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Eschatology Issues CXLIII

Question #1:
Hi Bob,

No worries - I understand. It was at a time when you had a lot on your plate too, so I wasn't sure. Think I've got a couple more typos for you tomorrow.

Had a bit of success today. ___ managed to fix part of the pipe - so that was something to celebrate! The team are coming back at the weekend to line the whole pipe. It'll cost a lot but should see us out. Funny how you and I have had a similar sort of problem. Are dodgy pipes a good test from the Lord?!

CPR training went well on Monday and work went well today. Our new manager starts next week - at last! Hope she's nice.

So I'm ticking a few things off the long list. I hope things soon calm down for our brothers and sisters too. Must be good prep for us.

Did your new neighbours move in?

Just another couple of days and then your long weekend - hooray!

Love writing to you and you always help me through. Thanks Bob!

In Jesus
Response #1:
Good news on the pipe! Mine was an old terracotta line and the part that collapsed was under the back porch's concrete pad. Digging that out along with digging out the old line all the way along the exterior of the house would have cost twice what it did cost (and it cost plenty). These are good tests. 

Others have "better" ones. [omitted]. Don't know what is going to happen there (prayers appreciated). Another "good one" is our friend who, I just found out, got 1.2 million into debt on account of his wife having a very serious medical condition but them having no health insurance. I gather they worked day and night for years and dug out to the point where they are managing, but – good grief! – and I thought I had been "financially challenged". Another good one is my friends in Idaho who are living out of a camper selling real estate; she has developed a very debilitating condition (numbness in the limbs, etc.) and despite all manner of testing they can't figure it out – and I don't think they have health insurance either. 

I have learned that we all get the tests appropriate for us as individuals, so it's better not to think either that we are under-tested or over-tested in comparison to the trouble anyone else may be facing. We just need to be grateful to God that it's not worse for us and that He does see us through whatever it is we have to face personally – always. That is one "good" thing about the Tribulation too, namely, that for the most part, we'll all be in exactly the same boat.

Yes, I did meet my new neighbors. They seem nice (youngish but no kids). They are moving in gradually (one truck was unloading today). I'm pretty sure they'll be quiet enough, so that's a good thing.

Keeping up the prayers! 

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:
Hi Bob,

It sounds like a similar problem. When the team came out they used a camera to look at our terracotta line and could see some wear and tear (little cracks in the pipe) but thankfully it hasn't collapsed. So lining the pipe should solve that problem. Ours actually runs underneath the concrete floor in the dining room. So I'm very glad we won't have to dig the floor up to replace it. The part that __ fixed was further up in the loft (attic?) and it's plastic so it's a lot easier to deal with.

Good tests, but oh dear, Bob, seems nothing compared to the "better" ones our brothers and sisters are going through. So sorry to hear about ___. [omitted]. And __, and also your friends from Idaho too! I'll be praying for them all. The numbness in the limbs is baffling. There could be many causes for that but it's just finding it. People over here are always moaning about the NHS, but I'm very grateful for it. It's not perfect but it's been absolutely brilliant whenever we've needed it. That's my experience, anyway.

I think for me at the moment the test is more about handling the pressure of a lot of things being fired my way all at once. If it wasn't for the Lord helping me and your prayers for me, I'd feel like I was drowning in it all. The pressure is there, and it isn't easy, but at the same time deep down His peace is there too. He will take care of us - He will continue to provide - He is in control!

So when you say that we all get the tests appropriate for us as individuals, do you mean that the Lord knows our individual strengths and weaknesses and exactly the kind of tests that will strengthen our faith and help us to grow spiritually? 

Our strength to endure testing and temptation doesn't come from ourselves; it comes from God. The tests teach us to rely on Him, in His power and not ourselves. Philippians 4:13

One encouraging verse to remember is 1st Corinthians 10:13.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Romans 8:28-39 is so encouraging too. We are more than conquerors through him who loved us! And,

. . . for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:4

All very important to remember for the Tribulation.

Happy to hear your new neighbours seem nice too!

Keeping you in my prayers, Bob!

In Jesus
p.s. Happy to share this one. 
Response #2:
Probably if I had addressed the problem earlier I wouldn't have had such expense. When my line clogged before and it took them a lot of effort to clear it, they wanted to run a camera through but I declined. Had they done so, no doubt they would have found what your people found and been able to do something similar. I also passed on the water line insurance they have through our water co. (I actually didn't realize it included the sewer line too). It is what it is. I'm happy with the result . . . except for the paying it off part.

Health insurance is a big issue and a big problem here; not sure an NHS system would work with our demographics. As it is, this is one reason I plan to keep working. I have a group plan through the uni which is hard to beat.

Right. [omitted], and I gather that will be not so simple. (Idaho) thinks it's a result of being kicked by a horse sometime back. Seems to have something to do with the liver, but I have no idea. I'd like to know how things are going, but I try not to pester people too often in situations like this. It's a judgment call.

Yes, we have to fight on many fronts at once, and when things are going haywire on multiple fronts at the same time, it does get dicey and we do have our patience, our strength and our faith tested. I think of Jacob who had trouble everywhere he looked for a good part of his life . . . but the Lord blessed him and got him through everything. He "kept wrestling" in faith, and that is what we all need to do.

"If it wasn't for the Lord helping me . . ." Amen! That is so true for us all. And, yes, the Father knows what we need in terms of testing and also how our particular tests fit into the overall plan. Job had no idea that his ordeal was going to be a blessing to countless future believers while he was suffering through it at the time. We too are being observed, by angels and fellow Christians. So everything we do and say and think is important. We're none of us perfect, but believers who are walking closely with the Lord can have an impact through their life-witness that is ofttimes not noticed by themselves in the thick of the battle. We'll find out the details on the other side. In the meantime, all we really need to do is have faith that the Lord is working it out for good as long as we keep faith with Him. Because He is.

Great verses! Indeed, we can endure whatever we're called upon to endure with the help of the Spirit and the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ!
I have the strength to endure all things in the One who empowers me to do so.
Philippians 4:13
"All very important to remember for the Tribulation." Amen! And good preparation for it as well. Something else we need to remember when we find ourselves under pressure: the Lord is preparing us.

Keeping you in prayer for some relief, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., thanks for your willingness to share, and, speaking of relief, I just found out that the uni is closed tomorrow on account of the coming storm, so Fall break starts early!
Question #3:
So Doc, something I've truly realized very recently is that there truly is no point on trying to fix ourselves, either in sin or just aspects of our spiritual life in retrospection.

In other words, we cannot possibly know every little detail of our situation, only God can for sure, so trying to figure out everything that could have possibly gone wrong, even if it's to "do better next time" is a fools errand, because that's unknowable. It's like trying to extensively and manually scan the entire internet to see why a single webpage isn't working.

We can only know that we sinned, or otherwise didn't do as good as it could have been. This is why God only judges us on doing the best we can given the circumstances we know of, it wouldn't be fair to count it against us when it "could have been better" but we made an honest effort with our knowledge of truth and the situation, even in terms of mental and spiritual capacity from period to period of our walk, we can't "be at 100%, 100% of the time".

I should clarify, meant it's not a sin if we honestly don't do as good as we could have if circumstances were better or we had better knowledge that said circumstances didn't allow us to have.
Response #3:
I think it's a fair point.  Our knowledge is imperfect and so is our application, even for the most spiritually mature.
For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.
1st Corinthians 4:4-5 NKJV
I don't think I'd want to develop a theology about this, but practically speaking if we get all bollixed up about what exactly we did or didn't do yesterday we'll never end up doing anything positive today. The best policy, the only one that really works, is to just keep putting our heads down and doing what we ought to be doing NOW, not planning tomorrow or regretting yesterday but growing, progressing and producing TODAY.

So we confess when we sin (1Jn.1:9) . . . and move on, making a mental note not to fall into the same trap again. God helps us with that too (Heb.12:3-11).

During the Tribulation, it's going to be very important not to get subjective about "bad things happening" (if it's our fault at all, we confess; but there is a spiritual warfare element involved as well – just ask Job). We all need to keep focused on the bigger picture, remembering that God is the One who is in control. That's true now; it'll be doubly so then.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:
Hello doctor, 

I'm here pondering about how the old Testament believers kept their faith given; the perilous specific times they lived and the satanic attack upon their marriages (staying with unbeliever wives); Job, Lot and Hosea. 

What is there to learn from their life experiences? 

Thanks as always. God Bless you. 
Response #4:
It is true that believers today have wonderful advantages. We have the completed canon of scripture, the entire Bible; we have teaching ministries available to access anywhere any time on account of technology; and we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us permanently. So isn't it sad that so few believers today take advantage of these marvelous opportunities? It seems fair to say that the average Laodicean believer isn't doing nearly half as much with these great advantages as many of the great believers of the past did without a Bible (or much of one), without technology (for communication, at any rate), and without the indwelling Spirit. Moreover, we have the cross and resurrection as a reality; they had to look forward to that day in faith. And yet, what faith Abraham had! And all the great believers in the "catalog of biblical heroes" in Hebrews chapter eleven! And while it is true that these represent the cream of the crop, it's also the case that as Paul says, "time would fail" in listing all the wonderful Old Testament believers, even the ones we are given to know something about through scripture, let alone the very many more there must have been who are not mentioned in writing – but their names are written in heaven.

As to "how?" they "did it", they "did it" the same exact way we need to be "doing it", namely, they were given truth and then they believed it and applied it. As a bit of a history buff, I find it interesting how many servicemen have reported how that in times of danger they found themselves reciting the Lord's prayer or the 23rd Psalm. That is understandable (since these are two things that are often taught to be memorized in traditional Sunday schools). This is an example of very little truth being heavily relied upon, and that is no doubt what was the case in Old Testament times for most believers. They knew enough to be saved and enough to walk with the Lord by holding fast to what truth had been shared with them. That is the only way that Jacob, for example, got through all of his hardships in his life.
"If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you.”
Genesis 31:42 NIV

Then he blessed Joseph and said, “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked faithfully, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm – may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly on the earth.”
Genesis 48:15-16 NIV
Jacob had no Bible, no permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, no teacher – but he was given to know certain critical truths about the Lord and he trusted Him. That is essentially what it is all about down here on earth, after all, determining to trust/believe/have faith in the Lord and what He tells us no matter what. Faith is like voltage, and with enough of it, sufficient current can be passed through even a small wire. How sad that today when we are "wired up" like never before, for most in Laodicea there's not enough volts to generate even a small spark. All the more reason for those of us who do understand what is at stake to commit to being "live" and zealous for the Lord more and more day by day as we "see the day drawing near" (Heb.10:25; cf. Rom.13:11). Because once the Tribulation begins, we're going to need every bit of truth we've believed – and we won't regret a single minute we've spent preparing through giving attention to the truth.
Here are some links on this:
Biblical Role Models

Hebrews Chapter 11: The Catalog of Great Spiritual Heroes
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Bob, you are the consummate teacher! I've learned much from you both directly and indirectly. I want you to know I appreciate it.

I'm convinced you're right about the Tribulation. The evil twists and turns I see today convince me we're seeing the fat lady singing before the roses are thrown on stage and the curtain comes down. Scripture urges us to wait on the Lord, which is about all I'm doing at this point. Whatever he decides if fine with me.

Have a good semester and thank you for your prayers. You remain in my daily prayers.

In our Lord,
Response #5:
Thank you!

Greatly appreciated. Agreed re: the Tribulaton. We all will have to "wait on the Lord" for deliverance once the Tribulation begins, even more so than we do today. But while we're waiting, there is no substitute for spending quality time and effort devoting ourselves to spiritual growth. That is the one thing we CAN do to become adequately prepared for what's coming.

Keeping you in my prayers too, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:
Dr Luginbill,

First, thank you for your writings and responsiveness! It is truly a blessing to the Body of Christ!

My question is regarding Eph 3:20-21. I have come to believe that “church” includes all who have chosen to follow Yahweh, not just those who came to faith after Christ. I also believe it includes those who choose Christ in the future, up until the future final conflict and Satans final banishment.

However, those who hold to a dispensational model to interpret scripture insist there is a church “age” and only those born during this “age” can be part of the church.

Eph 3:20-21 seems to imply an unending status for the church given that the glory of Jesus will be seen thru it forever.

Have I misunderstood or mis-read the concept of the church or this verse?

Thank you!
Response #6:
Good to hear from you – and thanks for the kind words.

You are absolutely correct that the Church is not restricted to believers in the Church Age. Everyone who has ever been saved from the beginning until Jesus returns is part of His Body (those saved thereafter, the millennial believers, are "The Friends of the Bride"; see the link). 

It is odd that so many contemporary Christians get this wrong – as if, for example, Jews and gentiles before the cross are somehow not "of the Church", whereas, e.g., Paul makes it VERY clear that we gentiles who are saved today are grafted into the good olive tree of Israel, not the other way around (Rom.11:1ff.). Cf. Also:
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:11-13 NKJV
Clearly, the gentiles of the Church Age are blessed to have become part of the Body of believers which existed before. And since there is only one resurrection when the Lord returns, how would we not all be part of it, all who have believed since the beginning?

This is a just a very short reprise of a much bigger explanation to be found at the link: BB 6B: Eccelsiology: the Study of the Church (q.v.).

During the Tribulation, Israel per se, that is, Jewish believers, will again take the leadership role under the guidance of Moses and Elijah and the 144,000 Jewish evangelists (see the links). But we gentile believers and always will be part of the Body of Christ as well. And I am sure that there will be a role for us as well during those last seven years – if only we take pains to prepare for that now.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:
Dear Professor,

How are you doing? And how’s work going? We had a great time at our Sunday study. We are studying CT2 and all the time I’m amazed at how much work you put into it. Can’t imagine the time and mental agility it took. All your work is very precious to us. Thank you very much. 

Our study reminded me again about taking it one day at a time. “Wake up and get to the battle field. Prepare yourself as best you can because you don’t know what to expect.”

I really don’t have a lot to say. Just wanted to shoot an email saying hi. 

Have a blessed week ahead.

In Jesus,
Response #7:
Thanks for the vote of confidence, my friend! Coming from you, it's especially appreciated.

Work is going OK. The students were a little dead today. Makes it tougher for me since then I have to jump around a lot more to wake them up. But classes went well enough. I'll have some grading to do this week since I've given out midterms for my upper level classes. But that means we're headed towards the end pretty quickly . . . which is a GOOD thing!

Thanks also for reminder on "one day at a time". That is an important perspective to hold onto now – and will be doubly so during the Tribulation. Who can bear the entire seven years at once? But if we are not taking it one day at a time, it could feel that way. God gives us one at a time and all we need to do is walk with the Lord today "as long as it is called 'Today' " (Heb.3:13).

How is your health?

Keeping you guys in my daily prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:
As a student myself, very few days in class are exciting. I have to consciously remind myself from time to time why I am there. But the clinical aspect when we are by the patient’s bedside keeps you on your toes cause you can be asked any question and you’ll be laughed at if you give a stupid answer.

It is a very GOOD thing that we are headed towards the end. It would be almost impossible to endure this world otherwise.

We are all very healthy. _ gave us a little scare a few days ago when she sucked on a piece of mosquito coil which we usually burn to kill mosquitoes. By the mercies of our God, it didn’t harm her and when we rushed to the emergency we were told if anything was going to happen, it would have. She is very healthy, still learning to walk and talk and eating EVERYTHING she sees. It’s scary cause we have to watch her like hawks. 

I try to go for a one hour walk every morning and try to include vegetables in our meals with very little oil. Since my Dad is diabetic, I’m trying to avoid sugar as much as I can.

__ has had a cough for about a month now and he went to do a tuberculosis test yesterday. I pray and hope that’s not the issue cause it’s a six month treatment of about four drugs daily if it is.

I hope you’re doing okay health wise yourself Professor?

We are so blessed to always be in your prayers and you are always in ours too.

In Jesus, 
Response #8:
I like your eternity perspective, my friend! It really is the only way to keep our eyes on the Lord.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NKJV
I do my best to keep my students engaged. Latin and Greek are like solving puzzles and there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do in the process of learning them. Problem is that I don't have to power to teach students who aren't there. And students who don't study and/or don't want to concentrate in class will of course feel some pain. I do my best to help them along, but some days . . .

I'm glad to hear your daughter is OK! They have "child-proof" just about everything over here because all kids are apt to do this sort of thing.

Sorry to hear about __! I'd sooner think he's got some Covid variant, but I'm not that kind of "doctor". Let me know about the tests.

Doing OK. Still have a bad foot/ankle and shoulder, but functional enough to get by. Don't get me started on "the other stuff". When I still had the old Volvo, it got to the point where I had a mental list of about two dozen things that were wrong with it . . . but it still worked. LOL that's where I am: things "still work" . . . more or less. Prayers always appreciated!

Keeping you guys in mine day by day as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Thank you very much Professor. Your emails are always very very warm.

Students can definitely be very difficult.

Will let you know about __ as soon as we get the results.

I’m very happy you’re doing okay despite “the other stuff”. I’ve learned something new this morning, “things still work”. So very much to be grateful for.

In Jesus,
Response #9:
Re: "Students can definitely be very difficult." LOL, so can professors (just ask any of my students).

I'm praying for you all.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

We are doing well and in good health. 

I just want to ask you a question on your opinion about Cremation.

1. There are places in the Bible where it talks about the dead being buried, but no mention of cremation. 
2. I don't believe in cremation, and from what I read in Scripture, it was only for those who were cursed.
3. Many that die today are being cremated, because it is cheaper than be buried, and in my opinion, that is not a good excuse for cremation.

I would like to have your kind opinion on this subject, and what if anything, does the Bible say about it; which I am not aware of?

Thanks so much for your reply.

Make God's richest blessing be upon you always.

We are studying your teaching on Theology, and are amazed, especially ___, about the depth of your teachings. I am always amazed at your teachings, and always look forward to seeing what you write, for I always discover something new.

We thoroughly enjoy your studies.

Just want to say that Matthew 24 is coming alive at this time, and the times are getting worse with war, earthquakes, famines, etc. everywhere taking place.

Won't be long now, so I have been preparing us by studying your teaching, and fabulous it is, on Eschatology. I have been studying it for at least a year, more than once for myself.

There is so much more to be learned. I have been studying your teachings for at least 10 years now, and maybe more. I am still amazed how the LORD directed me to your website, and I am so thankful that He did.

Blessings to you always,

Your friends,
Response #10:
Always good to hear from you, my friend, and thanks as always for your encouraging words.

Re: cremation: First it's necessary to say that whatever happens to these physical bodies is of no account in terms of the ultimate resurrection of every human being – even unbelievers will be resurrected. It's a safe bet that the atoms of Adam and Eve are scattered around the globe by now (what the great flood etc.), but they will be resurrected when the Lord returns as will His entire Church.

So when it comes to the question of cremation, we believers understand that this is a personal matter which has its effect, if any, on the living, not the dead. Many Christians believe that burial is more honoring to the dead and sends a better message to the living, being more suggestive of our absolute faith that these dead bodies will one day rise. That may be true. On the other hand, if we have faith that what was said above is true, then the argument could be made the other way as well. My mother was very firm that she wanted burial for herself so of course we never even considered not following her wishes. For myself, since the Tribulation seems close at hand, and since there is a great likelihood that if one is a believer then he/she will be martyred therein, it is likely that the decision will not rest with ourselves or our loved ones. The beast and his minions are likely to dispose of our remains however they please; however they do it, I'm sure it won't be respectful. But at that point, we ourselves will be in heaven, regardless of what happens to our bodies . . . with only a few short months to go before the resurrection.

So I try not to weigh in with any sort of authoritative statements on this point, inasmuch as cremation as an issue is not mentioned in the Bible even though this was the normal way of treating the deceased in the pagan Greco-Roman world (the ashes were preserved; sometimes in very ornate cineraria). 

Here are a few links on this:
What does the Bible teach about cremation and the resurrected body?
It is Better on the Other Side
Is cremation permissible?
Burial or Cremation?
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
Hello Bob!

Why did Paul say that he has to spread the gospel? Would he go to hell if he didn’t and if yes why? Does this somehow apply to my calling? (if I don’t accomplish what I should, will I go to hell)

In Christ,
Response #11:
If Christians went to hell for not doing our job, we'd all be in trouble.  All believers are saved; only unbelievers go to hell (Jn.3:18), but we do lose out on rewards the Lord would like us to receive if we are deficient in spiritual growth, progress and production.  Were you thinking of this verse?
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
1st Corinthians 9:16 NKJV
If so, the next verse explains it:
For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
1st Corinthians 9:16 NKJV
Paul had been given a job to do – by the Lord Himself:
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he [Paul] is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Acts 9:15-16 NKJV
And to whom much is given, from them much is expected:
"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."
Luke 12:48b NKJV
We are all left here after salvation to glorify Jesus Christ. We do that by growing spiritually, by passing the maturity tests that come our way once we hit that level, and then by carrying out the ministries that Jesus assigns to us (1Cor.12:5). When He does so, that is a charge, that is a responsibility we ought to take seriously. We want to get a good report before Him on that day:
"His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' "
Matthew 25:21 NKJV
We don't want to suffer the fate of the bad steward:
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Matthew 24:45-51 NKJV
Our Lord uses the extreme example above of someone who not only doesn't do what they should do but actually reverts to unbeliever status and does what should not be done. The bad steward above is analogous to "ministers" in the church-visible who will join antichrist's world religion and be responsible for the shipwreck of the faith of those who follow them as well as of their own.

Paul will be one of the most highly rewarded individuals in the Church and will have his name inscribed on one of the foundation stones of New Jerusalem. He "worked harder" than all the rest of the apostles (1Cor.15:10; cf. 2Cor.11:23), though in humility he attests, "not me but the grace of God with me". We ALL should be walking through this world in the fear of the Lord, loving Him but also respecting Him, in order to make the most of the time we have been given and NEVER to be in danger of falling away. This verse you ask about explains Paul's application of this principle: being lukewarm may not be the same as falling away from the faith, but it is NOT good enough, not to earn a reward that glorifies the Lord . . .  and possibly not good enough to have the strength of faith necessary to make it through the Tribulation with that faith intact.
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."
Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV
During the Tribulation, being lukewarm will become virtually impossible. Believers in that state will either have to "warm up" rapidly or risk having "their love grow cold" (Matt.24:12), which is falling away under the pressures of that terrible time to come.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:
Dr. Luginbill,

As I mentioned in my last email, I am trying to teach our family the Gospel of Luke. There are some sections that are hard for me to understand thoroughly and therefore I can't teach it properly. We are currently in chapter 10 and verses 12 and 14 have raised questions.
Verse 12 - But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.
Verse 14 - But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.

I believe Jesus is talking about the Day of Judgement but I can't determine if it means the Great White Throne judgement or a judgement that God would bring that would occur during their lifetime here on earth. Also, it is talking specifically about certain cities (the cities that the seventy would enter while proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom, as well as Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum) but I assume He is referring to the people that live in those cities.

Anyway, many of the commentaries I have read seem to think those statements by Jesus indicate that there are degrees of punishment - that the punishment will be more tolerable for some than for others. I don't find scriptural support for the concept of degrees of punishment in Hell or in the Lake of Fire, but I can't otherwise explain what Jesus is saying here. Could you please give me some insight that would help me teach these passages properly?

Thank you so much. And please know that I pray for and study under your ministry every day.
Response #12:
I find commentaries largely useless. That is partly because of who writes them (scholars who are not necessarily even spiritually mature) and why they are written (not necessarily to teach doctrinal points or provide genuine encouragement based on the truth). Occasionally a helpful historical point or textual note will be provided, but I rarely use them (even though I own many of them), because even time invested in "seeing what they have to say" is usually time wasted.

No, there aren't variations in punishment. There are the saved and the unsaved. Period. There are variations of rewards with all believers having the same basic blessings in eternity (compare Matt.20:1-16). But there is one penalty for refusing Jesus Christ: the lake of fire. "Circles of hell" is an RC fiction (building on Dante), along with Purgatory.

So what does our Lord mean? The first and most important thing is to grasp His main point. That point is that His contemporaries, the very people who ought to have repented and rejoiced at His arrival were rejecting Him (and so were headed to hell); whereas at least these other towns had SOME believers (Sodom had Lot; Phonecia had the woman who received Elijah – and also the woman who importuned our Lord to heal her daughter). But Jesus found NO faith in the cities mentioned so that His point is to shame them with the relative example of otherwise unbelieving places they despised. This is very similar to when He says the following in Nazareth:
Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
Luke 4:23-27 NIV
Thanks for those prayers, my friend – and for all your good words and for your efforts on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ. Keeping you in my daily prayers as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:
Hello Dr. Lugbinbill,

I have a question concerning the Apostle Paul before he became a believer of Jesus Christ.

It seems to me that Paul rejected several verses given in Isaiah and Micah as follows:

Isaiah 6:8-10; Isaiah 7:14-16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2.

If Paul was tutored by Gamaliel what happened to his understanding of the above scripture. They seem to be very clear to me, but Paul rejects them and what they say about Jesus. Hmmmm.

He lived in Jerusalem and surely hears about Jesus being born in Micah 5:2.

Maybe it's because of 1 Corinthians 2:14 that he wrote later? Perhaps he did not understand the scriptures above????

Can you please give me your thoughts about my thoughts and also your thoughts..

Thanks always for your help.

I am currently writing a teaching on the subject titled "One Reason, One purpose. It is about Jesus, and sinful mankind, etc. I think from where the churches are going, this would be a good reminder, to get them back on the right track, as they say. I believe they have moved away from these subjects, and have forgotten scriptures.

Your friend,
Response #13:
Given that the entire Jewish people consistently rejected the truth even when confronted with it directly in the very person of the Messiah doing miracles and visibly fulfilling prophecy before their very eyes, I'm not sure that Paul presents any sort of special case.

Unbelievers can't really understand the truth in any case. The only way that the truth can settle in the heart is through the ministry of the Holy Spirit who makes it understandable. For unbelievers, He only does this with the gospel – because that is what they need so as to be saved and then afterwards to be able to learn all of God's truth.

Re: "I think from where the churches are going, this would be a good reminder, to get them back on the right track, as they say. I believe they have moved away from these subjects, and have forgotten scriptures." But I think your question, answered above, really IS apropos of your purpose. Because I think in dealing with "churches today" you are going to have the same problem that our Lord had in dealing with "the Jewish people then", namely, the one Isaiah speaks about:
"For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them."
Matthew 13:15 NIV
The churches today which are really growing in terms of numbers (not spiritually, of course) are all about "worship" and not Bible study, and their "worship" is generally over the top and spilling into all manner of charismatic and new age excess. The older line ones have fallen back into mere ritual. If there is no love of the truth, either because of a desire to have emotions stoked and ears itched on the one hand, or being complacently comfortable with rituals and forms of the past devoid of any interest in the truth, either way, you'll be dealing with lukewarm Laodicea – and she's getting cooler by the day.
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth!"
Revelation 3:15-16 NIV
But it's good of you to try! We're getting closer to the end day by day, and when the final seven years begin, everyone who has begun to prepare ahead of time will be so much better off than those who find themselves dropped "lukewarm" into the Tribulation.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:
I have one more question though, does Bema in 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:10 mean the sports idea (It just being for rewards or lack thereof, though I do believe there can be regret over having wasted opportunities if one didn't live a particularly godly life), or the court idea (referring in this case to the idea of being shamed or reprimanded for our sins as well)?

Please tell me your thoughts.

(I should clarify, I meant the regret will be purely during the Bema, there are no tears in our Heavenly home after all)
Response #14:
Paul does say during his discussion of the judgment seat of Christ that we thus "know what it is to fear the Lord" (2Cor.5:11); but there is no mention of shame or shaming. We all want to be rewarded; we all want to hear "well done!"; we all want the bonfire to be as small as possible (1Cor.3:12-15). Best way to achieve all that is to joyously move forward spiritually every day. Getting upset about past failure is something we are supposed to avoid (Phil.3:13). Failing to keep moving forward and allowing ourselves to focus on the past is the best way to undermine what we want and end up with what we don't . . . but we will all be happy in eternity. It's only unbelievers who ought to be neurosing over the eternal future.

So yes, the reward is according to the athletic analogy (link) and the reprimand according to the judicial analogy. What is our take away? Get moving spiritually NOW, and stick with it day by day. That is the only way to ensure the "well done!" we desire . . . and the only way to prepare for the dark days soon to come.

For much more on this, please see the link: "The Judgment and Reward of the Church"

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Bob I am seeing a big improvement in my health! I did pray for deliverance last night and also I continued with my Bible study plans last night even though I felt ill and tired. I was showing willing to God and I feel that is why He is responding to my faithfulness.

I did almost blow a gasket a moment ago. I haven't been messaging __ now for a long while but she keeps popping up now and again claiming something Biblically inaccurate. I have been sort of ignoring the messages as I feel like I am being goaded by them. Today she asked me to sign a petition to stop Christian persecution so in response I gave her a lot of Biblical evidence that this is part of the Christian walk and we expect this. I also sent another link to your study on Peter's Epistles and the studies on suffering.

She seemed to take it well but because I said 'We are truly near the last days'..it was as if I had pulled a pin out of a grenade. She just exploded and said 'The voice of doom again'. I did then gently try to explain that Christians should be looking forward to the Millennium Kingdom.

I have really tried with her Bob. It's as though quoting from the Bible is now nails down a chalkboard for her. I can't see how much longer she will abide in the faith at this rate. I try my best to not be as heavy handed as I used to be but Tribulation is a fact and even if I never talk to her again about it, she will still have to live through it. What can we do when Christians don't want to believe it will happen and don't want to prepare for it?

It is a scary thought. __ is very emblematic of Laodicea. She doesn't want to study the Bible or accept the authority of a sound ministry. She believes what she wants, when she wants and is furious when errors are pointed out. She gets her ears tickled easily and really is all over the place. No doubt this is why so many lukewarm believers are so gung ho about the pre-trib rapture. It makes me feel that the real reason is that they use it to justify a lukewarm faith and a lazy and careless attitude towards studying the Bible. 

__ doesn't want to be led towards maturity but wants to lead me instead towards damnable heresies (talking to the dead). I guess this is an education for me at the very least. No doubt I will meet this time and time again in ministry.

I probably should take the epithet 'voice of doom' as a compliment. Those are the kind of names given to the prophets of old after all!

2 Cor 2:16
To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?

If someone of faith becomes antagonistic to the Word itself..what then. I worry for __. If she doesn't heat up soon she will be in trouble. Even before the Tribulation though, what worries me is that she will fall away. Her faith is hanging by a gossamer thread but she refuses to do what will make her faith stronger. Maybe what is at root of this is that she truly loves the world more.
So sad and frustrating to see.

In Jesus,
p.s., Also thanks so much for all your work on the ceremonial calendar and the seven days of human history (links). It has helped me in so many ways! Thank you so much for all your hard work. It took me a very long time to get my head round Daniel's 70th week but I am getting there now!

In Him,
Response #15:
I am thrilled to hear that your health is on the mend, my friend! I'm keeping that in my daily prayers.

Re: "What can we do when Christians don't want to believe it will happen and don't want to prepare for it?" As you mention later, that is Laodicea in a nutshell. Besides praying for them, we can't do anything except to witness to the truth, and then only effectively to those who have ears to hear. Unless and until they respond, the reaction you provoked is typical. On a very basic level, people really do understand that they are rejecting the truth, and no one who is doing so ever appreciates that being pointed out – except in those very rare cases where the person is being led by the Lord to open up, and that requires something coming from inside them prodded by the Spirit, and not from outside from us.

Once again, there are individuals to whom our ministries are welcome and those to whom they are not. Best to concentrate on the former group – and even here there are likely to be great variations in the degree of "welcome-ness". Yes, this is Laodicea, and the vast majority of believers are not really interested in the truth at all, and even those who are, are very likely not "red hot" for it but only a degree or two warmer than tepid.

Once the Tribulation begins, the pressures will be great to "heat up" or "cool off" completely. I thank God for believers like yourself who are preparing ahead of time. That is the only sure way to be safe.
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
John 17:15-17 NIV
Thanks for your prayers too, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Dear Bob 

I hope all is well with you and yours ln the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus.

My daughter thinks Trump and Elon Musk may be the anti-Christ's etc. I certainly hope and pray that they are not, since Trump had the head injury and Musk wanting to put chips in people's brains.

I would love a yes or no answer on your advice when you have the time.

best wishes 

__ in Tasmania.
Response #16:
There are a lot of people who are upset about recent events.

Re: "I would love a yes or no answer" . . . as would we all on this! About the best I can do is "probably not". The reason for that is that scripture is clear about the beast not "being revealed" until the Tribulation begins. We will know for certain who he is only after the Tribulation starts, but there will be no doubt about the start of the Tribulation (it hasn't begun yet):
(1) And when He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. (2) And I saw the seven angels who stood before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. (3) And another angel with a golden censer came and stood by the altar, and much incense was given to him so that he might offer it for the prayers of the saints on the golden altar in front of the throne. (4) And smoke from the incense went up from the hand of the angel before God for the prayers of the saints. (5) Then the angel took the incense holder and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it to the earth. And there occurred thunderous voices(1) and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Revelation 8:1-5
These are unmistakable signs and sounds which will be perceptible around the world (as with many such things which will happen during those seven years).

In terms of "chips in brains", I can say for certain that this has nothing whatsoever to do with "the mark of the beast". That mark is a visible tattoo whose purpose is not to alter behavior but to demonstrate allegiance to antichrist, not some means of control and definitely not something which will be imposed against a person's will. There will be coercion to take the mark, as scripture makes clear, but only those who agree will be marked (and it is only a mark). Here's link on that which will lead to more: "What is the mark?".

In terms of "wounds", the one the beast receives is said to have been "fatal", literally, "a blow of death" (Rev.13:3; 13:12); the world will be convinced that he rose from the dead, so traumatic will it seem. I think we can safely say that being nicked in the ear, while no one would want that, is not on this level. Also, this event happens at the mid-point of the Tribulation, right at the commencement of the Great Tribulation, and we have already established that the Tribulation has not yet begun.

Throughout history there have been many "good candidates" for antichrist (Hitler, for example, seemed to some to be so incontrovertibly). But the idea we have of the beast from popular culture is not the picture he is likely to present to the world. Instead of stirring up hostility he will be well-received by most since most will be deceived by him. As I have opined in the past, a religious figure who then becomes political is a likely scenario. After all, he is anti-Christ, portraying himself to actually be Christ. I know of no one in the media mix at present who even comes close to matching those credentials.

I don't know the future; I only know what the Bible tells us about it, and one thing is clear: there is no prophecy being currently fulfilled. That is all in abeyance until the Tribulation starts. Anything that happens beforehand may be conducive to the developments the Bible relates for those seven years, but we can't say for sure. So we will just have to wait and see.

Here's the largest and most applicable posting to the details in your question: CT 3B: Antichrist and his Kingdom.

Please do feel free to write me back about any of the above.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Hello Bob,

I can always rely on you for a commonsense answer and last night I was reading your work about the tribulation and was glad I did again, so, many thanks for the clarification that you gave me in your reply.

Take care 

God bless in the name of Jesus.
Response #17:
You're most welcome!

Do feel free to write back any time.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:
Noticed in one of the letters in your latest emails, the correspondent seemed glad Biden didn’t win but was concerned about Trump as he was dangerous and might usher the end. Well, the end is coming but it would not be Trump ushering the end, it would be God’s plan using him. As for him being dangerous, whatever that means - like the end of democracy chant during the election campaign by so many in the opposition. Funny how socialists of all stripes always want democracy to get power then it's, as it was said in Africa in the 60s and 70s, one man, one vote - one time. The founding fathers recognized democracy as a system of human government was a recipe for eventual destruction. That’s why they organized a constitutional republic, not a democracy, so that the passions of any particular time did not automatically destroy the country though they might come close. Also why they designed the electoral college, the appointment of senators by state legislatures (no longer true thanks to the 17th amendment) and made constitutional amendments so difficult. The fact most people now are not aware of that is thanks to the poor public and college educational system of the last 50+ years. Was it perfect or is it now, not by any means since its made and run by humans. But they did establish a representative government providing a greater degree of freedom to its citizens than its predecessors. That’s the only reason, aside from divine will and the Marine Corps (had to include that), why what became the US has been around for some 248 years. 

As a citizen I have a legal right and opportunity to vote in elections and most times do but also recognize that my vote is subject to His will; one cannot become caught up in politics to the point its seen as the ultimate answer to problems. We see so much of that in this day and time from all the political parties and numerous media outlets of every stripe. Do I lose sleep over or stay up late watching electoral results of any kind, no; if someone wants to, that’s their choice and I am glad they have that choice in this country. We are in the world but not of it; we render unto Caesar but also to God; remembering who’s is what is the key. While it's normal as a citizen to be saddened by the failures in and of one’s country and its leaders, such is the history of mankind. Our faith and hope is to be in Him not some person or party. We live in a country that allows its citizens to have some say thru elections but politics remains a false god for those who put their faith in it as the answer to the wrongs of the world.

I see this recent election as possibly setting the stage for what “peace and prosperity” people think there is before it really hits the fan in the near future. The Left and their allies have created the control and propaganda system that wasn’t utilized to its fullest and the conservatives will likely begin to revitalize the military and industry to toughen up the country so that when the Antichrist does appear, the basic tools are there for him to use to begin his military conquests and establish political control. So I still think its likely his reign will initially have a “conservative” face rather than a “liberal” one, though it will not really be either because its Lucifer in control in his effort to wipe out the human race in his continued campaign to thwart the Almighty, though his doom is sure. But we will know its true nature when it comes by continuing to prepare in knowing the Word while being vigilant and resting upon faith in the Lord and not in any human or man-made entity or idea.
Response #18:
Great stuff! Couldn't agree more (especially about the Corps).

If we still had only property owners allowed to vote (I would happily add all vets), it would be a different republic alright.

People don't realize what true democracy would look like. Don't think they'd like it much. The Athenian democracy was very intrusive domestically (one was an "idiot" literally and etymologically for resisting engaged participation) and externally aggressive, producing an empire which almost resulted in the complete destruction of the city (after the 2nd PW the Spartans in a fit of Realpolitik prevented the allies from razing the city and enslaving the inhabitants only because they knew Athens would be a good check on Thebes in the future). People who are upset by "too much politics" would be really put off by the Athenian model, the original democracy, where you essentially got drafted to be the equivalent of a senator/representative for a year (and full time day/night "watch officer" service for a month of that stint). Everyone was in the army or the navy.  Jury duty paid much better, however.

I'm also looking to the religious realm for signs of the beast's rise. He will pretend to be the Messiah. Seems like things might start there and spill over into politics afterward.

Thanks the for the great insights, my friend! Hope you don't mind this getting posted pretty soon.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Bob,

The Archbishop of Canterbury (Church of England) has resigned today due to a child abuse cover-up scandal. He is a much divisive and even despised figure and there were 10,000 signatures calling for his ousting from the church. Of course I only pay heed to the ebbs and flows of the church visible so as to keep track of it but it is a good reminder that people who mock God, who sin with a high hand or push false teaching and create confusion and schisms (no matter how high their positions are from the world's view) the Lord can and will eventually humble and bring low such people.

I thought that while on one hand we can all weep for how bad the Laodicean church is, we can be encouraged to see that God doesn't allow mockers and wolves to pull us all into disrepute and despair forever. God is still on the throne! He answers our prayers and although things can look very bleak at times, He hears us and He delivers us from evil and those who practice it!

In Jesus,
p.s., I need to add something else that may be important to your ministry followers. In the UK we have a news channel that is very similar in politics and presentation as Fox News, it is called GB News. There used to be a presenter on there called Calvin Robinson who used to be an Anglican cleric with a show called Calvin's Common Sense Crusade. He has a very warlike and Knights Templar view of spiritual warfare and makes use of that imagery a lot. His broadcasts were solely about fighting against everything considered 'woke' and was very political in his outlook whilst wearing a 'dog collar' on TV. I was always uneasy and creeped out with this blending of tabloid news with religion and the tying up the Bible with the culture wars. The problem is that because so much media in the UK is tied up in promotion of ridiculous ideology, the only channel against it was followed by people as the 'voice of reason'. I am getting to my point now.. Calvin was ousted from the channel and now has a podcast called the 'Lotus Eaters' (notice the Hindu reference of the lotus flower). This person is incredibly influential over Christians in this country a bit like Tucker Carlson. I notice there is a pattern of a media person gaining trust and following from Christians and then they are booted off because they are controversial, so they set up a channel elsewhere where they then push more radical content (like the slowly boiled frog). I do wonder if they are all truly on the same side but they do what the Gestapo used to do, when they shot one of their own officers so that the affiliation would not be suspected. What I have only just found out today is that this commentator who has a huge influence over Christians here, he has recently become a Catholic Priest and actually wrote on Facebook today that all Christians need to go under Rome again!! When someone quizzed him about this he said "if you are for a divided church then you are against the church". The main reason I am adding this is that it looks to be playing out just as you have written it to be that there will be two religions duking it out : the Antichrist Vs the Mahdi. So it looks strongly as though the Antichrist will head a New Age religion whereas the Mahdi will head a Chrislam religion of Catholics, Muslims and Eastern Orthodox combined. In that Wide is the Gate documentary, one commentator did say that it looks like there will be a fight between a "false Abrahamic religion messiah" and a New Age one and so far that does look to be playing out. So it looks like the political left/right divide (which are deadly enemies at this point) will just feed into either the New Age under Antichrist (left) against the "false Abrahamic religion" under Mahdi (right) with Jews and Christians completely cast as pariahs. So the fight against 'woke' may lead to the Mahdi, whilst the embracing of woke may lead to the Antichrist. Of course, we will only know for sure once things start to unravel and be revealed. Satan can't keep his cards to his chest forever though and at some point has to 'show his hand'. Something else to note is that this Calvin Robinson is very pro-Trump. Just thought you may be interested in another 'heads up'. Things are moving like greased roller skates over here! 
Response #19:
Very interesting report.

There are a lot of "pluses" for a scenario that makes the beast an R.C. leader. As mentioned in previous posts and elsewhere, positing antichrist as a religious even more than a political leader makes a great deal of sense to me, given especially his title: anti-Christ. He will claim to be the Messiah. That does have political implications, obviously, but it would seem to have to begin on the religious side of things and then morph over into the political realm.

I wasn't aware of any of these developments in the UK. I have long been amazed (maybe appalled is better) at so many "conservatives" over here actually converting from one Christian group or another to the R.C. religion – as if there is purity there. Abortion has a lot to do with it. It's noteworthy that while it is of course a horrible thing, the false viewpoint about the beginning of life has helped to fuel it as a political issue with the R.C.'s right out front on that. That's true to one degree or another in many of the fronts of the "cultural wars". So this isn't particularly surprising. It certainly makes sense from a tactical point of view that the devil would be pushing outrageous anti-God and anti-law policies on one side, while he backs fatally flawed individuals and groups with doctrinal incorrect and often dangerous viewpoints on the other as the only solution. Seeing the beast as coming from the right in response to over-stepping on the left is a reasonable scenario. But so is the opposite one. I've opined in the past about the possibility of antichrist being a "transcending" figure who will somehow coopt and appeal to both sides. We shall see.

The growing dysfunction is a clear harbinger of the end and thus is all the more reason for genuine believers who are serious about the truth to double down on spiritual growth and preparing for what lies ahead – because as you intimate, it doesn't look like there's going to be much of a middle ground between these two equally satanic extremes.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:
Hi Bob,

Of course these things we won't know for certain until they are actually happening, as so much can change in so short a time. I just wanted to comment about what is 'in the water' these days and there is overwhelming evidence that the anti-woke pundits have big Catholic affiliations so something to be extra wary of. 

Of course there is the whole 'New Age' stuff too and that is getting more and more ubiquitous day by day. It is good to be wary of most things at this point that cannot be verified by the Word!

I have certainly had my fill of political and social commentary pundits to last a lifetime. When it comes to following any such discourse in the public square, I have found a personal fickleness towards them all has always been a good solid inoculation from being carried too far down the stream along with any one of them.

Just another thing to note (to support my initial assertion)... The conspiratorial world has strong Catholic connections too. Two big conspiracy theory pundits 'Russell Brand' and 'Jordan Peterson' have both recently converted to Catholicism (with a New Age twist). Also a YouTuber called John Campbell who is an ex-nurse who was meant to be a source of alternative media during the pandemic (who has now become a strident anti-vaxxer) recently made a bizarre video claiming that the Shroud of Turin was really the shroud used to wrap our Lord and Saviour!

So things are getting very interesting (if the definition of interesting is actually weird and startling!!) Seems like the emerging-merging church has both feet in the New Age AND Catholicism (with also a nod to conspiracy theory) At this point, like the Grand National, it's an 'any horse race' (seeing as all the horses up to run for deceptive purposes are from Satan's stable!)

In Jesus,
Response #20:
"Merging church" is right! That is an excellent way to put it, my friend. And that is what will happen in the Tribulation with it all merging into one big mess . . . with us who truly love the Lord left out (see the link: the Tribulational Religion of Antichrist). Happy to be left out of that "party". It's going to cost us to refrain from joining, but we have already "counted the cost" and know that eternal life is well worth it – especially considering the alternative. 

Thanks for the info. I've heard of some of these characters but not all of them. I should probably follow these things more closely. But, soon, all I'll need to do is stay current on your website!

And that's right, they may "horses of a different color" but there all nags in the end.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/