http://ichthys.com/ 
Eschatology Issues XXXVI

Question #1:    
Dear Professor

I was going to leave you have a bit of quiet, so please pardon some more boring stuff.

No room at the hospital:

As much as I do deplore the mono drum beat of the media I did sit down to watch “The World” last night And though the media was pushing covid 19, the censors (I mean “editors”), might have been a little lax with the “live” crosses - in not completely killing off all substance. Leading the bulletin headlines but then spread towards the end of the hour long bulletin (probably past my bedtime), came some of the following;

1. WHO warns corona may NEVER go away, even if a vaccine is found. (Dr. Michael Ryan, WHO).
2. Also Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge warns coronavirus could become seasonal ( I think he was WHO too).
3. Professor Karol Sikorsky; CMO, Rutherford Health and former head of WHO Cancer Division, said that if there is a 6 month delay in UK for hospitals to get to treating other patients, 50-60,000 people could die of cancer ALONE, from delayed treatment (about double the current cv deaths in the UK to now).
In stage 1, cancer patients have a good recovery; leaving it to stage 2 or 3 the outcomes are much worse and far more expensive and complicated. Then stage 4!
When asked about the danger of cancer patients contracting the corona virus in hospital he said: “most people are not affected very seriously. Risk of dying from cancer FAR outweighs any risk from coronavirus.”
“Don’t be frightened. Go forward and seek cancer treatment.”
“I liken it to a plane that has crashed and there is a hole in the plane. The people who survive are the ones who get out of their seats and go through the hole, while those who die just sit still in their seats”.
“In the UK the system is not going to spring back to normality”.
“The virus test and antibody test for covid are IMPERFECT, but they are all we have got”.

[Me: Never mind that they DO NOT know who is definitely dying of corona, there is no shortage of pre-printed cv19 stickers or a cv rubber stamp to go on the coffins! Potentially could use those surplus stickers on the now advanced cancer cases, artificially inflating the cv 19 statistics (in reality UNKNOWN by their own admission), while they could be claiming a “Cure” for cancer - but only as long as the cv is around - which THEY say could be FOREVER]

Meanwhile (same bulletin), down under in oz, 
4. Dr Harry Nespolon RACGP President predicts a tidal wave of disease over the next 12 months due to cv taking ALL the resources away from all else.
5. Mental Health Crises Force called for to deal with cv messing with people’s heads.
6. Of Australia’s 13.2 million paid workforce, 7.6 million are on some government subsidy or completely on their own! The GDP has also taken a hammering.

Then worldwide,
7. Cyber attacks in the race for a cure
8. Hostility towards China from some countries.
9. Division in the populace.
10. Fear
11. Police State

If you wanted to plan to start to bring down civilisation you could not have hoped for a better trigger. You could almost be excused for thinking it was planned.

A coming “performance” will be much more polished to appeal to those who choose to believe these lies, whose names are no longer written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. With the gullibility of a huge slab of society already demonstrated by “Penn and Teller Fool Us” performers, in this absurd global suicidal panic, Satan surely will be confident he can deceive ALL the world (who WILL wonder after the beast). Rev. 13:3-4. 

Believing a lie, then becomes worship of the liar.

This dry run (test run) will surely be followed by the full assault on humanity.

We are NOT of the world. Phil. 1:20.

Keeping you and your Ministry in my prayers.

Our hope and salvation is always in the Word of God, our dear Lord Jesus Christ.

PS. We now have no one in hospital in Western Australia with covid 19. I think the Northern Territory has no active cases whatever and South Australia is similar to us. (All subject to ‘as far as we know’). 

Heading to the city to see family next weekend as the “border” comes down. Hope there is not a traffic jam as lots of people are chomping on the bit waiting to bolt. The road toll is a lot higher here than cv toll so need to keep this sort of info away from the notice of the “experts”.

We are thinking of having a few bonfires tomorrow. Still quite dry here. 

Praise the Lord for a bit more freedom.

Hope you have a good weekend.

In Jesus.

Your student
Response #1:
Thanks for the insights as usual!

It's too bad such common sense is not that common at all nowadays. That is what fear will do – your #10 is the most salient of all. Fear is the ace trump in the devil's deck – where unbelievers are concerned.
(14) Therefore since these children have a common heritage of flesh and blood, [Christ] too partook of these same [common elements] in a very similar fashion (i.e., not identical only in that He was virgin born and so without sin), in order that through His death He might put an end to the one possessing the power of death, that is, the devil, (15) and might reconcile those who were subject to being slaves their whole lives long by their fear of death.
Hebrews 2:14-15
But as for us who have embraced Jesus Christ . . .
(38) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angelic nor human authorities, neither things present nor things to come, neither heavenly powers, (39) be they the highest [of the elect] or the lowest [of the fallen], nor any other created thing [on this earth] will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
Congrats on the opening up!

Have a great trip!

Your friend in Jesus Christ,

Bob L.
Question #2:
The PREP Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and was activated in March of this year by the Director of HHS. Under the PREP Act the government can force all Americans to get a vaccination once an alleged vaccination against the COVID19 is developed. Normally it takes up to five years to develop a safe vaccine but the government says a vaccination will be ready within six months by fast tracking it. In 1976 when the swine flu began in the US the Director of the CDC told President Ford that every American must immediately get a vaccination for the swine flu and massive propaganda program was set in motion by the government putting fear in the minds of the public and telling Americans to “role up your sleeve and save grandma by getting your vaccination” compounding the fear with guilt to manipulate the public. 38 million Americans got that shot and as a result more people died from the vaccination than did from the swine flu and tens of thousands were neurologically damaged for life. A class action lawsuit against the CDC resulted in them paying out over 4 billion dollars to the victims. A video by Mike Wallace of 60 Minutes covering the CDC debacle can be found on YouTube. Today under the new PREP Act the pharmaceutical developers of any vaccine are exempt from any liability that may be caused by this coming forced vaccination program. Dr. Sherri Tenpenny’s interview here by Jana explains what we can expect in the next few months from this mass hysteria created by our own government.
By Dr. John Reizer

I have been writing about Covid-19 for months, trying my best to explain to readers that what the citizens of the world have been experiencing is a massive psychological operation that has been written, produced, and directed by a talented team of science fiction writers. It's damn difficult to believe that the world pandemic is not the result of a real virus when you are continually being told the opposite through television and other forms of mainstream media 24 hours a day. But the facts of the situation will demonstrate to anybody paying close attention that the coronavirus world pandemic is a false flag event that makes 911 look relatively insignificant concerning how that psyop affected the world community as a whole. And please understand that 911 was a significant psyop that forever changed people's lives in the United States and many other sovereign territories. As I have stated previously, if you remove the many fraudulent case numbers that have been incorrectly tallied by the regulatory and reporting agencies, the covid-19 pandemic disappears into nothingness. Case numbers are the lifeblood of the intimidating sounding buzzwords, outbreak, epidemic, and pandemic. Those words make most people run for cover. If you take into consideration the simple facts that there are currently no reliable testing procedures to identify Covid-19 infections, there has been massive misreporting of presumptive positive cases by official sources, there has been massive misreporting of other illnesses by the official sources as Covid-19 cases, and there has been massive misreporting of deaths from other diseases by the official sources as Covid-19 cases, it becomes easy to see how the pandemic case numbers would fall rapidly to the ground. This world pandemic has never been about a virus. It's always been about a fictionalized narrative that was written and developed to bring about a new normal for citizens globally. Nothing will be the same ever again. And I believe that's the most important thing to take away from what is happening. If you are the powers that be, you don't run this type of psyop unless you want to permanently change the ebb and flow of society. The overlords of the Earth show have thrown the switch that has set into motion an entirely new paradigm where people no longer shake hands, sit close to one another, or want to socialize with other human beings. In the future, we will refer to specific dates by placing the initials BC (Before Covid-19) or AC (After Covid-19) after them. People will explain things by writing or saying that they went on a vacation in 2019 BC or that it was much harder to make a living in 2020 AC. Understanding the big picture relating to anything is always important because it allows society an opportunity to have a better understanding of what is unfolding. Concerning Covid-19, understanding the big picture is important because it will enable the community a glimpse of where the world government wants to direct its citizens both now and far into the future. When the majority of citizens worldwide are fearful or afraid of a fake viral contagion, it makes it so much easier for the powers that be to move or manipulate their herd in a specific direction. Whether it's convincing people to behave in a precise manner socially speaking, or being obedient and compliant when asked to voluntarily accept a potentially deadly vaccine, the members of society will be much easier to manage when they are paralyzed by the emotion of fear. Take this time in your life to understand the bigger picture of what is currently unfolding. By focusing on the smaller details instead of, the bigger ones, it's easy to become confused. If you want to understand how the world government operates, you have to refocus your eyes so that you can see the landscape from a more distant vantage point.”
This could be that global project you wrote about Dr Luginbill in your Satanic rebellion series where like Nimrod the Antichrist would create a global project for the nations of the world to unite behind?
Response #2:
Interesting article. It's hard to argue that the political reaction to the relatively small problem (even in terms of historic influenza outbreaks) is not seriously out of proportion to reality, whatever the reasons. Egos have a lot to do with it. Politicians are getting play the role of "savior" and they relish that. And of course nowadays the guru sorcerers (scientists) with their magical "models" are the ones who are revered, be it for the virus or global warming or whatever be next. 

It's a fair point that one could see what Nimrod did in a like vein. But then there would have to be a global conspiracy and no such Nimrod-like conspiracy could really exist without a single charismatic personality at the top directing it (like Nimrod). This will happen in the Tribulation and the beast will be that person. His religion will be the focal point, however (that is what I've written about in the CT series). Not that antichrist won't make great use of the magicians – especially the magician-scientists of Babylon – to further it. So while the devil's hand is clear to see in the self-induced self-destructive policies the world so blithely adopted (with never a care for the far greater suffering they would cause), I think arrogance and the stupidity it breeds, pulsing through the hearts of those in charge (politicians, media, scientists, "important" people), is the real conspiracy at present.

In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Could it be that a conspiracy could have been set in motion by Satan before his seed, the Antichrist, arrives on the scene? Paul did write that the lawless ones coming “...is in accord with the activity of Satan,” (2Thess.2:9). Being that the “whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1Jn.5:19), a reality apparent at least from the time John recorded it, but as you thoroughly demonstrate from your masterful two part series of Satan’s a Rebellion, Satan’s activity has been an ongoing saga since the fall of Adam. Can the activity of Satan be demonstrated through a pattern of events in recent history of such synchronized coincidences that only a evil intelligence of a fallen Cherub could have arranged? As Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:2 that Satan can work his activity through any and all “the sons of disobedience”, the charismatic Antichrist is not needed at the top to lead a global conspiracy although we know he will put it on like a suit in his time. 
The pattern of things of late that strike me as a Satanic conspiracy in regards to Covid19 are many but here are just a few;
1. 2010 report from the Rockefeller Foundation on “Strategic Intelligence” covering the precise narrative we are in today. 
2. HR 478 introduced into Congress in January of 2019 an entire year before Covid19 arrived in the US.
3. Event201, held in New York three months before the outbreak in the US. Event 201 was a Bill and Linda Gates Foundation simulation exercise modeling a response for a global pandemic outbreak of the Coronavirus. The phrase social distancing was first introduced at this exercise.
All this before the charismatic leader even arrives on the scene and much more.
Response #3:
I wouldn't doubt that the devil is involved (though we have to remember that the Lord is in control and turning all the evil one's actions in the end for the working out of His own plan "for good" for those who love Him). But I would be reluctant to see this in the traditional conspiracy theories often advanced. For instance, outside of the future leaders of revived Rome, I would doubt that anyone else involved has been trusted with any details of Satan's operations – to the extent that there are such long-range details. Satan is an operational expert, not a strategic one. He cleverly tricked Eve and thus caused Adam to fall too – but without a clue as to what would come next.

In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #4:
Good point, indeed Satan has proven to be an operational expert as demonstrated from the beginning cleverly tricking Eve. Clueless as to what would come next other than the certain death of the first parents of mankind because God said it would be so. Satan was clueless because the total council of God had not been spoken yet but now that the Word has gone forth and been codified in the Bible Satan seems to have sharpened his strategic expertise and brought them up to par with his operational prowess because he, like biblical scholars such as yourself, understand the long-range details of God’s eschatology now. That which had been hidden from previous generations was also hidden from Satan because the prophetic word had not yet been revealed so that the Christ event not only took the Jews by surprise but Satan also and this by deliberate design, as it is written “In the wisdom of God the world through it’s wisdom knew not God” (1Cor.1:21). But now that the full council of God has been codified and the canon closed, Satan in his hubris pivots his strategic cunning around God’s words, knowing that he cannot stop God’s prophetic word and the coming of the King and His Kingdom, Satan’s strategy is to convince the Jews and the church that this coming New World Order and the coming imposter messiah is the fulfillment of God’s prophetic word. A plan has been in the works for over a century for a global government but only recently has been revealed under a report commissioned by President Kennedy in 1961 called “The Report from Iron Mountain” which was not completed and released until 1966 under President Johnson.

“This report looks deep into the soul of the New World Order. Iron Mountain is the covert agenda to bring the world and America under the control of the United Nations. The conclusions reached ARE NOW BEING IMPLEMENTED UPON THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WITHOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT. As this document will prove beyond all doubt what you are about to see and hear
IS REAL.“

Not sure what you are referring to as “the traditional conspiracy theories often advanced” but as both the pdf and the documentary reveal, this is not a conspiracy it’s a reality revealed by this presidentially commissioned Iron Mountain Report.

Eagerly waiting for Christ return,
Response #4:
Thanks. What I mean is that even conspiracies that may have some reality behind them are not necessarily the plan of the devil. He is an opportunist. He can read the Bible but he doesn't understand it any better than any other unbeliever because of hardness of heart. If he really "got it", he would have had some idea that opposing God in the first place was madness – but he thought he was smarter than God. That is about as dumb as you can get. So he may have some idea of how things are going to play out in the Tribulation, e.g., but he thinks he can win. Dumb. But every unbeliever thinks that either they won't die (they live life like that's true in hardness of heart) or that they are good enough to go to heaven without Christ, or that God is imperfect and His justice is not just (e.g., He didn't give the gospel to some indigenous peoples – so they think – so He can't condemn them) so they'll be alright. Dumb. And the answers that refute this folly are all in the Bible. But even unbelievers who know something of the Bible don't believe it. Dumb. 
As to this report and other such documentation, this would assume that people are in control, whereas God is in control, and the devil only uses people for his own purposes at the moment. I'm sure he was using all sides during WWII, e.g., but it didn't help the Nazis or the Japanese. It would be a mistake to think that Satan had it all planned out. Only God has the plan. The devil keeps moving his pieces around trying to get an advantage, and those who throw their lot in with him are abandoned just as soon as he thinks it's advantageous. He is the type to grab the opportunity to seize a rook not understanding until its too late that it cost him his queen – and he cares for human beings he uses about as much as we care for chess pieces. Thinking you can win against God. Very, very dumb.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Thanks for your response Bill. I agree with you that indeed God is in control and even if there is any merit to the Report from Iron Mountain concerning a century old plan for a global government it would be God who sends upon them a strong delusion so that they would even attempt such a thing so that they all might be judged for not receiving the love of the truth. For this is the judgement that light has come into the world but men loved darkness more than light because their deeds were evil. 
Response #5:
Thanks!

Strong delusion indeed (empowering their willful error)!
(8) And then the lawless one (i.e., antichrist) will be revealed, [that same one] whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and destroy when He appears at His [glorious] return – [that same lawless one] (9) whose appearance [will come about] through Satan's empowerment [and will be] accompanied by every [sort of] false miracle, both signs and portents, (10) and by every [sort of] unrighteous deception [designed] for those who are perishing, [namely those who will believe these lies] because they did not open themselves up to the love for the truth so as to be saved. (11) And for this [very] reason God is going to send upon them an empowerment of error [KJV: "strong delusion"] so that they may believe the lie, (12) in order that they may be condemned, [even all those] who have not believed the truth but have [instead] approved of unrighteousness.
2nd Thessalonians 2:8-12
In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #6:
Dear Professor

I hope you are coping with the almost overwhelming flood of madness currently playing out on the world stage. I was sent three attempts to view an interview with a former AIDS scientist - I was not quick enough for the first two on You tube, who speedily took them down, as they do not fit the “narrative”. Managed to view it once on vimeo before it disappeared from there too, with their explanation; “It has vanished, such are the mysteries of the internet”!

This video was very pointed and precise in calling out Anthony Fauci and his cronies. Since this concise video has been removed, my FBT sent me another link to an interview (unfortunately not as easy for the ordinary folk to follow, though the contents are very similar). This interview is on Americasvoice.news. Judy Mikovitis PhD Exposes Anthony Fauci, Dr Birx & uncovers Medical Corruption. Site: Plague of Corruption. Christina Aguayo does the interview and has a subscribe section.

I found the first video with a male reporter much more concise and focused but unfortunately this is now nowhere to be found. 

On the TV, I noticed President Trump wanted to get rid of Fauci and his cronies, but the crowd cried: “We want Barabbas”!

I am watching to see if Trump gets rid of these guys. He’d then have to acknowledge that these guys and America’s collaboration in this virus set up with the Chinese, which would mean he could not then entirely blame the Chinese - much of it happening right under his nose - literally.

Beware of the crowd! Barabbas! And Satan!

Psalm 144:5 We wait for our Lord to come

Always praying for your deliverance in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Your student and friend
Response #6:
Thanks for this and the other email too, my friend. Yes, it's amazing how people have put their faith in "magic". I hesitate to call it "science" which means knowledge in Latin and even so is a far cry from wisdom. All a person needs to do know is be a magician (scientist) and produce a model (which is anything but factual since it deals with the unknown future) and they can command worldwide attention and produce unfathomable harm (corona virus, global warming, who knows what's next). Reminds me of this passage:
"You said, ‘I am forever— the eternal queen!’ But you did not consider these things or reflect on what might happen. Now then, listen, you lover of pleasure, lounging in your security and saying to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children.’ Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells. You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’ Disaster will come upon you, and you will not know how to conjure it away. A calamity will fall upon you that you cannot ward off with a ransom; a catastrophe you cannot foresee will suddenly come upon you. Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. These are not coals for warmth; this is not a fire to sit by. That is all they are to you— these you have dealt with and labored with since childhood. All of them go on in their error; there is not one that can save you."
Isaiah 47:8-15 NIV
The passage has to do with Babylon which is to be interpreted also as referring to mystery Babylon of the Tribulation, so the shoe fits pretty well – and will even better anon.

In Jesus our only Savior,

Bob L.
Question #7:
Dear Professor

Just for your information I attach our cv19 situation. Notice the graph Deaths by Age Group and Sex. Here it has been only the elderly and already health compromised that are succumbing.
Still they do not want to put me up at a luxury resort or home deliveries so that the economy could have boomed with growth, instead of the devastating crash that has occurred.

The year before last, we had a bad influenza season, so that at one point less than half of my son’s class could crawl into school. As it did not make world news or close the schools, I thought I would let you know personally. It was an aggressive flu. Don’t know what the fatalities were. I might try to find it on the health Dept site. Now they are ordering that if we have even a sniffle, we are to not go to work. I do not readily have a replacement driver -and if I do get anyone to drive on my behalf, I have to pay them in cash, while I still get counted as earning the money that I miss out on by handing it over to them, and I also pay the tax bill (on top of the money I pay out).

About 75% of my regular student passengers are now travelling to school - a few still hiding under the doona. No 4 square metre rule on the bus, otherwise would have to go Filipino style - hanging out of the windows (not possible with non opening main windows due to aircon), and clinging to the roof rack (possible in Philippines but not here - we don’t have roof racks on school buses). I sometimes tell them to keep the distance rule on the bus ; they look up at me, in pairs, in bewilderment . As one city driver used to remark in our lunch room; “good sarcasm is totally wasted on some passengers”; but I think some of these kids get it.

Thank you for your generous Ministry. I believe the Spirit provides some ”fortuitous moments” that I am unable to organise; so that I can promote the truths you teach to those who are overseers of their flock, so that they will sound the trumpet warning to the sheep under their care. I need the challenges to grow in the truth. By relying on your Ministry I have always found the answers from the scriptures.

Yes, some will never want to follow the truth, even when they know it. I had a conversation with the previous RC priest here. When I questioned him as to why the RC church does not allow married priests, he replied: “it is not in scripture, it is man made”. He is from India and with 3 of his brothers has made a living from the RC religion. On his 6 weeks holidays he can return to India. Also after 6 years in one parish he moves onto another, so quite a good career, allowing one to see the whole country while others pay. You do not have to believe the doctrine of the RCC to benefit from them in this life.

Keeping you in my prayers and so thankful for yours.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior

Your student and friend
Response #7:
Interesting graph! I would imagine that an accurate graph would show similar results in this country, but I have reason to question the veracity of the reported statistics. Still, it's clear to anyone who's willing to dig just beneath the surface that it is mostly old people who succumb, and mostly because they were already in a state AND were not given any appropriate help – politics comes into play there as well – until it was too late (when everything is failing, being put on a ventilator for month long coma before death is not much of a benefit to you or your family).

Lots in the news here about the various side-effects of the virus (which is of course true of any flu), but I believe I have hit upon the true power of the virus which works its effects not only on the gravely affected, the lightly affected, and the asymptomatic, but even on the not yet infected: through the fear it produces it multiplies the human stupidity quotient several fold. Mind you, even before become serious about scripture I was well aware of the folly that permeates human thinking and actions, but even I have been shocked by the fact the majority of my countrymen are willing to jump off a cliff like lemmings because, well, otherwise they might get infected.  That's what fear will do – fear of things in this world for those who refuse to fear God.
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
"Do not fear, nor be afraid;
Have I not told you from that time, and declared it?
You are My witnesses.
Is there a God besides Me?
Indeed there is no other Rock;
I know not one." 
Isaiah 43:8 NKJV
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Matthew 10:28 NKJV
"Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Luke 12:32 NKJV
I'm pleased that you are having a great impact for the truth in the way you are approaching things, my friend! No need to explain. I benefit from all your updates on that score.

Keeping you in my prayers daily – and thanks for all good info!

In Jesus Christ our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #8:
Dear Professor

A bit harder to find influenza information. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for deaths in Australia for 2018 show that 3102 people died of influenza and also about the same number of suicides. They didn’t show all years where I looked but in the year 2006 there were 2715 deaths from flu/pneumonia, so it appears deaths have been increasing with the population growth.
Why has it taken so long to stop the world! We’ll leave that one to the “experts”.

There was 5 of us at the Bible study last night. All said it was good to meet in person and I agreed, though I said it does show we need to be able to stand “alone” in the truth, and we don’t know when the next restrictions will be invoked and could be more severe than this “performance”. All of us in this group are suffering various physical and medical ailments so we prayed for these things to be alleviated.

Our PM has worked out that there are at least 16 million people with mobile phones that are compatible with the new “covid safety app”. Over 5 million have installed this app that tracts who you come into contact with and for how long etc. Great name this “safety” app. It is not working properly as of yet, but trust in us! We would like many more people to volunteer to install this app - otherwise we may be forced to force you to comply. After all it is for ALL of our good(s), and the RIGHT thing to do. With some government websites already hacked and fraud from personal data increasing, it is so “reassuring” (to some) to have the app appropriately named.

I am grateful to you for you for the hope in the truth you give me and many more. We are blessed to have your gracious Ministry teach us - especially for the timely posting of your Tribulational series. I think I do see signs of change with those I associate with - some “interesting” moments to be sure as I have previously related. As you have stated; that even if one person is helped to see the truth and stay the course, it is worth it. We are hoping and praying for a great many more to be strengthened in the truth - as you have first strengthened us.

Thank you for all you do.

Keeping you in my prayers.

In Jesus our dear Savior who is the Truth.

Your student and friend
Response #8:
Interesting. We've not been pushed in that direction here yet. Instead they are talking about hiring hundreds of thousands of "contact tracers" to keep us all in line (commissars?) – though who is supposed to pay for them I can only guess.  Praise God that HE is in control!
"Remember the former things of old,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me,
Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things that are not yet done,
Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all My pleasure’. "
Isaiah 46:9-10 NKJV
Happy to see you are making inroads in your ministry efforts, my friend!

I'll be cheering you on when you receive your crowns.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Hi Bob,

How are you? Praying for protection from CoronaVirus and the enemy from all directions for you.

May mercy, peace and grace be multiplied to you from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Response #9:
Great to hear from you, my friend!

I'm doing fine. You've probably read on the website about the ins and outs of e-teaching and the various disruptions this caused on my day-job. So many people in this country have it far worse than I – I'm still employed for one thing. I'm done with the semester now and hopeful that we'll be more or less back to normal in the fall. Don't think I could teach Greek or Latin very well while wearing a mask.  But the Lord will work it all out as He always does.

How are you doing?

Thanks so much for your prayers!

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #10:
Hi Bob!

Does this virus relate to end times? Hope you are doing well. Your friend.
Response #10:
I am getting by and doing better now that this strange semester is finally over (did my last official act today so my summer begins). I hope and pray that you are doing well too, my friend!

As to your question, the short answer is "no". However, it is certainly true that the dislocations it is producing – from such an insignificant cause (compared to what will happen during the Tribulation) are certainly giving believers a foretaste. So while we all do wish for this to be over soon and pray for the recovery of our country and its economy (for the benefit of the well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ), this is also an opportunity to take our spiritual temperature. How are we handling this? Are we seeing God's hand in all that goes on – especially in protecting and delivering us? Are we ready to lose everything, including our lives – and undergo a great deal of discomfort in the process (one of my weak points)?

The last few week's email postings have been all about this, so I recommend them. Here's a link to the one of the latest ones: "Eschatology Issues XXXV".

Your friend in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior.

Bob L.
Question #11:
It has become quite apparent to me, although, not surprising that based upon statements by church leadership they have not recognized "the day of their visitation" in one prophetic sense. By their own words, they have missed one of the more significant messages in the midst of this pandemic. And, as the saying goes, "Crisis reveals character."

You will notice the rejoicing in or the enthusiastic anticipation of the approaching freedom to return to their large congregational services, or another way of putting it, "back to business as usual." I contend that God is not in the habit of bringing crises to His people, much less a nation, so that they can eventually return to "business as usual."

You will be hard-pressed to find any example in Scripture where God is not demanding a change in behavior, commonly known as repentance, along with a change in heart attitude and conduct. But, it is far more than even a positive change, but rather, a restoration of God's original intentions for His people, both in terms of perspective and practice.

This is not as a result of longing for the days of old in a nostalgic sense, but as a manifestation of God's original and eternal purpose as a Divine witness to the world, along with the practical preparation for the coming days. And, as church leaders or "teachers, we incur the stricter judgment."

Therefore, it would serve these leaders well, and thereby, do "their" people, which, is actually, God's people, well, to remember such things. That is the essence of being entrusted with a stewardship. You are caring for the property or interests of another---a Master, over things or people you do not own.

And so, we are obligated to get this right! But, as A.W. Tozer said, "The majority is always wrong!" How we so desperately need the Spirit of "the Tribe of Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel was to do" as opposed to "the blind leading the blind and both falling into the pit."
Response #11:
Excellent!  All believers need to use this crisis as an opportunity for doing a spiritual self-check and take the measures necessary to make sure we're prepared for what is coming soon, not continuing on as we are if that approach is coming up short.
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Proverbs 22:3 NIV
Question #12:
Hi Bob,

I’m always surprised to see my emails in the weekly email offerings. I always hope that someone can get something from the things I’m going through. I know other’s emails have certainly helped me.

Our governor’s iron grip continues. He has now said the lockdown will stay until after the 4th of July! He says we’ll open in phases but keeps changing when the phases start and end. Our economy is almost in the tank. Business are closing for good in many cities and now they are talking about a state income tax to help with future revenue. They have permanently closed streets to vehicles downtown. Not too sure why unless they want more people walking around which doesn’t make sense, but does anything government does make sense? Our governor also wants everyone tested and vaccinated before they can go back to work. Our state’s covid count has continued to decline but he has set up “County Isolation and Quarantine Camps” and our Department of Health has put out regulations on how to handle people who “volunteer”, who are “non-compliant” or those they deem “violent”. There are legal forms these “local health officers” can use against you and you will wind up in jail. So, if you might have covid, you will be tested and placed determined on how well you comply. And it’s all on the Department of Health website. The governor is friends with Bill Gates. His daughters-in-law also work for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that is spearheading this vaccine that Dr. Fauci is promoting. From what I have read about it, it’s not so much a chip like most people are saying but it has two prongs on the needle that is used to administer the vaccine and it goes into the myelin sheath and does damage to the nerves around the injection site. It will alter DNA. We will just have to see how it all plays out. God is still on the throne and He’s got us in His hand. 

Thank you for the encouragement. I don’t feel very strong and courageous at times when I’m dealing with it and I am sad to say, not very Christ-like in my attitude. This trial that He is bringing me through has shown me many areas where I am lacking. Good thing He is with me during this. [details of personal testing omitted] The Lord has been faithful to us and has kept us safe from and anything plotted so far, so I take comfort in that. The Lord is making me rely on Him and I get frustrated at times because I don’t feel like I have any control. It’s better to give control to Him and let Him deal with it because it will be done in the best possible way. I just need to keep reminding myself of that and know that it will end. The disciples made it to the other side after weathering the storm and I will, too. 

Thank you for your prayers and your encouragement. I appreciate it. We continue to keep you and yours in ours.

In Him,
Response #12:
Thanks for your willingness to share! Indeed, I know that it is helpful for us all to be encouraged by the strong faith of our fellow believers in Jesus Christ, navigating all manner of difficult situations through trusting Him.

This has all been a real wake up call – of should be – for anyone who believed that there was anything in government to have confidence about.
Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter.
Ecclesiastes 4:1 NIV
If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things.
Ecclesiastes 5:8a NIV
But our help comes from the Lord.
The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.
Exodus 15:2a NKJV
Keeping you and yours and your situation in my daily prayers.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #13:
Hello Bob, 

I hope this finds you well. I thought these two videos very interesting and provided a few missing links to the ongoing end times puzzle.

Recently in the UK they have really been pushing the rainbow symbol. We are so used to seeing it associated with the Gay Pride movement but now it is meant to represent staying inside our homes in lockdown and supporting the NHS. It is something about unity or something nebulous like that. I'm very suspicious of the "group think" that is fervently being embraced around me. Even my own family and extended family are putting rainbows on everything, such is the power of the media.

I have even seen the rainbow on so many children's and baby clothes that I guess they want to instil this symbol into the young minds as much as possible.

I often think when I see this, people are ripe for a hostile takeover, the right expert with a vaccine, an enigmatic and forceful leader bringing everyone together for a common cause.

I realise that we are being gamed here. There has been an unsubtle push of moral and particularly sexual degradation in this country that I have even myself at times have fallen into the trap of being angry with. I realise now that it is a baited trap. 

They are using certain groups and the excesses of sexual inhibition to anger and shock people so much that there will be many demanding a severely repressive backlash. It is the tactic of an arch manipulator who desires a reaction, any reaction and will goad, humiliate and provoke in order to get what he wants. 

Knowing this now, that seeming loose strings are actually connected to control one puppet. They want one reaction from the majority of us, which would be the silent majority. The LGBTQ are unwitting pawns in this game, merely a Trojan Horse to get the real enemy within the camp. As soon as these "useful idiots" (as they are called) no longer serve a purpose, they will be discarded without mercy.

It seems this weapon in the arsenal has been engaged mainly to prohibit the sale of the Bible for so called conversion therapy. At what point will this extend into having copies for private study?

Going back to the Noahides. They are also linked to Rabbinical texts such as the Talmud and Zohar. Frighteningly, many Christians falling for the Hebrew Roots deception even go so far as losing their faith in Jesus altogether and instead seek human sourced "knowledge" from Babylonian texts and mysticism. 

Hebrew Roots is obviously a way to soft sell Noahidism and therefore the antichrist system of religion. At some point it will be unmasked as what it really is: satanism but until then it will be presented as ultra orthodox, legalistic Judaism that will call out Christians as idolators and so worthy of death.

I realise now that there are so many snares designed to trap anyone seeking Jesus. All it does is provide further and further revelation of His glorious truth. Every area I have looked in, be it popular culture, Gnosticism, freemasonry, Talmudic Judaism, Noahidism, Islam, Catholicism, New Age, Climate Change etc. they all point to the same one thing, they are terrified we will believe in Jesus Christ and so they have created all manner of blind corners, false paths, mazes within mazes and distractions to confuse and misdirect us in our search for truth. Even the alien deception is being pushed whilst everyone is reeling from this bizarre pandemic. If it wasn't for the distress, confusion and fear this ridiculous circus is creating, it would be laughable.

I have revelation of how rich I am in Christ. I have peace and strength in Him which grows moment by moment. Jesus said "Do not be afraid" 365 times in the Bible, one for every day of the year, every year. Now and forever.

So let us never be afraid and one day we will laugh at all this with holy laughter. Meanwhile, we can use this time to put oil in our lamps and see where we are and how prepared we are for the tribulation. Yesterday I laughed with joy at our glorious future and in that moment everything fell away and life on Earth seemed but an illusion with the life to come being the real thing.

In Him,
Response #13:
I was thinking about something similar the other day, namely how the rainbow is a symbol of the glory of God (Rev.4:3), and of His promises of deliverance to us (Gen.9:13-17), but the world has "changed the glory of the incorruptible God" into an idol (Rom.1:23).

These are good things to keep in mind on the fringe of the Tribulation. A lot of believers – those who realize we are not going to be "raptured" from it – are rightly concerned about the pressures and unpleasantness it will bring, and the recent unpleasantness has no doubt made man realize also that we are not ready for it as yet (because the Tribulation will be so much worse than what we are presently experiencing). But we also need to keep in mind that from the God-ward side the Tribulation will also be a time of divine judgment upon the evil of this world. And we believers can rightly rejoice in the judgments that fall upon all who oppose Him, knowing that none of these, neither trumpet nor bowl judgments, are meant for us – and the later are meant to vindicate us (e.g., Rev.16:6).

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #14:
I CAN'T BELIEVE that CHRISTIANS don't BELIEVE in the RAPTURE . Yet the RAPTURE means Caught up in 1 THESS 4 : 17 KJV
Response #14:
Of course, we all believe in the living resurrection or "rapture".

But some folks want to put 1st Thessalonians 4:13-17 BEFORE the Tribulation, whereas it is quite evident from context (not to mention everywhere else in scripture) that this resurrection happens at the 2nd Advent, AFTER the Tribulation.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord (parousia, meaning the 2nd Adv.) shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1st Thessalonians 4:15 KJV
Question #15:
The rapture people: to those who teach they will not be here.

From your well written study: . . . and persecution for believers at the hands of our adversary the devil and his earthly representative, antichrist. This combination of causes which will make the Tribulation such a terrible time in which to live are widely misunderstood.

Church teaching they wont be here. they do not under God’s will and his words of warning. they do not understand God’s reason of why the tribulation. They don't under the millennium either, but that's a different story. God saved chosen people for this time, to stand firm and be a witness, a pillar of fire, for this time; how are they to show the way, if they are not here? 

As a student of yours in study of the written word, a follower of Christ our Lord, I have
studied the end times with much passion and zeal. In order to under to understand the book
of revelation, it took a study of the entire bible, with a heavy study in book of Daniel.

The Lord has many pastors, but the number of those who teach and understand the book of revelation are extremely few. I really enjoy your work, thank you. As I stated, the Lord had plenty of pastors, I use to do fill in, a lay minister for the Methodist Church. But I feel the Lord wanted me to help in spreading the word and understanding of the end times. To help warn, give a heads up, in to what's coming. The who, what, where and when so to speak. 

My greatest competition is from pastors! Well educated , have degrees from college and seminary. Many won't teach it, and those who do teach pre-trib rapture. So, this is what the Lord guided me to do. I made a list of those things, written, prophecy, that are to come. I listed the things, I tried in chronology order, of all the things that will happen. So far I have 33 ( a strange number) things listed. The first and foremost is the Beginning of the Tribulation, i.e. the signing of the peace agreement. So when I talk to the rapture people, I try to nail them down, “ when does the Trib start “ ? To them, I say, ‘ remember you say your not going to be here “! Then I show the show. If they sign the agreement , and you're still here, does that not tell you something. I will check off the things listed, as they come. Then I ask, ‘ how far down the list will I have to go , before see the truth, you're not going anywhere, you have been deceived? Then I remind them of Amos 8:11. Why are they running ? They are dumb founded and have no answer, but they are tied to the teachings of the pastor, and since he doesn't teach this, they won't change, sad. But I won't stop teaching, cause the truth has set many straight. The truth is the pastor in end times.
Response #15:
Great stuff, my friend!

You're doing your job for the Lord, that is certain. And what more can we do? I've opined much recently that there will be a great need for those who have studied these and other matters (the entire corpus of biblical truth) once the Tribulation begins, inasmuch as the vast majority of Laodicea is entering the Tribulation virtually unprepared, and not just in ignorance of eschatology; ignorance of eschatology encouraged by "rapture wishful thinking" has merely egged on the notion that not being spiritually prepared generally won't make and great difference. That is foolish at any time, but especially on the cusp of the greatest time of testing in the history of the world.

You would think that the present troubles would a catalyst for anyone who has any inkling that the "rapture" isn't going to save them from the Tribulation to get moving with the truth at last.

Thanks also for your good words, my friend! Keep up the good fight for Jesus Christ.

In Him,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Hi Bob,

I was thinking about what you said about not working in the yard at the same level in ten years time. It reminded me that my dad has started to change things a little in his garden to make it easier for him to maintain. It still looks nice and tidy but won't be so much hard work for him or take quite as much time.

Also, we should be in to the Tribulation by then shouldn't we, Bob? That's if we haven't already gone to be with the Lord. It's so close isn't it? It's not good for all those Christians whose pastors are preaching all about a pre-trib "rapture". When someone like John MacArthur who has such a large congregation and following teaches pre-trib it's bad news. He sounds so convincing to them, so knowledgeable about the Bible that they believe every word of it. I understand that it's a scary thought for a lot of Christians to think they will go through it and I think that's a big reason for them not wanting to believe anything else. I remember reading that for a long time you believed pre-trib so I'm glad I have you to teach me very clearly the truth about this now. I still have lots more to read and learn about it.

I can't wait though. Can you imagine actually seeing our Lord Jesus at last - and to be with Him and each other forever. I just can't imagine how wonderful it's going to be. And we won't even be hobbling over to Him with any achy, worn out bones! What an amazing day that is going to be.

But for now we're still here to do what He wants us to do. I still can't wait though!

Your friend in Jesus our dear Lord and Saviour
Response #16:
Made good progress in the backyard today but more achy still – seems to be building up. Two more days of this ought to have things in a good enough state to work on it opportunistically going forward. Yes indeed it will be grand to have that new resurrection body! Even if we have to go through the Tribulation first.

I hear you on MacArthur. Of course he's not the only one by far. A lot of "teachers" are going to have a lot to answer for. I'm with you in greatly anticipating all that is to come – firmly fixed on the hope that is ours in Jesus Christ. If I'm conflicted at all about an early return, it's because of not wanting to leave loved ones in the lurch and not wanting to let down those depending on this ministry. As my friend wrote me about our friend here in the states who is now in hospice: "I know that if the Lord called me home right now, I would be going a little unhappy about my record. I haven't done my ministry yet, and I am still not living up to all the incredible Mercy that the Lord has shown to me. I would be ashamed to go, but I would also be quite relieved, I think." True words for us all, I imagine, all of us that is who are genuinely walking with Jesus Christ in the life and have a bit of necessary humility. Or as Paul put it:
For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
Philippians 1:19-24 NKJV
Here's praying for us all to get to where Paul was in these blessed sentiments as quickly as possible. That mindset will be most needful in just a few years (as the present unpleasantness is making all too clear). For you are correct on the timeline. Ten years from now I doubtless will not be concerned about the flowers. If I'm planting anything, I wouldn't be surprised if it's not potatoes.
Marana Tha! ["Return to us, O thou our Lord!"]
1st Corinthians 16:22

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 NKJV
"But for now we're still here to do what He wants us to do. I still can't wait though!" Amen!

Your friend in Jesus Christ,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

Had a question come up this morning in Bible Study on Matthew 24 which I would like to run by you, so to speak. The question was related to the referenced bible verses. The individual wanted to know what happens to those who are left in vs. 40 & 41.

Any comments you want to provide would be appreciated. Awaiting the return of our Lord and Savior.

Your friend,

P.S. This person also left the Catholic church as well as the Baptist church because of their doctrine she no long believed nor could accept. She is is pretty familiar with Scripture. She called her group "Exodus".
Response #17:
Good to hear from you, my friend.

The pairs of two in this section of Matthew 24:40-41 who are "taken and left behind" are believers and unbelievers respectively. The believers are taken up – resurrected (cf. Matt.24:31 where the angels are said to marshal the newly resurrected believers); the unbelievers are left behind. What happens to them? That will depend on whether or not they took the mark, firstly. If so, they will be removed from the earth so that no such stumbling blocks remain in Messiah's kingdom (see the link). If they are Jewish, they will be brought back to the land of Israel, but if they refuse to believe they will be removed from the earth in that case as well (see the link). If they are gentile unbelievers without the mark, they will enter into the millennial kingdom to enjoy all of its benefits. One would think that this would result in salvation, but prosperity often produces just the opposite (e.g., Deut.32:15; cf. Deut.6:10-12). We know from Revelation 20:7-10 that after a thousand years of perfect environment, prosperity and perfect government, the vast majority of the world's population at that time – all the unbelievers of which the world will still mostly consist – will rebel against the Messiah King at the first opportunity (cf. Ps.2:1ff.).

Glad to hear that you are still ministering the Word, my friend! Therein lies great reward.

Keeping you and your family in my prayers daily.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

I might have shared this with you before, but I have new insight, received as I was reviewing your study on "The Resurrection" in the Peter Epistle's number 20. 

The Pre-Trib supposition you are already aware of, but one of the Scripture references you give in your study as noted previously, absolutely refutes this theory. We know that their support for this pre-trib rapture is 1 Thes. 4:17-18

"16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. 17After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.

This is interpreted to mean that the dead in Christ will be raised up before the Tribulation which is still in the 6th day.

Here is what Martha responds to Jesus after He tells her that her brother will shall rise again John 11:23.

Martha says to Jesus: "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the "last day". John 11:24.

What I realized this morning as I was studying is: The scripture that is used by these Pre-Tribers is supposed to occur prior to the last day, and that interpretation contradicts John 11:24. So just one Scripture verse nullifies their entire premise.

I never realized this until I noticed the reference in your study.

I forgot to mention in my previous email that Christians I have come across during my time as a believer, are totally unaware of the "Seven Millennial Days" that God has given to mankind, so they would not know the significance of the "Last Day" that Martha uses in her response to Jesus; but she knew about the Seven Millennial Days obviously.

I also realized the in the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man who saw Abraham in Luke 16:31, Abraham responds to the rich man, "If they do not listen to Moses, and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead".

What is interesting to me, again as I was reading this verse which I had many times before was, Moses was born some 616 years after Abraham, and he mentions Moses by name. Now I find that fascinating. So Abraham met Moses in Paradise, or at the least he knew about him. 

To whom we Love and serve, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior,
be blessed.

Your friend,
Response #18:
Great observations, my friend! Yes indeed, the "last day" certainly cannot be before the Tribulation even gets started. Also, yes, since Lazarus was speaking with Abraham, I'm pretty sure that Abraham had spent plenty of time with Moses by this point. It's really wonderful to contemplate all the marvelous things in store for us!
But as it is written: "What the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, and [what] has not entered the heart of man, [these are the very] things which God has prepared for those who love Him".
1st Corinthians 2:9
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

I sent a friend of mine what I wrote on the Last Day when Martha replies to Jesus. I explained the Last Day, etc. concerning how Martha responds, explaining that this one verse refutes the Pre-Trib rapture theory. He only replied back with the verse in the subject line.

According to verse 21, "then will be a great tribulation", such has never occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall."

How does verse 21 fit in with Verse 22? Can you please clarify for me.

Thanks so much for your help as always,

To Him who is the King of Glory be praise,

Your friend,
Response #19:
I'm not sure I see what the problem is. First, why does Matthew 24:22 have anything to do with our point about the last day? Second, as to your question here, verse 22 speaks directly to verse 21: Verse 21 says that at the mid-point of the seven years there will be the Great Tribulation, and the next verse adds the fact that if those three and a half years had not been shortened somewhat (a few days or weeks), no one would have survived – but that they ARE shortened "for the sake of the elect" who are still then obviously on earth. The resurrection of the "last day" occurs at that shortened end – but not before years of "great tribulation", only AFTER. I don't think anyone can read all of Matthew 24 carefully and honestly and have any confidence in a pre-Trib "rapture".
The 'Rapture' and other Eschatological Issues
Eschatology Issues XXIV: the 'Rapture' et al.
The pre-Trib 'Rapture': so called 'imminence' and other false proofs refuted
Dangers of the Pre-Trib Rapture False Teaching
When is the Rapture?
Parousia
The Origin and the Danger of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture Theory
No Rapture
Three False Doctrines that Threaten Faith
Misplaced Faith in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture
The Resurrection of the Lamb's Bride (in CT 5)
In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #20:
Hello Dr. Luginbill:

I've had the following verse churning in my head for a couple of weeks, particularly the sentence, "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth" (Lk.18:8).

1. It seems to me the phrase " when the Son of Man comes" means at the second coming?

2. Does the phrase "will he find faith on earth?” have any implication of whether the church will still be on earth (no Rapture) or is it implying that it will be very difficult for Christians to remain faithful during the Tribulation?

3. Or does it not have anything to do with the questions I've raised?

Thanks you and God bless your work...
Luke 18:7-8 English Standard Version (ESV)
7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Response #20:
Good to hear from you, my friend.

As to your question about Luke 18:8, yes this does obviously refer to the second advent, and yes this is also a good proof that there is no pre-Tribulation rapture, since it is the Tribulation that will test the faith of those believers who are given to live through it (and one third will fall away in the Great Apostasy), and since that is when He returns and will find out who has been faithful and has not.

For discussion of "no pre-Trib rapture", the link has the latest Ichthys posting.

Striving to be found faithful in Jesus our dear Lord and Savior – whose return we eagerly await,

Bob L.
Question #21:
I saw your article where you say there is no pre-trib rapture. How do you explain Rev 19:14? These are not angels because rev 19:8 makes it clear it’s the saints. How do we get to heaven if there is no rapture?
Response #21:
Good to make your acquaintance. 

When you say "article", I've written a great deal on this subject and will give you links below.

On "rapture", there is indeed a living resurrection of the Church – that is taught many places in the New Testament (1Thes.4 and 1Cor.15 in particular). The question is the "when".

Revelation 19 is the second advent, and the second advent is when the resurrection takes place, that is AFTER the Tribulation, not before. So your passage is teaching just what I teach. Here is what our Lord says in Matthew:
"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
Matthew 24:30-31 NKJV
So first the Lord returns to the heavens above the earth, second He resurrects the Church, and third Armageddon begins (and we have a part in that: Rev.19:19). Here are those links:
Eschatology Issues 24
The Origin and the Danger of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture Theory
Armageddon and the 2nd Advent (in BB 2B)
Do feel free to write me back.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #22:
This was the article The Origin and the Danger of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture Theory (link). My point was that yes when Jesus returns at the second coming the Saints return with him! How is this possible if there is no pre-trib rapture? I thank you for your response so quickly God Bless - at least this is not a salvation issue

Response #22:
Well it could be. Many of the believers in our lukewarm era of Laodicea believe in this pre-Trib "rapture" heresy. As a result, when they find themselves in the middle of the Tribulation, only a very few years from now, they will be completely unprepared for what is coming – because they didn't think it important to prepare because they weren't going to be here (so they erroneously thought). One third of believers are prophesied to fall away as a result in the Great Apostasy (2Thes.2:3). 

But the passages I shared with you and the information in the links demonstrate that the resurrection occurs at the second advent – AFTER the Tribulation, not before. When you say "when Jesus returns at the second coming the Saints return with him!", Revelation 19:14 doesn't say that the saints were in the third heaven before this or that they came from the third heaven with the Lord. But Matthew 24:30-31 does say that He returns and then they are gathered up in the sky to meet Him at His return (see also 1Thes.4:16-17; cf. 1Cor.15:51-52). It is at that point that we have these newly assembled armies accompany our Lord in His conduct of Armageddon. Put it this way: Revelation 19:14 understood the way you are understanding it conflicts with Matthew 24:30-31; but Revelation 19:14 understood the way I'm explaining it to you does not.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #23:
OK explain rev 19:7 speaks of the marriage of Jesus prior to his return. Is not the church the bride?
Response #23:
The marriage IS the resurrection. Revelation 19:7 proclaims that this marriage "has come", meaning, it's time for it. It happens as soon as our Lord appears in the heavens above the earth at the second advent. That is when we are resurrected and assembled together with Him – as the passages quoted and cited previously demonstrate – "and so we will ever be with the Lord" (1Thes.4:17). Hallelujah! 

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #24:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

Two verses I wanted to comment on in the Gospel of John which my wife and I are studying:

1. John 5:25 refers to the dead who "will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live", is not referring to the literal dead, but to the "spiritually dead. Seems to me that it takes more than just "hearing" His voice, for there are numerous ones who "hear His voice" but do not believe.

So why is the word hear used twice?

John 5:29 "seems" confusing since "good deeds" cannot save anything, being by itself. So, referring back to Verse 25, the word "Hear" must have an additional meaning? Eph. 2:8-9.

I have referred a former Roman Catholic, JW, Baptist, to your Website and she is thoroughly enjoys studying from it's content. She is the lady that we are teaching twice a week from studies that are contained on your Website.

Thanks again for your excellent help and comments.

Blessing to you always,

Your friend,

P.S. Just read on the German News bureau that "Massive swarms of grasshoppers have descended on the City of Las Vegas. hmmm
Response #24:
Always good to hear from you, my friend. Thanks for the Ichthys referral, and of course I'm very pleased to hear of your continuing efforts for the Lord.

As to John 5:25, given verse 28 (clearly parallel: re: "the hour"), I think we have to see all of this in a resurrection context. Thing is, however, everyone is resurrected, as verse 29 makes clear.

You are right, everyone will hear – but who will listen? Only those who listen in this life . . . and respond . . . have a part in the resurrection of life.

Thanks for the news update too! No doubt we are given these warnings – the present unpleasantness being a perfect example – to remind of us of what or better WHO is important, and that the Lord is the one in control of everything.

Keeping you and yours in my prayers daily.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #25:
Dear Teacher

Thank you very much, Sir, for the encouragement and for your prayers.

I have a few questions and observations.

1. It just occurred to me as I read 1 Chronicles 24 that the 24 Levites selected and recorded in vv 4-5, 7-19 were a lot like the 24 elders in Revelation. I wonder if this is just a depiction of what currently obtains in the Third Heaven, or if it might also give us a clue to how the human family of God will be arrayed in Eternity, so that we can expect twenty-four elders to be found from within the Church and Millennial believers too, as a mirror of the angelic elders.
Response #25:
You're most welcome, my friend!

1) There are similarities, but differences too (twelve divisions for Israel and the Church; nine originally for the angels then being reduced to six). So I suppose it's possible. I have already posited that there is probably an elite group of Church Age believers in the ultimate organization (e.g., who sits at the Lord's right and left hands?) that would parallel the extra-tribal Levites.
Question #26:
2. I have been wondering if the firmament was not a new creation during the reconstruction of the universe. If it was, I wonder if that might be a clue to what the universe will be like in Eternity. Without the firmament, is there really a reason to expect that other planets and galaxies either existed before the Judgment of Genesis 1:2 or that they will exist in the New Creation? I suppose it is possible that they existed in some other way without the firmament as a "container" for them. Is this what you are saying in SR 1 where you talk about the "raqiyah-hasshamyim"?

Your student in Jesus Christ
Response #26:
2) It's a very interesting question. I don't think this is what I was saying in SR 1 with "the "heavens" . . . are in some sense distinct from those referred to earlier". But it is true that the firmament was newly created (Gen.1:6) to split the waters with which the universe was flooded. The new heavens and the new earth won't contain this instrument of judgment (the tehom, "great deep") – in fact there will be no "sea" at all (Rev.21:1). So on the one hand we aren't given enough information to be able to say much about the pre-Genesis gap universe (except that it was not darkened and flooded); and on the other hand there is nothing restricting the Lord from making the new heavens and earth however He wishes, regardless of what the first creation looked like before judgment. So you are correct that bodies suspended on nothing around the universe is not necessarily how things will be/look in eternity, but I can't say that it won't be that way either.

Keeping you and yours in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #27:
Hi Bob,

We corresponded briefly about 10 yrs ago, sent you a pic of my “parsley” growing, as well as other matters. I asked you if you believed in a Rapture as such, I think you said “no”, If I’m correct, have you changed your mind yet.

All good here down under; had a few major operations, but thanks to The Lord , I’m still here, and hope you are alright.

Regards.
Response #27:
Good to hear from you, my friend!

And I'm very glad to hear that you have been brought safely through these medical trials. I know from personal experience that they are neither easy to endure nor to recover from after the fact. God is good!

If you read the site, you'll have no doubts about my position regarding a supposed pre-Tribulation "rapture". I'd love to believe it (who wants to go through the Tribulation?), but there's nothing in scripture about that – the resurrection is always said in the Bible to occur at the second advent (e.g., Matt.24:29-31). Also, why would there be any need for the Book of Revelation (not to mention all of the other voluminous materials in scripture which deal with the last seven years), if all believers were taken out of the world before that time? There would be no one at all around to benefit from it nor from all of the other passages which talk about what happens in the Tribulation. But we do know that there are very many martyrs of the Tribulation (Rev.6:9-11; 7:9-17). To paraphrase the angel speaking with John, "where did these come from?", if not from out of the Tribulation, martyrs in the beast's Great Persecution? Doubtful that they sprang up from a completely unbelieving world in the midst of the Tribulation – the darkest time of all – without believers around to evangelize and teach them. One could go on at very great length, but I'll give you some links instead (do feel free to write me back about any of this):
The pre-Trib 'Rapture': so called 'imminence' and other false proofs refuted
Dangers of the Pre-Trib Rapture False Teaching
When is the Rapture?
Parousia
The Origin and the Danger of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture Theory
No Rapture
Three False Doctrines that Threaten Faith
In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #28:
Dear Bob:

What I find interesting is that by the time of the 2nd coming of Christ. The armies of the earth are reduced to horses and infantry. As if due to God's wrath or divine providence that humanity will be forced to downshift in technology to such an extent that they are forced to rely on humans and animals. If humanity were as advanced then or even more so as now. Space weapons or nuclear weapons would have been used at the returning Christ. Other details that appear to be missing is mankind's colonization of space. Yet Revelation and the rest of the prophecies confine all the happenings to earth and God's Throne-room. Perhaps divine providence will force mankind to remain on earth?

Would like to hear your thoughts

God bless
Response #28:
Good to make your acquaintance.

I imagine these are questions many have.

A couple of points. First, there isn't much time left (if the interpretation of biblical prophecy advanced at Ichthys is correct – which I firmly believe it is). So I doubt there is time enough for a massive transformation of the way the world works in technological terms before Armageddon and the Second Advent occur, whether backwards or "forwards". There isn't any time for "space colonization" (if that really is possible -- color me absolutely skeptical since we know there is nothing out there whatsoever but rocks); there also isn't enough time for humanity to be plunged into a dark age that would result in a pre-industrialized status around the world (if that were possible – I don't see that either).

Second, prophecy from both Testaments (and concentrated in the book of Revelation) is written to specific people and yet meant for all people. What that means is that there is an isagogical principle that must be applied when it comes to the interpretation of scripture. In terms of the armies described in Ezekiel and Revelation, the believers who lived in Ezekiel and in John's day had no frame of reference for internal combustion or electric engines or smart phones. How, then, was the Holy Spirit supposed to communicate these prophecies to them? Other than leaving them out entirely (but we were meant to have them), portraying things in the terms with which the people of the time were familiar was completely legitimate. Our Lord told Peter that "all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matt.26:52). Does anyone honestly think that because our Lord uses the word "sword" that this verse does not apply equally to guns and firearms today? Or that in Joel's prophecy of Armageddon (Joel 3:9-16), that the command to the armies of antichrist to "beat your ploughshares into swords" could not be talking about all manner of weapons as technology has changed? The "swords" of Ezekiel 38:4 thus may refer to all manner of military armament. Similarly, "horses" in regard to the armies of antichrist may well refer to all manner of transportation, military and otherwise (e.g., Ezek.38:4; Rev.14:20; 19:18). Does this mean that there won't be any horses at Armageddon? Not at all. The German army of WWII famous for its "lightning warfare" (Blitzkrieg) was actually powered mostly by horseflesh – but they also had modern equipment too. So I am certainly not one to find, e.g., Soviet Hind helicopters and other modern devices behind clearly miraculous events and descriptions in the book of Revelation, I don't think proper interpretation of scripture allows us to rule out that either category of equipment, whether ancient or modern.

Of course it is certainly true that mankind – and more to the point Satan – has always been restrained from doing everything we (and he) might well have done. The tower of Babel is a classic example of that: had it been allowed to continue, there would have been no possibility of freedom to choose thereafter (see the link). So I certainly agree that divine restraint of certain possibilities that might seem to prevent the events of prophecy from taking place will in fact not be allowed to do so: the plan of God is perfect in every detail.

I hope this gets to the nub of your question.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/