http://ichthys.com/ 
Faith, Forgiveness, Salvation VIII
Question #1:    
Hi Dr L,

I may have misunderstood, but when I read this: "believers are NOT forgiven the sins we commit after salvation if we fail to confess"

So if we sin but die before we can pray, what does that mean, since we did not confess (in time)?

I feel like you are against pins and needles salvation activities, so I must be missing something,

PS: I am realizing I should probably not be emailing when I am sleep deprived, because I feel like the answer is right in front of me, but I have to step away first.
Response #1:  
Sorry to hear that you are sleep deprived! I sure hope you've been able to get some rest this weekend. After all, lack of sleep leads to lots of bad things.

No, no worries about needing "last rites" or any kind of last prayer for salvation. As mentioned throughout the posting you reference, believers HAVE been forgiven all sins . . . for salvation; we only require forgiveness . . . for fellowship (link). 
Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.”
John 13:8-11 NKJV
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:   
[omitted]
Response #2:  
Our hope is true and genuine.

It is the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (link).
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
1st John 3:2-3 NKJV
This is "the blessed hope" which focuses our lives, the hope of resurrection, reunion, and reward:
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:13 NKJV
Everyone has "down days". If we are not "feeling it", we need to spend some time in prayer, time in scripture, time with the Lord. It's not what we "do for Him". It's what He does for us – what He has done for us – that matters.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:   
[omitted]
Response #3:  
As you probably know from reading the website, I'm not a big fan of logic. There's nothing logical about faith . . . and that is deliberate in the way the Lord designed things. We are supposed to trust Him no matter what we hear or see or feel, or what our anxious thoughts tell us, even when – or perhaps especially when – it's not "logical" to do so. We believe even when everything says we should not. That is the victory that overcomes the world (1Jn.5:4).
It is faith [in the Living and written Word], moreover, that substantiates what we hope for. [Faith] provides proof of things unseen.
Hebrews 11:1
The fact that we believe it is sufficient "proof" of the truth for us believers, even though the whole world refuses to believe it. And we do actually have plenty of reasons to believe the truth. We hear the Spirit (if we are listening). And every believer has tons of experience of the Lord encouraging, intervening – even disciplining us. We KNOW He exists and we know from experience as well that He loves and supports us. We need to remember and hold fast to these truths when we are under pressure from the evil one.
Now without faith, it is impossible to please [God]. For whoever wishes to draw nearer to God must believe that He exists, and that He will reward those who earnestly seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
No doubts. Believe with "extreme prejudice" (i.e., literal "pre-judgment" in absolute confidence in the truth).
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:5-8 NKJV
Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend – and wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas.

In Jesus our Lord,

Bob L.
Question #4:   
Hi Mr. Luginbill,

Ok, thank you - this all makes sense! I have enjoyed looking at this aspect of Jesus (His Deity and humanity) and it has helped me understand Him more.

With Christmas coming, I have been thinking about Jesus and all the things He is (Savior, Mediator, Creator, Living Word, and so on). With this "encouraging women" on my mind, I have things I want to write about and sometimes I have questions and sometimes I need to understand it more to just explain it.

I'm almost 3 months into my job and I'm running into interesting situations with some coworkers. I thought with Christmastime, it would be a good time to be a light to people. I get to interact with a lot of customers when they pay their bill, and I have been saying "Merry Christmas", not "Happy Holidays" since I don't want to be politically correct and I thought, I I say "Merry Christmas" then maybe they will know I am a Christian (that sounds silly typing it).

I know that "Christmas" as a holiday isn't in the Bible. Well, today one of my coworkers said she doesn't like Christmas cause it's a pagan holiday. There were three of us there and I was just listening as they talked about Christmas, paganism, not believing in heaven or hell....one said she believed that God/Jesus was human but not alive anymore and she didn't care what other people believe just don't shove it down her throat (at that point I did say to her that I believed in Jesus and that I believed He was still alive, but that's all I said in the conversation). And we weren't fighting or anything, we were just talking. It's harder to navigate the world than I thought, in terms of what to say in conversations. I don't want to cast pearls before swine but I also don't want to not say what I believe out of fear or timidity.

I hope you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas too!

I told one of my customers today to "have a good day" and he said, "they're all good, it's how you use them" and I thought that with trusting in Jesus, that's true. It may be a totally awful day in the world, but we can still have a good day. It all comes down to faith in Jesus and the Godly perspective!

Respectfully,
Response #4:  
It takes some time to get into a good ministry. There is a lot of planning and prep involved . . . to do it right. Continuing to grow spiritually oneself is the most important first step.

It is always a challenge to know just how to deal with coworkers on spiritual issues. We are to be a light to the world, but it is the Lord who makes our light shine through the "way we are" by virtue of belonging to Him and growing in Him. First and foremost we don't want to do or say anything that is unnecessarily offensive or that will give someone the wrong impression.

Other than that, some believers are more aggressive than others in sharing the gospel, some are more circumspect. One can overdo this either way. With growth comes discernment so as to be able to understand and realize better when is a good time and when is not; who is receptive and who is not. I've never like inserting myself uninvited into a conversation in order to talk about the Lord; I've always tried to be open and warm to any and all positive inquiries. We just need to remember that God is in control, that the Spirit is the chief Evangelist, and that we are merely being used by Him – if we are willing and if He is really willing it.

Merry Christmas!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., glad to hear that the job is going well and so is your ministry effort! Re: "sometimes I need to understand it more to just explain it" – that is something ALL teachers find out pretty quick.
Question #5:   
Hi Mr. Luginbill,

I know that most people don't want God, but it's hard for me to know people, even just as acquaintances, and not feel sad when I think of their eternal future if they continue in their unbelief.

On the other hand, I think that __ does want to grow in her relationship with God! We were talking the other day and __ said __ is an immature Christian and wants to be fed.

With regards to my ministry, perhaps I should plan more? As of now, I have just been writing on whatever comes to mind or I myself have been thinking on. I have my site up and going, it's just only has like 4 pieces up. This one is my latest (you don't have to read it, I know you are busy)!!

https://growinginjesus.com/jesus-our-example/

I do want to share the amazing things I have discovered (thank you for all your hard work, as your materials have contributed so much to my growth) and I want to do it in the right way. I must admit, I am a little nervous cause eventually I'm going to say something that probably my church friends aren't going to agree with. I think they will think I am missing something. And I think my role is supposed to be more of an encourager (yet I can't encourage others without telling the truth). And deep down I know it doesn't matter what other people think - it only matters what God thinks.

Thank you for your time!

Respectfully,
Response #5:  
No one is perfect on this score. It's hard enough to understand ourselves sometimes.

Nice work on the site! I've taken the liberty of linking it on the Ichthys "Special Topics" page (at the link).

I think you are doing just fine. As we implement our idea, we always make modifications, then we eventually fall into a good pattern – if we persevere.

Re: ". . . eventually I'm going to say something that probably my church friends aren't going to agree with" – that happens to us all. I dare say over the many years of this ministry there has been nary a soul who hasn't disagreed with SOMETHING I've posted. In terms of leading people to the truth, we put the truth out there, and if a person really is positive, they will "put aside the bones" and persevere, in spite of disagreement. I have found over the years that mostly people who are not interested in doing the work, even though they know they should, are really only looking for an excuse to "disagree and part company", so that they can feel justified in the process.

Servants of Jesus Christ keep doing what He wants, in spite of opposition.

You are doing it right! Keep it up!

Keeping you in my prayers daily, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:  
Hi Mr. Luginbill,

I sure understand when you say we don't even understand ourselves sometimes!

Thank you for posting a link to my site - and for the encouragement to persevere, that's what I needed and need to do. I'll try to do it right. Thank you for the prayers - I do appreciate them, it's so nice and comforting to know that someone is praying for me.

I think of you and pray for you and your ministry too (although not as often as I should, I admit). Hebrews 10 and the section on prayer was good for me (link) - I am convicted that I am not praying enough, and it is something I have struggled with for a long time.

Hope you are having a good week!

Respectfully,
Response #6:  
It's my pleasure!

Looking forward to seeing how your site develops.

Thanks for those prayers! We could all be praying (and doing) more, but praise the Lord for the growth, progress and production we are being given to accomplish!

Have a wonderful Christmas!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:   
Hey brother Robert,

Just wanted to reach out and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Also I wanted to thank you for all you do on your website to help encourage fellow believers like me.

I saw where you’ve been going through a severe trial lately. I’m praying for you. Hope things are getting better.

Your Brother in Christ,
Response #7:  
Thank you!

Things have been a little dicey here, but the emails were from last August when my program at work was in jeopardy because of a few mistakes others made outside of my control. As I say in the response, the Lord granted speedy and complete deliverance. Always happy for your prayers, however! I keep you in mine daily, my friend.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and yours as well!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:   
I have another question when you have time.

[omitted]

You see, this goes back to when I asked the "Christian sci-fi" question. These stories sometimes imply that Jesus gives salvation to everyone, even the alien people, for the sake of consistency and whatnot. It is, usually, just for the sake of the setting, but I still recognize you have a point in regards to this downplaying the Atonement. 

[omitted]
Response #8:  
First of all, all fiction is essentially lying. We all love stories and it is a very rare individual who doesn't read or watch any fiction – but we do need to keep in mind that none of it is true. And even where fiction is supposed to be based on a "true story", this is usually never actually the case, and even to the extent that it IS the case, the details have always been changed to such a monumental degree that we should still approach it for what it is: unreality. I don't think anyone is terribly benefitted by fantasy and especially not by fantasizing. Mind you, I'm not saying that any of this is quintessentially sinful and a good deal of it is mostly harmless. But like anything else, it can be taken to extremes. 

As to hobby-paraphernalia, in our material culture, it is also a very rare individual who doesn't have a stamp collection or a coin collection or a beanie-baby collection, or, or, or, or. Whatever a person finds interesting and fun (motorcycles, baseball cards, firearms, etc., etc., etc.), in our day and age, well, most people will be indulging in such things or related things to one degree or another. Whether we spend our free time doing needle point or playing canasta or ice hockey or fishing or whatever, there's not necessarily anything wrong with any of it. We are all individuals and the Lord deals with us as such. 

I will say that as we grow all such things of the world tend to become less important to us (1Cor.13:11). What may be OK for you or me might not be for someone else, depending upon the level of our spiritual growth and also our individual spiritual vulnerabilities (Jas.4:17). I would never want to "weigh in" on some other Christians' application when it comes to what we do for rest and relaxation as long it's not overtly carnal or grossly sinful. There matters of application are very personal. If we are getting over the line or going to unhealthy extremes in anything of actually little importance, the Lord is more than capable of getting our attention and straightening us out very quickly.
All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Philippians 3:15 NIV
The main thing as always is never to neglect our growth, progress and production for the sake of anything else in this world, whether it is trivial or, to worldly eyes, essential.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:  
Dr. Luginbill, 

I'm just writing to ask for a prayer. I may lose my job very soon. Short version is that my boss "went crazy" and is accusing me of things I did not do. I have asked The Lord for vindication and a new job, and I have started applying to other companies. I am very relaxed and trust that He will see me through this. 
Response #9:  
I'm sorry to hear this, my friend.

You're certainly not the first (or the last) believer to bump into a "bad boss" situation. But for the Lord's protection, we would probably all be out of work.

I'll be praying for you, and I've put a request up for you on the Ichthys list.

Keep me in the loop.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:   
Thank you Bob. 

There may already be some good news on this front. In an astounding turn of events, my boss saw my side of a very controversial situation with a client and seemed to agree with me and even go to bat for me. I take that as a sign that he may not fire me over this. He is definitely part of the church visible, but I do not know much else. 

Hoping I can keep a paycheck until another job becomes available, but it is definitely time to go regardless of the recent development. 

My previous email was brief as I was on the road in the rain, but I have ruminated quite a bit on your last response about being employed throughout the tribulation. I am thankful you brought that to my attention, as I suppose I was picturing life out in the woods just trying to survive until the glorious return of I Am. 

How have you been? Can I pray about anything in particular on your behalf? 
Response #10:  
That is great news, my friend! I will definitely be praying for you for a quick and easy exit to something better.

Prayers for ministry, job and health always appreciated on this end!

Here's wishing you and yours a blessed and spiritually productive 2025!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:  
Hi Dr L,

I know this is really soon after the last message, I don't mean to burden you.

I got to the end of what was there for Hebrews (no pressure, really) and started on Peter again, because I think I missed a lot. Anyway I was reading it and was thinking and wanted to ask you an application question.

I am going to be honest and blunt because I think that is the best way. But that goes for good things about me and bad things, so please believe me on the good. 

I am naturally very conscientious. I cannot help it without difficulty. So at work my natural state is to work really hard and to try to get every detail right. It has been my experience that they do not appreciate this, but rather that your much-higher-than-others standard becomes the norm, and they just pile more on you and act like you aren't really trying. And I find you can't just be honest with them about the workload and such, or even offer to help. One time I offered to help and they threatened to cut my hours (I guess they either did not trust my intentions), but it wasn't like they asked what my current workload was or checked at all, just immediate to that threat. And I find most managers you have to tiptoe around them, and you are better off staying away and engaging in the work minimally. This feels wrong, but what can us lower employees do?

[omitted]

There is a bit more but I think you get the idea behind this.

Is what I am doing wrong? Is my thinking wrong?

Please take care of yourself!
Response #11:  
I have been praying for you and your job situation. I'm very sorry to hear that you continue to be mistreated in the job. "Bad boss" situations are so common nowadays that "good boss" or even "acceptable boss" situations are becoming the exception.

I'm not sure what to advise you. I do know that the Lord is looking out for you. Is it time to look for a different / better job? I don't know, but I do know that a spiritually mature person like yourself walking close to the Lord is capable of figuring out the best course of action. Trusting Him to help you is the main thing. I am praying for you.

I couldn't recommend trying to "equalize" things on your own. Are there things you can do? Possibly. Sometimes higher ups can help; sometimes personnel can help; sometimes pacing yourself and keeping your head down helps. Mind you, I am NOT suggesting any of these things. But if you do something that is clearly against policy – even if everyone else is doing it or similar/comparable things – then you give a bad boss just the excuse he/she needs to unfairly get rid of you. That's the worst way to have to leave a job and have to find something else, even if you've actually done nothing wrong. Sadly, I have some experience of all these matters with near and dear ones.

It is terrible that an employee who does more work, better work, and is more conscientious than others is treated worse than others. But I do know that our Lord always honors honorable behavior. 
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Colossians 3:22-25 NIV
And, after all, it is Jesus Christ whom we are trying to please. And it's not as if He is ignorant of our situation or powerless to do anything to help us.

Listen to the Spirit and trust the Lord, and He will show you the right path forward.

Praying for you.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:   
Many people rightly reject OSAS, but then claim some arbitrary standard of "sinning too much" or "failing to walk in the Spirit as we should" is what causes us to lose salvation. How does one respond to such claims?

This goes back to the Parable of the Sower. They claim not only the 2nd plant, but the 3rd plant believe and then die usually. From what I understand the 3rd is "choked but not dead" (usually). Can you explain why you interpret it as this and not just dead?
Response #12:  
The Bible is very clear about the fact that believers are saved (e.g., Jn.3:18); so that there is no doubt about the fact that it is loss of faith which equals / results in apostasy (link).
This is a faithful saying:
For if we died with Him,
If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
2nd Timothy 2:11-13 NKJV
Whatever we want to think about the plant that is choked by thorns and thistles so as to be unproductive, it is clear that this is NOT where any believer would want to end up. Being saved without any significant reward is not as bad as apostatizing (clearly) but it is certainly bad since it indicates not carrying out the mission with which we have all been charged by our Lord and Savior. I suspect that much of the Church will fall into that category (especially in Laodicea), but only God knows the details of course. 

That perspective helps to explain my own interpretation of the parable as well (link). Clearly, there are many believers who are just bumping along and not doing anything much for the Lord or His Church: not growing, not progressing, and not producing. They DO believe, but their faith is not particularly deep. Where else would they fall into this parable if not the "weedy ones"?

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2025, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:   
[omitted] 

As far as the other unpleasantries of life, thanks for the sympathetic words, it’s all part of it, as you know this is what we’re to expect, Jesus never said it would be easy. Hope this new year is both pleasant and productive for you and myself.

All the best,
Response #13:  
You've done SO much for this ministry, my friend – and I greatly appreciate it all. I never could have nor would have gotten around to those files myself.

Also, you have produced a wonderful crop in spite of great opposition on various fronts. Your good attitude and perseverance is certainly in inspiration to me.

Praying for you for some blessing and respite in these last days, my friend.

Wishing you a truly good-news filled 2025!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:   
Thanks Doc.

I do have to ask: I read your Bible Basics on Hamartiology and one piece struck out to me.
"While there are many occasions when fathers and their children are at odds, and children often commit acts of rebellion, in the majority of cases children do not "cross the ultimate line" of complete rejection of parental authority – a certain amount of residual respect and godly "fear" generally remains even after the most extreme adolescent rebellions. Thus in most instances where children violate parental precepts they do not do so to a degree that makes the process of discipline, repentance, reconciliation and restoration completely impossible. They may become insolent and rebellious, but they do not break completely free of the family and parental authority. Occasionally, however, some children do rebel to such an arrogant and audacious degree that their actions do constitute the sort of "high-handedness" described in Numbers 15:30, behavior which so completely, thoroughly, and irremediably rejects the authority of the parents that no future reconciliation is possible (the most extreme of which, unfortunately not unprecedented in our society, would be murdering one's parents; cf. Deut.21:18-21). In the same way, there comes a point in a person's rebellion against God where the ultimate line is eventually crossed. This is a point of no return which represents a breach so severe that further mercy cannot be forthcoming – not only because of the acuteness of the offense towards God, but also because the person concerned has progressed so far into apostasy that he or she would not in true free will seek restoration if forgiveness were offered (and of this extreme the devil is the premier example). As is also the case in our family analogy, such extreme spiritual degeneration does not spring out of nowhere, but is rather the result of what may often be a lengthy process of rebellion and hardening of the heart (see section IV.6 below). And as in our family analogy, the extreme contempt and despite of continued, thoughtless sinning "with a high hand" is an impossibility until respect, reverence, and "the fear of God" have been completely worn away by this process of heart-hardening (Rom.3:18; cf. Rev.19:5). Indisputable, unmitigated, reckless and continual "arrogant sin" is essentially impossible for a believer without laying a prior foundation of apostasy. Ultimately, the only sin for which Jesus could not die and for which there is therefore no forgiveness, is the willful rejection of Himself, namely, "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" who testifies to the truth of Him, His Person and His saving work on our behalf (Matt.12:31). Sinning arrogantly to the ultimate degree is thus a symptom of prior apostasy, for on the one hand a person cannot so disrespect God if there is any fear of Him left in the heart, and on the other hand if a person does still maintain residual faith and even a modicum of godly fear, this will be sufficient to dissuade them from giving themselves over to a life of completely unmitigated arrogant sin."
This more or less described me until the last few months, even if I didn't want to admit it. Maybe I'm just getting bad memories of work salvation cults, but I fear for my actual salvation or ability to repent because of this. 

[omitted]
Response #14:  
Whatever you've done in the past, it's clear that you are a believer and that is what matters now. I don't think it's particularly profitable to keep looking backward, as you know (Phil.3:13). The Lord is still working with you and on you. And you're still living at home, right? So you haven't crossed the line with your parents . . . so the same is no doubt true with your heavenly Father as well.

Keeping you in my prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:   
Important details I might add are: It also has the promise of the eternal home that awaits us, as part of that "deliverance" since passing to eternity is in a way, the ultimate deliverance for those in Christ. There's still hardship and often quite testing ones, but that's inevitable in the life of a believer who seeks to please God. This isn't meant to negate or sugarcoat that reality by any means, just stop it from making it all even worse in the long run, and teach how to handle further hardship with less damage to oneself (God surely works mightily with the latter).

If I didn't explain this very well I apologize, I've never been much good with words when describing an idea.

The attitude much of the Church visible seems to have is that grieving or "processing emotions/trauma" is only for the death of a loved one. Many, many people have found allowing that for other traumas or great losses helps them find far greater peace and ability to handle future hardship. This isn't self pity mind you, the point of healthy grief is to find freedom from the suffering, to grow past being defined by or having to "suck it up" when horrible, mentally scarring things happen. It doesn't leave them stuck in what happened, it acknowledges the reality of the pain and anguish, and that telling others they have to "live with it" will leave them broken indefinitely, and damages their hope and ability to have peace and joy even when they truly are pushing on regardless. It also doesn't let the grief control you, and thus spiral into pity or even despair when done in any sort of healthy way.

In other words, the secular world has, ironically, started embracing certain principles of actual spiritual growth. They've started seeking peace and joy, and have found a way to work past cruel injustices in this life. I of course say this with the believer life in mind, since true meaning and peace that rises above this life, let alone true freedom from "being stuck in pain forever" can only be found in the Lord.

But this is where the 2 meet, because many true believers have been blessed immensely in their walk with Christ through this, many even were able to attain spiritual maturity (or at least are finally on the track to it) only after being allowed to not only have to "call it all joy" and "forget what lies behind" (I say "only" because we should absolutely this as joy, as my example of mental healing blessing believers shows how it can help many). Surely this kind of therapeutic method isn't "forbidden by God" or anything right? I mean you say other methods of therapy can be a significant help to a believer, and this idea is essentially the "heart of hearts" of phychiatry and it's original purpose.

Regardless all credit to Him for this, it seems even the world of the lost can be heroes to the Faith. He can use anything or anyone for His purposes as you always say. The point here is: As far as I can see, a somewhat similar approach is seen in Scripture, just focused primarily on God and His comfort and deliverance rather than our own self introspection. The majority of the Psalms have a prayer of thanksgiving, the sorrow or grief that's addressed, and a proclamation of His grace and deliverance from that even with how deeply the scars can go. Jeremiah seemed to weep greatly for the people of Israel who were slain, and seemed to be in great grief over the sorry state of God's nation at the time.

Even if these don't truly apply to this idea of "grieving and processing trauma and grief outside of just death", I do believe we should trust God and His guidance and deliverance, learning to have more genuine gratitude when we do it, which is why I saw that pattern there. If we do it without the Lord there's no gain (or regained trust!) to be made after all (And wouldn't Jesus want us to unburden ourselves from such a blockade in our walk regardless?)

I personally have already been taking steps towards this in my current struggles now that I think about it. Giving my sorrows to Him and doing CBT therapy has opened my eyes to a level of truth (of my own troubles and the nature of the Father of which I had many cruel lies believed in) I thought for the longest time to be impossible for me to attain in this life. I need to know what you think of this?
Response #15:  
Re: "the attitude much of the Church visible" – to be honest, I'm always surprised when this coincides with the truth to the smallest degree.

Re: "the secular world has, ironically, started embracing certain principles of actual spiritual growth": but they will never find that peace and joy apart from Jesus Christ. Just because the one is out of line does not make the other right. That is a common fallacy which has led to political polarization throughout history. Both sides can be dead wrong.

Re: "we should trust God and His guidance and deliverance, learning to have more genuine gratitude when we do": No argument there!

Re: "I need to know what you think of this?" Which part? Growing in grace through the truth is wonderful. Being liberated from lies of the past is necessary for that. What part CBT is playing in that, I can't really know, knowing nothing about that and not being you. I would always argue for putting the Word and the Spirit first, regardless of whatever help one is getting from any secular source in any aspect of life, not just mental health.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:  
I believe they can go hand and hand and God uses them mightily so in a believer who's willing to do so, and I don't doubt you do too, I meant we might have different views of how that relation would work is all.
Response #16:  
Being "a believer who's willing to do so" is probably the key, because such a person will (we hope) always place the spiritual above the secular, putting the truth in first place no matter what.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,
Question #17:   
[omitted]
Response #17:  
I am and will be praying for you. It is true that we always feel better about our relationship with the Lord when we are walking closely with Him and have no reason to feel estranged. Something to remember to help us do better next time when we sin, fail, stumble. But don't forget that the Lord DOES forgive us when we confess and that forgiveness means forgiveness.
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
Psalm 103:8-13 NIV

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1st John 1:9 NKJV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:   
Hi Bob,

I'm glad you're feeling a little bit better. Thanks for your prayers and for putting up the prayer request.

Thanks for everything you wrote as well. I agree and it's what I've been striving to do while being completely burned out. It was quite a year and another 'interesting' one ahead.

I'm taking some hard hits - as we do. Including other stuff that I won't bother you with. I see it as a positive though - I can count it all joy (James 1:2-4). I must be doing something right. I'd be very concerned if it was all a breeze. The truth is it's only going to get much worse but God's grace is always sufficient to see me through. (2nd Corinthians 12:9-10)

I am persistent in my prayers for the unbelievers and the lukewarm. Persistent in spite of all the junk they throw at me. I'm hoping and praying they choose for the Lord soon. The Tribulation is not far away now. I hope and pray they have enough oil in their lamps. Making sure I do too. I listen to the Spirit when it comes to what I do and don't say to them. I'm doing what I can for them. I can rest knowing it's all in the Lord's hands. 

I hope that's a bit clearer for you. Feeling so drained makes it harder for me to write it all down. As I mentioned to you before, I'm still plugging away at my studies and praying.

Wishing you a good week ahead, Bob. Hope all goes well for you.

In Jesus
Response #18:  
Thanks. I'm glad I don't have to teach until Wednesday. Everything is closed for tomorrow on account of this big snow we've had. It's only about eight inches or so, but now ice and sleet have started and they say that it's going to get really nasty. Got the car back and it's not completely fixed, so I'll have to deal with that this week too. Minor aggravations on the road to New Jerusalem.

I'm sorry that you're having a rough time, my friend. There are so few out there nowadays who really do love the Lord and who are trying to do things His way, even among believers. So it's often lonely for the few who are determined to what is right, even when we're in the midst of a crowd.

Please do take care of yourself, my friend. There are times when we do need a break. If we do let ourselves get "completely burned out" it can be problematic. The Lord knows what you need. What you are doing is honoring to Him, but He doesn't expect you to be "superman". Please take care of your health, physical and emotional. When in a race, runners when close to the goal go into their "kick" and use up whatever is left in the tank to finish as fast and strong as possible. Don't go into your "kick" too soon – there is a lot of course left ahead.

I'm praying for your family daily as well, my friend. Re: "I can rest knowing it's all in the Lord's hands." Amen to that! We all need to be resting in Him at all times. That is our present fulfillment of the fourth commandment.
(9) So [then] there does remain a "Sabbath day's rest" for the people of God. (10) For he who has entered into [God's] rest has himself ceased from his works just as God did from His own. (11) Let us therefore be eager to enter into that [continual and spiritual] rest, lest anyone fall [from grace] following the same pattern of disobedience [exhibited by the exodus generation]. 
Hebrews 4:9-11
This is easy for any and all of us to forget in the noise and churn of this world. But we have been called to peace and have a right to be at peace at all times, no matter what is going on in the world or in our individual lives. Our Lord has given us that right and the Spirit whereby to embrace it.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 NKJV
Hang in there, my friend. You don't have to do all this alone. Let the Spirit guide and empower you, and rest in the Lord.

Re: "but God's grace is always sufficient to see me through" Amen to that too – something we all need to hold onto tight all the way to the end.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2nd Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:  
Hi Bob,

I'm glad you didn't have to teach today too. Please stay safe in the snow and ice. We had some snow here over the weekend too but thankfully a lot of rain after so the snow didn't hang around for long. 

Praying your car will be fixed soon. Car troubles are a real nuisance.

Thanks for your encouragement and wise counsel. I appreciate it very much. I'm definitely taking care of my health. Resting physically and emotionally and I'm sure I'll feel much better soon. You're right, I don't have to do all this alone. Spiritual rest in the Lord. I have the strength to endure all things in the One who empowers me to do so. Phil.4:13

You said, "There are so few out there nowadays who really do love the Lord and are trying to do things His way, even among believers. So it's often lonely for the few who are determined to do what is right, even when we're in the midst of a crowd". That's so true. It's easy to understand how we don't really "click" with unbelievers. They don't understand us at all. It's light and darkness. But I experience a very similar kind of thing with lukewarm believers. They don't really understand us either. Sometimes it's like we're speaking a different language. I'm honestly not trying to say we're better than they are or we're something special because we're not. It's not that at all. We love all of our brothers and sisters in Christ but it's like the gap between one believer and another can be very wide. We both belong to the Lord and He loves us just the same but we're just not on the same wavelength. That's why I'm so thankful to the Lord for you and for all our brothers and sisters who really do love the truth. I think that's exactly it. We really do love the Lord and are trying to do things His way and that gives us a much closer bond with Him and each other.

Keeping you in my prayers. Thanks so much for yours too.

In Jesus
Response #19:  
Classes cancelled also for Wednesday . . . or so I thought. Seems that the administration is hot to have us do "remote teaching". This was a disaster during Covid even after we'd had a week or so to prepare for it. Shifting on the fly on the first day of classes won't work. Buried in their communiqués was an allowance to post asynchronous assignments, so that is what I will do. I would much rather just go in and teach – whether weather or not. That is what I am good at and what I enjoy. No one actually signs in for remote teaching (and when they do they just go off and play on FB, Insta, Tik-tok or whatever).

Thanks for your insightful comments here, my friend. Yes, it is true that even with believers we who are deep in the Word do usually experience this disconnect. It's like we are looking at the world in an entirely different way than they are – because we are. And we persevere in that different perspective, that godly perspective, in spite of all the pressures that are trying to push us "back to earth", so to speak. And it's hard sometimes, but we keep fighting. So when others tell us that what we are doing is not important ("to them" and so by definition "at all"), it makes close fellowship difficult except on the superficial, worldly level. We are looking forward to standing together as one perfect and complete Bride of Christ in assembly in New Jerusalem, glorying in the Lord Jesus who bought us, glorying in the oneness of each other and of the entire family of God in resurrection forever. Compared to that, everything else down here suffers by comparison. We understand the worldly enthusiasms of the rest, to some degree we participate, but our main attention is focused elsewhere, namely, on our Lord and His Church. That will be a very helpful, even essential, perspective to keep hold of very soon.
They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
Revelation 12:11 NIV
Ultimately, it's the difference between being red hot for the truth (and striving to retain and increase the warmth) as opposed to being content with lukewarmness.

Praying for a time of respite for you. Thanks for your prayers too, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:   
Hi Bob,

I remember very well that week or so you had to prepare for "remote teaching" during Covid. You got through it but it was still a nightmare. Posting assignments sounds like a very good idea to me. I've seen all the snow you've got and read about the school closures on the news. Stay safe, Bob. Praying everything will return to normal soon.

You put this really well - "it makes close fellowship difficult except on the superficial, worldly level". Also, in my experience, although we might agree on the essentials for salvation we can disagree on so many other things like speaking in tongues etc. that we end up hardly being able to talk about anything to do with the Lord and the Bible at all. So the conversation remains on the superficial, worldly level. It was never a problem when I used to believe what they did but the more I learned and believed and spoke about the truth the higher the barrier became between me and the lukewarm believer. So as you say, "Ultimately, it's the difference between being red hot for the truth (and striving to retain and increase the warmth) as opposed to being content with lukewarmness".

Thanks for your prayers, Bob. As well as all of the big stuff going on, there seems to be a lot of people who want me or need me - work, family, friends. So I'm the one who has been attempting to be "superman" and fit everyone in. I need to make my own health a priority at the moment because I know everyone can survive very well without me!

I'm back to work tomorrow. The Lord will help me through and I'll be fine.

Keeping the prayers going for you, Bob!

In Jesus
Response #20:  
This is a wonderful diagnosis of the problem. It does seem to be one of the most common maladies in the church-visible to make one or two wrong ideas the center-piece of one's Christian identity. Be it water-baptism, or "the rapture" or tongues or Sabbath observance or whatever, being willing to die on one of those false mountains as if this was how to defend the faith has undermined the spiritual growth of many. Or maybe, better put, has provided a convenient excuse to close their ears to the truth and substitute a cause instead (same thing easily seem in Christians embracing political causes, as in anti-abortion and the like, making that the be all and end all).

I'm glad to hear that you're putting up some limits on the "small things" because otherwise they can amass into one pretty big thing. Keeping you and yours in pray for all things. Praying for a smooth day at work.

Thanks for your prayers too, my friend. Some how or other (God helping me, of course), it took all day but using software I'd never tried before I managed to get videos done for all my classes and posted them along with announcements and handouts, so that is out of the way. And U of L will be back live on Friday so I don't have to worry about live remote teachings going forward (absent another "event").

Still under a lot of ice and snow here and with these temps it's not going anywhere. Blessedly we did not lose power! Grateful to the Lord for that in particular!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
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