http://ichthys.com/ 
Eschatology Issues CLXI

Question #1:
Can Revelation 13:18 be transliterated as follows?

Here is wisdom. He who has understanding let him count the number of the Beast: For (why - because) it is (consist of) the number of a man; and its number is six-hundred threescore
and six. 

Here is wisdom. He who has understanding let him count the number of the Beast: because it consist of the number of a man; and its (Beast’s) number is six-hundred threescore
and six. 

[omitted]

Thus, the reason for counting (calculating) the number of the Beast is because it contains as a component of, constructed within it, the number of a man.
Response #1:
I don't have any quarrels with the Greek text you provide (except to say that "mind" / Greek noun, does not have the definite article in the original text, a fact that doesn't seem of great significance to your particular question). As far as the verb "to be" meaning "consists of / in", that is very unusual thing, and, more to the point, would generally only be the case when used with a preposition to signal / indicate the same (as in the example you cite, Luke 1215, "does not consist in / of" actually has the preposition "in" / en in combination with "abundance"). 

As to your conclusion, however, I don't initially see any problem with your proposition (whichever way you translate the verse). 

*In either case, calculating the Beast's number is key to identifying that he (i.e., the person one subjects to the test) is indeed antichrist. Since he will be masquerading as Christ, that will indeed be an important final line of defense for those who are wavering on the fringe of faith under the pressures of the Tribulation and the Great Persecution. As I often point out, this i.d. is a litmus test to be employed after the fact – NOT a means of identifying antichrist before the Tribulation begins.

Here are some links to where I discuss this issue in detail:
Do not take the mark (in CT 7)

Antichrist:  the Mark, the Number, and the Identification of the Beast

Numbers, Letters, and the Mark of the Beast.

Speculations about the number of the beast

The mark of the beast and "biometry"

The mark of the beast

Is the mark a tattoo?

Aspects of the Unseen Angelic Warfare and 666, the Mark of the Beast

The Trinity and the mark

The idea of the mark

The 144,000: God's Seal vs. the Mark of the Beast
In our Lord who is our hope of deliverance.

Bob L.
Question #2:
Hey Dr. Luginbill, 

How have you been? 

So, you may have heard that __ was shot (sadly and unfortunately). I never knew about him until now and heard he was a Christian right-wing political activist who would debate liberal college and university students on various subjects related to faith, moral issues, and politics. Of course, some of his beliefs and values were biblical (and I believe he'll be greatly rewarded for all the genuine good he did during his time on earth) but I took issue with his stance that those who don't vote are in rebellion against God and he uses Jeremiah 29:7 as one of his major "proof verses" to "prove" that believers should vote and involve themselves in politics. I understand that this verse doesn't prove his point but the "how" is what I can't seem to pull together in my mind. Wouldn't you say he's taking this verse out of context? He mentioned that the Bible has so much to say related to the subject of politics and that it confirms we should involve ourselves in them but I don't see where he's getting all these passages from. Some reference many Old Testament figures being in high positions of leadership such as David and Joseph (as but only two examples that one could think of). 

__ mentions that the church should care about what's going on in the world. Of course, we should care, but that isn't really the issue because caring (best achieved through maximum spiritual growth) and, therefore, praying for our country, its leaders and government, is not the same thing as involving ourselves in politics. The question is, how do we react to the evil so prevalent in this world? Through spiritual growth, progress, and production. There's a way to let our light shine before men and to be the salt of the earth and political involvement is not that solution. Christ's message to Laodicea tells us to repent. So, what right or business does the church think they have forcing themselves into politics (as if that is what God actually wants us to do) when the real issue is repentance Revelation 3:19? The church needs to change spiritually. 

Now, I get that we shouldn't word it this way, but truly being the salt of the earth is, in a sense, trying to make the world a better place by bringing more unbelievers to Christ and helping believers grow spiritually through the ministries we've all been assigned, correct? Do you think that if the church wasn't so lukewarm and was doing its job properly that we would naturally have more godly leaders? And what if some of those leaders were believers? Would it be wrong for them to be in those positions? 

I guess what I'm saying is, the church is trying to change the world spiritually (which could result in a lot of positive changes in the secular and political arena that could occur by default). You take those Christians who believe we should be involved in politics (of which we don't agree). I believe their goal is similar if not the same as ours (even though we can never make heaven on earth and only God can ultimately "set things right" in the end). However, the big difference is the way, means, or method by which they are trying to accomplish that goal we are all after. Spiritual means trump political means (just as how an ax is clearly better at cutting down the same tree than a standard nail hammer; the hammer just doesn't work). 

I think a more godly remnant would naturally result in less crime and moral issues, even though those things will always be far from wiped out, and the gog and Magog rebellion at the end of the Millennium will prove this quite vividly because not even near perfect, "Eden like" conditions with God's knowledge everywhere will be enough to sway the most staunch supporters of the Devil's cause.

__ believed that if you don't involve yourselves in politics, then you don't care about them ( a true statement I suppose). But they equate this with not caring about or being informed on what's going on in the world. Of course we Christians should care about sinful behavior and all the pain and suffering occurring. The real issue, to me, is, "How do we react to Satan's world system?" The answer is through spiritual growth, progress, and production, of which politics is counterproductive to those things (whether physically or emotionally involved). 

But then comes the question, where do you draw the lines on "political involvement? To me, there is nothing wrong with voting (although, absent the church's repentance, it's not gonna change what's about to occur; the Tribulation). Emotionally? Yes. Physically? Yes, but how? I would say by going on marches and running for various types of offices, etc (you take the list below as a reference). 

But would fighting sex trafficking and ministering to victims (as only one or two examples) be considered "politics" of some kind? I wouldn't say so (I legit believe there are believers out there called to such work in order to be missionaries to them). What about the military, especially when aiding other countries when dangerously engaged with others. Yes, some do consider military service (as a way of serving or giving back to their country) a form of political involvement, and I don't doubt some believers are called to serve. So, would we not have to specify what we mean by political involvement and where to draw the lines? Because if we don't, my concern is that some may think people like you and I are against people using their spiritual gifts to help where God may actually want them. 

I did a quick google search of what it means and got a non-comprehensive list from a limited answer. Political involvement involves voting, campaigning, donating (to candidates or political organizations), contacting officials, protesting, petitioning, and joining political organizations. 

Sincerely in Christ, 
Response #2:
I agree with your analysis completely. There's nothing wrong with voting nor are the other activities you list in the last paragraph sinful. My point is that spiritual growth, progress and production is infinitely more important AND is infinitely more practical in terms of actually doing something to help one's country. Because God can do anything. But human beings can only do very little without God's help. And if the individual Christians we are talking about aren't even spiritually mature, then what are the chances that the little they are trying to achieve is even right to do or done in a right way? 

Here are some links to where I deal with these issues:
Politics versus Spiritual Growth I
Politics versus Spiritual Growth II
Politics versus Spiritual Growth III
Politics versus Spiritual Growth IV
*I would very much recommend giving this individual's movement a very wide berth. I don't want to malign the dead, but in the interest of spiritual safety I will say that I have heard some very disturbing things about him and his "operations", things which are, let's just say, decidedly un-Christian.

It's a common thing for politicians and grifters on the make to wrap themselves in sheep's clothing in order to better exploit their victims. Christians, sheep, tend to be very gullible, despite the fact that our Lord has warned us about the wolves and told us in no uncertain terms to be wise as serpents (even as we are acting with dove-like innocence: Matt.10:16).
Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you."
Matthew 24:4 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Thanks for the heads up and you're right- he may have been a wolf in sheep's clothing. I can't judge and say whether he's with the Lord or not but I do wonder. 

I just recently heard about this guy when his death appeared in the news but anyone who says those divorced from politics are in rebellion against God sounds very suspect (in the sense of whether or not they are really saved, not saying this automatically makes him an unbeliever). I looked into him a bit more after reading your email and yeah, you're right that he holds some troubling views (ones I wasn't aware of at first). That didn't take long at all! 

The first time I watched one of his videos on whether the church should involve itself in politics, I was so irritated and couldn't listen to the 25 minute video without constantly pausing out of irritation (that was actually before your email response to me). I don't know why I forced myself to watch that video but it was complete rubbish. So many have come to his defense as if he was some Christian martyr but I doubt that. I have no issue with people debating moral/spiritual subjects if apologetics is their calling. But this man's political involvement and overall beliefs were troubling to say the least. Yeah, thanks for informing me more about him! 

Regarding some of the questions I had in the previous email, how do you interpret Jeremiah 29:7 (a "proof" passage used by some to force the issue of voting and political involvement)? 

Where should we draw the line on what is political involvement and what is not? You don't think fighting sex trafficking or ministering to victims is negative? I wouldn't say so because what about believers involved in the police force or the military? That isn't political involvement in the negative sense we believe but still considered so by some in a sense. It's not as if we believe involvement of all and any kind in the world is a bad idea. 

With that said, do you think we should specify what we mean by political involvement?

Thought I'd run this by you quick and if it's any comfort or encouragement to you, I've come to agree (after some time, study, prayer, and thought) with your view that James was written after Hebrews, not long before as the traditional view holds. It makes perfect sense, and I didn't see how I couldn't agree with it. 

In Christ, 
Response #3:
Thanks for the vote of confidence on Hebrews/James.

Re: "fighting sex trafficking or ministering to victims", I would note that these are two different things entirely. To use a loose analogy, slavery is something most of us find entirely repugnant, but they did have it in the ancient world of course. Did Paul or the others every advocate for some sort of political campaign to eradicate it? Not at all. Did they do what they could to minister to slaves just as much as to free men? Yes they did, with the aim of giving them the gospel and leading them forward spiritually, not of offering them comfort in their bonds for its own sake. Because what everyone needs is to be saved and to grow. 

I have no problem with endeavoring to "do good to all people" but I would finish the verse: "especially to those who belong to the family of believers", pointing out that the doing of good to those who are not believers is primarily for the purpose of leading them to faith in Jesus Christ. 

But taking political action is not what we are about. You and I both could easily and quickly come up with several dozen or more evil activities, criminal enterprises and outrageous injustices both at home and abroad. If we set ourselves to fix them, "to fix the world", we would only have any success at all if God were "in it". If this is what He wants us to do, then indeed He would be "in it". But if it is not what He wants us to do, if by "fighting evil" we are actually playing the devil's game and only distracting ourselves away from what it is He truly wants us to do (grow, progress, produce), then He will not be "in it" and we will be doing no one any true good in the end, least of all ourselves. Hyper-involvement in politics in order to "help God" smacks of Gnosticism; attempting to "bring in the kingdom" through earthly political means as the Dominionists claim to be doing is downright satanic (see the link).
"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Jeremiah 29:7 NIV
The first half of this verse is explained by the second. How do we "seek the peace and prosperity" of our country? First, we pray for it (and we should all be doing that of course); second, we do our best to commit to spiritual growth, progress in the testing that makes us fit for ministry, and then producing for the Lord a good crop in the ministry He gives us. If we do that, we are becoming the "salt" that preserves a nation through the blessing by association the Lord provides. But trying to put ourselves in the place of God and "fix it for Him" has things absolutely backwards from a spiritual point of view.  See the links:
Politics and Political Action on the Eve of the Tribulation
Politics versus Spiritual Growth II
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:
Hey Dr. Luginbill, 

Just a possible oversight I wanted to clear up (and an additional question). 

Can political action depend on the circumstances around fighting sex trafficking? For example, there are many believers who work for the government. Some government workers are more specifically paid to fight sex trafficking and that is a big part of their bread and butter. You wouldn't consider that political action, would you? To me, it doesn't seem any different than getting paid to go fight in the military or to be in law enforcement combating crime (you have your detectives as well). I just want to make sure we are on the same page here. 

On a totally different subject, there was a discussion a while back that circulated on the issue of believing works as necessary for salvation as proof for one's faith versus trusting in the works themselves. There are people who, for example, believe water baptism is necessary for salvation. But there seem to be two different groups who hold to that view. The first I'll mention are those who (assuming they exist) believe that water baptism has some magical saving power to it and that is why it is necessary for salvation. I would say if a person truly believes this they aren't really saved. 

However, you have the other group that believes you have to be water baptized to be saved, not because the baptism itself saves (only faith in Christ alone does that) but because faith without works is dead James 2:26. In other words, they might say that if a person refuses water baptism, that is a sign that they aren't truly saved despite those people having believed because they would argue "Why wouldn't you want to obey the Lord's command?" (it isn't commanded anywhere in Scripture but I'm only phrasing it this way from their perspective for sake of argument). Do you believe these types of individuals (distinguished from the first group) are saved? 

In Christ, 
Response #4:
It goes without saying that police officers and prosecutors will be working to suppress criminal enterprises and networks. That is their job. It's not our job (beyond praying for them). If one wanted to see just how misguided Christian crusading on such issues can, all they need do is have a look at Prohibition. That led to many ruined businesses, lives and families, the burgeoning of organized crime . . . and probably didn't stop a single person who was bent on it from getting drunk.

Re: "works as necessary for salvation as proof for one's faith". That is a conflation of two entirely different things. Genuine Christian good works are proof of one's faith. That is James' entire point. Works however are NOT necessary for salvation and indeed are inimical to it if a person, like Cain, is offering up their own works to God in hopes of being saved as a result of what they do instead of what Christ did. All one needs to do is read this passage carefully:
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV
People often overlook the last part. Godly, genuine good works are the result of being saved and responding to God's grace – not the cause of salvation. Legalists have things entirely backwards, as in "we do and God blesses", whereas in fact "God does and blesses us with being able to do".

The second part here is the question, "what are good works?" And the answer is "things that God actually wants us to do". Our shorthand for this is "spiritual growth, progress and progression". This includes forward progress but of course also sanctification. The latter means that we do what He wants but refrain from what He doesn't want us to do. 

Does God want us to water-baptize or get water-baptized? We have been over that question repeatedly and there are many postings at Ichthys (here's one link) explaining that the answer is a very clear "no!", so that doing it would be doing something God does not want us to do which is the opposite of good works. What it is is legalism, and thus very spiritually dangerous.

Just because people are able to gin up guilt feelings because of good Bible-believing Christians not doing things the way "they've always been done" doesn't mean that we actually need to feel guilty since we are in fact not guilty on this point or on any related point (like going to some church which is not helpful to actual growth; see the link).

So, re: "Why wouldn't you want to obey the Lord's command?" We would! We do (as best we can). And I counter, "Why are you violating the Lord's commandments and will by turning back to the Law and by inventing rules and by claiming 'the Lord said' when the Lord didn't say?"
"Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,’ when the LORD had not spoken."
Ezekiel 22:28 NKJV
Only God knows who is saved. But we know enough to stay away from people and groups who/which are involved in spiritually questionable behavior.

How goes the job situation?

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Good afternoon,

I hope all is well with you and your family. Once again, I’d like to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the body of Christ. Ichthys has been a real blessing to me and to my faith. I read my Bible in the morning and read Ichthys throughout my day at work when I have time. My father has his Maters in Theology and is working on his Doctorate, and your site has helped him in his studies in many ways.

I just want to bring up something that crosses my mind quite a bit that I’d like to get your opinion on. Please forgive me if this is silly or irrational logic. I know, as believers, we face opposition and attacks from the evil one and his minions when we are growing in our faith and relationship with Christ. I just don’t seem to be facing any opposition to my spiritual growth at all. It makes me wonder if I am really growing the way that I should be. My wife, children, and my self are beyond blessed. Everyone is healthy and happy, and we have more than enough resources to go around. I guess there could be opposition that I just don’t stress because I, without a doubt, know that our heavenly Father will provide for us and give us what we need in his timing no matter what. There are normal issues that everyone goes through, especially with three daughters, but nothing that I think about as being super stressful or testing my faith.

Maybe I am thinking too much about it but wanted to ask to get your opinion and take on it. I do know that I am always looking at every situation or problem as a test from God and always pointing my family back to Him so that it can be seen properly and passed with faith. Who knows, maybe major testing is on the way. I do know that if it is, I will rely on God to see me and my family through it and will bear up under it and use it as an opportunity to increase our faith and to show our faith as genuine. God bless and thanks in advance for answering this for me. I know you are a very busy man. 
Response #5:
Good to hear from you.

I'm delighted to hear that all is going well! As far as seeing that as a problem, might I suggest that if you are not getting serious testing, perhaps at this point you don't need it to grow or that it might not be particularly helpful. The Lord will provide what you need when you need as He does for us all, be it discipline or blessing, testing or respite.

Normally I get the opposite sort of email, believers who feel that they are being stretched beyond the breaking point and as a result often blaming themselves for the trouble, casting their gaze far back in their lives for the source (as Job did). Speaking of Job, he was blessed beyond measure, then tested beyond measure, then blessed beyond measure again. Most of us don't experience either the level of blessing that came his way before and/or after, nor the level of testing that he experienced in between. Job handled it all well (the testing too, right up until the point his "friends" got his goat). If we receive some testing, it may be difficult, but not as bad as Job's. If we receive some blessing, it may be wonderful, but not as extensive as Job's. The Lord gives us what we need to navigate any and all situations if we keep walking closely with Him, and, if we are, we don't need to worry about deliverance from testing (which will come) or absence of testing (sooner or later we are all tested); rather, we trust Him that He is working things out exactly the right way.
(12) I know how to handle humiliation; I also know how to handle prosperity. I have learned by experience in each and every way how to handle being abundantly provided for and being impoverished, being in prosperity and being in a state of deprivation. (13) I have the strength to endure all [extremes] in the One who empowers me to do so.
Philippians 4:12-13
. . . and if we find ourselves in the Tribulation, there'll be plenty of trial and testing to go around.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:
So what do you think about the Book of Life? It's often believed to a literal book in Heaven listing the names of the living and dead, as well as the saved, but people question "lots of people have the same name". Maybe it's not their literal, given earthly name but more an ID of sorts that's unique to them? I mean for all we know it could just be a metaphor and not a literal book, say, it could be a way of saying it's just something God keeps tabs on at all times(He is omniscient after all and knows when someone dies or is saved/falls away).

What do you think on this? Is this just one of those things we won't know this side of eternity?
Response #6:
Yes, there is a book of life (see the link). 
Nothing impure will ever enter [New Jerusalem], nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 21:27 NIV (cf. Ps.69:28; Phil.4:3; Rev.3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 20:15)
The book of life originally contained every name of every human being, every human spirit God every created, but unbelievers are deleted from the book on account of their rejection of the Lord (see the link).
"But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written." The LORD replied to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book."
Exodus 32:32-33 NIV
In terms of confusion, our God is "bigger" (for want of a better word) than anything we could ever conceive of in our tiny minds. He ordained every movement of every subatomic particle at the farthest ends of the universe from the beginning to the end . . . and everything else that has ever happened or will happen. It's all in the perfect all-comprehensive plan of God – otherwise it couldn't happen. So I guarantee you that keeping track of the (by comparison) much smaller number of creatures created with the image of God is absolute child's play to Him.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will."
Matthew 10:29 NKJV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:
Good evening,

I have always heard that in Genesis, we are told that God will bless whoever blesses Israel and will curse whoever curses Israel. I went to that verse and saw that it looks like that blessing is being given to Abraham rather than to Israel. I know scripture references being saved as being "in Abraham" and being of "Abraham's seed." So, what if that blessing is for spiritual Israel and not they physical and political Israel. Also, I think there is end times prophecy about Israel being born overnight and that the generation alive at that time will see the Kingdom of God come. Could that be a reference to Israel literally being born overnight the first day of Jesus' 1,000 year reign as king of Israel/World. Jesus descends immediately after Armageddon and literally starts his reign. Is it possible that it is not a reference to the political Israel that was "born overnight" in 1948. If that is the case, then what is the current state of Israel? Is there just no connection?

It is odd, though, because I still can't help but think there is a connection to the original land mass of Israel's biblical borders. Since it came back in 1948, I feel like there has been some divine protection and Providence. They have survived against some crazy odds, and I just can't help but feel like God is protecting them. I know there is scripture about cursing whoever divides the land of Israel. Also, doesn't "Believing" Israel get special protection in the desert during the Great Tribulation? In addition to all of that, there is the prophecy of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses mentioned in Revelation. They will be led and directed by the two profits, which I think are Moses and Elijah. Israel just has to be there for all that to happen.So, it makes me wonder if the Israel of 1948, should be viewed as the Israel mentioned in the "overnight" prophecy in Genes8s? So, I don't really know what to think about all off of that. 

In your opinion, what would be the proper Christian stance regarding Israel be? I definitely fall into the category of supporting Israel. It isn't a blind support, though, and I don't necessarily support a lot of the choices the political state of Israel makes. I do find myself wanting them to do well and praying for their direction and protection. Is that a Biblical responsibility?

In Christ
Response #7:
The promise of Genesis 12:3 to Abraham is also to his seed (Israel by birth as descended from him; and also specifically the Messiah: Gal.3:16), as Genesis 12:2 indicates when God says that He will make him "a great nation", and this is not the only place we find that:
'He bows down, he lies down as a lion;
And as a lion, who shall rouse him?'
“Blessed is he who blesses you,
And cursed is he who curses you.”
Numbers 24:9 NKJV
And of course we see this principle reinforced throughout the Bible, not to mention human history (please see the link: Antisemitism).

As to the current nation of Israel, if you will read about the last twenty of thirty "Eschatology Issues" posting on the email page (link), you will see that this question comes up quite often. The gist is that, yes, "all Israel is not Israel" (Rom.9:6), meaning that God definitely distinguishes between the believing and unbelieving of Israel, but even the unbelievers "are beloved on account of the fathers" (Rom.11:28) and "the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (Rom.11:29). So while of course those who are unbelievers are not in the will of God – so that the secular nation of Israel is not something the Lord is "in" or "behind" per se, nevertheless involving oneself in hostility towards the Jewish people, even unbelievers, is putting oneself in God's place and invites His great displeasure – as promised to Israel and demonstrated historically. 

I assure you that "1948" has no spiritual or biblical or magical significance whatsoever. There is no prophecy about events between the cross and the commencement of the Tribulation. Israel is promised to be regathered ALL AT ONCE when the Messiah returns at the end of the Tribulation, and that will include the entire Jewish people, not just a portion of them as things stand today. That is the only time when there will be an Israel of God geographically (see the link).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:
Greetings Dr. Luginbill,

I just found your website Ichthys and am very excited to partake of more of your labour of love. What I have read just in this evening, has blessed me greatly.

I have a few questions:

1. Do you still actively post on your website? I noticed the "Happy Birthday" to the website dated back to 2022.

2. Are you ever willing to meet with folks face to face?

3. Do you have any thoughts on President Trump lining up with many of the antichrist characteristics found in Scripture?

Thank you - and may the Lord reward your labour in His Word!
Response #8:
Good to make your acquaintance, and thanks much for your kind words.

Re: postings. Yes, I post weekly (on the emails page; see the link). This week I completed and posted Hebrews chapter 13 (link) after several years of work on that book (n.b., this chapter is shorter than some postings but still not insubstantial: 48 pp. single-spaced).

Thanks for the heads-up on the "birthday". I only started this at 20 years and then I didn't update until "25", but since this is potentially misleading I've updated it to "27" and will put up "28" next month.

I work a full time job at the University of Louisville (Professor of Classics), so I don't have much time for anything other than that and for Ichthys (along with necessities such as family and exercise, etc.).

Re: our president. I also counsel Christians who ask me about this sort of thing to steer clear of politics. From my perspective, it is the devil's game, so that even when a person engages from good motives, they inevitably get distracted from what God wants us to do: spiritual growth, progress and production; while at the same time involvement tends towards leading those who go down that road to seek for human rather than godly solutions. Jesus will return to take up His Kingship soon enough and nothing will ever be truly "straight" until then. Mara na tha!

In Him,

Bob Luginbill
Question #9:
The moment I hit send, my mind immediately went to thinking about the testing right around the corner in about a year from now. It is going to be a hard time, and I pray daily to be ready for that testing and to be prepared to give my life for him if that is his will. I can't imagine how scary that will be and I want to do everything possible to prepare now so that I never lose my willingness for that to happen. Your website has allowed me to grow so much and I am so thankful for that. Knowing that, I think I'd be a little disappointed if it doesn't happen next year. I know it will be an awful time and incredibly hard, but I also know that the worst thing that can happen to me is to die. If God is absolutely going to provide for me and my family if we're kept alive, how much more is He sure to provide for us as we die for Him. It is very reassuring to think about. I know Christ will be with me in that moment more than ever before. Also, if it is happening, it was His plan and timing all along. 

The evil and sadness in this world bothers me so much. I usually just start thinking about how awesome Christ's millennial reign is going to be, and that we'll never have to deal with death or sadness again. I really can't wait for it and to know that my family will be there with me, makes me even more ready to get the ball rolling. So, I know that whatever I deal with and experience during the tribulation won't even be worth remembering. 1 Corinthians 2:9 comes to my mind. I get nervous at times, but I always just remember His truth and it calibrates me back into that Sabbath rest in Christ.

In Jesus
Response #9:
Thanks for this.

Re: "I want to do everything possible to prepare now". That is indeed the correct attitude. Now that the Hebrews series has been completed (link), I hope next to produce a series that will help us all to do just that [link to Colossians intro now posted].

Re: "Disappointed". Personally, I would be thrilled to learn by experiencing it that there is a "rapture" (but there is not). Also, I would be happy enough to learn that we had a year's respite or even seven years (if there is no overlap – I highly doubt that is likely). But I do admire your attitude. Seeing the fulfillment of so many of our Lord's promises and prophesies will be wonderful, as will be seeing His miraculous provision to us through all manner of trials and tribulations with the Tribulation. It won't, however, be easy, as our Lord has warned us. 
"For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Matthew 24:21 NKJV
So, indeed, we ought to do all we can now to be spiritually prepared ahead of time so that our faith will be sufficient to last through whatever we are called upon to endure.
"But he who endures to the end shall be saved."
Matthew 24:13 NKJV

"Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
Luke 18:8b NKJV

"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man"
Luke 21:36 NKJV
Re: "I usually just start thinking about how awesome Christ's millennial reign is going to be". Amen! You are already practicing the right approach, looking forward to the wonders ahead rather than allowing yourself to be tossed about by the noise and churn of this world. That perspective and ability to stay within the "faith rest" that we have been promised is going to be doubly important once the Tribulation begins.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2nd Corinthians 4:17-18 NKJV

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:
Has school already started for you? It seems like it's starting earlier everywhere. My grandsons are back in high school and have been since mid August. We're still in the low to mid 90's with night time lows around 70. There are still butterflies and more Monarchs than the past few years when they almost seemed extinct. They used to come through in massive hoards but I suspect those days are over for the time being. Rain? I remember what that was! Otherwise, all is well, here.

Sorry about the meetings. In my career I had exactly 1 (one!) meeting that was productive. I know of no greater waste of time. Maybe I'm just cynical.

I read your latest chapter on Hebrews this morning (link). Thank you for the major effort that represents. I've had a number of questions I wanted to ask before, but none were particularly relevant. More curiosity than anything else and I didn't think you needed that to occupy your time. My biblical understanding is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to the Spirit and your work. Your remarks in Hebrews 13 about pastor/teacher is spot on. Times in the past when I read what you had written and thought, "Wait. That doesn't sound right" and investigated using the links you provided and reading the context, I was proven to have misunderstood and believed false ideas. Thank you.

Thank you for your prayers. You remain in my daily prayers as well.

In our Lord,
Response #10:
Yes, we started the same time as your grandsons. I've already passed back the first hourly exam which was last week so we're more than a third of the way finished.

This has been a banner year for butterflies with us. Last two were really anemic here as well, so it must be a hemispheric phenomenon.

Re: meetings, wow! That's a pretty low "batting average". They are often necessary here but I grant you that it's been a very rare one that didn't run at least twice as long as necessary even when they were necessary in the first place.

Thanks for the positive comments! Now I'm gearing up for the next thing.

Good to hear that all is well down there.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend – and thanks for yours too!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
Hi Bob,

Have you considered a commentary on Romans? I think Romans is particularly relevant to the US milieu. Although, we have a veneer of anger and violence I don't think the Romans faced. Still, Paul was writing about perversions like we seem to be increasingly showing..

In our Lord,
Response #11:
Romans is 16 chapters long. Given that it took me over three years to get through Hebrews, I'm not sure that that would be the best use of what's left of my time – unless the Tribulation gets put off seven years.

There are a great number of similarities between Romans and Hebrews, as I point out in the series on the latter. The biggest difference is that while Hebrews is addressed primarily to Jewish believers (and therefore by extension to any and all who are being swept up in legalism of any sort or Gnosticism / new age deception), Romans is largely concerned with making peace between Jewish believers and gentile believers, attempting to help both sides to accept the other and make allowances for the other's different backgrounds and perspectives. That really isn't a major issue today in the US. So probably no Romans on the drawing board for a while . . . unless the Lord keeps me here a lot longer than I anticipate.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend, and very grateful for yours.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:
Hi Bob,

I understand. I once wanted to be a writer, but quickly learned how much work it meant. I decided to stay with music and I was only attempting fiction. Paul dealt with homosexuality in Romans more explicitly than Hebrews, which I why I though it was appropriate. I'm also beginning to think we may both enter the Tribulation the way things are degenerating. I have never, in my short lifetime, seen such hatred and violence as I see in the headlines pass by. It also seems to be directed at Christians as Jesus mentioned. I notice that the assassination of __ gets all the headlines while that poor Ukrainian woman murdered on the bus is largely ignored.

And we're only in the dress rehearsal for the Tribulation! The Lord is keeping me here for a reason which I suspect I will quickly learn.

In Jesus,
Response #12:
That's true, but that is only about one percent of chapter one (and there are fifteen more chapters). Also, Paul uses that as an example of what happens when individual unbelievers harden their hearts (i.e., not to inveigh against that behavior for its own sake or to call out the government or the culture).

Re: the pace of degeneration. That is certainly a good point. When it's coupled with technological trends and all other trends it really does seem as if "things can't keep going on this way much longer", but they might be able to keep going this way a lot longer than we imagine before there is a meltdown that would obviate the events scripture describes. It's good to keep on one's toes in any case.

Re: the assassination of __. Yes, it really is a "sign of the times", and the fact that putative "Christians" are considering this a martyrdom event is doubly troubling. Just goes to show that Laodicea is even more compromised with the world than one might have otherwise imagined (or hoped).

Re: "Dress rehearsal" Indeed! However annoyingly depressing things are at present, we probably have no real idea how bad they are going to get.
"For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again."
Matthew 24:21 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:
Thanks so much for saying that Bob. You don't know how much that meant to me and how much of an encouragement. I am hoping __ is through the worst of it now, we are both having a duvet day today to recover.

Just nipped downstairs for my phone and must've sat on the remote as the TV came on by itself and then a live broadcast of __'s funeral came on. Obviously it is a disgusting act of evil violence (his public shooting) and genuine tragedy for his family and loved ones but I am wondering, if not worrying what this will lead to for your country (and beyond).

From doing a little research, it seems he was a dominionist/Christian nationalist who had some leanings towards Catholicism (praying to Mary). He also was tied up with a lot of false teachers, even the Azuza Street revival charismatic stuff. Some 'pastor teachers' (using that term loosely) are hailing him as a martyr. 

I try not to get caught up in the emotional pull this will inevitably bring. Have to say I am pretty stunned at the size of his televised funeral.. the kind of turn out you have at those megachurches in the U.S. (Have attached photos). There is a lot of hymns and flattery towards the Lord with their lips. It's all a bit worrying isn't it..but the Lord tells us not to worry. It's never been a better time to completely divest ourselves of all politics.

The Lord knows what __ really believed about Him. It is concerning to have such a figurehead like this given a type of public martyrdom to cement politics with Christendom ever more firmly.
Would be interested in your thoughts on this event?

I think a bit about this but from a distance, what with my own personal testing looming so large lately.

Thanks for all your prayers and support my friend! 

In Jesus,
Response #13:
I'm very happy to hear that things are a tad less frantic there today! 

Re: __. I think I may have mentioned (a lot of people have been asking about this), that I had heard some very disturbing things about this individual from a long time back, things that reflected more on his character than the (clearly troubling) things you list here (thank you for this!). I've also heard of (after the shooting) a number of at least borderline-antisemitic statements. One doesn't like to speak ill of the dead, especially the recently deceased under circumstances such as this, but I think the way certain putatively "Christian" groups and individuals are carrying on demonstrates how far away from the truth Laodicea has fallen. Just one more indication of the lateness of the hour.

I'm keeping your situation in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:
Good morning, Dr. Luginbill,

I have corresponded with you a few times over email in the past. Thank you for being gracious in giving me your time to reply to my questions.

In the light of recent event, that is the assassination of __ and the various reactions, especially from churches and from Christian community, I just like to reach out to you and ask what your thoughts are.

Specifically, in the memorial service, the Gospel of Christ is proclaimed many times by many people. Christ's name was lifted up and call for repentance was given. I believe it is a good thing that the Gospel is being proclaimed in such a high profile event and it went out all over the world. However, it is also true that there are many mixtures spiritually. For example, there were Hindus and Catholics, among the speakers. And the message were infused with nationalism, patriotism, which I am not against, but it makes me cringe for the mixing of Christianity and secular political philosophies and other secular ideas and philosophies. I am not sure if you have watched all 9 hours of the event and speeches, plus the praise and worship at the beginning, etc. There are times the speakers declared a more clear Gospel than many of the mainstream churches do. Calling people to stand up to declare their repentance and faith in Christ is much better than sheepishly raising one's hand while everyone's head is bowed and eyes closed and no one is looking. The songs are Christ centered and overall seems to be better than some of the "worship" from some mainstream mega church or charismatic churches. Nevertheless, there are things that are mixed and it can be of serious concern.

Also, the memorial service was just one thing, the coming effects or directions that this would lead the Church is of a more serious concern. However, I have personally seen how the assassination of __ lit a fire in many Christians and brought many people back to the Church, and hopefully to God. So there are positive things that God is certainly doing. 

What I am reminded of is the harlot in Revelation, the woman that rides the beast. The woman is supposed dedicated to her husband, but she commits adultery with the kings of the world, and she rides the beast, which to me means to join forces and uses the power of the beast (the political power) to achieve her goals. 

I am also reminded of the last kingdom parable, where Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like fishermen pulling in the net when the net is full. And at the end time, the angels will separate the good from the bad. So I can see that this whole event is like pulling in the net, and all these people are being brought in by the net. 

Therefore I would like to get your take on this turning point event and how it would affect the Church going forward. 

Thank you for your service to the body of Christ!

God bless,
Response #14:
Good to hear from you.

To answer your question, no, I didn't watch it at all. As regular readers of this ministry are well aware, I'm not a fan of Christians involving themselves in politics. To me, that is the devil's game. Getting involved always seems to lead to spiritual decline rather than doing anything positive for the individuals that do so as they begin giving politics their attention rather than the truth of the Word, AND begin looking to politics and political leaders for "solutions" when only God can really change things. As I have affirmed many times, Christians who want to have a positive effect on their nations need to commit to spiritual growth, progress and production, because it is only by becoming very salty "salt" that they can contribute to God's blessing of that country – NOT by trying to do it themselves. That really is the essence of legalism. Here are a few links on that:

In the case you mention, about the only thing I can say is to say with Paul "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice" (Phil.1:18 NKJV). I hasten to add, however, if Paul had seen this service and had heard the borderline antisemitic and overly anti-immigrant (cf. Ex.22:21; 23:9; Lev.19:33-34; 24:22; Deut.10:18-19; 24:17-22) sentiments that were voiced, I don't think he would have been doing much rejoicing. For any unbeliever who hears such things, especially mixed with all the nationalistic tropes you report, getting a clear understanding of the gospel would seem to me to be pretty difficult. It would be more likely for such a person to come away with the idea that Christianity is all about flag waving and right wing politics.

Again, I didn't see it, I only heard reports and saw some short write-ups. But even what I did hear/read also "made me cringe".

In terms of lighting a fire, if it leads people to churches where politics are being preached and nothing of substance is being taught (the latter of which is true of the vast majority in Laodicea), then perhaps it is really a case of doing "more harm than good" (1Cor.11:17), merely preparing people for antichrist and his one-world religion to which most of the world is prophesied to join (and this will of course include most of organized "Christianity"; see the link). Only actual believers who are walking closely with their God are likely to be able to resist once the Great Tribulation and the Great Persecution begin.

If this were really "God's net", that would be one thing. But I fear that the one casting it and pulling it in is . . . not God.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Greetings, Dr. Luginbill,

Very glad to hear back from you, sir!

I agree with what you wrote, I believe what you wrote aligns with what the Bible teaches us. I believe that Christ's kingdom is totally different from the worldly kingdom and to tangle with politics is a dangerous thing for Christians to do. And it is true that Turning Point USA is a political organization and by default, __ was building a board coalition of conservatives, that's why he worked with Catholics, Mormons, Hindus and conservative homosexuals, from what I have read and watched online.

However, I think he still tried to stand up for the purity of Biblical faith and doctrine when comes to issues of faith. But the compromise in the political realm is real and I don't know how much that have hurt his testimony for Christ. I don't know and I don't think I can judge him without looking at the fruits. It seems that there are many testimonies that because of __ people have turned to God. I pray for those people that they would find God and be truly converted. My question is once the emotion died down, how many of these fruits would remain? We all remember after 911, people flocked back to churches, but it fizzled out soon after. Only time will tell, but I do pray for these people to truly find God and be saved.

As for many of the people that I have talked to, they shared their sense of urgency after the event, in which I think I myself felt, too. I think we felt the prick in the heart and the spur kicking from the Spirit, to really dedicate our lives to God again and to be bold to speak and declare the Gospel. I also hear people expressing the desire to really get right with God. So I understand what you wrote, that if all they want to do is to get involved in the politics, it would do more harm then good. I pray that's not the case.

Regarding anti Israel or anti-Jewish rhetoric and sentiments, I did not hear that during the memorial event. Maybe it's because I only watched part of it and then only watched a few speeches here and there; or perhaps it was subtle and went over my head. So I can neither confirm nor deny it. I was raised in a so called "dispensational" "pre-trib" environment, so since I was young we always had strong positive feelings about Israel. But I tried to listen to some other Biblical objections, such as what is called "Fulfillment theology", that the Christ has fulfilled the promises God gave to Abraham, David and all the OT faithful, so the true Israel is the Church, or the Church has been grafted into true Israel, only the faithful follower of the Messiah is part of the True Israel. I believe what the Bible teaches in Roman 9 to 11 and all of Israel will be saved in the end. Perhaps the division in the Body of Christ on the issue of Israel is a great distraction, to keep us away from focusing on the real important issue.

Have you looked into the dispute between those who support the state of Israel and those who don't?

I can see why you wrote that this memorial service will give out the impression that Christianity is the same as right wing conservative politics. But I think one of their argument is that all policies need to flow from some kind of moral foundation, so politics is downstream from faith and worship, and that is why they try to use Christian Biblical principles to guide and lead political discussions.

In regards to immigration, I myself is a first generation immigrant and naturalized citizen. I do not think that the Republican party or the conservatives are really anti-immigrant. One level is we are all against illegal immigrants, that's breaking the law. But on another level, I understand and agree with many Americans that do not want too many immigrants to dilute America, its culture and population, etc. But I guess I also can see how these values are political values or nationalist values. I think as Christians we have to identify ourselves as Christians first and only, but our ethnic and cultural and national identity still remains in a large part. God did allow the barbarians to invade and crush the Western Roman Empire, the Church (I mean the true body of Christ) was not affected and eventually converted the barbarians. I do believe as Christians we should take this opportunity to preach the Gospel to the migrants, legal or illegal, as that is our primary duty and concern. In our dealings with people with illegal status, our church would encourage them to get things right, after they became Christians, and not stay in an illegal status. So that means either to apply for asylum to have a temp status or go back to the home country and apply for visa/immigration the legal way.

I agree that there's a lot of ecumenical movement going on right now. And there's a lot of interfaith collaborations especially between the Evangelicals, Catholics and the Mormons. 

The Chosen is an example of such a project. I really do think there are a lot of things going on recently

The situation in Israel, that UK, France and major allies have recognized Palestine, and many other things are really pointing to crucial times ahead. I guess that's why Jesus is telling us 'don't be deceived!' I really need to pray for discernment in this time of the hour.

What do you think of the international tide turning against Israel? Could this be the set up for the coming tribulation? Sorry for the rambling on and the long email!

God bless,
Response #15:
Roman Catholicism is a religion of salvation by works, and no one can be saved by works. Getting involved with them may suit some people because of political affinity, but spiritually it will never lead anywhere good. And that is the point. When politics come to the fore, all of a sudden "practical" and worldly concerns dominate, not spiritual ones. What difference does it really make if a person could change a million votes, if they suffered spiritually as a result even to the smallest degree? Or as our Lord said, . . . 
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Matthew 16:26 KJV
The 9/11 example is a good one. If people get "motivated" merely "patriotically" and not really spiritually, and if the result of that motivation is wedding themselves to some church which is not teaching the truth and/or not teaching much of anything at all, then no growth will occur but they will think they are doing God's will. In other words, they will be in many ways worse off than they were before, or as our Lord said, . . . 
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are."
Matthew 23:15 NIV
As mentioned, I have no desire to parse this individual's life or to speculate on his eternal status, however debatable, nor do I wish to adjudicate the goodness or badness of any political party, group or movement – it's all political and that tells me all I need to know. All Israel is beloved by the Lord as Abraham's seed and "for the sake of the fathers" (Rom.11:28), but "not all Israel is Israel" (Rom.9:26); meaning that God places a special protection on the Jews, even unbelievers and even when He is disciplining them.
When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, â€œI will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes."
Isaiah 10:12 NIV
So it is always incredibly dangerous to get between the Lord and the Jewish people. They may be receiving discipline and He may use gentiles to carry out the punishment, but the "rod of His wrath" is always broken thereafter (Is.10:5-19).

For we believers today, if we were to eschew politics, then the question of how the US is treating the secular nation of Israel is therefore an academic one, even if it causes us distress or satisfaction, depending on our personal predilections. If we want our nation to be blessed, we strive to be "salt" through spiritual growth, progress and production for the Lord. If we instead engage in political solutions, while they do no good and possibly even make things worse, by choosing that route instead we vitiate and possibly even eliminate any good we may have accomplished by "sticking to our knitting" and doing things the Lord's way.

There is a great deal about all of this at Ichthys. Going through the "Eschatology Issues" emails will be helpful there (and lead you to all of the major places on the site where such matters are discussed; latest one at time of writing: Eschatology Issues CXLIX, at the link).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
As a p.s., I have been praying for Early Rain church since you mentioned their plight to me.  Can you give me any update on the situation?
Question #16:
Good evening,

The Early Rain Covenant Church is still there in Chengdu, Sichuan province. The latest news is that they are still being persecuted and last September (2024) a few ministers and several elders were detained. They are under pressure continuously. The pastor Wang Yi is still in prison, since 2019. A family from the church traveled to Thailand in 2019 and fled to Taiwan and applied for asylum at the US and has since came to the US right after the Covid travel ban lifted. And from what I can gather the church is still continuing despite the harassment, being spied on, etc. 

Overall right now it’s a dark time for the Christians in Mainland China, the current chairman Xi is really persecuting the church. Many of my friends in ministry in Taiwan or here in the US has lost contacts or has not been able to visit China to visit the local underground churches for many years now, especially after the COVID years.

If God opens the door I would love to go there and help! I believe God is doing what’s the best for them, and this persecution will purify the church again and also God is using the communists to crush some real cults in China as well.

Please continue to pray for the brothers and sisters in mainland China!

God bless,
Response #16:
Thanks for the update, my friend.

This is no doubt a precursor of what all genuine believers will be facing during the Great Tribulation and Great Persecution, one we all ought to take to heart in all sober humility, joining in prayer in the meantime for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are the "first fruits", so to speak, of what is soon to come for us all.
"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Revelation 2:10 NKJV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Thank you again for sharing!

Very interesting since we just read Isaiah 10 the other night with my kids in our family devotion, and that’s what we were discussing! 

It’s true we got to focus on the Lord and what He calls us to do. One thing is that the harvest is white but not enough workers are out there! I felt that many of us, me included, are not preparing ourselves to be ready to be sent by God. I think my prayer now and what I seek is to be ready so He can send me to do what He wants the way He wants.

Please remember me and my family in your prayers! Thank you!

God with us!
Response #17:

Re: "what I seek is to be ready so He can send me to do what He wants the way He wants". Amen! That ought to be every believer's desire. I suspect, with all the present day lukewarmness in Laodicea and with most thinking they'll be "raptured" out of trouble, once the Tribulation starts there will be plenty for all of us to do, those of us, that is, who have being preparing.
“He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Luke 1:17 NKJV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
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