http://ichthys.com/ 
Eschatology Issues CLXVIII

Question #1:
Hello Doc,

I hope you had a good weekend! Just wanted you to know I have you in my prayers this upcoming week. Not sure if you have any specifics I can pray for, and you don’t need to share anything you don’t want to. My healing has been awesome, God has really brought me through! Can you believe I did a 4.5 mi walk/run yesterday, three weeks and one day post surgery! Who would have thought! PTL. Trying to be careful though. Anyway, you have been absolutely instrumental in my spiritual growth from all your teachings I have taken in, and that I had been able to share with others. I’m forever grateful! Thank you!

Remember, the Lord has you by the hand, come what may. (Psalms 73:23-26)

If you need any fire support this week, ring me up! 

In our great deliverer, Christ!
P.S. I had to chuckle today at Church when the one of the Elders was commenting about how full the sanctuary was! Hmm… got a little nervous watching the news? Especially when 99% have no clue about eschatology, except for the few who were interested in your eschatology study I led at my home. Setting the stage for the big show I suspect. But they wouldn’t get that!
Response #1:
I really appreciate the good words and the prayers, my friend! I'll let you know how it goes as soon as I can. If you get something from me from proton mail, it's legit (I have a hard time sending from Ichthys except from my desktop).

Need fire support, will ring!

Yes, the news is interesting indeed . . . especially in light of the calendar. It just goes to show that things can change dramatically in a New York minute, so we always need to keep on our toes.

Glad of the news of your recovery. I appreciate you, brother!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:
Thank you so much sir Robert. 

Sir I've read several resources about the currently on-going war in the Middle East involving Israel, Iran, US, etc. I would like to ask from you sir how is it going according to Bible prophecies and end times predictions? Thanks sir and God bless us always. 

Sincerely, 
Response #2:
Please excuse the tardy reply. I just got out of hospital with major surgery so was unable to keep up with emails.

In terms of what's going on in the Middle East at the moment, I can't say that this is any way directly related to what will happen during the Tribulation because, obviously, the Tribulation has not yet started. And there is no prophecy in scripture that relates to the present time (apart from the generalized description of our Laodicean era in Revelation chapter three). Anyone or any ministry which seeks to connect this or that contemporary event to a particular prophecy in the Bible is headed down a mistaken road. This is the Church Age, the mystery age, and while it is set out in the Jewish calendar, there are no specific prophecies about what will take place until the last phase of history prior to our Lord's return commences, namely, the Tribulation.

That said, I have done my best to lay out what scripture has to say about the course of secular events during the Tribulation's first half, the time frame wherein antichrist gains and consolidates his world rule. You will find all that in CT 3B (at the link). In a nutshell, the constellation of nations which make war with revived Rome under the beast's aegis and which I call the southern alliance are essentially equivalent to the Muslim nations of the world at present. Since that is so, obviously any major war in the Middle East will cause us to wonder about how things are shaping up and how they are setting up for the Tribulation. Specific predictions are impossible for the reasons discussed above. About all we can say is that political instability and war are likely to be conducive to a situation which would be a precursor to what we find happening in that area once the Tribulation begins. As mentioned often (and in this week's email posting), the two sine qua non's for the tribulational events the Bible describes are the rise of the beast and the coming onto the scene of his main opponent, the leader of the southern alliance (whom the actual antichrist will deem "antichrist", in part to inspire a crusade against him). Neither of these individuals nor, importantly, their movements, have yet to appear as far as I can see. But once the Tribulation does begin, we may be sure that things will transpire at light speed.

In the meantime, all any of us can do is to be aware of what is going on, knowing the times, and committing ourselves to renewed effort in spiritual growth. That is never going to be time and effort misspent, and will be doubly important to have done once the Tribulation actually begins.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

Hope you are doing well.

Just wanted to ask your understanding of Jeremiah 49:34-35 concerning Elam.

My understanding of Elam is, that it is the nation of Iran??

What are you thoughts on this, and I on the right track.

Again, we sincerely hope and am praying, that you are in good shape, and the surgery was not to bad.

Please let us know as soon as you are able.
P.S. God's riches blessings be with you.
Response #3:
It went very well. God is good!

I've got spring break here starting tomorrow, so I am confident of being able to get back to my job (in a hold-the-line rudimentary way) starting a week from tomorrow.

On Elam, yes, in our terms, it's eastern Iraq and western Iran and can stand for all of Iran, since of course national boundaries are not identical today to what was the case in antiquity. In any case, that area will be part of the southern alliance which antichrist defeats, and then part of his assembly of nations defeated at Armageddon. 

Keeping you in my prayers – and thanks so much for yours as well!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:
Hello Dr. Luginbill! I thought I’d share an e-mail received from my cousin in Lebanon. Our family is basically Lebanese and many came to the USA in the early 1920’s. See e-mail below:
We need much prayers to stop this madness.

We are still safe, despite the fact that I am living very close to Beirut southern suburbs threatened to be transformed into another Gaza. That’s why I left my house for three days and went to my cousin’s house, three blocks away but safer. I came back home yesterday as, finally, I am used to hear the bombing even if very close and prefer if I have to die to be at home!

Lebanon is actually in Satan’s trap but Beirut will never die, despite the thousand of missiles hitting our country everyday, the million persons displaced from south Lebanon and Beirut suburbs, the thousand and more killed of whom the third are children and yesterday Israël killed a priest who refused to leave his Christian village in south Lebanon!

We are exhausted but we continue to pray hoping that God will intervene in some way to stop the infernal plans of the two leaders who started the war in order to redesign the world according to their wishes!

Don’t worry dear cousin, your prayers and ours will be answered by God, for sure, and he will stop this injustice!
Please send Prayers. I pray for you often, 
Response #4:
Thanks for this. Very interesting. Would you mind if I posted it / shared it (anonymously). No worries whatsoever if you'd rather not.

Actual war – as opposed to seeing it on TV – is horrific. People in this country are living in a cocoon of safety for the most part. Once the Tribulation begins, what is happening over there will be ubiquitous worldwide – or at least comparable dislocation, distress and trouble will be, getting worse month by month. I really wonder how many believers over here are prepared for what's coming. Getting a small second-hand dose of what it's really like wouldn't be a bad thing.

I do pray for believers in war zones. Thanks for your prayers too, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Posting is fine with me. Thanks. 
Response #5:
Thanks!
Question #6:
We are doing well. [omitted]

Thanks always for your replies, for we delight in hearing from you.

I do have one question and it is as follows: Looks like to me that the nation of Iran is mentioned in the Bible and what they are doing and what the outcome of the present war with the US and Iran is according to scripture?

We always know that you will have an excellent answer to questions we ask.

Blessings to you always,

Your friends,
Response #6:
I'm glad to hear it. I'm praying that they'll get everything figured out for you so that you'll soon be completely on the mend.

When it comes to eschatology and the big questions of when and what, mostly the only single nation that figures large enough in prophecy to draw any sort of conclusions about trends from is Israel. I don't see that for Iran – or any Muslim nation. However, since we know that a big part of the events of the early days of the Tribulation will be all about the pressure on Israel from her hostile neighbors – and antichrist's intervention on her behalf at first – noting what's happening in this regard and wondering how it will all play out is a natural enough thing for believers who know something about the Bible (not many of those out there nowadays, not if we are talking about knowledge of what it means, anyway). 
"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."
Matthew 24:6-8 NKJV
To the extent that present current events are leading to a coalition of all those who hate Israel, to that extent I would say that the ground is certainly being prepared for what will happen soon after the Tribulation begins (see the link in CT 3B). More than that I would not be willing to say because, after all, there is no prophecy about what happens in the Church Age leading up to the Tribulation. All such eschatological prophecy has to do with events only after the Tribulation begins. So we can see a possible connection of the present events with those that are prophesied to occur during the seven years, but it's also possible to be mistaken about that. After all, World War II certainly seemed to "fit the bill" in many different ways, but of course it was not the direct lead up to the Tribulation.

Keeping you two and your family in my daily prayers – and thanks so much for yours!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:
I don't watch or listen to much news, but I have noticed this "war" with Iran that has been making the headlines (who hasn't?). Trump called their newly elected leader a joke, but perhaps the one who takes his place may end up being the Mahdi? I know we can only speculate, but what are your thoughts on this, since it seems things are heating up a bit more? 
Response #7:
On Iran, since the Tribulation has not begun, we'll just have to wait and see. After all, Hitler (and possibly Mussolini) both seemed to be potential candidates for the antichrist in their day, but their day came and went and we have not had the Tribulation begin until yet. It is certainly possible that we will see the rise of a charismatic individual who will end up filling that role and the other major role you ask about here before the Tribulation begins – but maybe not. 

In the case of the beast, scripture tells us that his "revelation" won't take place until the Tribulation starts (2Thes.2:3) – how much more then his main opponent? If this is the year, then certainly the events taking place are laying the ground work for what comes next, but, again, the real "action" will not commence until the seven years actually start, and when they do, things will happen at a lightning like pace. From CT 3B:
And the beast which I saw resembled a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth was like that of lions.
Revelation 13:2a
The leopard in Daniel 7:6 is said to have four wings', making this leopard especially swift (cf. Hab.1:8). Rapidity will characterize all of antichrist's activities (and the activities of his kingdom and politico-religious movement). The very speed of his rise and of his conquests will impress the world and intimidate his foes. Other personality traits of the beast to be gleaned from his resemblance to a leopard according to the biblical picture of that animal are cunning (cf. Jer.5:6; Hos.13:7), ferocity (cf. Is.11:6), and a solitary nature (cf. Song 4:8). In general terms, we may say that this comparison paints antichrist as a terrifying, decisive, dangerous, violent, treacherous, wily individual, restless in a cat-like way in his desire to further his evil schemes (cf. Hab.2:5). These are characteristics which remind students of history not only of Alexander, but also of other commanders who lusted for world domination like Caesar, Napoleon and Hitler, but it needs to be stressed here that antichrist will exhibit these characteristics and abilities to a uniquely exceptional degree (even by comparison with that egregious company). One final characteristic of the leopard that should not be overlooked here is its exceptional, hypnotic beauty (cf. Jer.13:23). The beast will balance all of the intimidating aspects of his character with his dazzling outward appearance (not only physical beauty, but also magnetic personality, charisma and presence), factors which will play no little part in antichrist's seduction of the majority of the world's inhabitants.
Question #8:
Hi Bob,

Thanks so much for those swift prayer updates, they were much needed and appreciated!

[omitted]

Another alarming development in my almost immediate locality! The headquarters of an Islamic-lite cult has been homed in Crewe in England (not too far from me). The man who runs it claims to be the Mahdi incarnate and he is a combination of a Christian mother with a Sunni Muslim father and hails both from Egypt and America. He calls himself Abdullah Hashem Aba Sadiq. The cult he runs is called 'Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light'. It is not traditional Islam but a syncretic mix of so called 'Abrahamic faiths'. There is more about him here on this Muslim website (he is considered an apostate and blasphemer to Fundamentalist Muslims)

https://5pillarsuk.com/2026/01/23/crewe-based-ahmadi-cult-sparks-local-fears-after-training-parade-goes-viral/

In this video, the leader falsely claims that his followers are the 'true Muslims, true Christians and true Jewish followers of God but with NEW revelation'! (Suprise, surprise every cult claims NEW revelation and a NEW divinely writ book!!)

https://youtu.be/Bk7Jhrf__48?si=3CXrJZnEyfqjUPfW

They became notorious some time ago for practicing paramilitary type drills on the grounds of an old orphanage they have acquired here. They have been kicked out of a lot of places but seem to have the protection of local councils and the United Nations. I know it isn't the Antichrist and may not be the one who claims ultimately to be the Mahdi, but it is yet more 'signs of the times!'
What is worrying is that they are bussing a lot of anti-racism, pro-migrant protestors into this compound and trying to convert liberal protestors to this strange syncretic religion.

For some time now I have been saying to __..'I wonder how long before I see people from my liberal past converting to Islam and their wives being forced to wear Burkas?' Doesn't seem so far fetched now, does it? But we know the devil has always got workers on both sides right?

Hope this finds you in improved health!

I really do long to get back into working on ministry again..the Lord has really put it on my heart to do so.

Your friend in Jesus,
Response #8:
No worries! You have an awful lot on your plate. Please try and carve out some R&R for yourself. As mentioned, if we collapse entirely, we're no good to anyone for quite a while thereafter.

Interesting about the links. At the very least it demonstrates how some movement like this or some person like this could pop up out of nowhere relatively quickly. The Nazis certainly did. We all just need to stay alert, the times being what they are.

Thanks for your prayers, my friend. I'm doing pretty well, all things considered. 

Keeping you and yours in my daily prayers, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Hi Dr L,

Quick question:
In https://ichthys.com/Satans-Rebellion-Part5.htm you said "Israel's performance, concentrating on her failures, is dismal, but far superior to any other nation or group in human history, inclusive of our own Christian era"

But in the Old Testament there are places where the Lord said she was sinning worse than the nations He had cast out before her. And places where he said that were this and that famous believer to stand before Him, they would not deliver anyone but themselves (which seems to imply that other nations could be saved, having not deteriorated so, but Israel that this point cannot be). I'm not really trying to talk down Israel or anything, or trying to say America or some other country is better. But the idea that she did better than any nation, including any Christian one, has given me a bit of pause? I don't see anywhere in the Bible where it hints at something like that. 

Take care,
PS: I really love the Colossians series!
Response #9:
Re: "I really love the Colossians series!" Thanks! It'll be a minute until chapter one is finished [now posted at the link]. It's very doctrinally dense and will take me at least another couple of months to complete.

As to your question about my statement about Israel, no nation, not even ours, can boast the likes of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, Sarah, Rebecca, Rahab, Ruth, Deborah – or any of the prophets. Of course it is true that Israel as a group failed spectacularly on more than one occasion, but that does not take away from the great spiritual successes of her best and brightest members. Also, no other nation has ever been under the same level of satanic opposition precisely because she has always been the Messiah's nation and the special "apple of God's eye" (Zech.2:8). 

So in spite of what you say being true, I still think it is a fair statement. If the US ends up being Babylon once the Tribulation begins, that will be an even greater basis for reproach than all of Israel's past unfaithfulness – but it won't eliminate the good things you and other believers are doing for the Lord and for His Church in spiritual growth, progress and production.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:
Morning Doc,

How are things going? I hope and continue to pray you’re doing well! I have a question on Isaiah 22:22. Isaiah seems to indicate that Shebna would be replaced by Eliakim, and the Lord would place on his shoulders the “key of the house of David.” I think this is about Jesus (Rev. 3:7), but what role does Eliakim play in this prophecy? Not sure of the contemporary vs. future meaning here! Any help greatly appreciated!

Hope you have a great day/week!

Thanks so much!

In Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior!
Response #10:
Good to hear from you as always, my friend!

Here is what I write about this passage you ask about in the CT series:
(in CT 1) Isaiah 22: the siege of Jerusalem a type of antichrist's attack; the before and after stewards (premiers)

(in CT 5) We may also see in the rejection of Shebna for Eliakim (Is.22:20-25) the change of leadership which accompanied the coup in the absence of antichrist. For although Eliakim is clearly superior to the disgraceful Shebna, nevertheless he too will fall from the weight of the pressures unleashed against Israel because the beast's advance cannot be checked through human efforts.
The two quotes from CT are the way I see the interpretation of this passage (Is.22:20-25), namely, the bad steward (leader) and follower of the beast being replaced by a good one (leader of the rebellion at the very end of the Tribulation and just before the second advent [link]), but the good one also being unable to ward off destruction – requiring the intervention of the Messiah (at the second advent). 
A day of the LORD is coming, Jerusalem, when your possessions will be plundered and divided up within your very walls. I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle.
Zechariah 14:1-3 NIV
Hope you and yours are doing well! Keeping you in my prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
Dear Bob,

Hope you are well! I Feel I haven't asked you any questions recently, but it's been a busy/tough few years: one daughter at University and the other one hoping to go this Sept and my mum being ill and then sadly passing away last autumn. My husband has also been avoiding redundancy several times too! 

Still, with a bit of breathing space, I would like some advice about how to encourage my daughters to focus on their studies etc (as they are amazing at this) but I also want them to be prepared for the coming 'troubles'. They do know about the man of lawlessness and the persecution to come for believers because my husband and myself have told them and been upfront and honest. However, I do feel that we aren't being as 'open' with them about how this time might be closer than we can just about cope with - if that makes sense? Our girls are: 20 years old (studying Medicine) and 18yrs (hoping to train to become a teacher).

Blessings to you and yours
Response #11:
Good to hear from you! I'm doing very well, thanks (hope the same is true of you – sorry to hear about your mom).

Re: your daughters and "[I] want them to be prepared". From your description of what they do "know and understand", it sounds to me as if they are already ahead of 99% of Christians in our Laodicean era, so that is all to the good. At their age and also given that they are already on the right track spiritually, while I understand your desire for them to be "red hot" for the Word as well as for their present and incipient careers, for you to attempt too much yourself with them could well backfire. 

Probably the best strategy is to continue to set the excellent example you're setting for them. Children at any age do notice what their parents value. And, without overdoing it, look for opportunities to put in a good word for "priority #1".
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11 NKJV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:
Hi Bob,

Did you get through today okay? 

We're hoping to push on with this project and get it finished ASAP. It's always in my thoughts that these places and houses we live in are only temporary anyway. Our forever home is with the Lord in the New Jerusalem. At least it's one less wall the Lord will have to flatten - LOL! Still lots of preparing spiritually to do before all that though.

Thanks for all your prayers too!

In Jesus
Response #12:
Excellent perspective! Everything we see down here is temporary and imperfect. I prefer the permanent and the perfect. It's so important to always keep this in mind. Those forever walls will never be flattened – that's right!

Keeping you in my prayers and thanks ever so much for yours.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,

I hope everything is going well for you.

With all that's gone on this week, I'm been a little down the past several days. I know Christians aren't supposed to get involved in politics (and honestly any politics scares me given how close we to the Tribulation) but __'s death made me very sad. Is it ok to mourn the death of someone like this even if I don't agree with how involved he was in politics? No one knows another person's heart, but it seems like he was a believer and if so, then I rejoice that he is with the Lord. I'm just confused on how to interact with other people who seem so happy with the current administration in our country and the conservative movement and all that. This sort of thing doesn't usually affect me like this. I know that God is in control and I'm letting this get to me more than I should.

I also got awful news on Sunday. __ committed suicide. I didn't know __ personally, but I know__ well, and I wanted to go to the funeral to support them. However, __'s side of the family is very Catholic and it was a Catholic mass and I didn't feel that I could go without compromising spiritually.

I met with __ yesterday and we got to have a good talk. Catholic thought and talk is surrounding __ right now but I was so encouraged to hear that __ was rejecting the thought that they could pray the soul of __ into heaven. I got to reiterate the gospel (__ is a believer, but still very young in the faith) and __ understood it as the Bible says it. __ is unfortunately rejecting God, and is hurting deeply.

__ asked me to send some Bible verses that __ can share with __ that might be appropriate for a time like this. We talked about the fine line that one has to walk in all of this so as to not compromise the truth but still love and support our loved ones. Do you have any advice for what I should look for as I try to find some passages? I want to emphasize that God is love and wants all people without giving the idea that God will automatically let everyone into heaven.

I have been running into a lot of Catholic religion lately.

I know this is all testing and part of preparing for life down the road. When things like this happen (personally or nationally) it opens doors for conversations not otherwise had. I know God can work good in all of this.

I do hope things at the university are going well for you.

Respectfully,
Response #13:
This is one reason why I keep the news at arm's length.

Re: "it seems like __ was a believer". Maybe. But there are a lot of wolves in sheep's clothing out there these days (see the link). Christians tend to be receptive to anyone who claims to be one of them and for that reason are often not as discerning about these matters as unbelievers are. But our Lord told us that we need to be "wise as serpents" even as we are "harmless as doves" for exactly that reason.
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
Matthew 10:16 NIV
I would counsel you to stay far away from this person's circle. Before any of this happened (a fairly long time ago, actually), I had heard some very negative and disturbing things about this individual, and I'm not talking about the political beliefs (which are concerning enough). My application then was that this person is dangerous and a threat to any believer who is foolish enough to trust him. There is not much point in going into detail now since he is gone. If he was a believer, rather than just being someone who is talking that talk to deceive others, then he is in heaven, though I would wager without much reward even if so. We'll just leave it at that.

Re: "how to interact with other people". The need to love all the brethren is a burden that positive believers have to bear, namely, putting up with juvenile and even infantile words and behavior of other Christians who are not mature, especially if they are actually heading in the wrong direction rather than just being stuck in the mud. We treat them with love, we don't validate their ill-conceived ideas, and we try not to make an issue of things that are not the real issue (Rom.14:1-15:13). Politics is not the real issue; politics is a distraction (link). The REAL issue is that we all need to be moving forward spiritually, especially in light of where we are on the eschatological clock. We pray for that for others, we demonstrate with the witness of the life that we are doing that and that it has made all the difference for us, and we are ever ready to give them guidance whenever they demonstrate any receptiveness. And we try not to get upset – about their failures or about anything else. After all, we all have enough of a fight on our hands with our own spiritual progress – which is being opposed might and main by the evil one – without getting unduly aggravated about others.

I'm sorry to hear about __. Catholicism is a very hard nut to crack. I think your inclination is exactly correct, namely, to affirm from scripture our God's perfect character without at the same time giving the wrong impression. What you're being asked to do is to give comfort where there is really not much basis for it – assuming that this individual was not saved. 

You are closer to the situation than I am, so anything you are led by the Spirit to share will be more likely to be "on the mark" than anything I could recommend. I do know that, contrary to some RC teaching, suicide, while a terrible witness demonstrating very little faith, is not the cause of damnation any more than any other sin is. Believers are saved. Unbelievers are not. That is true even if the former go out in disgrace and the latter in peace and honor. Saul committed suicide. But what did Samuel tell him? "tomorrow you and your sons will be with me [i.e., in paradise]" (1Sam.28:19).

Re: "I know God can work good in all of this" Amen! You have the right perspective on all of this, my friend, a true demonstration of your growth and spiritual maturity. But even if we are where the Lord wants us to be and doing what He wants us to do, it doesn't mean that we won't have trouble or be faced with testing and sad situations. When we are, we all need to be doing what you are doing, namely, reminding ourselves of the truth and rallying through it in the Spirit.

Things are going OK! In spite of indications that this week would be awful, the Lord brought me through it fine and with a satisfying end. So thank you for your prayers!

Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,

"This is one reason why I keep the news at arm's length." I usually do to - often I only find out things when people tell me. I wouldn't have known this time except people messaged one of my church Bible study group chats. And that's as far as it should have gone, I shouldn't have emotionally invested in it. I kinda am a tenderhearted, sensitive person and sometimes that gets me into trouble when I let myself get unnecessary emotionally upset over someone's problems. I think I'll know next time not to let this happen to me when something like this is all across the news.

"I would counsel you to stay far away . . . " Counsel taken - thank you for the warning. I trust your judgement. Most of my exposure to his stuff has been awhile ago, I hadn't been listening to him nowadays. I guess maybe I thought him more to be misguided than dangerous, I don't know what I thought. I must have allowed myself to get taken in and not listened to the Holy Spirit on this. There are clips of him online sharing the gospel message and I guess I assumed one would only do that if they were a true believer. I suppose just sharing the gospel doesn't make someone's motives godly and good (although if it is still the true gospel then the Holy Spirit can still use it).

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. - Philippians 1:15-17

Well, I'm glad I asked you about this then - thank you.

"And we try not to get upset . . . " I am not very good at this. Something I definitely need to work on. I know I need to march on and let all the emotions and turmoil of others (not to mention my own!) fall by the wayside and go solidly towards my goal. I definitely didn't do that very well all the time this past week. I read something on Ichthys the other night (I'll paste it here) that was a good reminder.

"We are not here to do our own will, or to follow our own course, or to choose our own life apart from what God would have us do. Whenever our thinking begins to be dominated by personal concerns to such a degree that we lose perspective about our place in God's plan, our spiritual life is bound to suffer. We have of necessity many ties with the world (family, business, etc.). This is all the more reason to strive to keep God first in our thinking, our conversation, and the actual living of our lives, approaching the distractions of life (whether harassment or enticement) with the proper, professional Christian point of view."

I say this not to put a noose around your neck, but for your own good, [that you may live] for the Lord in a proper, steadfast and undistracted way.
1st Corinthians 7:35

This is what I need to do.

". . . comfort where there is really not much basis for it" I know... it's a complicated situation. Sadly, I don't think __ was saved.

On another note, I watched some content from Mike C.'s Everything is Fine channel the other night and it made me want to not waste any more time. I do hope the Lord gives me one more year to prepare and engage in ministry before the Tribulation starts. I still struggle with being afraid of that time, even though I know I shouldn't spend time worrying about tomorrow. I know I can trust God to provide for me and give me strength. That is what I told myself last night, that I don't have to endure on my own strength, the Holy Spirit will help me with whatever testing I must go through in that dark time. It's a little strange to think I might be with the Lord in just 8 years.

It's hard to see a lot of Christians so unconcerned. When I said not waste any more time, I am trying to also discern where I need to engage with local Christian groups here and when I need to prioritize my time elsewhere. I am good at individual relationships with people - group settings are a lot harder to not feel like one is wasting their time.

I am glad the Lord gave you a good end to your week! I hope you got some rest over the weekend.

Respectfully,
Response #14:
Only God know who is saved. And it is possible that the reports I had heard were unfair. The key point here, I would say, is that it's only because of political involvement that any of this happened. And it's only the people who are paying close attention to politics who would know a great deal about this person ahead of time and be taking sides after the fact. It's also true that being upset about this event (all such violence is upsetting) is not helpful spiritually in any way – and has nothing to do with us personally . . . unless we make the mistake of getting emotionally involved which is the first step in getting tangled up in politics.

Good to hear that you are benefiting from Mike C's ministry!  I also recommend Curt Omo's Bible Academy.
[p.s., special appeal to any and all who have felt the need to contribute to this ministry over the years but have been unable to do so (because it doesn't accept them): please consider blessing Bible Academy with your godly generosity.]
In terms of prioritizing and preparing, as mentioned more than once, we know what we know about the time line from the Word, but the specifics are dependent upon variables we can't know for certain. In any case, the New Testament has from the beginning told us that "the time is short" (1Cor.7:29), and that is at least just as true now as it was then in a personal and individual way regardless of the time line. 

We are only given one day at a time by the Lord and no one knows how much time they have. So we live every day for the Lord and try to prioritize that day. If we do that enough days, we will see that we have grown, progressed and produced without fretting too much about the future (which is pointless in the end).

Things have been very busy but working out in terms of the extra burden this year. Thanks for the prayers! 

Keeping you in my daily prayers too, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,

Re: getting emotionally involved

What you say here is very true. I think I understand now how this tripped me up. The less we emotionally invest in anything in this world (aside from when we have to, to a degree, such as our friends and family) that will help keep our hearts set on eternity with God. Hard to remember sometimes, yet essential to our goal.

In any case, the New Testament has from the beginning told us that "the time is short", and that is true now as it was then in a personal and individual way regardless of the time line. 

This hit me differently.

I wish I wasn't so quick to fear - especially when I know that God won't do or allow anything but the most loving and kind things for me spiritually (regardless of how it feels or if I have to suffer).

Came across a good Bible passage for this last night at Bible study.

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. - James 5:11 

I'm glad things are working out for you (even with the extra work) - I hope you're still getting some rest though!

Thank you for the tireless work that you do to help us all. I am so grateful for this ministry. And I know your work doesn't go unnoticed by the Lord.

Respectfully,
Response #15:
Thanks for the good words!

Don't be too hard on yourself. You are doing what you are supposed to be doing. We all get better at "this" the longer we are at it if we persevere in the truth as you are doing (and none of us will ever be perfect this side of heaven-home).

Keeping you in my prayers – thanks for yours as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Thank you, Mr. Luginbill. I want to do well for the Lord and our brothers and sisters...I keep finding out how complex life can turn out and things I need to work on or understand more. How human I am. Such is life, I suppose!
Response #16:
I think you're doing fine! None of us is completely consistent. Not even close. We are all struggling down here and will continue to do so until we see the Lord face to face. As we grow, we start to accept that and to trust the Lord that He is really the One who is helping us through all these struggles and that really "is well" even if it doesn't seem that way at the moment, and that it will all "be well" in the end.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV
Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Good day , Sir. I'm back! I am curious about how I should view Israel and our governments support of it.

The often quoted verse on this topic is, of course, Genesis 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you." Let me preface this by saying, I am unsure about what is going on in the Middle East so I will have to offer my perception and we can move on from there.
I understand that Iran and other countries in the Middle East have a strong dislike if not hatred of Israel. I certainly believe Israel has a right to defend itself. On the other side of the coin it seems to me that Israel isn't just trying to defend itself but that some of its goal is to expand its properties boundaries. Not only that but they also don't seem to be playing by the rules when it comes to certain locations that they have bombed. I have a couple of questions about this situation.

1. Should we as Christians be in support of Israel and our government defending them ,if they are actively picking fights with other countries for reasons of expansion? 

2. Based upon a once and done quick Google search, approximately 73% of Israel's population are practicing Judaism. As we know the Jewish people are awaiting the return of their Messiah. Since we know "He" has already come ,who are they waiting on? That Messiah is false so therefore is an Antichrist. If my thinking is correct, should we be supporting them in anyway other than just praying for peace and for the population to embrace Jesus as their Savior?
Response #17:
Good to hear from you. Taking things in reverse order, in a nutshell, your "thinking is correct". When a person talks about "support", what are we meaning anyway? Most people who say "I support" this or that are just talking about (and voicing) their opinion. Most people who say that they "support Israel", aren't willing to go over there and work or fight for them, don't send them any money, don't engage in political activities on their behalf. All of those things are tangible activities which, in my opinion, Christians should stay far away. Politics in general are a huge distraction for believers who are much better served leaving things in the Lord's hands. Inevitably, when believers get overly interested in politics to the point of "getting involved" beyond merely having opinions, that time and energy is lost and the exercise drags them away from what is truly important in this life: spiritual growth, progress and production for the Lord. And if a person goes down that "taking things into their own hands" road long and far enough, it can undermine their faith entirely. After all, isn't God in complete control of all things? Does He need our help? (see the link)

You are also certainly correct in seeing that antisemitism of any sort and to any degree ought to be anathema to any wise Christian (link). Because the Lord defends His own. True, there are very few believers in the modern day state of Israel. True, it is a man-made enterprise, not a divinely constituted state as ancient Israel was. True, their actions are made in their own self-interest (as is the case with all secular nations). A person can like what they do or dislike what they do – but what difference should it make to a believer? We know that only God can bring about the Millennium, and that He will do so with the return of Jesus Christ after the Tribulation. Until then, our job as individual believers is do what the Lord wants us to do day by day, reading our Bibles, committing to a good Bible study ministry, praying and growing and passing tests and at length engaging in whatever ministry the Lord has for us. That is what earns our Lord's good pleasure and eternal rewards. 

1. "We" are not "our government". The government doesn't phone me and ask my opinion before acting – and I'm guessing not you either. The only way we can influence our government is through political action of one type or another. And as we have said above, politics is a deadly trap for believers – or certainly can be (see the link). The less of it the better. So a better question is, "Why should we believers be overly concerned one way or another?" Because 1) there is nothing we can do about it really, not even if we invested all we have in politics; 2) God is in control and He will do as He wishes regardless of our opinions.

2. Antichrist will indeed be a false Messiah (link). That is what his name means. "Anti" meaning against but also "in place of". The beast will claim to be Christ and will mislead many weak believers, believers who have not been growing and preparing as they should, in many cases precisely because they have been caught up in seeking and working for worldly, fleshly solutions (see the link: The Great Apostasy) – but we who persevere will rise to meet the Lord in resurrection on that great day, if it be God's will for us to endure until the end.
Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:19b-21 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/