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

Question #1:  
Hi Bob,

You might already know, but I'd be the second main party to this one.

The whole topic came up . . . [omitted]. Because Bible teachers apparently can't be wrong about what they believe and teach... at all? (I've still not understood the exact argument being put forward, I think, although I believe that is what all the wording makes it sound like).

At any rate, well, we weren't particularly OK with that position, so naturally we talked it over together to try and put our finger on what we actually did believe, if not that.

[omitted]

In this conversation, I was very freely trying on what I might term "different possible epistemologies" to see how they all fit, given that I didn't agree with the pseudo-inspiration position/Bible teachers somehow speaking ex cathedra (as it were). It was a matter of how far exactly we were to resist this extreme form of "I can't possibly be wrong; I'm a Bible teacher", and in what way.

The reason why the Trinity came up as an example is because it is obviously something that all Christians ought to be nice and firm on, rather than squishy. If ever there were to be a doctrine that we could merely take for granted as Christians, this would be it, right? Hence why it became the test case for the epistemological approaches.

[omitted]

I see no categorical distinctions between any truth in the Bible, period. As you say, we need to teach what we believe, and if we're not sure, well then we better get sure before opening our mouths as teachers. Simple enough. So why are we staking out what we can or can't be wrong on again? Why are we boxing and categorizing things and drawing lines, when the Bible doesn't? Obviously some things (like the Trinity) have more copious direct support in the Bible than other things (like the 2026 date), but nonetheless we are teaching both as black and white truth. Because if we're not sure, we shouldn't teach it as biblical truth in the first place. And the fact that some doctrines may have some additional assumptions and inferences in there does not make them categorically different, per se, in terms of us "being able to be wrong about them".

Like, it is the wording of "can't/could not be wrong" that I don't get. I have no problems with people saying "I fully believe I am correct and that this is what the Bible teaches", but why do we need to go even further and be like "it is simply not possible that I could be incorrect"? Those are two different epistemological claims, and I just don't see where we get the second one from in the Bible. Of course we need to be convinced about that which we teach as teachers, but it is not blind dogma... ever. Even for the Trinity or the deity of Christ, and so on. We do not believe these things because we have some formulation coming down to us from past centuries that must not be questioned or examined (and re-examined against the evidence of the Bible... continually), but we believe them because of what the scriptures say, and only because of what the scriptures say.

I tried to explain it this way: if our understanding of the evidence for the position changed, so would what we teach, right? Not that that will ever really happen for some of these core things, but the point is that the teaching flows in that direction. The evidence leads to the position (not the other way around), which means if someone challenges the evidence for what we believe, while we do not necessarily owe them an answer (pearls before swine and all that---it depends on the situation), the basis upon which we dismiss evidentiary challenges is not merely "because we cannot be wrong" but because proper rules of interpretation and hermeneutics lead us in a different direction, because of Greek lexicography or grammar, because the indwelling Spirit is ringing alarm bells in our ear, etc. Like, even in these instances, we kind of still have a duty to read what is said, think for a minute, and only then be like "nah, I don't have to take this seriously because of this other verse that very clearly contradicts that argument on the face of it, etc." That's a lot different than just dogmatically dismissing all challenges because one has set up these distinct categories of truth in one's mind, right?

Take Once Saved Always Saved and the false doctrine of the Pre-tribulation Rapture. Plenty of people lean on dogma in these areas, rather than coming to the truth by continually re-examining things based upon the witness of the Bible (cf. again two paragraphs back for the general idea of continually re-examining things based upon the witness of the Bible), and thus believe the wrong thing. Why is the Trinity different categorically---don't we still need to examine the evidence for it every time we teach it, to make sure we are accurately handling the Bible in what we teach? Even if nothing changes in practice between the two epistemological approaches for the matter of the Trinity specifically, the point is more debating whether or not we are ever excused from doing this sort of constant checking-against-the-Bible "because we can't be wrong." In the case of OSAS and the Pre-trib Rapture, you can clearly see where this sort of epistemological belief can cause problems, right? In that people will hold onto false doctrine because they have drawn lines in their mind that excuse them from continually re-examining certain beliefs that they have deemed "core" or "not up for debate". I question that entire approach, regardless of which doctrines exactly one puts into that category... including the doctrine of the Trinity and the deity of Christ and so on. Because I reject the idea of such categories to begin with.

All this to say, it is not impossible for humans to bungle interpretation rather spectacularly---to delude ourselves into thinking "the Bible says X" when in reality it does no such thing. Of course I don't think we do that when we insist the Bible teaches the Trinity, but the point is we are not somehow supernaturally protected from doing such for this doctrine particularly (or any other... which is really the point). Just look at the Arians, for example, and JWs and Mormons in the modern day---it is most definitely "possible" for human beings to believe the wrong things about the nature and essence of God. This does not mean by any means that we have to be squishy or equivocate when we teach the Trinity, but it does mean, as best I can tell, that we don't get to say that it is straight up impossible for us as humans (Bible teachers or no) to be wrong in this area specifically. That is simply not correct, so we shouldn't word things like that. We can say "I fully believe the Bible teaches the Trinity, and very clearly and directly at that" and leave things at that, but should go no further. While I can understand the impulse to try to "strengthen" the teaching of the Trinity by saying that we simply cannot be wrong about it (that it is somehow impossible for us to be wrong about this doctrine specifically), I do not think the ends justify the means in taking such an approach, if that is not a true proposition vis-a-vis epistemology generally.

[omitted]

Thanks for being that sounding board for all of us... even when we are all coming to you separately about our (only apparent?) disagreements.

Your friend in Christ,
Response #1:   
I realize that you are trying to stake out a middle ground here, and I also realize that this is largely for the sake of discussion and growth among prospective pastor-teachers. This is the sort of thing I did in seminary with my friends . . . only we didn't have any direct contact with our mentor about any of it nor did it ever go to a wider audience in any format. Again, apologies if you feel I overstepped here in any way. I thought it would be an informative piece for any and all who are wrestling with the concept not so much of the Trinity but of levels of confidence in teachings.

As you report, this helped you all get to the point of nailing down what you do believe without any "shadow of turning" and that is very beneficial – and needful for any pastor-teacher to have done before beginning to teach others.

The whole issue of "I could be wrong" vs. "I couldn't possibly be wrong" is one, I hope you saw, from which I tried to stay away as this strikes me as a theological debate and possibly even a philosophical debate, both exercises of which I am not enamored.

Re: "Because if we're not sure, we shouldn't teach it as biblical truth in the first place." To me this is the "bottom line". If we are sure, we teach it; if we are not sure, then we don't teach it . . . until we've done the work and been given the necessary confidence by the Spirit that we should have before we commit it to others.

I also think that it is wise to never get to the point of being closed off to new information. Ideally, a prepared pastor-teacher will be learning new things about most truths in scripture every time he studies the Bible, new things every day. Not necessarily brand new doctrines, but insights and clarifications and refinements on the vast store of things we already know and believe. That is far different from casting doubts or overturning basic doctrines (like the Trinity). But that is a distinction that is hard for many to see especially early on in a pastoral career and a skill that many never become adept at applying. Talking it over with friends is good. And I'm very glad that you've been able to do that without blowing up friendships or having to stake out unalterable positions. We're always going to have some communication problems with our peers on these methodological issues – which is why I am usually reluctant to talk much about them. We all have our own processes in the Spirit. As long as they end up in the right place, then we can afford to be a bit generous to others who are perhaps not seeing the process as clearly as we may do. The one thing we don't want to do is undermine faith, especially not of those who are listening to us.

Thanks for your thoughtful and clarifying email – although I think I understood all this before I read it, especially that the disagreement is really on "apparent", different ways of expressing what is essentially the same basic faith and the reasons for it.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:  
Doc, do you think, hypothetically, if God created humans on more than one world, or had more than one species of sentient creatures, Jesus's death would cover their sin? Or would He need to die for each species? IMO since He came in a human form, He could have only died for humanity, unless God for whatever reason sent Him again for each one. Perhaps this is a large part of why there's only humans in terms of creatures with free will.

What do you think though? I'm asking because some sci-fi stories with a Christian theme have this idea that Jesus died for every species, and IMO that's somewhat blasphemous considering how the Atonement works.
Response #2:   
It's a great point that anything pretending to be Christian that does what you're suggesting is trampling Christ's sacrifice underfoot in doing so. There is only one other "species" in the universe endowed with the image of God besides human beings, namely, the angels, and here is what scripture says about that:
For it is certainly not angels He is helping, but He is helping the seed of Abraham (i.e., believing humanity).
Hebrews 2:16
Christ did not die for angels. He died for us, human beings, who are saved when we believe in Him. Sci-fi stories are like all fiction – simply that. But I do not find it appropriate to try to wed Christianity to such things. To me, that's a terrible compromise, even if it is successful in finding a market and making money (Matt.6:24).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:  
Hi Bob,

It's been a long while since we communicated and you were on my mind this morning.

How are you doing? 

We spent the winter in Mexico but are back here in Canada, 

I’m sure you are as appalled as we are by the anti-semitic rage worldwide. As you know we have been praying for my __ and I have been asking God to send someone into his life to bring him to the truth but I had a conversation with him recently which has convinced me that he has had a change of heart. It was almost as though God spoke into my ear and said “I don’t need to always send someone, I have sent my Spirit”

I feel strangely comforted.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and I do look forward to meeting you one day Bob.
Response #3:  
Thanks for the update – and what good news about __! I have been keeping him in my daily prayers. Good to hear that the Lord is moving his heart. 

Glad you made it back up north OK. Snow should be melting soon (LOL).
There is plenty happening in this world that is upsetting, but we who trust in the Lord understand that He is working it all out together for the good – for those who love Him.  In the end, when He returns, He will make everything else right too.  Until then, we have a job to do for Him down here, and we strive to do it as best we can.

Doing OK here. Lots of things to cope with. Broken washer. Broken sewer line (that got fixed at a whale of a price). Bad case of poison ivy. The usual! But we endeavor to persevere and I haven't had to miss a posting this year. Hebrews rolls on. God is good!

Keeping you and __ in my prayers too (how is your health?).

Thanks so much for your prayers too, my friend! Greatly appreciated.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:  
[omitted]
Response #4:  
No worries about not posting your email, my friend.

People have always been problematic. The more worldly the world gets and the closer to the end we get, the more problematic we can expect them to become. Just because we "know" someone doesn't mean we really know them . . . anymore than they know us, just because they "knew us when". Jesus Christ transforms lives. 

For everyone else, we can expect the flaws we didn't see to get worse and the traps they've dug for themselves to get deeper. Just because we have or have had a relationship with them in the past doesn't mean that they are not just as problematic as anyone we might meet on the street. Throwing life-preservers is not a bad thing. But it's a waste when those so blessed are determined not to grab them.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:  
Hi Dr. Luginbill,

How are you? How are your classes and your research going? I hope you're doing well.

I have many emails to you that end up sitting in my "drafts" folder. I figure "even a fool is considered wise if he stays silent." 

Even in person, I don't really say much. My whole life, I've rubbed people the wrong way because of it. I keep trying to be more outgoing (for many years I've tried -- and I'll keep trying), especially because I want my "light to shine before men." This is all to say that I want to apologize for not reaching out to you as frequently as I should.

But I do a lot of "treasuring" of your teachings in my heart!

I remember finding your teachings back in 2015 when I was finishing college and soon to graduate. I had so many questions at the time. I used to search your website religiously and always found the answers to all my deepest most burning questions I had, and for anything that didn't have a direct answer I would reach out to you directly. I've treasured all of these teachings in my heart. 

I've found that I don't have as many questions anymore. Not that I feel that I know everything -- far from that. But my questions now are more about how to apply God's word to my own life. 

I read passages from the Bible every day, and I keep up with your teachings every week, and I am constantly in prayer.

I found that I've been desiring to start my own family, but I'm discouraged that I may never find anyone, and then I start to feel more and more lonely. Thinking that I'm never meant to find anyone makes me so depressed I can hardly find a reason to keep living (my foolish fleeting thoughts). It's so hard to not be distracted or mislead by my emotions but rather to keep my focus on Christ.

Some good news -- __ surgery for . . . was successful; __ doing very well and on track to living a relatively normal and healthy life. It is certainly an answer to prayer.

In Him,
Response #5:   
Very good to hear from you, my friend!

First, I'm delighted to hear that __ is doing well. I'm continuing to keep __ in my prayers.

Re: "I found that I've been desiring to start my own family, but I'm discouraged that I may never find anyone", I hear this a lot. You're definitely NOT alone in this. But remember that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Waiting for things we need, waiting for the fulfillment of legitimate desires, is a test. The Lord knows what we need. He also knows what we want and why. Abraham had to wait until he was a hundred for his heir. We trust that you'll not have to wait THAT long. But we most always have to wait longer than we'd prefer. Otherwise it wouldn't be much of a test. If we trust the Lord, He works out everything together for our good.

In terms of feeling alone, did I ever mention the Ichthys forum to you? You might have seen mention made of it on the website. I'd be happy to have the moderator send you a link if it's something you think you might like to try. I'm not on it, but some of those who are have found it a good place to share.

Thanks for your prayers, my friend! I'm keeping you and your family and your concerns in mine every day.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:  
Bob,

Please pray for me today. I am going away for a few days with __ as __ is really suffering mentally at the moment, I wanted to give __ a break. The problem is that because of everything that is going on, __ said a few insensitive things to me yesterday and I basically unravelled. It was like a pin going into the side of a zeppelin.

The problem is that my symptoms of __ are very severe right now and the fact that I try to carry my cross everyday whilst everyone else around me basically does whatever they feel like (and what with all the evil and chaos circling around us) I just crumbled yesterday. I work really hard to hel__ my parents and I don't get any help or support or anything from __ (we are becoming more and more estranged all the time and all __ cares about is job and impending marriage).

I really am struggling to suffer for doing good. What I mean is that, if I do good to people and they are indifferent and unappreciative, I'll admit that wears me down but it is when people are flat out hostile in response to the good we do..I find it very hard. I realise how much I react in the flesh rather than respond with faith. I will start praying for being able to suffer for doing good as I know this glorifies the Lord and this is what He wants. I find it very hard as my flesh always wants to defend myself (due to the kind of abusive life I have suffered in the past) but I know that being very reactive is so very bad for me and my walk and unpicks all the progress I have been making. It is also not easy to respond the right way when physically and emotionally feeling unwell.

I will commit these requests to prayer. I usually pray for deliverance from bad things personally but I feel I need to pray for help in the areas that I struggle with. I pray regularly for discernment and the Lord generously provides. So I should pray that the Lord gets me through these types of challenges so that I will be glorifying Him. I know we are called to share the sufferings of Christ.

A lot of the time, when people are either being rude or insensitive or are gossiping, I have been trying to remain silent and when I do I realise I have been able to pass through situations without sinning. I know the enemy likes to goad us in places where he knows he has had success defeating us before. I do struggle when I have more than one test happening at once (e.g. not good health, things going wrong around me and then someone being hostile or unkind on top.)

I know the Lord always provides so I will keep praying I can get through these things and glorify Him and be refined so that I don't always try to 'settle the score' myself.

Your friend in Jesus,
Response #6:  
I am praying for you.

Sorry to hear of your continuing health issues. I keep these on my list daily as well. Here's hoping you get some peace with a few "days off" from all this issues.

You are clearly being tested – but also clearly passing these tests! You have a right to feel good about that, even though the situation is tough. 
Re: "It is also not easy to respond the right way when physically and emotionally feeling unwell." That is certainly true. That is no doubt what is making this particular series of tests so difficult. Committing it to the Lord, relying on the Spirit, and being determined not to get tripped up by the evil one is absolutely the correct approach. We always have to wait longer than we would prefer for our deliverance, it seems. But that, after all, is what makes it a "test". 
You have been put to no test but such as is common to man: and God is true, who will not let any test come on you which you are not able to undergo; but he will make with the test a way out of it, so that you may be able to go through it.
1st Corinthians 10:13 BBE
Keep on passing them. I'll keep on praying for you.

In Jesus our dear and faithful Savior,

Bob L.
Question #7:  
Hi Dr. Luginbill!

How are you doing, sir?

This past weekend’s QAs helped to answer or at least touch on some questions I’ve had; thank you! It’s an encouragement to see how the Lord provides.

I’ll try to organize and keep it simple, or at least simpler. 

Interactions with wayward believers

Thank you for responding to the prior questions; I had read in another QA how you noted (if I may share the gist of my understanding, not a perfect portrayal) there is a difference between necessity/professional interactions and “pleasure”; that’s a helpful differentiation. 

In short, I rarely encounter people who strike me as being serious about their spiritual growth. I want to honor the Lord with my associations, but also realize I am not to be a monk. 

It seems so many may identify as believers and seem a bit wayward, so I’m not sure where to draw the line. I can be so focused on “not sinning” in that, the fear can cloud my spiritual discernment, I imagine. 

Clothing / dress

A bit ago, I had reverted to a pretty conservative approach (generally dresses or skirts, no make up, not cutting hair), and I was following what I understood to be appropriate. (To be clear, not attributing that to your directives; it was more a matter of conscience). 

I have read your content on the matter at least once, but recently something I read “landed” differently. I don’t have the quote or reference, but my takeaway was effectively that I don’t need to be weird. 

All to say, I’ve been starting to ponder that the Lord likely doesn’t care if I wear unisex socks, mascara or jeans. He cares if I’m trying to reject and pervert His plan for male and female, if I’m feeding a sense of lust or pride, if I’m focusing on the eternal and walking with Him step by step. 

Am I tracking correctly? I don’t want to miss the plot. I want to honor the Lord, and I know I ought to not cause my conscience harm, I don’t want to be so fearful and selfishly conservative in my application of Scripture that I spent so much time and energy on all the wrong things.

Faith not Knowledge

As I’d shared above, the QA was timely; thank you. Continuing along those lines, could you help me understand how this translates to growth? I realize one thing I’ve done wrong is maybe misunderstand spiritual growth. I’ve reduced it to studying, believing and applying, but regrettably - in my flesh - I can reduce application to a matter of intellect. 

When a situation comes up, I’m searching my mind to remember or analyze what the Word says, and I know full well this can produce very very faulty outcomes, because I’m not necessarily in step with the Holy Spirit. 

I know I’m failing in this, and I want to change. 

Willful failure

This excerpt is from the QA :

“Whatever we do wrong, we do "willfully" to one degree or another; whatever we do wrong, we also do wrong "in ignorance", deliberate or otherwise, of the import and consequences of what we are doing.”

How do I partner this truth to others from Scripture so as to not feel so challenged? 

Sometimes, I know things are wonky or off, or I don’t quite understand something or my application seems to be missing the mark. That is my fault, and maybe others even see my fault, but I don’t necessarily understand how to change it.

Some of my prior, faulty theological understanding went along these lines :

If you sin, too badly or too often, you could find yourself no longer a believer and be unable to reconcile. 

Maybe needless to say, I think I’ve lived in a considerable degree of fear since that “era” despite my understanding of the Lord and His grace changing and hopefully coming more in line with Scripture. I’ve been working to take in sound teaching regularly, make the hard choices based on truth not feelings, but I would like to also exemplify the joy of the Lord. 

I don’t want to live in this type of fear; it must be impeding my walk, and I don’t think it’s the life God has called me to live. If anything, it could harm my witness for the Lord. 

So, essentially, how do I both take responsibility and understand the somber calling to pursue obedience while also resting in the faithfulness, power, and love of God without equating my growth to how much I study or how hard I try? 

Thank you for receiving these! Have a wonderful day! 
Response #7:   
Good to hear from you, my friend. I'm doing OK (bad case of poison ivy on my hands is the main current "problem" but I can still type!).

1) As to "where to draw the line", scripture tells us NOT to associate with believers who are immoral or criminal:
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.
1st Corinthians 5:9-11 NIV
Paul doesn't mean the above to be a complete list, but this is more than enough to give us the general idea. Anyone who is giving a really bad witness through awful behavior along the lines of the above (not just someone who is spiritually immature) should be avoided. In terms of professional relationships, we are obliged to "do a good job" regardless of whomever it is we are obligated to deal with – as the verses above make clear, it's believers who are running amok we are to avoid.

2) Peter and Paul both make a point of saying that it is the person inside who is important, not the outer appearance (1Tim.2:9-10; 1Pet.3:1-6). That does not mean that it is wrong to be presentable, not at all! Between wearing exclusive designer clothes et al. a person cannot really afford on the one hand or deliberately cultivating a plain appearance on the other, there is a happy medium of normality. Nothing wrong with being normal (as long as normal hasn't gotten completely out of control), and nothing wrong with being comfortable about one's dress and one's decisions. These are not the truly important things, after all. Again, it's what's going on in the heart that is truly important.

3) The only way to have true knowledge, full-knowledge is through believing it. Only what is learned and is true and what is then also believed is converted by the Spirit into epignosis. So one cannot really disentangle the two. We need to learn; we need to believe what we have learned (assuming we are learning the truth from a solid source); then we need to put into practice what we have committed to our hearts by faith in the Spirit. The Spirit uses this "full knowledge" to guide us, when we're willing to be led. It is true that mere "knowledge" only "puffs up" and doesn't edify (1Cor.8:1). Love edifies, but love is a virtue that grows through this process of spiritual growth described above. If we are "not feeling it", there are often reasons for that. But as I've often said, if we are genuinely doing things the right way and diligently trying to listen to the Spirit's still, small voice, eventually our emotions will come around as well. It is possible to be highly emotional and NOT be doing what the Lord wants; it is possible to feel "emotionally dry" and yet be doing EXACTLY what the Lord wants. We have to learn to do what is right regardless of how we feel. If we get consistent at this, eventually our feelings will respond to the good, free-will faith choices we are making and we will have harmony within. But there will always be bumps in the road. We need to learn to cope with them without getting thrown off the path. And just because we are not perfect in this does NOT mean we are failing. It may not even mean we are doing anything wrong. We are often just "fighting the fight". Remember, it is a fight with the evil one opposing us. It is often not pretty. But that doesn't mean it is not good and godly.

4) In terms of the final "how do I", I don't see any contradiction between these things at all. In terms of responsibility and fear, taking responsibility should lead to alleviating fear. And to genuine growth. We are NOT perfect. If we try to BE perfect we will fail. Or what is worse – and typical – we will redefine sin so as to seem perfect (to ourselves and possibly to some others if our hypocrisy is thick enough like in the case of the Pharisees). It should be liberating to fully digest the truth that Jesus has died for ALL of our sins. We are free from sin! Hallelujah! Sin has no more hold on us because we have been forgiven EVERYTHING! And if we sin, large or small, from the point of being saved, we are forgiven EVERYTHING when we confess. Of course, we should avoid sin. Of course, it is counter-productive. And who wants the divine discipline that goes with it? But even then our heavenly Father comports Himself towards us as the perfect Father, dealing with us in LOVE as His own dear children. So we have nothing to fear . . . just as long as we love and respect and revere Him and our dear Lord Jesus. Don't look back. Keep running the race FORWARD.

Keeping you and your family in my prayers daily, my friend!

Do feel free to write back.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:  
Hello Dr Luginbill!

I will continue to pray for your hands; that’s certainly a bummer given what you do in both work and ministry (type, write). 

1) Breaking Assoc. with Believers:

Especially given all the innumerable regulations in this country, I imagine even the more mature believers may violate rules time to time. I’m assuming you’re implying something that’s reoccurring in nature or more serious versus taking a seashell from a state beach or something? 

For a bit more context, I have met a number of people the past year who either strike me as either very immature and misinformed believers or of the “cultural” persuasion (they maybe believe in God, but I’m not too sure they know who He is or what the Gospel is). 

For me, it really is a bit of a bear to navigate; personally, I tend to find it easier to engage with people who are secular because I know where I stand and maybe have more experience in that regard as well. 

2) clothing/ gender norms

“These are not the truly important things, after all” 

I don’t have a sound grasp on it yet, but, Lord willing, in time. 

I do like skirts, and I do think it’s nice when ladies err towards being feminine, but I also see when it becomes a bit absurd (e.g. not wearing pants when it’s really helpful). 

So, is the gender thing an issue when someone is spiritually going against God’s design versus just sporting some blue jeans as a lady, for example? Hopefully, that makes sense. 

I know the commands against “cross dressing” in Deuteronomy don’t directly apply to us, but I think I still am not confident of its purpose at that time or the “spirit” of that command that does translate from it today. 

3) “We have to learn to do what is right regardless of how we feel. If we get consistent at this, eventually our feelings will respond to the good, free-will faith choices we are making and we will have harmony within. But there will always be bumps in the road. We need to learn to cope with them without getting thrown off the path. And just because we are not perfect in this does NOT mean we are failing. It may not even mean we are doing anything wrong. We are often just "fighting the fight". Remember, it is a fight with the evil one opposing us. It is often not pretty. But that doesn't mean it is not good and godly.”

I think ignoring my feelings is definitely a growth opportunity for me; sometimes I wait for my feelings to align with what I suspect or am considering I ought to do, but I think you’re reminding that’s the faulty approach. 

4) “We are NOT perfect. If we try to BE perfect we will fail. Or what is worse -- and typical -- we will redefine sin so as to seem perfect (to ourselves and possible some others if our hypocrisy is thick enough like in the case of the Pharisees). It should be liberating to fully digest the truth that Jesus has died for ALL of our sins. We are free from sin! Hallelujah! Sin has no more hold on us because we have been forgiven EVERYTHING! And if we sin, large or small, from the point of being saved, we are forgiven EVERYTHING when we confess.” 

I’m not sure what my issue is regarding having spades of fear still. I suppose growth and undoing years of bad theology takes time? 

I’m reminding myself how you say (this is my gist of it not a direct quote) it isn’t about whack-a-moling issues, but a systematic, broad growth in our knowledge of the Lord and His Truth. 

Thank you, Dr. Luginbill!!! Have a wonderful day!
Response #8:  
Thanks – the hand is better (already getting close to having completely "molted"). Prayers for the shoulder appreciated!

1) While separation is a judgment call, we're not told to separate from the immature; we are told to separate from the reprobate (1Cor.5:11-13; cf. 2Jn.1:9-11). The former may provide an opportunity to witness to the truth (if we ourselves are mature enough and strong enough to handle it); the latter pose a genuine danger. Where it is a question of whether or not those who seem to be so actually are in category two, Jude's warning applies:
(22) Have compassion on those who are struggling [with their consciences] (i.e., wavering in their faith in regard to sinful behavior). (23) Rescue those you can by snatching them from the fire [of temptation and its consequences]; but exercise [such] compassion in [godly] fear, hating even the smallest part of sin's contamination (i.e., stay clear of, lit., "even the garment tainted by the flesh").
Jude 1:22-23
2) I think it is pretty clear when someone is cross-dressing. Very few women on my campus wear skirts (faculty, staff, students), but there is almost always a clear distinction between female vs. male dress and presentation. Presenting oneself as the opposite to the actual gender God has assigned is the problem. Otherwise, Peter and Paul both make the point that it's the inner person which is important and that therefore spiritual growth is where the emphasis should be, not physical appearance (1Tim.2:9-10; 1Pet.3:1-6). As I said, that doesn't mean that it's wrong to be presentable. Far from it. But I don't think that Christian women today need to feel that there's something wrong if they are not dressed in long skirts and blouses with fringes (like one sees Mormon women in the west often wear). Whatever a person feels comfortable wearing – spiritually comfortable – is probably OK. 
Therefore, all who are mature, let's have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different (i.e., wrong) attitude, God will reveal that to you as well.
Philippians 3:15 NASB20
3) Re: "I wait for my feelings to align"; what I have said oft times is that if we are growing spiritually and doing what we know to be right through faith and in the Spirit, eventually our emotions / feelings will come along. It's important for believers to be able to distinguish between emotional upheaval and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The latter will always be in line with the discernible truth; the former will often be a reaction to something or other that makes us uncomfortable or upsets us. In between we do have stumbles, but these we confess and get right back on the right track (or at least we should), trusting that we will "feel better" down the road for having recovered and moved back into "doing the right thing".

4) Re: "I suppose growth and undoing years of bad theology takes time?" It can, but I don't think it's necessary. We should all be aggressive about believing what is true and rejecting what is false. Spiritual growth is mostly about faith: trusting that what God tells us is true and operating on that basis. If we listen but don't believe, that will hinder progress. If we believe but don't follow through with what we have believed in our thoughts, words and deeds, that will likewise slow us down. No one is perfect in their growth line, going straight up without any deviation, and many are less consistent in the early going than when later on they have set down good patterns. Further, we all also have personal "ticks", little areas of temptation or rough places in the heart where we need a little extra work. The main thing is to trust the Lord to work these out for us, and to keep pushing forward with job #1: spiritual growth, progress and production.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:  
Hello Brother Robert 

I was getting up ready for work this morning and a thought came to mind the old man the old life then I saw that. The resurrection of the old man wanting to come alive. You have any lessons pertaining to the old man wanting to come back alive again sin is relentless the enemy himself is relentless continually firing his fiery darts. I explained to a friend of mine yesterday even at the point of our conversion and our water baptism the enemy's there shooting his fiery darts at us to start and continue to live in a life of sin to commit sin in our actions in our deeds and in our thoughts. 

So you came to mind and I was wondering if you have lessons pertaining to this take care and God bless 
Response #9:   
By "old man" you mean of course the sin nature. It's called that in the following three passages in the NT:
Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
Romans 6:6 NKJV

. . . that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.
Ephesians 4:22 NKJV

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.
Colossians 3:9 NKJV
I don't see anything here about it "coming back to life". That is probably because the sin nature is never dormant and has always been, from day one, a force we have to fight against. So that is probably why scripture puts things the way it does above: by POSITION, that is, by being "in Christ", we believers have "put off the old man", that is, we have "died" to sin. But that is not the experience we are dealing with as we negotiate the devil's world: we all struggle with sin daily and we all require daily confession (at least) . . . which is why it is even in the Lord's prayer.

Here's the best link I have on the sin nature, what it is and how scripture describes it: in BB 3B: "The Sin Nature".

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:  
Hi Dr L,

On the posting from last Saturday, it was sounding like you are a bit stressed. I am praying for you, and I hope it works out. I wanted to write you an email to make you feel better, but I am not sure what to write. I hope you are alright, and just remember to find small things you like to focus on for a while when you get stressed.

Well we are out of power for almost a week though it should come back today, but the Lord has been helping me reframe this to take it as a sort of hardship or tribulation practice (though it isn't quite that bad). I did throw out the stuff in the fridge and it is sweaty at night, but overall it is ok. Because earlier I was praying about how I didn't know how I would make it through the tribulation if such small things that everyone deals with easily give me such anxiety (though to be fair they have more resources oftentimes or a better foundation, but that only goes so far, I also need to do better).

Anyway, I hope you are alright. Please take care of yourself,
Response #10:   
Sorry to hear you have no power! I had heard that Houston got hit hard. My friend / seminary colleague told me they still have juice, but they live outside of town. Hope it comes back for you today as promised.

Thanks for your concern. A lot of those emails were from a year or two ago. Looking back, it seems there's always stress and trouble – but the true constant is the Lord: He always gets us through. I'm praying and hoping (and confident) that the same is true for you!

Please take care of yourself as well, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:  
Thank you, Mr. Luginbill! That means a lot, especially coming from you.

I'm planning to write more, just on general topics, and maybe put them together with some pretty pages of Scripture or coloring pages of Scripture. I was thinking maybe if you're coloring it, the words might stick more than just reading it. Who knows, it'll end up different than I think now, I'm just considering.

I hope you have a good day!

Respectfully,
Response #11:   
My pleasure!

It's not a bad strategy to remember or to learn: "to write more, just on general topics, and maybe put them together". This is essentially what teaching is, and we always learn the material better when we prepare to share it with others.

It's good to have our emails getting through too.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:  
Hi Bob,

Hope you've had a good day.

Thanks so much for your prayers for __. 

[omitted]

I think it's for the best. Workplaces can be very stressful, challenging and unfair places to be can't they, Bob? It's like everything else in this world - it seems to be getting worse. The staff don't matter and any loyalty doesn't seem to get noticed or be appreciated. It's all about the business and money. I'm not moaning - just observing! I've experienced it myself too.

Last day at work tomorrow then a week off! I'm feeling very tired at the moment so I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks again for your prayers, Bob. Keeping you and yours in mine too.

In Jesus
Response #12:   
I'm both sorry and happy for __. I'll be praying for __ to get something better after sufficient time off at home.

Good to hear that you, like us, will be having a little time off! We've got Memorial Day. Forecast is for rain, rain, rain, so the painting is dragging as a result. But the plants are loving it.

Yes, workplaces seem more unfair than ever. But then this is "the world", so what do we expect? It's a blessing that the Lord protects us from everything He protects us from or we'd never make it through a single day. Here's looking forward to that great "day" when none of these troubles will trouble us ever again!

Meanwhile, we keep fighting the fight.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:  
Just a quick question Bob.

What does 'partakers of the divine nature' mean?

I know New Agers like to twist this scripture to make it sound like we are all God. 

What does it really mean though?

In Jesus,
Response #13:  
Yes, this is one of those phrases which can easily be wrongly applied by those with no genuine interest in the truth who are just trying to advance their own warped agendas. Here's one sentence on this from Peter #38 where I cover it:
This is what becoming a "partaker in His divine nature" means, namely, being liberated from the natural world, the world of evil, darkness and corruption, and being instead united to Jesus Christ, one with Him as part of His Bride forever.
We are all "in Christ", having been baptized "into Him" by the Spirit when we believed, made one with Him and with the Trinity at the point of salvation (which explains the formula in Matthew 28:19: "baptizing them [by the Spirit] into the Person (i.e., "name") of the Father and [into the Person] of the Son and [into the Person] of the Holy Spirit").

We are NOT God, but we are united with Him in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit forever – which is something new-agers and all other unbelievers will never experience, absent a complete change of heart.

What a glorious day to come when we, the Church, Christ's Bride, will all be one with Him and one with each other in a perfect bond of unity which while true in principle now will be fully and joyfully experienced then!
But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”[
1st Corinthians 2:9 NKJV
Here's a link to where this is covered in detail: "Partakes in the Divine Nature"

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:  
Hi Dr L,

I was reading the book series History of the Christian Church by Schaff, and what a thing to read a book so old and free of modern mindset constraints and with such a view of things!

It is just that, I was reading a passage, and it has pieces of C S Lewis famous 'either liar or Lord or lunatic' apologetic, and it is just one more time that a figure held up as very intelligent and creative, and you find out the idea was there a long time ago by someone else. What even is creativity? Or intelligence?

Please don't get me wrong, I do know I stand on the shoulders of giants, I just mean my framing of creativity and mind is apparently not congruent with reality when so many famous works had predecessors with very similar ideas. And yet they are held up in a kind of faith of their own. Maybe I am going too far here, sorry if so.

I am very grateful for great things like ICHTHYS, I just got a little disillusioned for a moment about C S Lewis. 

Hope you are well,
Response #14:  
Sorry you got disillusioned. When it comes to C.S. Lewis, I was never "illusioned" in the first place (but I do know that he is beloved by many Christians). Personally, I've never been enamored of the idea of "Christian fiction" in books or movies. Fiction is all problematic; better we see it for what it is from the start, in my opinion, rather than giving it any credence because, it's supposedly "Christian". Anything we're reading or watching of this nature is fundamentally not true. Dressing it up in Christian garb is likely to put our guard down.

Schaff is great, but not perfect. Plenty of problems with that history . . . but it is the best available history of the church (not the Church) in my view, all things considered.

Thanks for your good words, my friend!

Keeping you in my prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:  
Hi Mr Luginbill,

Thank you for your response to my last question, that has helped me.

[omitted]

I think I understand the concept of the Holy Spirit communicating truth to our spirit. I am curious in how the body and spirit work together in the physical. Sometimes in the Psalms/Proverbs it seems to indicate that our physical/spiritual states effect one another. Some people think that physical healing can't take place until emotional healing does. Is there anywhere in the Bible where this concept is addressed, either confirming or denying?

In some of your writings, you talk about doing the right thing and your emotions will come around. What about handling emotional pain and loss and death? Jesus wept at Lazarus's tomb - I know grief is not wrong. I want to understand the Biblical concept of emotion vs the modern "what do you feel" - ultimately it comes down to choice? Not that we can choose exactly how we feel, but what to do about it. I understand that. What is emotion in God's eyes and why did He give us that? How do we view it?

I have some emotional pain in my past and I know Paul says to "move on". So I don't want to dig all that up again. For the first time I am actually happier and at peace, which is all due to God and growing in His Truth, it completely changed my life.

As I stay here, I am trying to learn what I can and listen to the wisdom of my friends (they are an older Christian couple, almost like another set of parents). I'm still trying to put it all through the lens of what I know of God and living my life for God. I know you have told me that God will guide me and I think I can see it, I'm just still waiting for God to show me the path.

Respectfully,
Response #15:   
You're most welcome, my friend. I do hope you can get some good rest. It's hard to heal up when you can't take a break. In terms of "emotional healing", I don't even know what that is, but it sounds like something a therapist might recommend and then "help" the patient look backward into past trauma – whereas as you rightly note, the Christian life is all about looking forward in hope and expectation for all the wonders to come.
(12) [It is] not that I have already gotten [what I am striving for], nor that I have already completed [my course]. Rather, I am continuing to pursue [the prize] in hopes of fully acquiring it – [this prize for whose acquisition] I was myself acquired by Christ Jesus. (13) Brethren, I do not consider that I have already acquired it. This one thing only [do I keep in mind]. Forgetting what lies behind me [on the course] and straining towards the [course] ahead, (14) I continue to drive straight for the tape, towards the prize to which God has called us from the beginning [of our race] in Christ Jesus. (15) So as many as are [spiritually] mature, let us have this attitude (i.e., of focusing on our spiritual advance and reward and not getting hung up on what lies behind: vv.13-14), and if in any matter your attitude is off-center, God will reveal that to you (i.e., assuming you are mature and are advancing as you should). (16) But with respect to the progress you have made, keep on advancing in the same way!
Philippians 3:12-16
I will give you some links below. The main thing I would wish to say here is that just like our intellect, our emotions are a mixed bag, good and bad – because of the sin nature which lives in this first body. Because of this fact, believers have to be careful about operating on "an emotional level". As Paul says, " it is good to be zealous in a good thing" (Gal.4:18), meaning therefore NOT in a bad thing. Like a trained attack dog our emotions will "sic" anything we point them at, and if we point them at the wrong target, it can be disastrous. But this dog will often go after things without our command. Getting it under control is not easy. Sometimes we have to deal with emotional pain by ignoring it, doing and saying and thinking what is right even when it feels wrong. If we are consistent in our spiritual growth, and in our proper application of the truth we have learned, eventually this dog will follow us faithfully and support us in what we are about (most of the time). 

At the risk of sounded like a broken-record, the solution here is spiritual growth and progress (passing tests / learning to apply the truth correctly to our daily lives). But that is the answer to almost everything in the Christian life, after all. Retreats are great. Everyone needs a break. But solutions are not to found in contemplation of the universe or of bucolic surroundings or of one's navel. The only true solutions are biblical ones. Growing closer to Jesus Christ makes everything better in every way. He can heal us. He can also help us to cope with tests of health we are meant to endure (2Cor.12:9-10).

Life is troublesome for us all. But believers understand the purpose for it. We know that we are here to glorify Jesus Christ, and that, if we are living to please Him, we will be rewarded for it on the other side. If we are wise, we will train our emotions to appreciate this truth beyond anything in this temporary world. What does it matter if we feel bad down here at times? Knowing the rewards ahead and the reason for our being here ought to be a source of joy. And we can learn to be joyful, even when it hurts.
(2) Brothers, when you are being beset with all manner of trials, take pains to be joyful. (3) For you should keep in mind that this testing of your faith develops perseverance. (4) So let your perseverance develop fully, that you may become fully mature and entitled to a full reward, having been found lacking in no respect.
James 1:2-4
Here are some links that relate to the above:
Who controls our thoughts and emotions?

The Battlefield Within: Fighting the inner spiritual Struggle.

Peter #29: Maintaining a Sound Christian Offense in our Spiritual Warfare
Do feel free to write me back about any of the above – and get some rest!
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
1st Peter 1:6-9 NKJV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:  
Hi Mr. Luginbill,

I was very encouraged by your email and I think I have rallied! I was thinking too much on my emotions and not enough on what I should think on.

My boss sent me a picture of her 7 month old son and I realized, I should look forward and help the people here in my life, not look in the past. I spent some time today writing another installment in my project. It's kind of along the same lines, grief and trials mixed together. As always, I appreciate all your thoughts. And thank you again for helping me yesterday!

Respectfully,
Response #16:  
Glad to hear it!

Really good material!

Thanks so much for sharing these things with me, my friend.

Keeping you in my daily prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:  
Hi Bob,

Very interesting and helpful emails. I liked the last couple where you were writing about how it's the Bible teacher's responsibility to teach the truth but our responsibility to believe it and apply the truth to our lives. It made me think about the "Life Application Study Bibles" that are out there and how they're not a great idea. Exactly the opposite of what you wrote in the emails.

I appreciate you taking all the time and care that is needed for Hebrews chapter 9. It's a longer chapter but I know you take just as much care over every chapter. Thanks for sharing where you're at so far with chapter 9. It's interesting to see how you put it all together. And thanks for your kind and encouraging words too!

Keeping you in my prayers, Bob! Thanks for yours too.

In Jesus
Response #17:   
Good point about the "life application" Bibles. And of course, all such counseling or "spiritual guidance" is cut from the same cloth. We are here to live for Jesus Christ by making our own decisions for Him (or not). We are not supposed to be handing our free will over to some third party. There are a lot of groups which are very legalistic in this way, telling their members how to dress, how to behave, how to live – and monitoring them to ensure compliance. This is the very definition of whitewashing the tomb in Pharisaical hypocrisy – only it's worse because it's not even coming directly from the person who's responsible but being imposed from without by the legalistic group. 

There's no crime in seeking or getting advice, especially in important matters when a person is not sure and wants a second opinion before making some crucial decision, e.g. (Prov.12:15; 13:10; 19:20; 20:18; 27:9), just as long as there is no doubt about who is responsible for the decision and who will have to accept the consequences for it. Hyper-legalistic groups and movements seek to take away that basic function of soul inherent in the image of God. But training Christians up spiritually so that they are able to "fly solo" in a good and godly way is the true purpose of doctrinal Bible teaching. Believers learn the principles of truth; then THEY are responsible for applying them to their own lives.

Thanks for the support and the good words, my friend! Greatly appreciated.

Wishing you a good week ahead.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:  
Thanks Bob. And thanks for the verses you shared too.

I remember early on when I first started writing to you, I was considering doing something that would have been not only pointless but harmful to me. You offered me some very wise advice and gave me scripture every time too. You helped me massively when I was trying to navigate my way through a time with an abusive family member. You were protecting me and teaching me at the same time and still to this day I'm so very grateful to you. You counselled me to "tread carefully" and "think twice" and you gave me the reasons why. I really needed it because sometimes when you're in a situation like that you can't always see clearly. Especially in the early going and when you've had a lifetime of being around that abusive person. You didn't make the decision for me but you helped me to see things more clearly along with scripture to back it up. You got the balance exactly right. The truth of the Word and handling the situation in a way that was pleasing to the Lord was all that mattered to me - it was my priority. This helped to give me the victory over any guilt or lies the enemy was throwing at me and the faith, courage and freedom to make the right and godly decision. You helped and taught me a LOT and I've never forgotten it and I still make those kinds of decisions / applications on my own now. I had to do this again only recently with a different family member and it turned out to be the best decision again. I remember afterwards saying to you that I'm so glad I listened to you and followed your advice. It saved me more years of harm and wasted time. Time and effort that I put into growing spiritually instead.

So you're right when you say there's no crime in seeking or getting advice. Those verses in Proverbs are perfect!

In Jesus
Response #18:  
Thanks for this wonderful testimony, my friend – and for the encouraging words as well. It's been a real blessing to watch your solid spiritual progress. I only wish that answers to prayers were coming more quickly. But God has a perfect time for everything. As I always say, the Christian life is all about spiritual growth, progress and production. We learn the truth, then we go out and apply it to our lives, living by it and with it and for the Lord . . . and then, once we've gotten battle-tested, we start helping others. 

Many people are "always learning but [are] never able to come to a [full]-knowledge (epignosis) of the truth" (2Tim.3:7 NIV). It's a real pleasure to see someone who puts the truth into practice, demonstrating thereby that it IS indeed "full-knowledge", something actually believed and therefore acted upon in confidence that the Lord is with us. You have a lot to offer to others too, and I am very happy to see some of these glaciers you're facing starting to melt. We'll be keeping up the prayer!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:  
It's my pleasure, Bob! Thanks for all your encouraging words too.

We'll definitely keep up the prayer. We can't force anything to happen but we can trust the Lord to answer in His perfect time. Meanwhile, I can continue to make progress in my own walk with the Lord and make the most of the opportunities that do come my way. I'm very thankful that we have the free will to make our own good and godly choices. At least that's something we do have some control over.

Keeping you in my prayers!

In Jesus
Response #19:   
Amen!
Question #20:  
Good morning Sir.

I need your help. So I have been struggling with __. I really want to stop. That's what's hindering my spiritual growth right now. Every time I think I'm progressing and not going to fall back to that sin, I find myself there.

Can you please tell me how to stop.

Thank you. 
Response #20:   
Good to hear back from you.

Re: "Can you please tell me how to stop". Sure. Stop! 

If I told you to touch your toes, you would/could easily bend down and touch your toes. Now, you might refuse to do so, for whatever reason. But you COULD do so. Likewise, you could do so if you chose to do so regardless of getting any instruction from me. Or you could refuse to do so, even if you were tempted to do so. Why? Because when He made you, God gave you His image. Free will is the legacy of the human race. We all have it, and we have all been given it for the precise reason of demonstrating what is important to us in this life so as to determine our status in the next life. 

The first and most important decision of consequence we make is whether or not to believe in Jesus Christ. Until that point, all decisions unbelievers make are merely leading up to the moment of acceptance or rejection of the Word of Truth Himself. Once we believe in Jesus, however, once we come to belong to Him, to His Bride, everything we think and say and do is important. Now we are "in the fight". Now we are soldiers of Jesus Christ. Now we should set our hearts on denying ourselves, picking up our crosses, and following Him as He has told us to do (Matt.16:34).
"Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?"
Luke 6:46 NIV
This is really not a question any of us would want to have to answer right now to our Lord face to face. Because we all fall short (Rom.3:23). However, there is a big difference between actually picking up one's cross, denying oneself and following Jesus on the one hand, and drifting – or worse, backsliding – on the other.

It's important to note that what you ask about has to do with "defense", aka "sanctification/holiness". Believers are supposed to turn away from sin. But that is very difficult to do without the spiritual resources necessary and the truth instilled in the heart sufficient to refute and combat the devil's lies and tricks. In other words, it's hard to beat something with nothing. It's difficult to win on defense without any offense. Believers need to grow spiritually in order to gain victory over sin. So what is required, first and foremost, is spiritual growth. The closer we draw to the Lord, the more capable we will be of standing up to the devil's attacks. It doesn't mean it will ever be easy, but it can become possible.

So first I would counsel you to find a good, solid Bible teaching ministry (as opposed to a Laodicean church where there is not enough substantive, orthodox teaching of the truth of the Word taking place to actually grow). These places are very rare (which is why this ministry, Ichthys, is online). I also heartily recommend "Bible Academy" (at the link).

In terms of your question, I will also say that since we have free will, we do have the ability, God-given, to "just say no". That is often not easy, especially when it comes to areas where we are pressured or addicted or otherwise especially weak. If resisting temptation were easy, no one would need to lose weight, e.g. But some behaviors are more debilitating than others. When it comes to these sorts of things, believers really do need to put their foot down, so to speak, and do what is necessary to stop (whatever is their "sin that easily besets": Heb.12:1). That may require being very strict with oneself. But whatever it takes, it's our job to do what it takes (in a godly and rational way, of course). If we're not having success, it's just an indication that we are as yet NOT doing what it takes.
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Hebrews 12:4 NIV
And remember, the Lord forgives us when we confess (1Jn.1:9), and Jesus Himself is our Advocate in all such situations (1Jn.2:1-2) – but we're not going to get very far in our Christian advance toward maturity if we keep letting the evil one trip us up with the same things in the same way over and over again.

Here are a couple of links:
Repentance, Confession, and Forgiveness

Satan's tactical doctrine
In Jesus,

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/