http://ichthys.com/ 
Faith, Forgiveness, Salvation IX
Question #1:    
[omitted]
Response #1:  
Sorry to hear about your neck (and other continuing problems). Adding this to my list. I also pray for your guidance and success on all the job/immigration issues. I am positive that the Lord has a ministry for you. He will bring you to it (or it to you). Just keep preparing (when it happens, you'll wish you were more prepared – that happens to us all).

Good news about __'s situation! These are complicated regulations, and as you know very well a lot of that is really "up in the air" in this country at present on account of the current regime. "Nothing is impossible for the Lord" – Amen! We demonstrate that we believe that by persevering in our course whether things look good or bad, whether we feel good or bad, whether things are breaking our way or not. He is the One who is really in control – to an absolute degree.

The break was over Sunday. Gave exams today. Current crop of students are not very diligent. We persevere.

Thanks for your prayers too, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:   
[omitted]
Response #2:  
Re: "In other words, just follow Him as best I can and don't think about what might happen as a result since He can take care of anything and will take care of everything." Sound eminently reasonable to me!

We can't know everything. We have to make the best decisions we can and do the best we can, day by day. I made a lot of mistakes in my own preparation phase, but the Lord always "bailed me out" – for which I am eternally grateful. I wasted on a lot of time on secular matters (working on side-gigs that never paid off) and spiritual ones (e.g., trying to put together a data base of passage citations by my mentor which was essentially impossible before personal computers), and other various and sundry false starts. But if we keep at it, in the end it all works out for the good – for those who love God (Rom.8:28). That is my testimony and I have no doubt it will be yours as well down the road. 
For many years after arriving in Louisville I desperately wanted to find a way back to California and spent much fruitless effort on that as well. Now I'm very glad it didn't work out, because this turned out to be the perfect base and situation for pursuing ministry. So I continued to work on this ministry from baby steps to full-blown Ichthys . . . and the Lord worked it out.

Keeping you in my daily prayers for all these things, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:   
[omitted]
Response #3:  
I think you handled all this exactly right. You gave a good witness to the truth without being offensive in any way. The fact that you got a defensive reply anyway demonstrates to me that your analysis of the situation is doubtless correct. You planted a seed. Whether or not it's nourished or squashed is something for __ to decide. We can pray. But we're probably not going to convince others involved in such things to change. They have to leave it behind of their own accord. You've let __ know that you are a "safe haven" person who understands the truth, so that if and when __ has had enough, you can be of spiritual help. Other than prayer, as mentioned, that is probably all that can be done to have a good outcome. 

I'll be keeping your extended family in my prayers now as well, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:   
[omitted]
Response #4:  
You're very welcome!

It's always good to have one's "right thinking" confirmed by another believer who knows the truth. This is where we are all supposed to be, after all (Heb.10:24-25).
(9) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in full-knowledge (epignosis: truth believed) and in all discernment, (10) so that you may be able to evaluate the things that are good and appropriate [for you to do] to be sincere and without offense in regard to the day of Christ (i.e., to gain a maximum reward at Christ's judgment seat), (11) full of the righteous production Jesus Christ [commends] to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11

(14) Solid [spiritual] food is for the [spiritually] mature, those who by [diligent] practice have trained their [moral] perceptive faculties (i.e., consciences) to [properly] distinguish between good and evil.
Hebrews 5:14
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:   
Hi Bob,

I've been praying for __'s health and I pray they'll get a home of their own soon. It must be very draining.

[omitted]

I've been reading John today and following along with your "John Questions" on Ichthys. It's brilliant. I've been taking notes as I go and it's so helpful. So thanks for your teaching on this too. Before you posted the emails this week, I had been reading and thinking about John 1:1 - Jesus Christ - the living Word of God. I loved reading response #20 this week where you mention this and growing up through the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (2nd Peter 3:18). There is so much great spiritual food to feast on at Ichthys!

A busy week for you this week - keeping the prayers going for you.

In Jesus
Response #5:  
Thanks!

And thanks for your prayers for others we know through this ministry. I know that they're appreciated. It sure does seem as if some believers get a whole lot more testing that maybe the rest of us don't. But I suspect it only seems that way to believers who are approaching the issue with humility. We are all different and our circumstances are all different. What I can't handle maybe you can and vice versa. We all do get tested – that's for sure (Jas.1:2-8)!

I'm very happy to hear your good news too, my friend. That relief has been a long time coming, and it's a blessing to find out that it's finally on the point of arriving.

Prayers for getting through the week are much appreciated – praying for that for you too.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:  
Basically he tries to debunk "works" in the Greek of the New Testament being anything other than "grace+works" for salvation. I don't know how to feel about this.

Want me to give him the old Genesis 15:6? (I'm referring to how the Hebrew has a word that simply means "full trust and resolute conviction", with no other definition)
Response #6:  
I can't recommend getting involved in a fight with someone like this. This person has constructed his own rhetorical battlefield and is not really interested in the truth nor does he have a heart open to it at all. So even if you concoct the perfect response, it will bounce off like spit-balls off a battleship. The Spirit can break through the hardest heart, of course, but will only do so if there is some spark of desire for the truth. That certainly doesn't seem to be the case here. I do understand that if a person has an apologetic ministry of trying interact with such people, more for the benefit of those who might be listening than for the person him/herself, that is a different story. But as I often say, that's not my gift of expertise.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:   
Thank you. Can you answer my other question when you have time?
Response #7:  
Re: "what does it mean to "think on/focus on the Lord and Scripture?" At the risk of defining the obvious, we believers would all be better off spending our free "think time" thinking about the Lord and the truth. Instead of drifting, when we are not occupied with something that demands our full attention, following the advice in Ephesians, e.g., is not a bad idea:
(18) And don't get drunk with wine – which is dissipating – but instead keep on being ful-filled (i.e., making progress in spiritual growth) by means of the Holy Spirit (i.e., the means to edification in contrast to dissipation). (19) [Be] speaking [encouragement] to your own selves through psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and vocalizing psalms in your heart to the Lord, (20) giving thanks at all times for everything in the Name of our Lord to God our Father.
Ephesians 5:18-20
Here are a few pertinent links:
BB 6A: "Focusing on Christ"

Peter #35: "Instead Lift Up Christ"
Seeing the One who Cannot be Seen
Turning our Gaze unto Jesus
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:   
Actually, in addition to that, I have something else to ask. I've noticed a lot of people take a passage, many even knowing the context that completely changes it, and just saying "it's clearly speaking of this idea in general/an idea this sounds like." Hebrews 10:26-27 is especially prevalent in this regard.
Response #8:  
Re: "I've noticed a lot of people take a passage, many even knowing the context that completely changes it". Two things here. First, very few believers today, even those who pass themselves off as "teachers", have any clear idea of how scripture is to be properly interpreted. In addition to the problem of faulty methodology, their basic understanding of doctrine is usually also very faulty and deficient – which compounds the problem (not to mention having zero knowledge of the original languages, very little of the cultural/historical background of scripture, and no formal training or particular experience). 

But, secondly, anyone who would knowingly misquote and/or misapply scripture just to support their (undoubtedly false) position is a charlatan whose salvation is at the very least in doubt (and in many cases we are talking about unbelievers and cult followers here). Sounds a lot like false teaching of "the rapture" and its advocates: there isn't a passage in the Bible that teaches a pre-Trib resurrection, but proponents twist anything they think may help into service for their dubious cause.
"For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves."
Acts 20:29-30 NKJV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:  
Hello Robert. 

At first I want to thank you. I recently hat some thoughts about Hebrews 10:26 and then went on your Website today and found out that you wrote something about it and I looked into it. It helped clarifying things. 

Now to the question:

Colossians 3:20 KJV
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

In all things? What about sin? Or what about if I’m unsure in my consciousness if something is ok or not? What if my father wants to do a walk to a restaurant and eat there because my oldest sister will soon fly away for some time but my less older sister, which is probably (pretty surely, I think she would‘ve told me otherwise) still living in sin, is also there (which also means we would sit at one table and eat probably) and my father knows that I have problems with the topic but explicitly commands me to come and go with them? Are there actual biblical arguments for it being ok (to go with them)?

Be blessed
Response #9:  
Strict obedience to parents is mandated as long as children are living under their parents' roof. While they are, then indeed they are obligated to do as their parents say. But, of course, this does not extend to things which are definitely illegal, immoral or insane. Scripture must always be applied in the Holy Spirit with the "spiritual common sense" that comes as we grow to spiritual maturity. This is not relativism but respecting the integrity of the truth. Any mocker could easily come up with the objections you mention in order to denigrate the Bible, but the Bible is not a textbook with footnotes. What the Spirit has inspired is perfect, but it has to be learned and applied with His help and guidance. Unbelievers cannot do this. Immature believers cannot do it well. Learning how to do so well is a lifelong pursuit which only the mature can accomplish but which all of us are called to (see the link: Spiritual Discernment):
(9) 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". (10) And God has revealed [these very things] to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches out everything, even the deep things of God. (11) For who knows the things of a man except the spirit of man which is in him? In the same way too no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. (12) And we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, in order that we might know the things graciously given to us by God. (13) And these are the very things we are speaking about, not in words taught by human wisdom, but with words of the Spirit, communicating spiritual information to spiritual people. (14) Now the unspiritual man does not receive the [deeper] things of the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him and he is not able to understand them because they are appreciated [only] through spiritual means. (15) But the spiritual man does appreciate them all, though he himself is not appreciated [in this regard] by anyone. (16) For [as it says] "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who will instruct Him?" But we do have the very thinking (lit., "mind") of Christ (i.e., His truth from the Spirit).
1st Corinthians 2:9-16

So [in all things] you should [always] be calculating what it is that pleases the Lord.
Ephesians 5:10

(9) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in full-knowledge (epignosis: truth believed) and in all discernment, (10) so that you may be able to evaluate the things that are good and appropriate [for you to do] to be sincere and without offense in regard to the day of Christ (i.e., to gain a maximum reward at Christ's judgment seat), (11) full of the righteous production Jesus Christ [commends] to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11

For God [through His Spirit] is the One who is empowering you both to desire [what is right] and to put it into practice for the accomplishment of His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13

(14) Solid [spiritual] food is for the [spiritually] mature, those who by [diligent] practice have trained their [moral] perceptive faculties (i.e., consciences) to [properly] distinguish between good and evil.
Hebrews 5:14
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:   
[omitted]
Response #10:  
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, His perfect person, being God and sinless man, His perfect work, having died on the cross for all of our sins, then you are saved (Jn.3:18).

If you have confessed any sin, then it has been forgiven (1Jn.1:9).

None of us is so special that we are different from anyone else. 

None of us is so good that the rules for salvation and growth no longer apply so that we don't have to fight the fight every day. 

None of us is so bad that the rules of salvation and forgiveness no longer apply so as to be incapable of restoration. 

Anyone who thinks differently, either way for whatever reason, has fallen deep into subjective arrogance. This is not about us. This is about Jesus Christ, His truth, and His Church.

There are no quick fixes for finding oneself in a spiritual hole. We have to dig ourselves out the same way we dug ourselves in, one shovelful at a time. But if we ARE willing to do so, the Spirit helps us.

There is no profit to looking backwards or worrying about how we feel. If we start moving forward simply, consistently and in humility, all good things will come eventually. But we have to put in the spiritual work.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., I always keep the text of emails I receive private when requested; but what I myself write belongs to me. In such cases, if and when posted, all potential identifying marks are omitted. As to the above, it could have been written in response to hundreds of emails I've received (since, sadly, many Christians are suffering under the same sorts of unnecessary burdens).
Question #11:  
Something I hear thrown around a lot is "Would Jesus play/watch what you're entertaining yourself with?" Or alternatively, "Would you be ashamed if Jesus walked in and saw you being entertained by this?"

I get the people who say this usually have good intentions, but to be honest...it almost always feels like it's just guilt tripping people out of consuming something the person asking finds offensive, genuinely sinful or not. There are certainly much worse mindsets to have in this regard, but imo, this isn't helping much.
Response #11:  
Sounds similarly to WWJD which is equally misguided. 

Scripture tells us to keep our eyes on our Lord – not think what He would do or imagine how He feels about us. We're supposed to follow Him. And we know how to do that – or should. If we are making spiritual growth, progressing in the application of truth in our lives to pass whatever tests and trials come our way, and preparing for/engaging in ministry we have been given to produce a good crop for Jesus Christ, then we are doing what He wants us to do. It's not WWJD, it's WDJWMTD ("what does Jesus want me to do"?). And the answer in general terms is exactly the same for every believer: grow, progress, produce. In terms of specifics, the Spirit working with our consciences guides us in every matter of application – if we are listening. None of us is perfect. None of us perfectly applies the truth or perfectly makes use of all the wonderful blessings we've been given. But if we are committed to following our Lord, we will get better at this, we will get through this life with our faith intact, and we will be rewarded for what we've done down here (link). That is what it's all about. The smallest reward we receive from the Lord when we stand behind Him is worth more than the entire present universe, and infinitely and eternally so.
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Luke 9:23-26 NIV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. 
2nd Corinthians 5:10-11a NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:   
Hi Bob,

I was diagnosed with cancer. Waiting to hear what further treatment will be. Please include me in your prayers . I know that everything happens for our good and His glory, just sometimes need to remind myself of that! 

Your friend,
Response #12:  
I'm very sorry to hear this. And you've been through so much with your husband's health and the loss of your brother too.

I will most definitely be keeping you in my daily prayers (as I do, now adding these concerns to my list).

Re: "I know that everything happens for our good and His glory". Amen! But it takes a VERY strong believer like yourself to say it and mean it when the chips are down.

You are an inspiration.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., I'd be happy to add a request to the site list as well (just tell me how you'd like it to read).
Question #13:   
Hi Bob,

I just started to read through this but then stopped when I realised it wasn't addressed to me - someone called __!

Hope you are well! 

I have to admit feeling down in the mouth of late given the very bad experiences I have had, I was becoming quite people-phobic but I am ignoring my feelings, trusting the Lord, keeping my head down around unbelievers so that I have the energy to concentrate on what the Lord wants me to do.

Was led by the Spirit to witness my faith to the father of one of my old school friends (please pray that the seed takes root. He is a disillusioned Catholic)

Hope you have a great week my friend! Spring has finally sprung now in England. It is a much welcomed sight!

In Jesus,
Response #13:  
Ooops! I've been a little bit off the mark what with all the rain here. Classes were cancelled today because of the flooding but I've been hurriedly and harriedly putting together remote assignments to make up for it. The message was for you. I was wondering how you are doing. No info on your and/or __'s status yet?

Re: "I am ignoring my feelings, trusting the Lord, keeping my head down around unbelievers so that I have the energy to concentrate on what the Lord wants me to do." Excellent plan!

I've said a prayer for __. "Picking your shots" like that is probably the right approach. When the Spirit seems to open a door, we are right to venture in. Breaking them down never seems to work.

Keeping you and your family in my prayers, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:   
Sorry if this is random, but do you have a favorite animal? As for me, I've always been fond of whales. Just in general. There's something undeniably fantastical about them, even if they're a relatively common sight. They're like elephants in a way, so bloated in proportions yet one of the most graceful creatures, guess gigantic beasts just have that air about them huh?

God truly outdid Himself, as nonchalant as that sounds. The fact that the largest animal to have ever existed, both current creation and the old one (Blue Whale) belongs to this regal class is something I'll always admire. It's truly humbling to see what forms life takes on the biggest scale, both on land and especially in the sea. As I always say, His handiwork will always make our attempts to create laughable in comparison. The fact Darwinism is used to shut down the praise God gets for it is a tragedy.
Response #14:  
Not really. But your point is well taken. Nature is amazing. Not only animals, but plants. Science is finding out all kinds of amazing things nowadays about "plant behavior" that really put the lie to the idea that any such things could happen "by accident" (e.g., not just tropisms, but plants sensing other plants being near and taking measures against them or cooperating with other species or mimicking other plants, etc., etc.). 

You don't have to be a mathematician to understand that it would take an exponentially longer time for any single one of these amazing plants or insects or animals to "evolve" than even the most outrageous theory for the age of the universe has ever postulated (if it could ever happen at all, which it couldn't, given the principle of entropy). It's just like the Bible says, "since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse" (Rom.1:20 NKJV). Amen?

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:   
Seeing all the flood damage in Kentucky is sad. Sending prayers your way that your family and loved ones are safe and that you haven't sustained significant property damage. My family down there has been out of town so just relying on news and internet footage. 

In Jesus
Response #15:  
We're fine. That's a benefit of living in "the Highlands". Even my basement didn't flood despite the foot and half of rain. Not so the River Road area. They cancelled "Thunder over Louisville", and yesterday, even though it was clear and sunny, they cancelled classes at U of L. That's the third day we've lost this semester. What with the remote-substitute assignments I have to cook up at the last minute, it would be a lot easier for me (and better for them), just to have class. 

Anyway, thanks for your concern – and for your prayers!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:  
Hi Dr L,

[omitted]

There is also one more thing, but it isn't a typo, just a clarification thing about what you wrote. I am just referencing the passage to make it easier.

https://ichthys.com/Tribulation-Part2B.htm

"There is a passion, a "zeal" "

I may be reading this wrong, but I kind of feel like reading that David' love for God, and the Israelites' zeal being beyond us, it is kind of feeling like I am reading that they can love God is at a level we (gentiles) will find it hard to reach. I think I may be reading into this, just the feeling I got was kind of we are outsiders and they are above us, which I don't know that you meant, and I don't think is the case as Noah and Job and such are technically not Jewish and I don't think we'd say they are in the same way? Maybe it is in my head, sorry if so.

Please take care,
Response #16:  
Thanks as always for the help, my friend!

As to your question, first, I think that it's impossible to read scripture carefully without this zeal and love for the Lord on the part of believers in the past coming through, and in most cases it's Jewish believers we are talking about. On the other hand, passion and zeal are only worthwhile when they are legitimately directed. As Paul said about his fellow contemporary Jews who refused to accept Christ as their Savior . . .
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
Romans 10:2 NKJV
NLT has for this verse: "I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal." That is really what it means. Also, only a minuscule fraction of Abraham's descendants are even mentioned in scripture, and many (actually most) of these are not worthy of emulation. After all, the whole nation was destroyed and scattered for idolatry in 586 B.C., and before that the northern kingdom had suffered the same fate for the same reason. 

So we are comparing ourselves to the "best of the best", the likes of David and Joseph and Isaiah, etc., etc. We don't have to feel bad about recognizing that we fall short of the very best in this regard. Instead, this gives us a standard to shoot for. Are we are aware that, in a given Psalm, David's love for the Lord shines through in an impressive way, a way which we would like to emulate? We can do that. How? By making the Lord and His truth more and more of a priority in our lives, not only sometimes, but all the time. Being perfect in this is impossible (only Jesus was perfect); getting better is certainly possible (but it does take effort).

It's also very important to say at such moments that the zeal and passion we are looking to emulate is not mere emotion and certainly not emotional displays. This is the grave mistake that most of the charismatic groups are making. Just because we shout and sing louder or jump or dance or throw our hands in the air, or cry and carry on does NOT mean that we are genuinely responsive to the Lord. Indeed. It usually is a sign that we are more impressed with our own experiences than we are with the Lord.

And, finally, just because there is no effusive emotion involved does not mean that we personally are NOT zealous. Look at the time and effort you are putting in for the Lord in your commitment to grow spiritually and to grow closer to Him. Look at how you are helping this ministry with your assistance. You ARE "zealous for the Lord" and not in a misdirected way. If we want to "feel" closer to Him, it's important to remember that actually "being" closer to Him is what counts. And if we are taking pains to improve day by day with the latter, the former will also come along, but only with our feelings acting as responders and not leading us (or we will end up sinking our spiritual boat in the manner of the charismatics).
Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."
John 14:23 NKJV

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8a NKJV
Thanks for your help!

In Jesus,

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

I hope you’re well and growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.

I know you don’t hear from me often, but please know it’s not on account of intended disrespect, and I had quite a bit of concern when I wrongly perceived you hadn’t posted the weekly email recently. I know you’ve said you’ve no intention of stopping (if I recall rightly). 

I do NOT want to take for granted what a tremendous blessing it’s been to have your counsel. Maybe, one day in the eternal future, I’ll be able to better expound. 

“Practically speaking, we all need to be walking with Jesus in an attitude of forgiveness.”

Amen. This is something I have got to grow in. I wanted to clarify something; when you had said saying a prayer of forgiveness to the Lord, did you mean asking for forgiveness on our own behalf for harboring a bitter or unforgiving attitude? 

It’s a bit recursive; if we’re not forgiving, regardless of what the other has done, we’re then in the hot seat. 

Have a wonderful week, and please let me know if there’s a specific way I can be praying. 
Response #17:  
Let me assure you that I haven't missed a week in years! You probably need to refresh your browser. Firefox in particular is notorious for just reloading what's in the cache even though a page has been updated. If you'd like to see the previous postings week by week that is available on the "previous postings list" on the email page (here's the link – but, again, you'll need to refresh your browser apparently). There's also an RSS feed (at the link) that will allow you to receive notice when each posting is up (usually sometime late Saturday afternoon or in the evening). Please note that most browsers now require adding an "extension" for the RSS feed to work properly, but you'll be able to read the date/time stamps in the file at the link regardless.

As to your question, I think you have it exactly right. Our Lord tells us very specifically that if we are not willing to forgive others we won't be forgiven ourselves (Matt.6:14-15), and He includes this in "the Lord's prayer" as well: "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" (Matt.6:12; and cf. Lk.11:4). This means that if anyone has sinned against us and asks for forgiveness we are to offer it freely, even if they come to us "seventy times seven" in a single day asking to be forgiven (Matt.18:22).

What about those who don't ask? My application is to forgive them anyway, and also to try to avoid ever harboring enmity towards anyone. That doesn't mean we have to like those who do us wrong or still less associate with them (we are supposed to exercise spiritual common sense always, being "wise as serpents" even as we are "harmless as doves), but vengeance belongs to the Lord not to us (Rom.12:18; Heb.10:30), and anger is a very destructive emotion that can compromise us spiritually in a heartbeat (Eph.4:31; Col.3:8; Jas.1:20). We are not at all about what is going on in this world, after all. We're looking forward to the next one.
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
1st John 3:2 NIV
Keeping you and yours in my daily prayers, my friend. Thanks for the good words!

In Jesus,

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

__ may have already reached out, but just in case no one has or will, I just wanted to give you an update on __.

Just a quick question to run by you. If we say that Jesus "could have sinned" in His humanity during His time on earth (__ filled me in a little on that discussion), how would that have effected His divinity (or deity)? The God part of Him would have remained perfect (since God in His divinity cannot be tempted) and the man part become corrupted? Yes, of course He would have never been able to die on the cross to pay for our sins, so there would have been that result too (a complete nightmare to contemplate). 

I know this is a hypothetical and all that matters is that He never did sin. And yes, the Father foreknew in eternity past that He wouldn't. Should we just say there is only one perfect plan of God (there are no hypotheticals) and just leave it at that? 

In Christ, 
Response #18:  
Thanks much for the update! Greatly appreciated. I knew that he was scheduled for the reversal but didn't know the date. I'll update the website prayer.

On your question, my preference would be for "there is only one perfect plan of God (there are no hypotheticals)" and just leave it at that. After all, how many angels can dance on the head of a pin? Answer 1) "While no one knows, we can deduce from what the Bible says about angels at xyz that . . . "; or answer 2): "angels are never said to dance, let alone on pin-heads". I greatly prefer approach #2.

Scripture tells us positive things. It also allows us sometimes to fill in the blanks between positive things which may be helpful in understanding the things it says explicitly. But engaging in "what ifs" is a black hole of theology (in the worst sense of the word) whence many have never returned. 

What if Satan had never fallen? What if God had not created the world? What if I/you had never been born? Rather than asking such questions, questions to which only God would know the answer, why not rather be grateful for all the wonderful things we do know and can know . . . and concentrate on them? There's more than enough material there to fill ever waking hour until our Lord returns.
(14) For this reason I bow my knees to the Father, (15) from whom His entire family in heaven and on earth has received its name, (16) that He may grant you according to the riches of His glory to be powerfully strengthened in your inner person through His Spirit, (17) so that, rooted and grounded in love, Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, (18) so that you may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height [of His love for you], (19) [that is], so that you may know the love of Christ which outstrips [human] understanding [in every way], and so that you may be filled up [to the brim] with the entire "fullness" of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19
In Jesus,

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/