemed off in the weeds but the more I considered, the more productive it became. The most recent was my time and space question. It took me a long time to understand but when I finally did, it gave me a whole new perspective. Thank you. I do believe the Spirit guides your answers.

At the risk of rhapsodizing further, I'll stop here. It's been unusually warm here with only a couple of light frosts. Butterflies are still flying and accompanying me on my walk to the mailbox. February is typically the coldest month of the winter, We had the Great Freeze of '21 in February proving to me the entire climate change notion is nonsense. But to be fair, I've only watched it change at least twice a year for over 70 years so maybe I'm not patient enough?

I pray all is well with you and yours and U of L is behaving itself.

In our Lord,
Response #13:  
Thanks for the vote of confidence, my friend. Always appreciated.

Wow, already enjoying butterflies! It'll be July before they're in their glory up here. At least the groundhog didn't see his shadow so we're in for an early spring (more reliable than "climate science" at least).

Sure hope we don't have another "great freeze". We lost half of our butterfly bushes and all of the other hardwoods were at least damaged. Ten days back it was super cold, but not coming from near spring weather as in the other case. They're also warning of "cicada-geddon" this year. Hope they miss us. They ruined everything about twenty years back or so. 

Have a good week, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:  
Hi again and bless God for your help and helps. I thought of asking you to read this https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Bible_and_homosexuality&action=edit&section=2 and the undue (but not unexpected) weight given to a liberal scholar. Wikipedia is not going to let me correct this (though years ago I was provoked into this extensive examination and rebuttal of prohomosexual polemics, by the grace of God). I mean I was not even allowed to refer to Robert A. J. Gagnon as a scholar (his degrees were from biased institutions, unlike those from Harvard I suppose).

Anyway, thanks in advance if you want to point me to a page (or create one) where you refute this sophistry (as with Leviticus 18:20):

20Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her.
only relates to incest, thus Leviticus 18:23 must only refer to family-member pets!) as well as other dishonestly from Hell, then maybe I could edit the page, though it can be a battle.

God made man and women distinctively different yet uniquely compatible and complementary, and only joined them together in marriage - as the Lord Jesus Himself specified (Mt. 19:4–6) - and Scripture only condemns homosexual relations wherever they are manifestly dealt with. In addition to which are medical reasons.

Yet there is still room at the cross for all who will come to God in repentance and faith, and trust in the Divine Son of God sent by the Father, the risen Lord Jesus, to save them on His account, by His sinless shed blood, and thus be baptized and live for Him. Acts 10:36-47

Thanks. Grace and peace thru Jesus the Lord.

Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:19) http://www.peacebyjesus.net

Thanks for the ministry, and I am heartened to learn that this was a project you started in graduate school over three decades ago! I have a folder titles Unfinished works on my PC that I will likely not finish.

By the way, Catholics like to argue that they do not worship Mary (even though it looks and sounds like worship) because they do not engage in (as they call it) Latria, which only means worship. My response is that worship is not defined by one word but can be by other words and descriptions as well. Not being any kind of language scholar then I used Strong's to put together a page dealing with this, http://peacebyjesus.net/words_used_for_worship.html, but I would appreciate it if you could take a quick look at it and also direct me to your best page on this issue so i can reference it.

Thanks. Grace and peace thru Jesus the Lord.

Repent ye therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:19) http://www.peacebyjesus.net
Response #14:  
Good to hear from you.

What you are attempting is "apologetics", the confrontation and refutation of false teaching in the public square. There is a place for that – for those so gifted and commissioned by the Lord. That is not me, however. This is a Bible teaching ministry, not an apologetic one. I dare say with all the lies flying around out there, with all the false teaching and cults and semi-cults with which the present-day world is awash, I could work at refuting these things 24/7 and never take a drop from the bucket – and in so doing I would not be pursuing this ministry as I should.

These issues are addressed at Ichthys in a positive way whenever they come up, and also in answer to readers' questions. Since you are not conflicted about the truth, no answer is necessary – except to guide you to navigate Ichthys. There is a subject/topics index at the link, but it would be a monumental task to make it anything like complete so it often won't have the precise thing you're looking for listed even if it does occur somewhere at Ichthys. 

There is a translation index where passages I have translated myself are listed; it might be helpful to check that for passages apropos of whatever you are looking for. 

And there is also the Google search feature. If you plug the following code into your browser (site:ichthys.com: ) and then type your search term thereafter, Google will give you a list of pages where the term(s) occurs. Make sure to preserve the space after the code of it won't work. 

Also, some years ago Google stopped indexing the entire page it crawled, especially in terms of very long pages of which Ichthys is replete. So you'll probably only hit 50% or so for the larger studies, but this method will give you most of the email responses (and in the case you ask about, that is probably where most of the pertinent treatments are). 

Apologies for not having all of this in my head, but I've been posting lengthy email responses every week for about 20 or more years now, and I often can't remember where everything is without looking it up myself.

Best wishes for your efforts on behalf of the Lord and His Church.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., when you say "baptized", I'm sure you mean "with the Spirit": something all who believe receive (Rom.8:9).
Question #15:  
Doc I'm very sad...a good friend of mine ended up converting to Christianity (he was even an Atheist before that) but it turned out to be a works salvation sect (Eastern Orthodox IIRC)...I know there's always the possibility he'll come around but I'm still very grieved by his current position, and as a fellow believer in the true Gospel of salvation by faith I'm sure you understand how I feel. 

All I can ask is your prayers for him...I've been praying for his salvation as well, so this is just all the more saddening. Do you think this may be a step for him towards the truth? I mean he's certainly much closer now, admitting Jesus as Lord over denying the existence of God entirely, so do you think there's a better chance now for him to come to the real truth?
Response #15:   
I'll say a prayer for him.

In terms of his status, only God knows for sure. Since you're good friends with him, you might be able to feel him out on this. If he sees the power of the truth in your life, that would be an incentive to seek something deeper and less superficial. There is often nothing more powerful than the witness of the life – that is often how the Spirit uses us to reflect the light of Jesus Christ in this dark world (see the link: Evangelism in Principle and Practice II).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:  
Hi Bob,

We're slowly on the mend from Covid (still lost my hearing) but this infection has totally floored us. There was one night I really thought I was a goner as every part of my body was under attack and I couldn't sleep at all.

I don't know why it has floored me so badly. I have had COVID twice before. The first time was really bad and I thought I wouldn't pull through it. Maybe that time, maybe it really hammered my immune system. I know that long COVID is a thing.

I have been so floored of late that I have been totally incapable of 'doing something' and have had to wait for Him. I realise that this isn't me being lazy but actually doing what He wants and waiting in patience.

It's not always about us running around and 'doing things'. I realise after this particular arduous test that in some seasons we have to look to Him as a child to a parent and trust in Him to get us through when we are completely vulnerable and cannot get through in our own strength. 

The Lord has shown me that I have to lean on Him completely as I cannot truly do anything without Him. Amen!

Hope you are feeling much better my friend!

In Jesus,
Response #16:  
I'm glad to hear you're on the mend, but "lost my hearing" doesn't sound good! Keeping up the prayer on this end.

Everyone feels more vulnerable and inadequate when they're sick. But you're onto the correct Christian perspective about this. As Paul says,
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2nd Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV
Being unable to rely on ourselves or our own resources, we are much more apt to put our trust in the Lord for deliverance . . . which, by the way, is why it is so hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, and why Jesus told said person to sell all he owned – so as to rely on God and His provision instead.
Re: "It's not always about us running around and 'doing things'."  Right!  Whatever we do for the Lord has to be of and for the truth, empowered by the Spirit and properly motivated.  There's little worse than legalism (link).

Keeping up the prayer on this end, my friend! Let me know how it goes.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:    
Robert, 

Hope all is going well for you. I am asking that you pray for me. I’ve given in some what to some things I have struggled with in the past. I have prayed about it and have asked for forgiveness but still feel horrible. Am I truly a goat and not a sheep? I know that sounds weird but that’s how I feel right now. 

Everything else is going well.

Thank you 
Response #17: 
All of us have particular vulnerabilities which may not be as dangerous for others but are deadly so to us personally (all sin natures are different, but we all have them). When it comes to things that represent particular trouble for us personally, it's good to stay just as far away from them as possible, and resolve to keep doing so until we see the Lord face to face. I mean, if a person is an alcoholic, better never to go near a bar ever. If a person is addicted to gambling, better never to download any gambling apps (or vacation in Las Vegas) ever. 

As to lapses, life being what it is, we being human, and the devil being relentless, they do happen. Better that they don't. Better that we learn from such experiences and finally "get serious" about the "never ever again". But in terms of God's forgiveness, that is absolute because Jesus died for our sins. If we are feeling rotten because of a lapse, that is part of the divine discipline. Clearly, we would always rather be blissful about our relationship with the Lord. So that is additional motivation for the "never ever again" position. 

No one goes to hell for sinning. All believers are saved (Jn.3:16-18).  Unbelievers go to hell for lack of faith in Christ. The danger with sinning, especially giving into a life of it, is that sin makes us "feel bad" about our relationship with the Lord, and can, left unchecked, push us ever farther away from Him. If we get to that critical decision point and decide to abandon faith to be able to embrace sin without compunction, that is where apostasy sets in and faith dies. But all believers are saved. Believers who want it both ways, i.e., want to be able to embrace sin and the Lord, end up dying the sin unto death (see the link). 

We're not talking about either of these things here, but lapses can also be a sign that possibly we need to address our priorities and spend more time with the Lord, reading our Bibles, praying, and of course in Bible study.

I do pray for you daily, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:  
Hello Dr.,

In your DropBox you should find the audio files for CT 6 (link)

Rolling along nicely here with these, God willing I will complete the CT series next week and then be moving on to the Peter series. I still have to finish the word edit on the Bible Basics and should have that finished in time so I can start on it immediately after Peter is finished. You Tube is picking up, you now have 13 subscribers with over 240 views and over 39 hours of watch time in the last 28 days, definitely worth the effort.

Nothing new to report here; we are fine; life in general always has it’s problems but I’m not complaining. How are you Sir? I hope the extras your employer has been tasking you with lighten up (an all evening meeting on a Friday? What fun!). The one hour staff meetings I’m required to attend are mind numbing enough, but all evening on a Friday, that’s just wrong. Once again I must say – Blech! Got you in Prayer here.

All the best,

Rev.22:20
Response #18:  
Thank you!

All files uploaded and tested AOK. Thanks also for the YouTube report. I appreciate all you do, my friend.

Glad to hear things are bumping along down there. Indeed, "life has its problems". There are a thousand things we could fret about and a million things that could happen we're not even thinking about, but the Lord has decreed everything for our good – for those who love Him (Rom.8:28). And what better way to demonstrate that we do than to keeping learning from Him, keep following Him closely, and keep doing what He wants us to do for His Church (Jn.21:15-17)?

I've got you guys in my daily prayers, for your health and safety and for all other things.

Thanks for your prayers for me! I've managed to get most of the other weekly tasks out of the way so that I can prep all day Thursday. Friday will be challenging to get to all of my spiritual obligations in addition to teaching four classes and "the meeting". It promises to be a long day. But I'm looking forward to next Saturday's posting no matter what.

Did some work on the front porch roof yesterday in lieu of walking/jogging. It was in worse shape than I thought (haven't been out there in a few years). I think I've got it patched up enough so that it won't fall in before I get to it on plan a year from now (this summer is already booked up).

Last I heard your place was pretty well buttoned up. Thanks for devoting all that time to the audio files. I know there are plenty of listeners who appreciate (I certainly do).

Wishing you a good week ahead, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:  
Hi Dr L,

I wanted to share something with you! Do you remember a long time ago I told you one of my most formative spiritual experiences (maybe the biggest one) was when I was in the Home, and I didn't know basic things or what love was. And I would read Paul, and I know that was love, and I got the sense he would have accepted and loved me, and I wanted that?

Well sometimes I would wonder to myself if I was like that because I happened to across that first. Would I have just accepted anyone or any group? When I was reading the Christology series, I really got that Paul, to the degree that he loved and there was love through him, it was a manifestation of His Love, and the Lord was the Source. And I realized I had had the opportunity to join other persons or groups, and I didn't want it because it wasn't that kind of Love. I was just realizing that I really did choose Him because His Love is different. It is a comfort to me to know that. Does that make sense?

I just wanted to share that. Obviously I really like the Christology series :)

Are you well? Please let me know,
Response #19:   
Makes perfect sense to me!

John is often called "the apostle of love", but that DOES sell Paul short. Just think of 1st Corinthians chapter thirteen. Love is THE Christian cardinal virtue – and the essence of the Law if it be rightly understood (as our Lord told us: Matt.22:35-40).  After all, God IS love (1Jn.4:8; see the link).

Also, you are clearly a prize of grace. The Lord gave you just what you needed, just when you needed it. That is what He does for us all (if we just look at things with a mustard seed of faith). That is what love is.

Doing well here (although work is VERY busy at present). 

Keeping you in my prayers daily, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:  
Hi Dr L,

I can see why people might say that about John, and I do really value his books too. Just that I think his works are more abstract. I mean to say with Paul, I was picking up on him trying to get the congregation not to do this bad thing, or sacrificing himself for them, and that was more concrete and seemed like it was love to me (and it was!). My family would use the word 'love' and so I think the way John wrote didn't resonate. I mean rationally, part of me believed what they called love wasn't, but part of me must have thought it was. Either way I was messed up in the head about it. But with Paul I could see 'this is how you treat someone you love.' I hope that makes sense, but I may not have explained well.

Either way, it is good to hear from you! Please don't overwork yourself. And thank for your prayers :)
Response #20:   
That makes perfect sense to me too. 

Love is an easy word to deploy but not always an easy virtue to employ. Like "father", we need to keep the ideal Father in mind – and His perfect love for us in Jesus Christ (in order to really understand).

Thanks for your prayers too! Difficult week ahead here. I'll be so glad when the NEXT Saturday has rolled up.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #21:  
Dear Bob,

Get a large basket; then put into it all the kind words, thanks, and prayers sent your way; then put a bow on top. I am writing the card that accompanies this basket; and it reads: "Me too!" Thank you Bob from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work, patience, encouragement, and prayers.

My son left pastoring last July and was replaced with a woman. I have a couple of thoughts on that. 

1. He liked Sundays, sermonizing, and the people; but all the other things that go along with pastoring a small church got to be a little much; what with him also teaching at the university.

2. The church belonged to the Methodist's and I believe they wanted him to go to seminary if he wanted to keep pastoring; and he didn't wish to go that direction. Bob, he has spent his whole life in academia and his doctorate is in philosophy; so please keep him in prayer regarding discernment, wisdom, and understanding. (Sometimes I wonder if we have the same Jesus.)

WOW! Happy to hear about our friend's possible ministry. (will pray). His wife and I are still in touch via cards on special occasions and occasional emails. She enclosed a family picture in her
Christmas card, which was really fun to receive! 

Thank you for Hebrews! Looking forward to chapter seven...and beyond!

Keeping you and all you do in prayer. 

Thank you SO MUCH for yours!

With you in Spirit. In Jesus forever,
Response #21:   
Thanks for the encouraging email, my friend!

Interesting about your son's church. I'll definitely be keeping him in my prayers.

Good to hear that you are keeping in touch with our friend too!

Thanks for those prayers coming this way too – much appreciated (difficult week ahead here, but if I post on Saturday, you'll know I survived it!).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/