http://ichthys.com/ 
Culture and Christianity XXVIII

Question #1:  
Hello--I hope all is well with you and yours. I am fine. You may remember how you explained to me about "hail, Mary, full of Grace" and that in the Greek, this does not mean being graced with all possible grace, i.e., sinless perfection. You gave me a verse from Ephesians 1 that uses the same verb, but Paul certainly wasn't telling them they had all possible grace and were sinless. 

I cut and pasted what you had written to me on the Catholic board on CARM. A Catholic wrote this back to me:

"The reason why the verb in Ephesians 1:6 does not imply sinless perfection, whereas the form of the same verb in Luke 1:28 does so imply, is this: The two verb forms use different stems. Every Greek verb has up to nine distinct stems, each expressing a different modality of the verb’s lexical meanings.(FH. W. Smyth, Greek Grammar (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1968), 108-109.) Ephesians 1:6 has the first aorist active indicative form, echaritosen, “he graced, bestowed grace.” This form, based on an aorist stem, expresses momentary action,(Blass and DeBrunner, Greek Grammar of the New Testament (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1961), 166. ) action simply brought to pass.(Smyth, sec. 1852:c:1.) It cannot express or imply any fullness of bestowing because “the aorist tense . . . does not show . . . completion with permanent result.”(Ibid., sec. 1852:c, note.) Luke 1:28 has the perfect passive participle, kecharitomene. The perfect stem of a Greek verb denotes the “continuance of a completed action”;(Blass and DeBrunner, 175.) “completed action with permanent result is denoted by the perfect stem.”(Smyth, sec. 1852:b.) On morphological grounds, therefore, it is correct to paraphrase kecharitomene as “completely, perfectly, enduringly endowed with grace.” Regarding the title/name full of grace... the angel called Maryby her new title/name. The renaming of Mary also conveys how names communicate something that is permanent about the character of the one named (Abram changed to Abraham—Gen. 17:5, l5; Jacob changed to Israel—Gen. 32:28). It denotes an action having taken place in the past, before the announcement of the angel, and one that continues throughout her existence."

I was wondering what you think of this argument. I still don't see how this makes Mary sinless. Also, I think that the idea that "full of Grace" was Mary's new name is ridiculous; right after this, Gabriel calls her "Mary" as in "Do not be afraid Mary." 

But I was wondering what your take would be on Smythe's Greek Grammar. Thanks and take care. 
Response #1:
Your correspondent hasn't processed what the grammars are actually saying. He/she seems to think that the "perfect" tense means "you're perfect"! The perfect tense is just a time/state/aspect marker. Just as in English, it means she "has been graced" as opposed to "will be" or "is being" or "was at some time in the past" graced by God. I.e., the perfect tense here means that at the point of the salutation Mary was the recipient of God's grace – as is obvious for the person who was chosen to bear the Messiah. But the tense of the verb has nothing to do with her mental or moral or physical state or whether she was (as she was) a sinner as all born of Adam and Eve are. 

It's a good thing that people don't approach brain surgery or airplane maintenance the way some of these people approach language and grammar ("it looked like it fit there!").

I HAVE REPLIED (perfect tense) to your email now – which I guess makes me sinlessly perfect in this person's view of things!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:
Hello--Thanks for your input, but I am puzzled....I didn't see where anything in the quote I sent to you said that the perfect tense in Greek meant that Mary was perfect. I know the last time I asked you about this years ago, the poster did have something to that effect in what he wrote. But I didn't see it here. I did see this:

"Luke 1:28 has the perfect passive participle, kecharitomene. The perfect stem of a Greek verb denotes the “continuance of a completed action”;(Blass and DeBrunner, 175.) “completed action with permanent result is denoted by the perfect stem.”(Smyth, sec. 1852:b.) On morphological grounds, therefore, it is correct to paraphrase kecharitomene as “completely, perfectly, enduringly endowed with grace.”

It says "perfectly....endowed with grace" but not "perfect" on account of the "perfect" tense. 

Is this what you were referring to? 

But to make sure--do the two uses of this verb, in Luke 1 and Ephesians 1, have different "stems"? 

Thanks again!
Response #2:
"Perfectly endowed with grace" is a completely wrong use of the word "perfectly" which wrong conflates the grammatical 'perfect' tense with the English use of the word 'perfect' in a qualitative sense. The phrase "completely, perfectly, enduringly endowed with grace" demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of what the word "perfect" means in a grammatical context – it refers to TIME and not to QUALITY. The grace is "present as a result of past action", that is, it is standing in place as a result of having been put there. If a chair "has been placed" in a room (perfect tense), it thus "is in the room" (present tense) because it "was put" in the room (past tense). But to say that the chair is thus completely, perfectly, enduringly endowed with "PLACING" " is ridiculous.

The stems are different but the verbs are the same in both passages and that is the key because it is the meaning of the word that matters here, not the tense stem. The stems merely reflect time/tense and verbal aspect (the latter being something that confusing most English speakers in learning Greek). The aorist is a point of action stem; the present is a progressive action stem; the perfect combines the two: past action resulting in present point/state. The main thing to note is that all this differentiates ACTION. We have this in English in our past tenses. It is the difference between "I was running" and "I ran". There is not qualitative difference between the two. The difference is in the description of the action, progressive description vs. simple point description. 

Trying to find magical differences in Greek based on tense stems is something no one who knows anything about the language would ever attempt. The meaning of the words themselves is what matters; the tense stems merely describe time and action; they do not impart quality or special meaning. 

This is linguistic foolishness akin to me taking random paragraphs out of a medical textbook and then attempting surgery on someone with a headache.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Hi Bob,

I apologize for regaling you with more questions today. I meant to ask some time ago in our conversation on fish. I keep forgetting. (Gettin' old ain't for sissies!)

Can I understand that "fish" as used in the old testament means anything that lives in the water? Not necessarily those that swim like a fish as we understand fish. Would shrimp have been considered to have scales? I peel them for scampi rather frequently and those shells seem to be course scales. Am I over-thinking this?

Questions and comments:

Re: cults. An old high school friend of mine was involved with the Church of God which had some strange beliefs. When his wife died, also a friend, he resigned his position as Deacon since he was no longer the husband of one wife. That completely mystified me since he was husband of only one wife. I always believed 1 Timothy 3:12 to mean not divorced and remarried or a polygamist which I think was practiced at the time. Did I misunderstand that verse? Or did he?

Re: difference between men and women. Women have different strengths and capabilities (to belabor the obvious.) However no matter how people dress, or their strap-on accessories or how they prance around, men have XY chromosomes and women XX. No matter what they call themselves. I think there was a very good reason for cultural norms that had men fighting wars and hunting as well as other dangerous jobs: men can die but a fertile woman can still bear children and continue the race. The Lord's design is perfect.

I've always wondered about the chromosome difference and particularly how it affected Jesus.

I pray your troubling issues are resolved or nearly so.

In our Lord Jesus,
Response #3:
The Hebrew word dagh (sounds like "dog") is used for all manner of marine creatures, anything that lives in the water (of course there are specific words for some things; but for instance in Jonah it is a "big dagh" that swallows him).

On "husband of one wife", this is "one at a time" and polygamy is the problem being addressed (see the link; and see point #3 at the link).

Good points about the sexes. And thanks for the typo find! Some of my mistakes are more gruesome than others.

Thanks on the prayers! We got some very good news last week, and are hoping for more this week, so don't take us off the prayer list just yet!

Keeping you in my prayers too, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:
I was meaning this segment when asking if it's an error in terms of spiritual truth:

The truth still stands that no spiritual truth can be found via trying to reason our way to it, because it's by nature...I wouldn't say illogical, because that would imply it's self-contradictory at some level, but it's beyond normal understanding to the point that our intellect can't reach it at the level it is in this fallen state, even if in perfect risen bodies we could, thus we need the omniscient Holy Spirit, who understands things at an infinite level, to grasp it. That's what I'm getting anyway.
Response #4:
It sounds to me as if you are asking the epistemological question, as in, how can imperfect human beings know anything divinely true. In a nutshell, the Holy Spirit makes truth directly understandable to our human spirit, bypassing all our physical limitations and the sin nature when we deign to listen to His "still, small voice". This is answered and addressed in detail at the links:
Epignosis, Christian Epistemology, and Spiritual Growth
Faith Epistemology (in BB 4B)
Spiritual Growth Epistemology (in BB 5)
How we can know the truth in the Bible
The Spirit in epistemology
Pursuing a Deeper Relationship with Jesus and Christian Epistemology
Feel free to write me back about any of this.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Hi Bob,

I hope things have improved at the university. I pray every day for your deliverance.

So many things are happening here. It seems everyone I know is under heavy fire. I have been very busy praying for people and enquiring over people and trying to encourage all the people the Lord has led me to. I have had some respite from my symptoms and just waiting for blood results. 

___'s brother has had a bit of a breakdown and drinking heavily again. He's very lonely on the coast and his daughter (who lives round the corner) never visits.

__' daughter has had a nervous breakdown and cannot cope with her mum's health issues and her husband struggles with alcoholism.

On the ministry, I am very keen to have something up and running by the end of this month. I wondered if you mind me uploading your "Read Your Bible- Protection against cults" as the main page? I realise that this truly is the defining central issue. The only real protection from any cult is the Word of God, rightly divided. I also thought this would be a good way to establish a connection to your ministry as I want people who see my ministry to also immediately be led to yours. They can't spiritually grow without a ministry like your own so I am very keen to get them on there!

I wanted to seek your permission and advice on this. The use will give you full credit and also will be not for profit. As well as this essay being on the front page I wanted to then also collate other general information on cults from Walter Martin's book and a really good guide on cults that I have. I thought about having overviews first and then to get into specifics.

In terms of hosting, I know that websites take either a long time to learn how to build or money for someone else to build. At the moment, I have little of either so was thinking of using WordPress or something like that. I know that being beholden to such a host model may leave me with problems of censorship down the line but at the moment I am just keen to get the ball rolling and having an online presence that I can update weekly, that is my hope.

So it is a nervy yet exciting time for me. I would have preferred to have been in peak health with no problems around me to get this started but I guess we have to work with and around what we have. It will get a whole lot worse during the Tribulation so working under fire will be the norm for us going forward. We do the planting or watering but God gives the increase. We may have to plant or water under steady flak but God's grace is sufficient! Amen! 

In Him,
Response #5:
I'm sorry to hear about ___. Alcoholism is terrible – as are all addictions. But you are right: they all have in common that there is absolutely nothing another party can do for a person in its throes. That person has to be the one to change. Any "intervention" usually just results in a deceptive response if any. I have been and will keep praying.

On your website, I don't have a problem with you uploading anything you'd like to. I do think it would be better to focus on your own stuff (linking is fine enough for Ichthys, I should think). 

One thing I can tell you is that once you actually start "doing it", your plans and ideas will change immediately – because some things will work, others won't, and you'll think of other things you never would have thought of BEFORE you actually started. One does have to have a basic idea/goal that forms the core, but once you've got that (and it seems you do), then it's a matter of how to best pursue that idea/goal, and in Christian terms, "content is king". You have a lot of skills and capabilities. You videos from years back now were dynamite. I would consider thinking about that or a related means/method (but it's YOUR ministry). Once you have content, there are plenty of ways to get it up on the internet.

Thanks for your prayers. Things have gotten better here in L-ville. I know that prayer is a big part of that.

I'm keeping you and this situation and your other concerns as well in my daily prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:
I am constantly being criticised for "just reading the bible". I've been told it's of no use and that I should be going out there and feeding the poor and doing things and that studying the Word is of no value.

How can a person say they are a Christian and have the Holy Spirit and reject the Bible and say it is unnecessary?! Isn't the Bible the revelation of who Jesus is? Isn't Jesus the Word made flesh? How can a person "love Jesus" but think the Bible is pointless and can be ignored and that spiritual growth is not necessary but feeding the hungry is more important than anything else?
Isn't this a different Gospel?

It's true that as a Christian we will bear fruit naturally from the spirit as we walk in truth and love through sanctification but if we ignore Bible study and growth to give food to the hungry, how do we even know that is what we are to do? Jesus said the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking and that His "meat to eat" was doing His father's work.

The father's work IS to grow up under the Word and to grow spiritually through the Holy Spirit. Also we are to love God first before we love others and that love is shown by doing His will for us which of course is to read His Word. In fact to meditate on it day and night!

Why am I being mocked for studying the Bible as though it is a worthless pursuit as a Christian?

Also, I've just realised that I am guilty of "railing" against others. I rail at the outside world but I have just read in 1 Corinthians 5 that we are not to judge the outside world at all as God will judge them and so judgement from a believer is only to another believer. Even then we have to attend to the beam in our own eye first.

"Telling the truth in love". Again is this also about believer to believer and not the outside world? Obviously we are to speak truth in love with everyone but unbelievers couldn't care less about the truth at all!

So we can't come out of the world but we can witness to unbelievers with the fruit of the spirit and the transformed life. We will never have true fellowship with unbelievers though.

With believers it is a completely different matter in that we should be marked by our sacrificial love for one another and telling truth in love (once we have attended to the beam first).

So really we have no place judging the unredeemed world at all so that means I shouldn't be getting worked up or angry at all as worldlings will be worldlings. I should concentrate on my own walk and supporting our brethren and witnessing to those outside the faith with the witness of the life which is the fruit of the spirit.

Jesus' ministry was to people who were supposed to be believers right? All of His teachings are an ideal for the whole world to aspire to and yet only believers will listen. Jesus was speaking to those who were supposed to be believers. I sometimes fall into thinking it is for the whole world and it is but the whole world will never listen anyway.
You've written previously that growth, maturity and production is not an optional extra from salvation on but an expectation from our Lord. He expects a crop after all! This has been really weighing on my mind of late. I am wanting to be less "reactive" about tests when they happen. I still fall foul of the idea of "unfairness" and unfortunately tend to look to the flesh first (usually in an angry "trying-to-sort-it-myself" attitude) but the time it takes to switch from this fleshly reaction to a spiritual response after re-orientating myself is getting shorter and shorter. I'd love to be at a point where the flesh doesn't enter into it at all but that I immediately seek the Lord
in prayer and patience in seeking His will and His deliverance. I do hope I can start to be this way very soon. I will entrust it to the Lord in prayer and try to continue to witness with my life.

Is there anything specific for you at the moment that I can pray for?

In Jesus,
Response #6:
"I am constantly being criticised for 'just reading the Bible' " – no one whose opinion was worthy of even momentary consideration would ever say such a thing.

"Why am I being mocked for studying the Bible . . .?" Clearly because the devil doesn't want you doing it.

"I shouldn't be getting worked up" Amen! Very few people in this world have even a clue. Unless a person's ministry is apologetics (and one could characterize our Lord's ministry in that way to a degree: a witness to the unbelieving who should have responded), there's very little point, it seems to me, in throwing pearls before swine – you know what the Lord says happens if we do. Better to save our gems for the right time and for people who express interest or some openness.
A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,
but the heart of fools blurts out folly.
Proverbs 12:23 NIV 1984
"I do hope I can start to be this way very soon." None of us is perfect, myself least of all. From where I sit, you're doing well and making good progress. Don't let momentary lapses color your whole perspective. We "confess and move on" whenever we fail, a little or a lot. Also, I have noticed, that sometimes it really is the "little foxes" that spoil our vineyards. Don't let minor irritations – with yourself for lack of perfect application – put you off and sap your momentum. It's a commonplace but a true one: "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good". 
"Is there anything specific for you at the moment that I can pray for?" I would appreciate prayers for my classes "making" in the fall. I've done more this year to promote Greek, e.g., than ever before (far more), but at last notice the numbers were still dangerously small (I try not to check too often). Thank you!

Keep fighting the good fight, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:
Thanks again Doc. So the laws in my country I'm pretty sure say that someone under legal drinking age (maybe they also have to be over a certain age) can try a small amount of alcohol (I'm not sure how much, probably as long as it's below a fluid OZ or something) if they want to know what it tastes like with permission of a parent or guardian. I tried a drink that's a mix of coffee and rum, and it was actually really good, which is something I'd never thought I'd say about alcohol, since every other one I've tried tasted like rat poison lol. It got me considering getting into drinking it (responsibly of course) once I'm of age (only about half a year from now)...which begs the question, how should I go about this? I know it can be easy to develop a dependency of alcohol, but I'm not sure if that's only if you get drunk frequently or if that's even if you drink responsibly. Perhaps someone like me who's only just starting to grow spiritually (at least according to you, I don't really think I've made much progress if any yet) shouldn't be indulging in something like this yet. What do you think?

Also if I really need to defend myself, how do I go about self defense?
Response #7:
Alcohol is not necessary. It doesn't make a person happy, but it can have devastatingly negative effects. Even though I know plenty of people who use it and are not alcoholics, I've also seen people with addictive personalities absolutely destroyed by it. I've never seen it actually do anyone any good. So if you are currently not in the habit of imbibing, that is a blessing you might want to consider holding onto (cf. Prov.23:19-35; 31:4-7).  Here are a few links on that:
Is alcohol sinful?
Christian use of alcohol
Are Christians forbidden alcohol?

Should Christian leaders refrain from drinking in public?

Alcohol use by Christians

Drunkenness

What does the Bible mean by "wine"?
On self-defense, hopefully this is just a theoretical question.  Here are some links that provide the biblical perspective on that:
More on self-defense
Self-defense vs. pacifism
Biblical view of war and self-defense
Christian Love: The Golden Rule, Christian Military Service and Self-Defense
Turn the other cheek
Preemptive war?
Issues of self-defense
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:
Congratulations on your "top marks", Bob! They might not appreciate it but they're very blessed to have you. I can't believe we're nearly in April already. Time is just racing by. May is a nice month for you isn't it? Where you get to have a little bit of a rest before starting your research.

I've worked at a few other places in my lifetime and for me the grass was never greener on the other side. So I'm happy to stay where I am now too. It's not perfect but nowhere is. And I'm thankful to the Lord that I have a job too.

I've got a work "do" to go to after work on Friday. Couldn't really avoid this one. So Friday is going to be a VERY long day. I'll be up at 6am and probably won't be home until about 10pm. We've reached the end of another "target" year and our boss is treating us all to a meal at a restaurant. I'd much rather go straight home after work but it's very kind of him. I'll try my best to stay awake.

[omitted] 

Thanks so much for your prayers. I thought life was supposed to get easier as the kids got older but it seems to be busier than ever.

I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers too.

In Jesus
Response #8:
Thanks! Yes, very much looking forward to May.

I also very much dislike "command performances" such as this. As a "preacher's kid", I had to deal with this sort of thing all the time as my parents were naturally always entertaining members of the congregation and we were always going to one event or another where, from toddler on, I had behave and look the part. And of course in the USMC there was also a great deal of this sort of thing (parades, drill and ceremonies, etc.). I manage now to avoid most such events at the university, but if/when they have a party I do get the occasional "why didn't we see you at ___"? At this point, that is a price I gladly pay. I'll pray for you to get through! Sounds like a brutal day/night!

I'll also be keeping ___ in my prayers. As someone with a family AND a job of your own (while also being committed to spiritual growth), there will have to be some limits . . . if you want to keep residing on this side of the grass a little longer.

Thanks for your prayers too, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Hi Bob,

We made it through with the Lord's help! Thank you for your prayers. 

Feeling very tired but I had a nice time tonight and the food was delicious. I do love Chinese food. They provided chopsticks and knives and forks so no worries there. A few of my co-workers were pretty good with the chopsticks.

Thanks for sharing about your mentor (Col. Thieme?) and his grandmother. I found it really interesting, encouraging and inspiring. She sounds like the kind of lady I'd like to meet. I hope I can be the same good and godly example for my grandson. Really sad about your mentor's dad though. 

Hope you have a good weekend, Bob and manage to get some rest.

In Jesus
Response #9:
Glad you got through it! Sounds like you didn't have too terrible a time, either.

Hope you can get some extra sleep with Saturday coming up.

When I first came to know of him, Col. Thieme was already oldish (but not as old as I am now, LOL!), so I'm sure this was already water under the bridge at that time for him.

Long day here too for a number of reasons. Pushing forward with Hebrews. Hope to have chapter two out soon [link].

And yet more potential tornadoes tonight, if you can believe it!

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:
Okay there is one thing I feel the need to tell you. Sometimes when I write, I don't organize my thoughts clearly, and it comes out in the writing. I think I gave the impression that my birth father was physically abusive. He was not. My adopted father was. What I had meant is that my birth father kind of acts like a child. I mean I get the sense if I were a fellow male soldier with him in the army I could try to talk straight. And while those around me wouldn't think anything of me doing so, he cannot seem to handle that. 

Or maybe I still don't get how communication works? From what I understand I'd be able to say, 'look you have a good childhood, and have had two chances of marriage and family, and have always had a place to go to if things got bad. So when you complain about the 2nd wife, it sounds like whining.' Though when I first responded in my mind, it was a bit more incendiary. 

But even formulated nicer like this, he would not respond well (verbally).

Anyway I am just saying because when I reread what I wrote I realized that I was not being clear. And my conscience was bothering me.

Though. I would really, really appreciate it if you could give me an idea of how conflict between two adults is supposed to work. I mean is the more incendiary things I said (that he had no character), is that something an adult should not say? 

Because I honestly am not sure. I will think about this more...
Response #10:
If I misunderstood anything, well, it's not the first time! When two people are having a face to face conversation, they can ask for clarification if they don't understand something – and be corrected if it's clear to the other party they misunderstood something. Email is a different sort of animal – and we all have to make allowances for that.

As to conflict, I much prefer to avoid unnecessary personal conflicts such as you describe. Life is too short. And in such situations, the chances of a person changing because you confront them are minimal, in my observation and experience, so what is the point?  If a person is in conflict with someone else, it's usually not a good sign. God has called us to peace and if we are doing what He would have us to do, absence rather than presence of conflict is His gift to us. 
When a man's ways please the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:7 NKJV
I do understand that sometimes some such personal confrontations are unavoidable.  Not that I have a perfect record on this score by any means, but I do try to make it a point to call upon divine help and ask for peace and understanding and help in avoiding all such things. It's not a question of fear of conflict – or love of it either. In most cases it's just not profitable, spiritually speaking. 

Wishing you a good, conflict free, week ahead!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
So Doc, what do you think of "Christian" movies? A popular one is Prince Of Egypt, an animated movie that adapts the first part of the Book Of Exodus(from the start to the escape from Egypt). I'm asking because my family watched it a couple days ago, and I actually watched a good chunk of it.

I do understand such things are really entertainment, not really anything to be taken seriously theologically or spiritually, but does this mean there's nothing that can be gotten out of them?
Response #11:
I once saw an interview with John Keegan the famous military historian. He was asked what his favorite war movie was. He replied that "most military historians don't like war movies and neither do I". That makes great sense to me. I've never seen a war movie that didn't distort things significantly; I'm pretty sure that would be doubly true of any "Christian movie" . . . except that I manage to studiously avoid those so I can't say for certain. I feel exactly the same about all cultural depictions of anything having to do with scripture directly or indirectly. 
If hymns can distort the truth for the sake of emotion and catchy lyrics, one cannot even imagine how much damage movies could do to a person's impression of the truth if they make the mistake of internalizing any of it. So I prefer my nonsense entertainment to be clearly that with no pretensions of having anything to do with the truth – and keeping in mind with anything cultural of fictional that this is the best way to process such things.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:
Hello Bob,

I can’t thank you enough for all the knowledge you share with us. I’ve read the topics of the Bible in Ichthy’s. Except Hebrews and Peter’s Epistles. After reading the links before the last 2, I had planned to reread again. So much in depth , that I know I can glean more. 

I read your emails and get stuck on them , as I find a lot more reading in the links you provide in the answers to questions. 

This weeks email was interesting. I know mental illness is real. Trauma is real. Depression is real. We just lost a member of our Church to suspected Suicide. He was taking medication for anxiety and quit taking it. He left behind his wife and 4 kids. He was a wonderful man of God.

People find me hard hearted at times about depression, my answer is you have the mind of Christ, don’t dwell on your feelings. Reach out and help, volunteer at shelters, hospitals, nursing homes. Concentrate on others. Doing so will let you see the goodness of the Lord and you will see that others have it far worse than you. No doctor, mentions doing for others as a treatment, they only give you medication. My daughter at 13 was depressed. She couldn’t tell us why, she was born with Turner syndrome and is short in stature. So in high school she was picked on. I prayed and prayed, the spirit said “ if you don’t get her some help, she will commit suicide or turn to drugs. I carried her to the dr. He prescribed her Zoloft and gave us plenty of samples. He told her “ this is not going to cure you, it will put Teflon on you so to speak. Take the money saved on the prescription and buy you a student Bible and read it. “ The Zoloft did help her to open up and talk and joke and let snide remarks roll off her back. She used it for about a year. She is now married and loves herself and the Lord. She struggled with salvation, and got the victory when she was a teen. I thank God for dr., he is a fine Christian family doctor.

I had my little cousin for awhile. She was 2 years old and street smart. (Her mother was on meth and never had custody of her other 2 children. ) Defacs had placed her with us, only for 3 weeks, until her mother could get on her feet. Defacs demanded that __ see a therapist as she was abused. So every week I would take her to this therapist, who only talked to __ about her past, at 2 __ is supposed to be stable to relive the trauma. I explained to defacs, she should not be forced to remember the past. She should be able to put it behind her. Move forward. It’s all a scheme to keep her dependent on defacs and therapy till she is 18. 3 weeks turned into months and she was placed in my husband’s nieces home. She is a therapeutic foster parent for a nonprofit organization. We ended us suing defacs for custody of __ who after 18 months of her mother not contacting her, she was adopted by the niece. __ was able to move forward with her life. She is 23 now. 

It just seems to me when trouble comes, Christ is the last option. If we would call on him early, we wouldn’t need therapy, counseling, etc.. 

Seems to me , that people spend the rest of their life see a psychiatrist, cause they never get better. I wish more would talk with God who knows us, as he created us. Surely He can help . He said cast EVERY care upon him. For he cares about us. He also knows our hearts and we can lie to a therapist, but not God

Does ichthys have a link for bible reading by the books . I would love to be able to read the Bible verse by verse with your commentary?

Thank you for enduring my ramblings… 
Response #12:
Thanks for this email, my friend, and for your kind and encouraging words as well.

Would you mind if I posted this some day? Without names of course. As you can tell from this week's posting there are many out there who would benefit from hearing this wonderful perspective.

On "Does ichthys have a link for bible reading by the books? I would love to be able to read the Bible verse by verse with your commentary", there is a translation index (at the link); and within that a list of passages for the gospels; there are also some links which list/link to where passages are treated (it's not comprehensive but at least it's something). Three of the five major series at Ichthys are topical rather than verse-by-verse (i.e., BB, CT, SR; links), but at least CT tracks the book of Revelation so in that respect it is useful as a companion to reading through that book (to a very slow read-through, that is). The Peter series is verse-by-verse but with a lot of digressions in the early going. As you can see from the back half of the Peter series and from the on-going Hebrews series, the way I approach things, namely, seeking to teach with substance, there is really too much material to read and get through normal reading of a book too at the same time. I don't have a comprehensive listing of where all of the passages I've talked about in, e.g., email postings, may be found, but there are three expanded indices (at the link) which may be helpful for this. Please do let me know if you're ever having trouble finding anything.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:
No I meant__ was 2 years old going to therapy. As she was sexually abused by her moms live in boy friend. She saw nothing wrong with drinking beer, smoking pot , etc… At 2 years old this girl could open a can of food, with a can opener. She wanted to know if I had a license to drive and a tag on my car. My husband said she could be put on the street and survive. All she needed was to be out of that situation and live a normal life, not rehash the past, because it really upset her to talk about the things she endured. I don’t trust defacs. They really want a child to stay messed up and bounced around until they are 18. Every counselor has job security as long as the child stays in the system. The state of ___ has a shortage of foster parents. Being in the Bible Belt, many foster parents quit, because defacs is a money making machine . When my brothers and me were in the system over 40 years ago. It was a wonderful program. My parents were alcoholics, us being foster care couldn’t couldn’t turn them around. I’m happy to say, my daddy got cancer and that is what brought him to his knees. Our pastor visited him. He was the only preacher that never got cussed out by my Daddy. My daddy called on the lord, and my mama went to church with us the day after my daddy’s funeral. She went to the alter and confessed being in rehab time and time again., and that day she had been rehabilitated by Christ, she too never drank again. All 5 of us children had a very traumatic childhood. Our parents taught us morals and never beat us. They taught us to respect our elders. They fought each other constantly and drank their paychecks up. The lord put our aunts and uncles in our lives and they watched over us, when times were rough. So I know that Christ is well able to carry our loads , when we can’t. I know after having done all, then just stand and let the Lord work. I have a beautiful testimony of the miracles of Christ. I refuse to live in the past. I look on . The past made me strong and stubborn. lol. 

I do not mind you sharing, and thank you for the kind words. 

I will check out the links
Response #13:
I very much appreciate your willingness to share. It's good to know when you've had a hard day or are grieving over some trauma in the past that others have had it really, really bad . . . and have come through with Jesus Christ.
One question:  did you mean 12 instead of 2 years old?

In my prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:
Thank you, for the links , on topical study as well. You and the ones on the prayer list or in my prayers as well. "Woe is me" folks should read the prayer request. 
You sure are busy about the Father’s work. May the lord continue to bless and sustain you in all you do. God bless you my new found friend. 
I tell many people and send your link to them. They are Christians with questions. They say we can read and talk about the same subjects. Still waiting on them to respond. Gods word being of no private interpretation, doesn’t sit well with them I guess.
Response #14:
Re: "Still waiting on them to respond". It's a very common phenomenon for readers of this ministry, especially newer ones, to feel as if all their friends and relations need is to be exposed to these materials and "they will see!" that there are some valuable and helpful writings here. But, sadly, in the vast majority of cases there is no response. People, even Christians, are not necessarily positive to the truth just because it is the truth. If they were interested, then they probably would have been seeking – and finding – long since. Blessedly, there are some exceptions, so I appreciate – and maybe some of them will come to appreciate – what you are doing in trying to share.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend. And thank you so much for yours!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Hi Bob;

Praise the Lord Servant of God. It's with utmost gratefulness that I am writing this message to request for collaboration with you.

It’s by chance that I found the ichthys link online and I started to read some of your articles and books you wrote, and I was really interested to see how God is tremendously using you to serve Him through publishing books and writing edifying christian articles.

As I said, I visited and read carefully some of your articles and books online, and I am very much interested to collaborate with you. Not only to collaborate but to request you to be my spiritual father. As I said, when I started reading some of the topics that you wrote, I realized that you have a great wealth of spiritual luggage, wisdom and understanding for the revival of the church at this critical time.

After reading through, I then asked myself a question to know what can prevent me from being your spiritual student? Most of all, I remembered the book of Proverbs 13:20 King James version says that "He that walketh with wise shall be wise. But a companion of fools shall be destroyed".

Please allow me to introduce myself to you, I am a pastor and a father of 8 biological children and one adopted child. I have 8 grand children.

As I said above, I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo and I currently live here in Canada where I came due to continuing civil wars in the Congo and especially in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where I am from.

I was called by God into the ministry to be a servant from my childhood. I was in the Sunday school choir and later I was chosen as a youth leader. After, I entered into rural evangelism ministry and was chosen to be an assistant pastor. 

I continued and serve being a pastor and later moved to Tanzania. In my ministry of serving the Lord, I have only studied three years of theology, but I have become a person who loves to read books, especially the Bible and various other religious books. 

When I was in Tanzania, I started a church planting and community development Christian ministry called Good Samaritan Mission "MIBOS". 

I moved to Kenya where I met an America pastor from Calvary Chapel, he oriented me to get trained and later he appointed me to serve being a missionary assisting him in organizing church leaders training. There in Kenya, I got an opportunity to move to Canada, where I am now. While here in Canada, I have continued to return to Africa every year to strengthen our churches. 

Since many of our pastors did not go to school, I continued to find for a way to train our pastors and then I connected with an Australian Pastor who conducts diploma training for pastors in Africa to train them.

This Australian Pastor is the one I am collaborating with now in the goal of training pastors and church leaders. I have a vision of spreading the gospel in Africa.

In short, your ministry of writing books and Christian literature is more than a university. For this reason, I'm requesting to collaborate with you as my spiritual trainer.

Thank you
Response #15:
Good to make your acquaintance.

I don't know about "spiritual fathers" (cf. Matt.23:9), but since Jesus calls us "His brothers" (Heb.2:11; cf. Jn.15:15), I am happy to call you my brother in Christ (and vice-versa).

You are certainly welcome to all of the materials at Ichthys, and do feel free to write with questions whenever you please.

In terms of preparation for ministry, our friend has set up an Ichthys forum you might consider joining; there are a number of prospective pastor-teachers on there who are sharing experiences and I'm thinking you could get a great deal of insight and encouragement from this as well. Let me know, and I'd be happy to have him send you an invite.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Yes Bob, I would love to ask you a few questions, but I will write them out and send them to you. 

I guess my first question is about Romans 8, this Calvinistic viewpoint. I personally don't believe people are pre chosen and I do believe we all can choose (free will), I am asking the Lord to give me a clear answer to my question. 

If you can help me, that would be great. 

I am just staying home on the 4th, I have a lot of studying of God's Word to do, I just feel time is so short and I really need to let go of all Worldly desires and truly focus on the Lord (Spiritual Things) and let God do serious work within me.

Thank you for listening

I found my answer, just as I believed, Calvinism is false and all who call on the name of the Lord shall be Saved, of course to then follow Jesus on the narrow path. Thank you again 
Response #16:
There is a lot about this on the website. Best place for the positive explanation of salvation is BB 4B: Soteriology (at the link).

For refutations of Calvinism, it's the hyper variety that came after Calvin himself which is the real problem, i.e., T.U.L.I.P., of which I agree with the T. = "total depravity" or "all human beings are sinners" (cf. Jn.2:24-25). You can find a number of emails dealing with Calvinism under the Subject Index (at the link). Here is a link to one of them.

Incidentally, __ has been in touch with me and I believe he's sent you the forum link. Do let me know if you haven't received it (we seem to be having issues with some email programs putting these links into SPAM etc.).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Wow! Thank you so much! Is what I start to say...before I remember that ICHTHYS is full of Bible teachings lol. So saying thank you definitely feels too small. 

What is that verse I like so much: "Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way."

And provides good teachers.

Anyway, I also wanted to ask. There is a verse that says that the greater blesses the lesser (Hebrews 7:7). But there are so many verses telling us to bless the Lord. Is this a situation like (trying to figure out how to word this): He gives us gifts so that we can give Him things (but it is really Him of course providing the means) kind of thing?

Thanks for the good words, my friend.
Response #17:
On your question, the Greek eulogeo (εὐλογεω), from which we get "eulogize" and the Hebrew barach (בָּרַךְ), from which we get the name of my mentor's church, "Berachah", have in common that the object of the blessing has to be taken into consideration when translating the verb. If the object is God, the verbs mean "praise [for blessing we have received]"; if the object is a human being, it means "bless [in the sense of calling God's blessing down upon them]". Although in modern English we are very uncomfortable with using words that are capable of double meanings (we've tended to drop them), it is not uncommon in other languages for this to happen. At least in this case there is a clear way to see which is which (see the link).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi Bob.

I hope you are doing well, and "keeping on the sunnyside of life", (casting your cares on Him), enjoying your time off...if there is such a thing. At least some time to catch a breath from some of the other pressures.

"Keep on the Sunny Side" is a song written by Ada Blenkhorn (1899), a Canadian hymn writer, in remembrance of her nephew who was disabled. He always asked to have his wheelchair pushed down the "sunny side" of the street. It's a great testimony of love and care, and how to think when things are down.

Encourage yourself in the Lord...I know you've encouraged me a time or two, so thank you. Wish we were already on the "other side" of the street, but regardless, I plan to stay in the fight, no matter what. Then we all will be able to take a big breath, living and "keeping on the sunnyside" of life...forever.

Thanks for staying engaged in "the work" (currently doing my second round on the CT series)...you have graciously provided (for His glory), in addition for your time given in your insightful emails to me, as well as others (a BIG help for all of us!). I would not have a clue (at least not enough clues to crack the case, especially where I'm studying now, on Part 4), if I never was able to have access to the truths you have gleaned and presented (in such an understandable way), to absorb the most valuable Word to/of Life, and become more spiritually fit to "win the battle", while at the same time, avoiding any pitfalls from the world's point of view, leading to too many distractions.

Of course, I know that our Lord has the biggest Hand in all this...it's all in the Father's Plan after all...glad to be here to have a part with/in the greatest outcome...for all of us fellow believers in the household of faith...a great family to be involved with...of one accord...all winners.

Things are OK on the homefront...at least for ___ and me. As far as the rest of the offspring...some are doing well...others are still "struggling" with physical and spiritual issues...not "digging out" yet. Praying it will all work out for them, especially knowing what is shortly in store for anyone alive in the next decade...it won't be a family picnic...for a while...hope they will "make it in".

Several weeks ago, I sent some of them an email of some memories (good and bad circumstances, with insightful godly conclusions), and some Bible study notes that I gleaned from your work. The response was totally missing (not too surprising). Maybe I rustled a few feathers, or messed up their nest? You probably know a bit more about this, with all your endeavors to rally the troops? Oh well, it was all with good intentions...for their benefit...just have to leave it there. Seems like people don't want to face the music (of the "signs of the times", and the right preparation necessary to move forward), instead opting to stay living in the State Of Denial...or Ignorant Bliss, not very beautiful states to live in. Moving to another State can be a burden, and not worth it for some, if they like it enough to stay. Isaiah 55:11 may apply...hopefully not Matt. 10:14, or Matt. 10:34. Time will tell...and cut to the chase...choices will be coming from everyone, responding "in time", one way or another...to life, time, and circumstances in the Plan.

I've been leaning pretty hard on Phil. 4 1-13, especially v. 13, in dealing with all my "thorns'. I find it gets me through yet another day...closer to "that Day", so that is good. A healing miracle would be great, but his grace is truly sufficient, so I'm grateful, despite enduring the pain(s) (2 Cor. 12:9). I see and hear about others who are way worse off, so how/why can I complain?...it's an easy answer.

___ has healed up from the surgery, finished up on her last chemo treatment, and will be seeing the Dr. at the end of the month to determine the path forward. She's been a trooper, as usual, even though she's enduring the collateral side effects (hair loss, slight "chemo fog", and fatigue being the most prevalent). Dealing with cancer is no fun...I had it once...now she's coming out after round two. Like that old TV commercial on the "Timex" watch - "it can take a licking, and still come out ticking". "Keeping in the fight and keep trusting God" is our preference in our situations. "Give us this day our daily bread" (His physical and spiritual Provision)...that is all we need.

Another day closer to the Day we're eagerly waiting for, so it's a "win-win" however things play out in our present situation(s). Thanks for your prayers...praying for your well-being as well. Hope you'll get some "rest" before another round starts shortly at the university.

Your friend in Jesus, 
Response #18:
Great to hear from you, my friend. I've been wondering about you two and how you've been doing. How's the eye and the __? Good to hear that your __ is pushing through. Keeping you both in my prayers along with your other petitions and your children in particular. Your good attitude in spite of troubles is an inspiration and a wonderful witness . . . and I appreciate it.

Prayers appreciated for this week. It's been a rough year for reasons I'd rather not go into at the moment, but we're hoping to hear some good news this week which would make all the difference. I'll surely let you know when I know.

It is the greatest comfort to remember that this is all only very temporary and that everything on the other side is bliss beyond understanding. Meanwhile, we have the opportunity to put something in our eternal treasure chest every single day, one day at a time. Great to hear that you are hanging in there with spiritual growth along with everything else, my friend! 

Thanks for your prayers . . . and for all your good and encouraging words.

Best to __!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:
This morning,"no greater love", and "reasonable service" (John 15:13: Rom. 12:1) came to mind, (while eating my breakfast of bacon & eggs.....BTW, Grandpa's favorite ...but I don't know why he always would get to finish it off with a few of Grandma's homemade cookies, washed down with hot coffee... I should be so lucky.....to get this bad kind of nutrition!).....Anyways, back to what I was thinking - about influential characters in our lives, ( eg. Grandpa, Dad, Mom, teachers, my wife, the kids, you, etc.), and on how Jesus is the exemplar in both categories, of love and sacrifice and guidance in "the right things".... The greatest Hero of all time! He is the finest of the finest in character and example, and always does the "right thing". Today, He is using His people, in all walks of life, doing the "right things" to advance His perfect agenda campaign (The Plan).... before He will put things "all in all". (1Cor. 15:28). Character and honor are important ethical qualities to have on your resume. Doing the "right thing" has always been in my "code of conduct" ( Rom. 12: 17), even before I became a saved person (not perfect, but what I always set out to do). It's quite an honor to be known by others as a person of honorable character, and especially with a tribute coming from our Commander in Chief, as we are "marching" along, with our reward medals of merit to follow for bravely doing the "right thing" for Him! This endeavor will prove to be above and beyond the courage and valor we read about in our history books, or hear first-hand from friends and family, i.e., those who have been engaged in numerous conflicts to provide the freedom in a peaceful civil society we all love and cherish. However, this ( the spiritual battle, you mention in a previous email), and the players, courageously doing their parts, while focusing / following on Jesus is a lot bigger than all the secular battles / defeats / victories we find in history, with all the flowery funeral orations we find spoken, in the aftermath of all the battles put together, to honor the fallen who gave it all to secure peace, for all of us as beneficiaries! We are very thankful to give them well-deserved honor and praise for their service and sacrifices. But what our Lord gave (His ALL) for all of us, (His perfect guidance, and His perfect sacrifice) dwarfs everything else in all of history in comparison! His victory at the cross IS the final battle victory, ("it is finished" - John 19:30). that has secured this final peace forever for all of us! His courage, honor, and valor is supreme, and we will be singing His praises and honoring Him forever! We're getting closer, all the time, to that time of peace! No more trouble at all! I shall continue trying to do the "right thing", in the meantime. 

Hope you're having a great day, Bob! Too hot here today, cooking again! But, other than that, things are OK.....rabbits have slowed down their assault, grass is growing too slow to mow this week, no food shortages, health issues in the wane-mode this week, somewhat, etc., in other words, a lot to be thankful for! Thanks for your prayerful support.... keeping you in mine as well. In Jesus , 
Response #19:
It's a pleasure to know you, my friend. Keep on doing the right thing, no matter what! Really, for believers, all we have to know is what the Lord wants us to do . . . and then do it. Knowing what He doesn't want us to do seems a bit easier to figure out (we have some help there with discipline too, after all). If we are doing the right thing in His eyes, we have no worries. If we have a godly, reverential fear of Him, we have nothing whatsoever to fear from anyone or anything in this very temporary world.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 NKJV
Thanks for those prayers! Keeping them up on this end as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:
Hello Bob,

It's good to hear from you and a belated thank you for your prayers re my sick pony. Shortly after my email to you (same day) I decided to have her put to sleep because of her suffering with bad laminitis, while waiting for the vet to do the deed I fed her favorite forbidden food which was carrots, and she was laying down but could lift her head to gobble many carrots...her last meal. I was amazed at how I recovered from my pain over the incident and probably your prayer had something to do with it. I thanked the Lord for allowing me to own her in the first place.

I am so glad you wrote about the Sabbath day because it has been on my mind for some time.

My father worked in a power station, so he had to work over the weekends and being from a catholic background where they drum it into the people that it is a mortal sin to miss church on Sundays used to be a concern of mine. But when we read in the book of Revelation where it talks about who will be going to hell it does not mention the Sabbath day at all for the people who do not keep it. so with that and what St Paul told us I felt confident I was right.

It occurred to me today while I was thinking about what Jesus said in King James Bible "Verily I say unto you, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom" The apostles who were with Jesus at the time of his Transfiguration saw Jesus in all His brilliant light and glory the same which we will all see at His return (hopefully very soon), So am I right to think this? that this is what Jesus was indicating?

Also thank you for your latest article about Jesus being the High priest. I started reading it right away late last night, still more to go. I want to be like Paul where he said he was happy in any situation good or bad, this is my main prayer these days to drive out fear and worry.

I hope you and yours are well and blessed by the Lord
Response #20:
I'm sorry to hear about your pony, but it is good to know that the Lord gave you such comfort in losing her. We are all very attached to our beloved animals, and that it not a bad thing at all. They have spirits too, but no image of God so no need to believe in order to be delivered from the lake of fire.

Thanks also for the wonderful background and testimony.

"I want to be like Paul where he said he was happy in any situation good or bad" – me too! And it is possible to be so with spiritual growth, as long as we keep entering into the daily rest of faith and are consistently walking in the Spirit. There's room for improvement there for us all!
According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
Philippians 1:20-23 NKJV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
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